Chavaneth

Ethan is exactly who he is supposed to be

2011-02-25T18:46:00.002-06:00

Popsicle Time

2011-02-24T13:18:00.000-06:00

You know the old saying "If you have a sick kid and you're at your wit's end, another one will get sick, and just as you think you have that under control, a THIRD kid will get sick."
No? You've never heard it? Well I have. I've lived it. When I say "sick" - I'm talking Ethan not speaking for hours at a time and Vanessa only wanting to sit in my lap and Chad not seeing Maggie for several days. It's been a rough week to say the least. But everyone is on the mend and Vanessa was in the mood to make some Popsicles. She sent Stephanie a text and Stephanie thought that was a great idea and sent Steve right over!
Vanessa and I took pictures along the way so you can make some GET WELL popsicles too :-) The instructions are under each picture!

Drain a 10oz jar of maraschino cherries (save juice) Put on cherry in each of 8 3oz Dixie cups.

Coursely chop the remaining cherries

Pour one frz lemonade into the blender

Add 1/4 cup water

Pour the reserved cherry juice into the blender

Add chopped cherries

Blend until smooth

Fill up cups. Freeze several hours until slushy. Add popsicle sticks. Freeze several more hours. Peel off cups. ENJOY!!!
I found them a little more sour than fruity. I might only put in 2/3 of the lemonade and 1/2 cup of water next time, but that's up to you!

Thank you Steve and Stephanie for the supplies! Thank you Vanessa for some wonderful picture taking :-)

TAKE ACTION

2011-02-23T09:00:00.010-06:00

I CAN FIX IT 5 of 5
A "Now Art" Project by damali ayo

Two-thousand people were asked the 5 things individuals can do to end racism. Here are the solutions in their own words.

TAKE ACTION
Don't just talk about it. Be about it. Make an action plan. Include the following:

Consider racism your problem to solve.

Always confront racism, ignorance and innapropriate behavior/language when you see, hear, read or experience it. If someone says something racist don't laugh awkwardly or ignore it. Use the power of your voice. Interrupt/address racism no matter how uncomfortable it makes you, no matter who you are required to confront. Do not make exceptions for you family, your friends, or in the workplace because you fear the consequences. When speaking out against racism, be gentle but firm. Practice civility but also directness. Set the person straight. White people are more likely to listen to you than to the person they are offending. Leave the over-nicess at home. Being overly-nice only make a safe atmosphere for racism and an unsafe atmosphere for other (particularly people of color) to confront it head on.

Challenge white people to talk about racism. Learning "what not to say" is not the point. Understanding how racism works and how it can be dismantled is the point. Help fellow white people to learn not just react.

Be a visible person in the fight against racism.

In the media:

When a racist incident occurs in the public eye, write a letter to the editor of the local paper condemning the behavior. Identify yourself as a white person in your letter.

At work:

Whatever your place of profession, eliminate institutionalized practices that are discriminatory towards people of color or rewarding white privilege. Hire, retain and promote people of color. Maintain a wide range of employees.

In the community:

Become involved in an organization that is involved with communities of color, like a church, a school, a non-profit, a business or a reading group. Make your involvement more than financial. Involve your time, energy, participation and emotional connection. Stay committed to this organization for at least three years.

With your kids:

Since people often live in the mostly segregated part of any city/town, send your kids to public schools if they live in a city, and demand that students of color are recruited into the advanced/honors/AP classes. Integrate the books and toys in yoru children's school, and at home. Demand teacher of color for the sake of your kids not just for the kids of color. Promote that a racially integrated educational environment is the best for white kids as well as for kids of color. Fight for equal education for kids of all races. Expose movements that subtly privilege white children over children of color.

....Sammi's Comments....

This is the most difficult for me on a lot of different levels. I have a hard time standing up to people at work and to family members.

I also have trouble knowing when to step in at school. I want to help my kids but I don't want to embarrass them or teach them that I will always take care of it.

Believe it or not - right now we are having the most difficulty with Chad at school. Most kids don't know his brother and sister are black so they feel free to relate to him as they would other white friends - and say things that they would never say in front of a person of color. Chad is VERY good at standing against racism but I know it's hard for him too, being in a time in life when he is trying to make friends, not fight with them.

BROADEN YOUR EXPERIENCE

2011-02-22T09:00:00.003-06:00

I CAN FIX IT 4 of 5

A "Now Art" Project by damali ayo

Two-thousand people were asked the 5 things individuals can do to end racism. Here are the solutions in their own words.

BROADEN YOUR EXPERIENCE

Caution: Please don't do this until you have SUCCESSFULLY completed steps 1-3

The obvious and simple.

Learn about other cultures, not by asking questions, but by spending time with people (without interrogating them). Hold a door for, or do some small un-returnable kindness for a person of color. Smile at someone who is not white. Stop expecting things in return.

Get out there.

Put yourself into environments predominantly attended by people of color, where you are likely to get to know more people of color. Whether it's a professional organization, local political/cultural event, a community group or church, a friend's birthday party, an art event, whatever. Go alone. Don't bring your comforting posse, or some friend to share or analyze your exotic experience with. Do not treat this as an exotic experience. See it as living in the real world instead of the limited world you now live in. Observe without photos mental or actual. Don't act like a tourist. Don't stay 'till it is cleanup time. Don't take more than you give.

Donate and volunteer with racial justice groups that will put you in situations where you are the racial minority. Don't then brag about the experience and say you know what it's like to be "a minority" or a person of color. Never use the phrase "reverse racism" since there is no such thing.

Make a commitment to participate in and develop an in-depth appreciation of an activity that helps you shift your awareness into cultures of color from a mind-body perspective (music, food, dance, language philosophy). Engage in something that helps you to develop a new vocabulary with which to relate to people.

Don't just talk about it. Be about it. Make an action plan. Include the following:

Consider racism your problem to solve.

Be a visible person in the fight against racism.

In the media:

When a racist incident occurs in the public eye, write a letter to the editor of the local paper condemning the behavior. Identify yourself as a white person in your letter.

At work:

In the community:

With your kids:

This is the most difficult for me on a lot of different levels. I have a hard time standing up to people at work and to family members.

I also have trouble knowing when to step in at school. I want to help my kids but I don't want to embarrass them or teach them that I will always take care of it.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

2011-02-21T09:00:00.004-06:00

I CAN FIX IT - 3 of 5

A "Now Art" Project by damali ayo

Two-thousand people were asked the 5 things individuals can do to end racism. Here are the solutions in their own words.

Seriously, read a book or get on the net.

Plan it out.

Make a list of questions you have about other races/cultural groups. Find the answers to your questions without asking any people of color to help you.

Realize that for the most part white people don't have to care about or think about what it's like to be a person of color. Take 5 minutes to consider what it's like to be non-white, for 5 minute choose to care about it. Read 5 novels by people of color. Go to 5 films which are made by people of color. Buy a magazine oriented toward people who are not white. What's it like to look through a magazine where 80% or more of the people are of color? How does the content differ - if at all? Genuinely explore a piece of artwork by a person of color.

Do it right.

Fight the urge to immediately tell a person of color that you have done the above, that's just weird.

Learn about people of color because they are a part of your country and society, not because they are "exotic". Do not view people of color as "different" as if white people are the "norm". Actively work against institutionalizing whiteness as the norm. Do not refer to people of color as "diverse peoples", that is racist and grammatically incorrect.

Study the differences between racism, prejudice, and discrimination.

Educate yourself about the history of race and racism in the United States. Learn about the economic basis and effects of racism, and the institutional powers that perpetuate racism. Actively seek out the perspectives and insights of those who are doing "the heavy lifting" with regards to fighting (eliminating) racism. Find scholars who work on this subject instead of turning your friends of color or strangers of color into your personal educational system. If you have questions after you have done some reading, read more.

A new method.

Stop allowing yourself to be brainwashed into believing stereotypes. Acknowledge and examine our society's stereotypes about people of color. Assume you've been influenced by them. What are they. Make a list. Know what you are working to change.

Don't assume everyone is either a person of color, or a white person.

Change your thinking. Turn things around. Instead of asking why all the kids of color are sitting together in the lunchroom, ask why all of the white kids are sitting together. Instead of asking why something is all black, ask why something is all white. Instead of wondering why no people of color attend and event or join a group, ask why the group only attracts white people.

Stop asking people of color about their hair. Realize this is a larger metaphor for treating people with respect and learning on your own. Don't use your learning process as an excuse for rude behavior.

Deepen your understanding by using the pyramid of culture. At the top, is surface stuff like dance, food, dress, etc. At the bottom are all of the deeper issues such as cultural history. Many persons not of that culture only get involved at the top.

Teach your children, and allow them to teach you. Be willing to be uncomfortable. Allow your brain to hurt. Understand that race and racism present complexities and contradictions. Do not try to reduce or simplify.

Suggested reading: Teach Learning Anti-Racism by Lousie Derman Spark and Carol Phillips

What if all the Children Are White by Nieto, Darder, Paley

White Awareness by Judy Katz

Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Tatum

Uprooting Racism by Paul Kivel

....Sammi's comments......

This is a big step. It's hard work but I believe it reaps the most benefits. A big part of racism is ignorance. And once we are educated, we can take steps toward understanding.

As always, discussion is encouraged!

Jenks vs BTW 3-0

2011-02-21T08:33:00.004-06:00

Chad's first soccer game went really well. My friend, Stephanie came to the field with her new camera and took over 300 pictures. I am going thru them one by one :-) But I thought you would like to see a couple now! :-)

Chad had a lot of fans at the game but no one as proud as his mama!

LISTEN

2011-02-20T09:00:00.003-06:00

I CAN FIX IT Post 2 of 5

A "Now Art" Project by damali ayo

Two-thousand people were asked the 5 things individuals can do to end racism. Here are the solutions in their own words.

"I've found that really listening to people of color and believing their experience is eye-opening"

Shut up, already.

Listen to a person of color. No really, just listen. When a person of color is sharing their experience, resist any urge to jump in and minimize or excuse their feelings. Don't make it about you or what you are feeling in reaction to them. Don't talk too much or say predictable stupid nervous things, just listen. Don't try to fix that person or change their mind. Don't cry. It's not about you.

Understand that when a person of color talks to you about racism, they are trusting you. Treat that trust with the utmost respect.

Honor Experience.

Remember that people of color are sharing their true experiences not merely voicing an opinion. Understand that experience trumps opinion. Remember that people of color have experience with racism that you will never have, but don't use this as an excuse for asking "stupid questions" or not educating yourself.

When a person of color tells you or another white person that something he or she has said is offensive, don't get defensive. If you find yourself getting defensive, listen to what that person is saying and try to change your way of thinking.

Consider racism to be a form of violence or abuse.

Honor outrage.

"If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention"

When white people mislabel outrage as anger it scares other white people away from doing the work and gives ammunition to racists.

Remember that talking about things or speaking out and being heard is a good way for people to heal from trauma. Don't punish, dismiss, or demean any emotion that people of color express in response to racism. Don't tell people of color that their outrage will scare white people or make people stop listening. Don't' tell people of color that they should educate white people or be gentle. Do not silence or stifle the voices of people of color.

Don't impose.

Thing about what you say to people before you say it.

Don't impose your view on people of color.

Don't blame people of color for racism.

Let people of color choose what they want to talk about. Don't make every conversation with a person of color all about what you want to share or what you want to learn about. Don't bring up racism just because you are talking to a person of color.

If you do have a racial consciousness, don't be self-righteous about it. Don't brag. Seek to always deepen your understanding instead of striving to get to a "finished" place.

ADMIT IT

2011-02-19T09:00:00.005-06:00

I CAN FIX IT - 1 of 5

A "Now Art" Project by damali ayo

Two-thousand people were asked the 5 things individuals can do to end racism. Here are the solutions in their own words.

PART 1: WHITE PEOPLE

Do you want to change racism in the world? Guess what? You have to start with yourself! Cause you know what? If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Here are five easy things you can do staring right now (and continuing the rest of your life)

1. Admit It.

2. Listen.

3. Educate Yourself.

4. Broaden Your Experience.

5. Take Action.

______________________________________________________________

1. ADMIT IT

The first step is admitting you have a race.

Be white.

Acknowledge that white is a color and a race. Learn how to say "white people". Don't play dumb. Don't say, "I don't know what to say, do, think" or "I don't really have a race." Resist feelings of hopelessness and self pity. Do not invent white suffering. Lose the drama.

Admit that racism exists.

Understand that it's not all about slavery, that there have been many institutionalized racist practices in the history and present of the United States. Understand that all white people reap tremendous benefits from the legacy of slavery, segregation and the continuing effects of the racism it helped create. All white people benefit even if they were not alive during the time of US slavery or if their ancestors immigrated to this country after the Civil War.

Acknowledge that a very real present-day racism arose from social and institutionalized racist practices/laws of the past. Notice where those practices continue, and where you participate in them.

Take Notice.

Observe how others are treated. When you walk into a room, bar, club, whatever notice the racial breakdown in the crowd. Getting in the habit of noticing who is around you (and who isn't arund you) is easy and promotes general awareness.

See white people. If you are going to identify a person by their race, make sure you identify all people by their race. That means saying "I saw this white man". Don't let white be the default race. Spend a week identifying white people by their race, see how it affects you.

Stop thinking of your opinions as objective or "the right way". Instead acknowledge your perspective as coming from a white experience. Realize that people of color may see things differently than you for good reasons.

Understand that reverse racism is an impossibility.

Reflect on the prejudices you grew up with, and then get over them.

...Sammi's Comments...

I just brought up 'reverse racism' not existing a couple of weeks ago to my workshop group. A woman had been treated unfairly by a musical group that was all black because she was the only white musician. They were rude and made her feel very uncomfortable. She called it reverse racism. The reason why it wasn't reverse racism was because people of color don't have the power. They can be prejudice or even hate someone because of race - but it isn't racism. There is a very distinct difference.

I am open to a discussion in the comments if someone want to have it - as long as everyone is respectful! :)

I CAN FIX IT

2011-02-18T14:12:00.004-06:00

I've always been pretty closed-minded when it came to racism. I've maybe heard 3 or 4 racists jokes my whole life because people around me knew better. I can be pretty vocal and stubborn. Then I had these two black babies. They are 1/2 white and they call themselves "mixed" but in the world, at school, at the mall, in the mirror, they identify as black - and people around them call them black.

As a white person I was born into privilege. Not the kind of privilege that comes with money or power or being male. A different kind. One a lot of us take for granted. I'm actually taking a 10 month workshop at the Y right now to learn about white privilege and the role it plays in racism (it's huge!)

So even though I've always done little things to fight racism - I never understood. I never GOT IT. Honestly, it's almost impossible to understand unless you really fight hard.

Recently there was an incident with a few friends who I thought were close. It has really rattled me because I had assumed some things about this group of friends and their understanding of racism that wasn't really true.

I mentioned a comment a mutual friend made that I thought to be very inconsiderate at best and possibly racist. They disagreed. When I tried to explain I heard things like "you are so angry", and "maybe you just expect racism so you see it more", and "you should turn rude/racist comments into a positive for your kids", and "well it wasn't INTENDED to be racist so you should be more understanding".

So this is my platform. A co-worker received a booklet from a friend since it is Black History Month and it lists 5 things white people can do to stop racism.

It is one of the most compelling - action oriented - pieces of work on irradicating racism I've read. So I'm going to share it with you.

The first thing you should know is that I believe it is the responsibility of WHITE PEOPLE to stop racism. Period. Not everyone believes that, and this pamphlet also has 5 things black people can do to help stop racism. I will post those too for my readers of color. But it does make me nervous because I think one of the top 3 reasons racism is still so strong - is because white people sit back and wait for black people to DO something to stop it. And by posting 5 things black people can do - only reinforces their theory. Although I positive things can come from the second list - I just don't want that to be a reason for white people to not actively do their 5!

Does that make sense?

And the second thing - racism knows no bounds. Racism against hispanics is at an all time disgusting high right now. These five things apply to all races. But my experience is with racism against blacks because my kids are black. And I also believe there is racism against people of color, and then racism against black people and it's different.

So for the next 5 days I will post one thing white people can do to help stop racism. And I am not one of those "if I can only reach one person I will be happy" kind of people. Not even close.

I hope this opens up an honest dialogue that leads to action from everyone it reaches.

See you tomorrow.

Day 6

2011-02-08T10:18:00.002-06:00

Icey Chad
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Really it's been longer than that - but today is the 6th day of no school here in Jenks America. The kids are having a great time. A LOT of sledding and snow ball fights. I would have thought they would be sick of it by now - but everyday is just as exciting as the day before :-)
The kids are soooo lucky because this year for Christmas, their great-grandma from California bought them each a snow suit :-) And their grammi in Bartlesville bought them each a sled! Wow - little did we know they would get to use all of that more than once this year! :-)
More snow is on it's way tonight! yea!!! :-)

Weekend playing with the kids

2011-01-18T09:21:00.000-06:00

If that pic doesn't make you smile than you have a cold dead heart. We went shopping this weekend to get Chad a couple of sweaters. He has outgrown almost everything in his closet! While we were there - Vanessa and Ethan noticed the mannequins hair was not permanent fixed on her head. So they did a little show. I was making way too much noise to be in a public place. They were cracking me up. I mean - look at that face! What is he doing? lol

On Vanessa it just looks kind of odd. But believe me, Ethan never passes up the chance to "bunny ears" someone!
After shopping we went to Harrison's 6th birthday party. I sat right here.

But the kids were super excited when special guests showed up.

That's Harrison asking very specific Star Wars questions. The storm troopers politely answered all they could. Chad took most of the pictures so he is missing from the action. But Ethan was just happy drinking his juice.

OK, maybe there were a few pictures of him 'sword fighting' with branches. But I decided not to publish those because of a pending lawsuit. Here is my sweet, innocent little Vanessa eating a sugar daddy.

Don't let her fool ya!

We had a great time, ate lots of pizza and sweets and played hard! Harrison looks like he had a great time too!

Jenks Trojans!

2011-01-13T10:29:00.000-06:00

It's almost here! Chad has been practicing since school started - but after Christmas break they kicked it (hahahahaha) into high gear. They've been running more and really trying to get into shape. Chad even asked me not to bring sweets into the house so he can get lean. It's working!
The Jenks Soccer schedule is not out yet, but as soon as I hear I'll spread the word. I know a lot of our friends and family were wanting to catch a game :-)
Oh, and to all of you who went to the car wash fundraiser or purchased the coupon book- this is the uniform he got with that money! Sooo sharp :-)
He also got his 'away' jersey, addidas warm up outfit and duffle bag!
Goooooooo Jenks!!!!! Gooooooooo #21!!!!!!!

New Etsy blog!

2011-01-11T10:11:00.000-06:00

This is getting a little schizophrenic over here. That reminds me of a sticker my dad has had on his guitar case since I was a litlte girl.

Roses are Red, Violets and Blue. I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.

It's just funny.

Anyway anyway - My etsy store. It's fun and I'm building a customer base and I wanna blog about it! But most of you couldn't give a rats behind about freckleLips. This is my family blog.

On the same note - I don't necessarily want people interested in gift bags reading about my cats vomitting or my kid's latest fever. Now that I think about it, I'm starting to understand why Chavaneth isn't more popular. lol

So starting today - no more freckleLips over here...but if you are one of my 3 readers interested in all things etsy...the link is in the title! :-) xoxo

Jumping in

2011-01-05T10:06:00.000-06:00

If you've been on my facebook or around me personally for the last couple of months - you know I've opened an etsy shop called FreckleLips. Justice and Aiden gave me a gift in a fabric gift bag and I fell in love with it! So I started making my own. Well, techinically I came up with a name for the shop, and set it up, and bought some fabric and borrowed a sewing machine - all before I had made a single bag. But then I started sewing - some for the shop - some for the Christmas gifts I was giving - and a few custom orders! It's been very fun ;-) But with Christmas over I had to come up with a few new ideas because the quantity of gift bags needed throughout the year is a lot lower than during the holiday season! So I looked up some patterns. And

I stared at the loads of stuff piled in my house. And now - not only do I not have to borrow a sewing machine, but I have THREE :-) So the morphing of FreckleLips from a bag and tag shop to an upcycled, repurposed, and generally eco friendly shop as begun.

Today I am posting my first "booty bag" which is made from pants from the thrift store and my first piece of original artwork made from vintage greeting cards. Over the next few weeks, I will be adding more thrift store pieces and more artwork almost daily so be sure to take a look!

My Mom

2010-12-23T11:11:00.001-06:00

A fun picture at the piano
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

A friend of mine asked for a broccoli repice and it reminded me of my mom's yummy broccoli salad. :-) She brought it to a soccer tournament once and it was a huge hit! So since I have the recipe out and ready I thought I would share one more for you guys. It is the holiday season after all and we can all use more great food!

From my mom:
I got this from pauladeen.com
The trick is to cut everything VERY small.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (whatever :) )
¼ cup sugar
½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoon white vinegar
8 ounce sharp cheddar cheese cut into very small cubes
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup craisons (note from Sammi: you dont have to use these)
½ cup chopped red onions
6-8 slices cooked bacon crumbled (note from Sammi: you dont have to use bacon either!)
1 head broccoli

(we added a cup of sunflower seeds)

trim off large leaves of broccoli. Remove tough stalks at end and wash thoroughly. Cut flowerets and stems into bite-sizes. (can’t say I actually use the stems) Place in a large bowl. Add crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, onion, crasins, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.
Let me know if you try it and how much everyone loved it!!!

Gratuitous pic AND Recipe!

2010-12-22T11:17:00.003-06:00

This is one of those recipes you should copy, print or write down. You will love it -your guests will love it. Make it. Stop putting marshmallows over sweet potatoes and start putting brown sugar. Welcome to 2010!
Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
6 cups boiled & mashed sweet potatoes
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
4 eggs
1 cup of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup evaporated milk

Topping:
2 cups of brown sugar
2/3 cup of flour
2 cups chopped nuts (I use pecans)
2/3 cup of butter

Peel, chop, and boil potatoes until tender. Drain potatoes and mash until free of lumps. (I have never peeled or chopped a sweet potato. I use four cans of already cooked ones, and I've never had a complaint) Add sugar, salt, eggs, butter, vanilla, and evaporated milk to potatoes. Use mixer to blend. Pour into a 9 x 13 baking dish.

For topping combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter until crumbly. Layer on top of potato mixture. Bake at 350 for 50 to 60 minutes or until topping looks set.

Freckle Lips!

2010-12-20T09:22:00.001-06:00

100_0147
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Is everyone having a wonderful holiday season? I know we sure are at the Chavaneth household!
Have you heard I am sewing fabric gift bags? Chad got me a sewing machine for Christmas and mom gave me a bunch of fabric and ribbon to mix-n-match. I've sewn more in the last 2 months than I have during the first 28 years of my life! haha Ok so I'm not 28. Whatever.
I have created a shop on etsy.com which has been a lot of fun. I named the shop after Ethan for his little freckle lips. :-) Plus I am extending my product line so I didn't want to confine myself to bags, or one kind of bag!
Go ahead and take a look but check back next week when my shop will have several more products and choices! *don't worry- you know i'll remind you on here!*
http://www.etsy.com/shop/chavaneth

I mean come on!

2010-12-15T10:19:00.001-06:00

I mean come on!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Are these two insanely adorable?! Clearly I dressed them for Christmas pictures. :-) One time Vanessa told me she can SMELL a camera. They both pose and smile soo cute.
Well our Holiday season is in full throttle! We have already had our California Christmas. This weekend is Bartlesville Christmas - then Dada Christmas - Newton Christmas and then on New Year's Day we are having Carthage Christmas! oh my.
Who said kids of broken homes suffer?! (I kid I kid) Seriously - they don't even have a clue how awesome they have it. Do any of us really?
I sure enjoy this time of year - I'm so busy I can barely think. Before we know it - it will be 2011. And what will we have to show for it?
I'm getting all introspective - I started an anti-racism workshop/discussion group yesterday that is 10 months long (and beyond) and I'm very excited. I'm also becoming active in the board at the kids soccer league - did you know they all play soccer? :-)
Have you heard "become the change you want to see" ? Maybe not - that may be wrong - but you get the drift. I feel 2011 is that year for me. I'm ready - I'm on the cusp - This is it!

To quote an amazing John Lennon song:
So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

2012 will actually be here soon - At the end of 2011 - What will you have done?

Attention Guests!!

2010-12-08T08:47:00.001-06:00

Really getting into the whole saddle thing
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

"Miss Stephanie is celebrating her 28th - wait 38th?- wait 32nd birthday today! Everyone stare as she rides the saddle!!!" said the announcer guy in the background.
Stephanie's boyfriend, Steve, planned a suprise birthday dinner for Steph and her friends. We had a great time at Texas Roadhouse :-) I told her my family must really love her since I'm a vegetarian and Ethan is allergic to peanuts! But I left very full (who can only eat one roll??) and Ethan did not get ill so it was a succes. Happy Birthday Stephanie - I hope this is the beginning of a fantastic year for you.

Ethan & Hershey

2010-11-30T09:51:00.001-06:00

Ethan_Hershey
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

My friend Dana posted on facebook that she found a stray cat. I went and picked it up. She is fiesty. All kitty. She has claws and sometimes will snag ya :-) Ethan is a little afraid of getting scratched because we had a mean kitty before. :-(
Well no matter how scared Ethan is - she just lays and loves on him while he sleeps. He didn't believe me so I took pictures last night :-)
She is all black except for the tiniest tuft of hair on her belly that is pure white. :-)
PS - before Chad was born I had a kitty named Hershey. The kids always loved that and named this one Hershey also :-)

Look out for the Stars!

2010-11-29T09:15:00.001-06:00

Huddle
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I know I posted a video of the championship game earlier - but I thought these photos just HAD to be shared! :-)
Vanessa is a trooper. I mean this girl had JUST been cleared to take off her boot and she falls and breaks her thumb. 3 days later she was due to play in a soccer tournament in Broken Arrow. These girls are pretty confident and know they are little hot shots back on the home turf. But you come to a tournament and you're just never sure what the competition is going to be like. Most people don't give up a whole weekend and write out a check unless they feel like they have a shot at winning! I wish I could remember the exact scores - we played 4 games. I may be off a bit but I think the first game was 6-1, second game 6-0, and third game was 10-3. So we made it to the finals and the girls were so nervous.
We heard thru the rumor mill that the team we were playing had not lost a game in 3 years. Our team has been together over 4 years but we HAVE lost a game here and there...so we just didn't know what was about to happen. Our worries were unfounded. :-) The championship game score was 8-3! Congratulations STARS!
Rest up girls, indoor is right around the corner....and I hear we have some competition! :-)

Recycling Day (still)

2010-11-27T23:14:00.002-06:00

This is a blog I posted in 2007 on Sept. 11 - Many times I told a story about that day- especially around the anniversary - But this one is more about the facts of the day for me. What it doesn't say is that I was in my office building about 4 hours before they let us go - and then almost another 4 hours before I got to Chad. Cara and Julie had picked him from school when they closed their doors at 10am so he was safe - I just couldn't get to him. So here's my story just like 100's of thousands of people have their stories :-(

Sep 11, 2007
happy anniversary

Ok so this is it. If you are avoiding the news or television in general and you don't want to hear, read, or speak about the tragedy of 6 years ago – maybe you shouldn't read this. (plus it's super long)

I feel so lucky because my company has an on-site childcare facility that is available to it's employees for a specified number of days a year. When your childcare is closed, or your child has a dr. appt and you don't have time to ride the train home and back. Or on days when you feel like having your child close. I think its 30 days a year. Which is amazing, and I take full advantage of everyday I have available. I brought Chad with me yesterday and we went to lunch together. It was so much fun and I'm thinking about bringing him again today. But then I don't want to spoil him – ok I don't want to spoil me. And I think better of it and go ahead and drop him off at his daycare.

As I look around on the train, I notice these are not my normal commuters. I mean, I don't know most of them, but I definitely recognize people after riding the train for over a year at the same time everyday. So I look at my watch and realize I'm almost 20 minutes early today. When we got up this morning I thought I was bringing Chad with me, so I was giving us extra time, so I am ahead of schedule which is so unusual for me.

Every day that I walk in this city I love it more and more. I heard on the news the other day that 150,000 commuters go through the World Trade Center everyday. That doesn't count the employees that actually work in the seven buildings on this huge acreage. I grew up in a town of 35.000 – not a small town by Oklahoma standards. I'm horrible at math, but I think that's over 4 of my entire towns walk through this building, changing trains, or as the beginning of their daily trek or ending destinations.

The WTC is my ending destination. This morning I'm listening to Ani's live version of both hands which has an orchestral introduction and some really strong beats that I love to walk too. I notice the Children's Store is having a 'model' contest to pick a real kid for their campaign. Definitely I have to get Chad into that. I am climbing the stairs to the north east door of the WTC mall and I am walking the 5 blocks to my office. Past the trinity cemetery. Past the Wall Street Sign. Past the gym that I am a member of but have only been 3 times because I'm so intimidated by all of the Wall Street types that also frequent that gym. Past the NYC Stock Exchange. Past the corner where I saw a woman in leather beating men in suits on camera. Past the street where I saw them shooting an episode of Law and Order SVU. I am here. Living my dream. I am so fortunate and determined and full of life.

I am in my building. 85 broad street. There is a security guard but there are 100's of us in the lobby so he isn't really paying attention to me or my neighbor. I don't really think it's a problem. I couldn't even imagine that soon we would be standing in long lines surrounded by troops, with guns as large as a toddler, having our bags x-rayed and our bodies scanned. For now, I am in my building. It is approximately 8:40. I'm almost 20 minutes early today. Instead of my normal 10 minutes late.

Most of the bankers won't arrive for 30 minutes to an hour. I'm trying not to resent this because I do know they stay at work sometimes until the wee hours of the morning. The office is so quiet. I'm mostly catching up on emails and reading internet news. I hear a loud thud noise. Maybe it was an explosion? Or was that thunder? Mostly I forget about it for the next few minutes until the internet caught up.

On my screen is a news flash that a plane has hit the world trade center. I don't even know what to think or how to wrap my head around this possibility.

A banker that has a corner office and a television turns it on. We all walk to his office and see the itty bitty tiny whole in the building. Some moron with a twin engine has put a small whole in the building. I can't even see the plane. He must not have realized the building was so high – or he was trying to show off and buzz it too close.

I'm back at my desk and call my mom on her cell phone. She is driving to work and listening to Dr. Hook – so her radio isn't on.

"Hello"
"hey mom, it's me."
"oh hi! What a surprise"
"Are you still driving to work?"
"yep, whats up?"
"well I wanted to call you and let you know that I'm at the office. Some guy ran his plan into the world trade center but I'm safe."
"oh really? Well I'm glad you called. I would have been so worried"
"haha I knew you would – I'm fine"
"well have a great day – I'll email later"
"ok mom…bye"
My mom never liked that I moved here. She worries about everything. I thought it would be smart to head this panic attack with a quick call.
I'm having an urge to call my grandma too. I'm not sure why because she is probably asleep. But I call her.
"hello"
"grandma, it's sammi. I'm sorry to wake you up"
"it's ok. Is something wrong" (later I find out she was pretty upset that I called so early)
"well a plane hit the world trade center and I just wanted to tell you that I'm in my office on wall street. I'm safe and relatively far away from there"
"don't you work in the wtc?"
"no, but I do ride the train thru there every morning. So I didn't want you to worry"
"ok. I wont. I'm going back to bed"
"ok grandma, I love you"
"I love you too. Bye"

I am hanging up the phone when I feel that same thud. That same thunder like explosion. Then people start screaming. A half a dozen people are still in the office watching TV. . And almost immediately the phones start ringing off the hook. For a split second I start thinking something has happened to our own building. The chaos is a little deafening. I have four bankers and several hundred more on the floor. I am getting calls for people that I don't even work with. Family members looking for their loved ones.

I want to leave but I don't know where I'll go, the only way I know how to get home, is through WTC. But we seem to be under some kind of attack. My son is only four miles away and there is no way for me to reach him. (Looking back I should have walked a few miles uptown and crossed a bridge on foot. or hitched a ride to jersey. but i think i was in shock.)

I am sitting on a barge. It looks like they normally haul oil or something extremely dirty on this boat. I am standing with about 200 other people. We are all looking toward the sky and we are all silent. No laughter, no mindless chit chat, no anger towards strangers - and no seats. We are all just standing. And we are all filthy dirty because we just crawled across a rickety wooden ladder to get on the barge. Over water. We just stand there.

For more than three hours. It seems to be the most beautiful picturesque day. The sky is clear. Except for that one little sheet of paper floating in the sky. I wonder how in the world that got up there.

It is just swaying back and forth, a white sheet of paper. Floating in the windless sky. We are all fixated on this paper. We have no working phones. The captain of the barge has no idea when we can leave. There are no words.

As the paper gets closer we realize it's more like the size of a car door. But it is still floating like it's weightless. Back and forth - and we all watch. Then it looks a little bigger as it gets closer - like maybe it's the size of a small car...still very thin and weightless but it's pretty big.

It is so close now you can see the reflection of the water from the river in the shiny material. What in the world is it? Then all of a sudden everyone on the barge shifts, gasps and tenses up. This little tiny sheet of paper that came from no where in the sky slams into the side of a NYPD boat anchored right next to our barge. It is so big we can not see the boat because it is covered by the metal. We hear the clang and the boats rocks violently. We all lean forward collectively as a mother would reach for it's child before it falls in a creek.

No one is hurt. Not in that moment. But we all look back up to the sky to see what other mysterious objects will be escaping the clouds.

Recycling Day

2010-11-27T16:21:00.001-06:00

#38
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I'm stealing this idea from one of my favorite blogs...this is an old post of mine that many of you probably never saw - it was first posted on March 28, 2007!

I do not give my kids crack.

Monday night after church I had only fed my kids snacks. No dinner. It was almost 9 oclock and they were threatening to call DHS so I stopped at Sonic Drive In. On the way I said "is Sonic okay with everyone??" YEA!!!!!!!!!! They were all excited.

Vanessa what do you want? "Cheese Fries!!!" Being the good health conscious mom I said "you have to eat something else too....fried chicken strips or a corn dog" Then I laughed out loud because I realized the cheese fries were no better or worse than the main course!

Then I said Ethan..what do you want?? "Sonic"
I said "yeaaaa! That's where we are going! What do you want to eat???"
He said "Sonic!!!!!"
We all laughed and I said "I know honey! We all want Sonic! What do you want to eat at Sonic?"
He was a little frustrated with me. "SOOOOOONIC!!!!!!!"
I said "ok. we are going to eat at Sonic. What specific food FROM Sonic would you like me to order for you when I pull up to Sonic? Chicken or a corn dog?"
He said "Happy Birthday"

Happy girls!

2010-11-23T12:31:00.003-06:00

If you are on facebook, you know Vanessa played in a tournament this weekend. Her team - the Stars have been together since they were 4 :-) They did a fantastic job at this tournament and outscored the other teams 30-7 over the course of the competition. This is a video Chad shot during the championship game. Of course Vanessa is in it a lot - but it shows how the team all works together so well. And how, even though they are "only" a rec team - they outplay outlast and outwit all of their competition :-)
There was over 20 minutes of video - so I edited it down to the times we had the ball (or took it) - if it looks like I cut it off in the middle of a play, or right before a play - i assure you I did not. :-)

Destiny

2010-11-22T22:02:00.004-06:00

Ethan is only 6 as of October - but I think he has a future in showbusiness :-) He loves the camera and the flip makes it super easy for him to do just about whatever he wants. Even if it means filming my minivan that we lived in all weekend because of Vanessa's soccer tournament ;-) (cover your eyes!) I think you'll also see a very proud baby brother. He sure love Chad and Vanessa!
He separated these out into three videos for your viewing pleasure. I added titles and a little bit of music - otherwise they are all his!

Brand New

2010-11-12T16:09:00.004-06:00

Isn't this cute and lively and fun? It's one of bloggers free templates but I really like it! Also - at the bottom of each post is a place for you to click so you can connect it to facebook or email it - whatever you want to do! LOVES IT :-)
I hate posting without a picture. So I wanted to include a little cutie patootie. Today Vanessa's class got their class T-shirts - no I've never heard of this until we moved to Jenks - but it's a serious thing believe me :-) The teacher sent all the parents a picture. When I opened it up - I laughed out loud. I know Vanessa is tall - it's all the Fitch in her believe me..it's not Johnson trait! - but I forget just HOW tall she is :-) So adorable. Not so long ago I was laying in bed and she crawled on top of me to be my human blanket. She said, "You have no idea how much I love you" :-)

HELP!!!!

2010-11-11T10:06:00.007-06:00

Vanessa's soccer team is playing in a tournament next weekend. We are super excited for the girls and last year when we did a tournament I found this cute Star sequin t-shirts at Target. for $5! Everyone loved them and the girls looked adorable. It was so fast and easy and cheap. This season we decided to tie dye. But because a lot of the kids tie dye - I thought we should do a little something something. The verdict on the shirts is not in yet - but the socks. A disaster. What in the world. I have included 4 of the 8 pairs of socks we dyed. Notice the lack of similarity. And sometimes the lack of color! AGH!!!!

Any suggestions? Is there anyone in Tulsa that sells Tie Dye socks? (We need 8 pair!!)

Pan de Muertos

2010-11-02T09:00:00.007-05:00

For a little extra credit in Spanish class, Chad decided to bake some bread for Day of the Dead. Ethan wanted to help, but that only last about 10 minutes ;)

Kneading the dough....

Ready to bake...

Perfect loaf!!

Little Miss Sunshine

2010-10-06T15:31:00.001-05:00

Little Miss Sunshine
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

About 6 months ago Vanessa complained of her ankle hurting after a soccer game. I really didn't think anything of it because this girl takes her soccer seriously - with no regard to her personal well being. Unfortunately she started complaining after every practice and game :-( 2 months later I took her to urgent care where they did x-rays and decided it was fine. They diagnosed her with a double sprain and told her to wear a brace while she played soccer. Soon she was wearing the brace every game, every practice and anytime she had gym class at school. Fast forward 4 months and she just didn't seem to be healing. I picked up the x-rays from urgent care and went to Vanessa's doctor who I thought would probably order an MRI. Turns out - there is no need for an MRI - the dr could see with the xrays already taken that the growth plate in her ankle is broken :-( So she is out for at least 3 games :-( Believe me she is very disappointed but she was sooo glad the dr said she will heal up as good as new if she can stay off of it for a while :-)
She's still as adorable as ever!!!

Jamaican Excursion

2010-10-05T09:51:00.001-05:00

Natural stream
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

When we went on our cruise we had choices to go on excursions when we stopped at port. When we came to Jamaica- the entire family went to a Rum Party on the beach. (go to http://chavaneth.blogspot.com/2010/03/little-sahara.html if you haven't read that story!)
Well, Chad decided to go with a group of kids on a countryside Jeep excursion. He knew no one. He had just turned 14 and he was in a different country. But off he went! All we had was the underwater camera for him to take so the pictures aren't the best - but they spark amazing memories for him - this one of him sitting in the stream...he said the rock was so smooth from so many people sitting in that exact same spot over the years. And the picture of his lunch is horrible, but when he sees it, he salivates for the jerk chicken of Jamaica. What a wonderful trip!

My baby boy

2010-10-05T09:43:00.001-05:00

Getting used to the water
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I lost the cord to my camera - the one I plug into the computer to retrieve my pictures. So I haven't been taking many pictures and the one's I've been taking aren't being uploaded in a timely manner :-)
Also flickr did a presto chango update and I've been hesitant to come figure it out. You'd think at my age, new technology wouldn't be so intimidating - - I mean I've grown up with some pretty radical changes and most of them I've embraced whole heartedly! So what's my deal?
The point of all of this - is today I'm posting a few 'old' pictures - so as usual - when you see a single picture in a blog, you can click on it to find lots more!!!

Wow! Welcome to the gun show!

2010-10-05T09:33:00.001-05:00

Wow! Welcome to the gun show!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

This little girl (and maybe her mama too) was on a mission to find rompers. Little one piece short sets. They were HARD to find. MY mom found two like this one at target in the teen section. So we just tied the halter up tighter and Vanessa wore the two of these all summer! So cute :-) Miss Vanessa is an athlete through and through - but until I got this picture back, I had no idea she was so ripped! She is a cutie so I try to get her to model but her passion is soccer. Tomorrow she is going to the doctor to figure out a course of action for her ankle. She has to wear a brace during games and practice and it still bothers her quite a bit. Please keep her in your thoughts and send some good energy her way. She does NOT want to stop playing soccer for sure :-(

Newton Camping Trip

2010-07-28T14:21:00.001-05:00

Chad being goofy (as usual)
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

See the goofy guy sitting behind the goofy kid? His name is Mike and he is classmate of mine from highschool. We didn't really know each other back then but we hooked up through facebook and our class reunion. The kids love him and we've been having a blast.
This past weekend we loaded up Mom and Gene's camper and truck and drove to Newton KS. My grandma lives there with my aunt and uncle. We had a mini family reunion but there really isn't enough room in the house for all of us - so we camped out in the yard :-) It was so fun!
On the way we stopped in Hutchinson KS to visit a friend from highschool that we hadn't seen in 20 years! Thanks Michelle for all the goodies - if you are even in Hutch please stop by the library and enjoy an Italian Soda from Bru Crue! :-)
As usual click on the picture for more of our trip! Enjoy!

Six Flags Over Texas

2010-07-28T13:55:00.001-05:00

Line for the log ride
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Don't tell Ethan ;-) Maggie went to Texas to visit her dad for a week - Jonnie decided to take Chad and Vanessa with her to pick Maggie up. (In case you have been under a rock- Maggie is Chad's girlfriend of a year - and Jonnie is Maggie's mom)
So since they were all so close to Six Flags anyway - they decided to spend a day there :-) Click on the pic for more pictures they sent me via phone while on the trip! :-)

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-08T09:27:00.001-05:00

Ethan Mesmerized
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

This is a pic of my baby boy watching a fountain about 15 minutes before he went and sat in the van and fell asleep :-) Our 4th was a little different than previous years. We made it into a weekend staycation for the kids and I, we had some BIG fireworks - and we had a guest. His name is Mike and we went to school together. We weren't really friends back then, but we share a history in a sense because of past high school lives. Facebook and our 20-year-reunion and has brought us together - It's been lots of fun so far! We like to say we go together like peas and carrots. You can see by the pics he has a goofy sense of humor and loves to cook - so the kids are in love with him already :-)

Lylas

2010-07-08T09:20:00.001-05:00

Wendy's finished tat
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

When Wendy and I were in grade school and junior high we would see each other almost everyday. But still we passed notes in the halls. :-) In the middle of my 8th grade year, she moved to Arkansas. Luckily she had braces and a dad living in Bartlesville so she came back regularly for check-ups and to visit! But until about 7 years ago, we never even lived in the same state again. She went from Arkansas to Louisianna and back to Oklahoma - I mostly stayed in Oklahoma except for my few years in Jersey/NY...but we visited each other often and built a greater bond every year with marriages, divorces, children, and more marriages and divorces :)
At the bottom of our notes in jr high, we would write LYLAS. It was common for a lot of kids to write it - it means Love You Like A Sis. And somehow over all these years it has stuck with us. We text it and email it and say it to each other all the time. It's been almost 30 years now that we have been together. So we thought it was time to commemorate our lifelong friendship with tattoos. Is there really any other way? Click on the picture for documentation of the emotional moment we became bonded permanently to one another :-)

I'm a vegetarian!

2010-06-17T13:11:00.001-05:00

Funny pic of Mama
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I live in Oklahoma. The only state in all of America where every single county voted RED. This is steak and potatoes country. BEEF. It’s what’s for dinner. So a lot of people are very curious or perplexed and sometimes angry when I say I’m a vegetarian.
“But you eat fish right?” No.
“Chicken isn’t meat. You can eat that.” No thanks.
“You just haven’t had a GOOD steak yet”
“I don’t know how you do it. I could never give up meat”
I was born a vegetarian. I didn’t choose this. It’s in my DNA. When I was little I would eat processed meats – nothing off the bone. My family would grill steaks and put a hamburger out there for me. I ate chicken nuggets, fish sticks and hot dogs. My mom made two spaghetti dishes - one with meat sauce and one without. It really wasn’t a big deal – they just considered me picky and didn’t give me too hard a time about it.
One day my sister and I were eating some kind of chicken appetizer at a restaurant. I was about 21 or 22 and I got this image in my head of the chicken being alive and running around the restaurant with no head. I put the chicken down. And never ate another bite.
About a year later I was sitting in a Whataburger at 2am in Stillwater America eating a hamburger when I got a huge piece of gristle. It made me gag. I put down the burger and never ate beef again. I just decided I did not HAVE to eat this stuff! It’s engrained in our culture but it makes me grossed out thinking about it coming from living beings. I just can’t do it.
Sometimes I crave meat. I have eaten meat once each time I was pregnant – aching from an intense craving and then BAM! I’m over it. And after I had surgery once, I begged for sausage. But I could only take a couple of bites.
When I was going to William’s mom’s house for my first big Sunday meal with the family I asked William if he had warned them that I was white. He said “no, they don’t care!” I said “maybe they don’t care but it would have been nice to give them a heads up” He said “it really is no big deal at my house” I said “ok ok” but I felt very nervous.
I walked into the tiny Jersey City apartment crammed with 37 people and saw his mom sitting in her chair on the other side of the room. William and I were standing at the corner while he rattled off names that would take me months to learn. His mom says “what’s your name?” And William answered, “Mom, this is Sammi, I told you I was bringing her” But his mom looked visible puzzled. I knew it! He should have told them I was white ahead of time. She said “I thought you were a vegetarian” Oh. I guess William thought to tell them THAT but not my race! I guess he knows what is important to his family. I said “yes, yes I am” She turned back to the TV and said “Well you are awfully ‘healthy’ to be a vegetarian” And for the only time in the history of that apartment it was dead silent for about 3 seconds.

Our Stars

2010-05-18T14:17:00.001-05:00

Our Stars
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Did you guys know my family plays soccer? And by some weird mutation of their genes, they all play really really well. :-) Really.
We usually have a big end of the season Fun Day right before summer but the weather had other ideas so it was cancelled. :( Instead, Isabella's parents were coerced into opening their home for our party and the girls had a blast. As did several siblings and a few parents! Thank you White family!!! The girls will be together again next year, and they are competing in some tournaments between now and the fall season - so look out - The Stars are coming to get ya!

Dooby Dooby Moo

2010-05-13T13:42:00.001-05:00

Dooby Dooby Moo
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

So this post is not about Ethan. But oh my goodness doesn't he melt your heart? And lately it seems like all the posts are about Miss Vanessa so I wanted to be sure to include him today. Vanessa had a recital at school based on the book "Dooby Dooby Moo" about some farm animals that join a talent show so they can win a trampoline.
Vanessa was a chicken. She actually chose that animal. Probably because it involved her mother getting up with her to dance the chicken dance. :-) Ethan tried his hardest to take pictures for me while I was dancing. His 5 year old photography skills are evident when you see the pictures.

Paint fumes

2010-05-12T10:58:00.001-05:00

paintfumes
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

We all know I take a lot of pictures. But would you believe I take way more than you can even imagine :-) With my phone!
Even though they are blurry, dark and very random... I decided to upload those and share them with everyone. Just little snipets in our day. I'm just going to get them off my phone and on here - the only explanation will be the vague title of the pic...but I'll go back and tag as time permits :-) Click on the jumping children for hundreds more pictures.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T11:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be

-Robert Munsch

Cinco De Mayo @ Elote!

2010-05-06T08:21:00.001-05:00

Mini pitcher of Sangria
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Good times Good times! Have you been to Elote? It's a little (but growing!) Mexican place in downtown Tulsa.
Here is their info directly from their site:
At Eloté, we strive to serve you amazing food every day by using the freshest ingredients available. We know how difficult it is too eat healthy, fresh food in our busy lives. We are dedicated to making that easier for our customers. Fresh ingrediants enable us to deliver tasty, healthy, filling food straight from our kitchen, right to your plate. We do all this while limiting negative environmental impact through green practices!
All of that means DELISCIOUS! And just last night was the grand opening of Luchador! A fabulous full service bar!
Although the owner may know who I am from the embarrassing number of times I have frequented the restaurant...I am not a paid or otherwise compensated spokesperson for Elote. I just LOVE it. And wanna share! :-)

Instant Karma

2010-04-26T10:34:00.004-05:00

Whoa Dylan!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

This picture has nothing to do with this post. But my nephews came to Vanessa's game with their parents this weekend and I thought this pic was sure cute!
In case you don't know - I'm not winning any "Mother of the Year" awards - despite my coffee mug that says so. I'm unconventional and have very rigid beliefs about how to raise up some youngins. And you probably won't find my methods in any parenting books - YET!!
And also in case you don't know - I still call people retarded when I mean "silly" and I rarely think at all before I speak.
Now this story shall not surprise you because you have been warned.
The kids and I are in the car parked right at the door of a Schlotzskys. An elderly woman in her late 80s or early 90s was SLOWLY coming out the door. A younger man was trying to help her with the door but he was behind her and couldn't really reach it. She was dressed so cute and looked sweet but she was SLOW.
Without thinking - I said - $10 to the first person who can push down the old lady.
Quickly, we all jumped out of the van, and I opened the sliding door for Ethan. He leaned forward with all of his weight, planted both hands on my shoulders and tried to push me down.

I wish I could say I learned a valuable lesson. But probably not. I'm retarded.

Rated PG13 (for innuendo)

2010-04-26T10:26:00.001-05:00

I'm gonna kick you
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

The kids had a great afternoon at the park on Sunday. The weather was perfect, it was busy but not too crowded -- and they were wearing clothing that matched and complimented the playground equipment - which made for pretty pictures :-) (click on this one for more!)
We are driving home in the car and talking about "How to Train Your Dragon" since we haven't been able to see it yet...And Ethan says he wishes he had a dragon so he could fly around. I told him that was a good idea - I'd put a 50 feet leash on it so they could fly around in the yard. He would never be bored again!
But I told him- in about 2 months he would be coming to me - I'm burred! (which is "I'm bored" in Ethan-speak) and I would tell him to go fly around with his dragon and he would say "I did that YESTERDAY!"
And then I said "Well I would tell you to go build a booth in the front yard and get people pay you to ride your dragon"
About 4 seconds later my 14 year old son chimed in.
"I think that's illegal"

The things these kids learn in school!

My babies - Easter '06

2010-04-16T15:55:00.001-05:00

Vanessa and Ethan
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Did you know I still call them "the babies" ?? I've tried really hard to stop but it still slips out every now and then. In an hour I will be leaving work and having a fun night out with some of my closest friends. I have no doubt we will have a great time. Chad will be at soccer and the babies will be with their dad.
I won't lie - there have been times I counted the MINUTES until their next visit with their dad or my parents. It meant I could shower without anyone opening the bathroom door and letting all the warm out - or go to a movie that didn't have a cartoon character or 'cheese touch' in it - or even watch an entire sitcom without missing a single punchline. I cherish those moments believe me.
But lately they are getting so big. And I just miss them. I miss them when I'm at work! I hate separating from everyone in the morning. I've taken Chad to work more often this year than his entire school career combined!
Can you believe Chad starts high school next year and Ethan starts Kindergarten?
Pretty soon they will be finishing up grad school or their stint in the Peace Corp. :-) Possibly running for office, or attending their premiere or accepting an award for their new hybrid vegetable that helps feed the hungry.
Or maybe I will just shut the door and close the blinds and we will all play UNO until they are of a decent age to be on their own. 43 sounds good.

Chavaneth Easter 2010 2.0

2010-04-14T10:03:00.001-05:00

Maggie and Vanessa dying eggs
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Just like every family in America, we celebrate holiday's multiple times. :-) So this past Sunday we headed up to Bartlesville and had Easter all over again. Vanessa and Maggie even wore their matching Easter dresses again!
Having kids 5-15 makes it difficult to have a traditional Easter Egg hunt and make it fair and fun for everyone. So Grammi did a field day full of games and prizes! If you click on the photo of Maggie and Vanessa dying eggs, you'll find over one hundred pictures of our fun day!
Also, 90% of the photos on this account are taken by me or someone in my family so I take credit for it. But these are the pictures from Maggie's camera so I give her and her mom credit for taking these pictures! :-)

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-05T13:38:00.001-05:00

Mixing the soil and compost
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Chad is out in his garden once again. He loved having one raised bed garden so much - he had decided to do 3! So here he is - even trying a couple of fruits along with the vegetables. In the front yard, he planted flowers - at my house AND Maggie's :-) He also picked out an dwarf apple tree (does that mean the apples are small? or the tree?) but once we got it home, he found out it has to be cross polinated with another tree to bear fruit. So back to searching for tree #2 to cross polinated with! Hopefully we have our lawnmower working properly by then because I don't want to take many pictures of our overgrown yard :-) Although Chad does take good care of it - you can tell a stark difference between our backyard and our neighbors! :-)

Chavaneth Easter 2010

2010-04-05T09:02:00.001-05:00

Getting ready for the pic
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Off to church we went - where I spend another Sunday trying to talk at least ONE of my kids into joining a choir and they spend another Sunday refusing. :-) I just think those kids are so cute and the songs are fun. But nope. No one is interested. Luckily, I can get them to pose for pictures and chase down a couple of eggs. Vanessa and Ethan had a great time - and found tons of candy. And Chad picked up a few flowers to plant (another blog on Chad's new garden to follow) so everyone was very happy. Maggie and Jonnie came with us which made for some adorable Vanessa/Maggie pics in the garden :-) I have an Easter pic of the three of them on the same bench from a couple of years ago - I need to find it :-) Click on the picture for more Easter fun!

Surprise Visitors

2010-04-01T14:08:00.001-05:00

What a cute bunch!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I get a random phone call at work. From a North Carolina area code - and it was my cousin! She has since moved with her family to Arkansas and she was calling to say they were driving thru Tulsa! They would be here in a few hours - did we want to hang out? :-) I said yes!!! But you may not come to my house!!! :-) She agreed.
So of course we dropped everything and met them at the Aquarium after work - The place was empty! We only had one hour until they closed and we stayed almost until the last minute. We had a private lecture on the sharks, and Ethan was able to hold shark eggs as long as he wanted!
Afterwards we went to dinner and then to see Diary of a Wimpy kid. They got back to the hotel around 10 and their dog had been there they entire time :-) I haven't heard yet if there was any damage!
Thank you Juli, Jimi, Toby and Kayli for stopping by! Next time give me a few days notice and you can see where we live :-)

Little Sahara

2010-03-19T14:41:00.001-05:00

Little Sahara
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Chad is out in Waynoka Oklahoma. Heard of it? I sure hadn’t! Mom and Gene took their new pop-up out for a test drive and Chad was more than willing to volunteer. We have sand dunes in OK! So as I type this – Chad is riding a 4x4 buggy out in the sand. He took this picture of the sign, which I really love! Mom isn’t fairing so well – she is puking her guts out. It’s a sad sad tale but it made me laugh as she texted the details to me. She said I can laugh since she laughed so hard that day on the beach in Jamaica.
So I wanted to share my ‘Day on the beach in Jamaica’ story.
It was a beautiful rum filled day. Of course I was enjoying the rum, but I found out very quickly that my mother was REALLY enjoying the rum. Vanessa wanted to snorkel. So Papa Gene took us up to the rental booth and we rented 3 snorkels and masks. With much anticipation we walked down to the beach. The water was chilly since it was winter time – but our bodies adapted quickly when we jumped in the water. The waves were hitting hard and we had that extreme sinking feeling as the water cleared the beach area and rushed back out into the ocean. Vanessa was nervous because the waves were so big. I was trying to hold her and put on the mask and help her with her mask and tell her how to breathe thru the tube and clear the mask of water and BAM! A wave hit us. Vanessa somehow with her little 50 pound body, was able to stay standing. I, on the other hand, tumbled head over heels. I quickly lost orientation and I wasn’t sure where I was going to land. Those powerful waves set me very nice and neatly on the beach – and then the ocean sucked all of that water back in, leaving me lying on the beach with absolutely no water. And no swimsuit bottoms. Lying on my back, I began wriggling my suit up as fast I could. But in wet sand and a mild state of panic, it is nearly impossible. Next thing I know – I am tumbling in the water again. Surprisingly, all I can hear is my mother’s laughter. She said all she could see were my feet sticking up out of the water! Luckily for me, the second wave brought me a good 10 feet closer to the line of vacationers lying in their beach chairs – and yet I am still wearing no swimsuit bottoms.
This time I am less subtle – planting my feet in the sand so that I can lift my butt up to pull my suit on. Seriously! I didn’t think I could take another crash of the wave or my mother’s cries of “it’s the alcohol laughing!” Vanessa was traumatized so we did not go back out to snorkel.
Now we’ll see who really reads this stuff!

Ire Mon Rum Party

2010-03-17T08:27:00.001-05:00

Hit by a wave
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

This was in Montego Bay, Jamaica. When you are on a ship - they have an "Excursion Desk" with a huge book of activities you can do when the boat docks at each port. In Jamaica we chose a Beach Party! It included lunch, a nice beach, a chair, and tons of alcohol :-) The kids had a great time - can you tell? But there were a lot of drunk people (no one in our party uhem)
They also had a professional photographer who took some fabulous photos. I chose the 6 best. Well - maybe there were about 4 more fantastic shots of that silly Vanessa girl but who needs ANOTHER gorgeous picture of her? Not me. And she is OVER it. If we aren't talking about what a great soccer player she is - or how smart she is - she doesn't wanna hear it. So we pretend she isn't cute and move on.
And speaking of cute. That baby boy of mine. Oh my. I think I'm in trouble. My heart turns to jelly when I see those dimples. So anyway -there are more photos - go ahead - click thru - I know you want to :-)

The Cruise was a smashing success!

2010-03-09T13:10:00.001-06:00

The Kids At the Ruins of Tulum
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I have posted all of the pictures from my camera - we still have all of the pictures from my mom's camera, as well as the professional photos to share - but I thought you might want to see at least some of them now! So here they are! I hope you enjoy them almost as much as we enjoyed posing for them! :-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chavaneth/sets/72157623586501378/

Another passport stamp!

2010-02-25T10:57:00.001-06:00

Chad on his first dive
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

The clothes are organized and sorted, movies and games for the car ride are ready, cats are being fed, it's time to go! We will be mostly disconnected from the rest of the world while we are on our trip - but between Chad and I - I'm sure we will be posting blogs here and there about our adventures! I have never been on a vacation like this so I am very excited! I know the kids are about to burst too. When your 5 year old has asked "how many days" everyday for the past 2 months - yes i remember saying "60 days Ethan"......I think they are excited! :-) So hopefully you can check in with us online and see what we are doing - but you also know I'll be posting 437 pictures and maybe some video when I get back! :) Have a great week - I hope your weather isn't too bad!!!!

Chad is 14

2010-02-15T11:29:00.001-06:00

The whole gang
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Chad's girlfriend, Maggie will be 15 on the 28th so they had a double party at Radisson hotel. Because they have Louie's Lagoon! (an indoor pool and waterpark) They chose a unisex Mardi Gras theme and we had a great time. Most of the pictures I have are of them two of them opening presents. I know Jonnie and my mom both took a lot of pictures too so I will post those to flickr as soon as I get them! PS I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's Day! :-)

Valentine Craft Time

2010-02-10T09:40:00.001-06:00

Filling out the Valentine cards
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Last night was pretty "normal". Nothing too exciting. I finished up Maggie's birthday project and we made some Valentine Boxes for the kids to take to school - as well as their Valentine Cards! And then we went to bed. Don't forget - there are pictures on the finished boxes if you click on the pic of Vanessa and me. :-)
The house was quiet, but not for long - Vanessa and Ethan both in their beds. A little after ten there was a LOUD pounding on my front door. It was the Jenks Police Department. They were in pursuit of a suspect and they thought he was in my attic. There was a little bit of discussion about me not being 'decent' but the cop ended up running thru my house with my 13 year old behind him and me yelling that i had two other kids in the house! There was no suspect in my garage or attic and I got a mini lecture that mentioned my kids and me being taken hostage if this happens again so I better shut my door.
It was all very exciting. No damage was done to my door and we never heard a peep from the police again so I assume they caught him or he is gone. Or maybe he is quietly perched in my attic waiting for us to leave so he can come down and eat my food and wash his clothes. Joke's on him. There is no food in my house!

Music is in our blood

2010-02-08T11:01:00.001-06:00

Chad, Sammi, Brian
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

It has only been recently that I realized not every family is filled with music and musicians! This pic is of my paternal cousin, Brian Dexter, living in Nashville, TN. He was just recently married *CONGRATS* and is the drummer in "ME IN MOTION" http://meinmotion.com/ a group that is touring right now. They had a little stop in Tulsa America so Chad and I went by to take him some Coke Zero for the road.
I also have a maternal cousin, Clay Parton in California, was in a band called Duster and now plays with Eiafuawn (i think! I can't keep up) He has also had his own record label and been very prominent in the industry.
My dad holds an acustic festival in Carthage MO every year that keeps growing and growing!
When we have holidays, weddings, reunions or even funerals - by the end of the night everyone is sitting in the same room - singing and playing instruments. I have been very lucky. It's definitely contagious. And with all of this exposure and diversity - Dr Hook is still my favorite band of all time. lol

Movie Weekend!

2010-02-01T12:58:00.009-06:00

Here in Oklahoma we get snow. Usually a couple of times a year and it never stays for long. But this year has been a little different. We had a big storm before Christmas and another one this weekend! They sent me home from work early on Thursday and I had been wanting to see a particular movie but I was too scared to rent it. Now I can say - it IS scary. And will freak you out a little. But it cost practically nothing to make and it's good. This is not your typical horror flick. It isn't gory. It is suspensful and creepy. That's the best way I know how to describe it. Watch it during the day. :-)

I also watched the first 5 episodes of the series, Big Love. Starring Bill Paxton, Gennifer Goodwin, Chloe Sevigny, and Jeanne Triplehorn. If you don't recognize the names - you will recognize the actors. It is superbly written and the acting is flawless. I love it. It is on hbo so I don't get it at my non-cable home. But it is worth renting or buying. It takes away a lot of the mystery of fundamentalist mormons who practice polygomy. And it's witty, and realistic.
We also rented Fame and Extract. I have an affection for Fame since I played "Nicole" in a local play when I was in school. A itty bitty 4 line part but it felt like the big time to me. I love the original but I have to say, I am not very fond of the remake. Because of the talented dancers, singers, rappers and piano players - there is hardly a great actor to be found. And the plot is just horrendous. If you HAVE to rent it - fast forward thru all speaking parts and watch only the performances. Extract on the other hand is a great little comedic film by Mike Judge. The same guy that did Office Space and King of the Hill. It is dry and very realistic but exaggerated in a way that makes it really funny. I'm not a huge Ben Affleck fan but I think he becomes this amazing character. And the rest of the cast is stellar - Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis and Kristen Wiig...a few of my favorites. This is a perfect Sunday afternoon renter for sure!
Last but not least - I took the kids to see Fantastic Mr. Fox at the dollar theater. I vaguely remember the trailors for this movie but I was not moved by them. The movie on the other hand - is excellent. It is a kids movie. Rated PG because one of the villians smokes. :-) But Wendy and I definitely laughed the hardest. The sense of humor is mature. And they replace the word "cuss" for cuss words. i.e. I just wanted to cuss with their head so I left a clue. That kind of thing. I thought it was brilliant. And it's stop animation - but you seriously forget very quickly that these characters are not real. I loved it. The kids said they liked "tooth fairy" better - so who am I to say?

Trivia Night

2010-01-27T09:58:00.001-06:00

Doesn't Joey's face say it all?
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

For the past few years my little group has been competing in an annual Trivia night at the church. We won the first year - but we have lost some of those ringers! So last year we struggled greatly. Several of us even left early it was so embarrassing. :-) But this year we were in first place or tied for first place for several rounds. So at least it wasn't embarrassing. But slowly we lost our footing and came in 7th I think. Out of 433 teams. Ok wait. Maybe there were 16 teams. I can't remember. (as always - click on the pic for more pictures!)

I AM a Man!

2010-01-20T13:50:00.001-06:00

I AM a Man!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Last year I took the kids to the MLK parade in Tulsa. It was SO long I told them it had to last them 2 years. I'm not kidding - at least 3 hours. Oh my. So this year I took them to my favorite theater ever - Circle Cinema. It's a non-profit theater that shows movies that are off the beaten path. And this year they showed "I AM a Man" for free all day :-) Unfortunately it is only 30 minutes long. But it is powerful and the music is insane. There is a lot of toe tappin' going on :-) So if you get a chance - take about 30 minutes and watch this little story on Mr. Nickleberry and his family. You'll be glad.

Coach Van

2010-01-19T08:23:00.001-06:00

Vanessa's Team Spring 09
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Most of you know Coach Van - When I realized I had to have an assistant coach he stepped right up - and when it was time for me to move to coaching Ethan's team he gladly became coach of Vanessa's team. Vanessa and I have been soooo fortunate with all of our parents but this particular post is about Van.
Yesterday he went to the soccer office to hand in our registration. They gave him a list of everyone who had not signed up or paid. I was on the non-paid list. So he sent me an email yesterday letting me know I need to pay by Monday. ok ok great! Also he thought it was strange they gave him my social security number.
Wha? I wasn't necessarily worried that Van had it. But really? Why would they do that? I asked Van to hire an illegal nanny and give her my number so she can raise my credit score.
He told me he was on it - he had taken out three credit cards, placed an order at fingerhut and then sold it to a guy for some DVDs.
I was dying laughing. Especially the 1987 fingerhut reference. But still! Why would they do that?
So I sent an email to the soccer office. I was very polite considering the offense and told them the story and asked when did it become acceptable to give out people's social security numbers??
Then I left work and took the kids to an MLK Holiday inspired movie at the Circle Cinema! When I got home I checked my email to see what the soccer people had to say for themselves.
First, I notice an email from Van. "OMG I thought you knew I was JOKING!"
Then I saw two emails from our very confused soccer office administrator, Elizabeth, saying they don't even HAVE my social security number. And she had politely copied Van.
So Elizabeth took the whole thing remarkably well. She even planted a little seed that I should be getting Van back in a big way.
So Van has told me he is eating crow but he wanted to make sure I knew it wasn't a REAL crow and asked me NOT to call PETA!

Chemistry Set

2010-01-18T14:16:00.001-06:00

Try not to spill
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Vanessa asked Santa for a Chemistry Set for Christmas. So the experimentation at my house has begun. I read the directions (and took pictures) and Chad did a little bit of assisting. I remember in high school when we did experiments we had to fill out a notebook - listing the ingredients we were using and what we were going to do with them - and what we thought the outcome would be. Then after we completed the experiment we had to write was the actual outcome was. I think I will have Vanessa do something like that next time so I can figure out what the heck she's doing! (as always click on the photo for more pictures)

Harrison's 5th Bday Party!

2010-01-18T14:13:00.001-06:00

How do we eat these?
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Saturday at Apollo's Karate studio at 101st and Memorial - Harrison invited Vanessa and Ethan to his birthday party. Oh my! They did not know what they were in for! First they went through a few basic karate drills. Including saying "yes sir" and standing still between turns (yes Ethan has a little bit of trouble). After that was over they played games and jumped on the bounce -n- playhouse. Joey has a friend that makes cupcake caps. They were beautiful and the kids loved figuring out how to eat them. As we were leaving Ethan said "I want to come here everyday"

Purple dots

2010-01-14T13:10:00.001-06:00

Purple dots
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Vanessa and I were making a birthday cake last night for Chad's girlfriend's mom's birthday party tonight. She picked the fondant colors and started rolling hers out. She sprinkled a little flour, found her mini mini cookie cutter and got to work. As we are working away she says "Who taught you how to make cakes? Let me guess! Grammi!" If you look at the finished product - it looks like a sheet was put over the cake and the little straws poking up thru the top - you'll know - no one taught me anything about cakes! I'm just flying by the seat of my pants here! :-)

Sammi and Wendy

2009-12-29T08:50:00.001-06:00

Sammi and Wendy
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Have you heard of Wendy? She has been there since almost as early as I can remember! When my family moved back to Bartlesville after a brief stint in Hamilton KS - we moved to Morgan Ave. At the edge of town pretty much. There was little tiny 2nd grade Wendy. In her brownie uniform. We have been through a lot together. Here is a short list.
Mud pies. Ardie. Chore lists. Prank calls. Travel brochures. Dr. Zervas. Our parent's divorces. Our parent's remarriages. Canned Beans. Our marriages. Our divorces. Baby's first step. Baby's first goose-egg. Move to Shreveport. Vegas. Disney. NYC. Piercings. Our fairies. Baby's first breath. Eyebrows. New floor. Grilled Cheese. Company Christmas Party!
There is a lot of history for sure. And this March - we will be going on a 7 day cruise! Soon it will be yet another memory in our long list of amazing journeys together. xoxoxo Wendy Marie!

Photobooths are awesome!

2009-12-14T09:45:00.001-06:00

Just perfect!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

When was the last time you had your pic made in a photobooth? I still remember pictures of my mom and me when I was younger sitting in a photobooth. Ah nostalgia. :-)
This is Maggie and Chad. Being silly and sweet in the middle of Christmas shopping on Sunday. I may take the little ones up there to have their pics made in the booth - just something about it :)

Videos

2009-12-13T10:46:00.004-06:00

Oh my, it's been SOO long since we posted videos. We needed our camera for Miss Maggie's vocal recital so we had to clean out the "old" videos...there was stuff from Christmas 08! Wait - there was stuff from Sept 08! So here you go...I will post more today...

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That time of year

2009-12-11T14:21:00.004-06:00

Ethan, Santa, and Chad
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Do you guys remember last year? I couldn't get Ethan and Chad to go visit Santa? Vanessa and Santa

Well Santa came to visit again this year - Newspring Church in Jenks sponsors it. It is absolutely free and everyone gets a picture and a cup of hot chocolate. Ethan talked Santa's ear off. It was very cute. Vanessa doesn't know what she wants yet, so she did not want to be in the picture.
Ethan has been a little under the weather the past couple of weeks. Vomitting for almost a week - diagnosed with pneumonia - and just feeling puny. Now Chad has strept so the family is just exhausted. No sleep, lots of meds, and the chilly weather is not helping since no one can play outside :-(
Still everyone is so cute and excited and about Christmas, it's hard to stay "down" for long. Last night all four of us piled in my room to sleep. It almost seems worth the illnesses for all of the extra snuggles (i doubt the kids would agree) :-)

California Christmas

2009-12-11T14:14:00.001-06:00

Take 1
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

(reposted with edited pics)
Click on this picture to see all of the pictures from our 1st "Christmas" in 2009. Every year we have several celebrations to spread the love and last weekend we opened the gifts from Vicki and Dennis and my grandma, Mimi. We all had a great time!

2 Chads in 1

2009-12-09T10:53:00.001-06:00

Chad's soccer ornament
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

That is a picture of Chad playing soccer inside of the ornament. And that is my cousin's band shirt Chad is wearing! If you click on the picture you will see us celebrating the end of the season for Chad's soccer team. They have really grown and become decent soccer players :-) This is not just a mom bragging either - they actually took home FIRST PLACE! whooo hoooo - there are still a few kids on the team from that first season I coached...it's exciting to watch them all grow up :-) We have decided to do indoor winter soccer with both Chad and Vanessa - and then we will start with out outdoor season again in the fall....I think I will coach Ethan's team one more season - and then I'm taking a break. Not from soccer, just from coaching. :) I'd love to see what it's like to just attend games for once! :-)

My Oldest

2009-12-01T14:10:00.001-06:00

target
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

My camera died. I sure loved that thing. It was a relatively 'cheap' camera that I got for Christmas but man it took pix and downloaded easily. But most importantly - I knew how to use it. :-)
For my birthday this year Mom and Gene got me a new camera. It was not cheap. It has a lot of bells and whistles and I want to start taking tons of pictures again -but I have not learned how to use it yet! :-( So. until then - I have a little story to tell. About Chad.
Chad and I were in Target shopping without Vanessa and Ethan. Chad kept touching everything. Picking it up - asking if he could have it. Can I have this? What about this? Mommmmmm can you get me this? I mean senseless crap that he didn't really want OR need! I was so frustrated. Finally I said (ok maybe yelled) "CHAD! Do NOT ask for one more thing!"
He looks at me with his arms out "Can I have a hug?"
I admit - it difussed the situation (Chad pointed out later he never got that hug!)
About 20 seconds later I see him reach up for some tic tacs while we are waiting in line!
So this time for SURE I yelled! "CHAD! I am not 13 and afraid to cause a scene!"
While karate chopping the air he said "like a ninja assasin scene?"
And I said "No, like a 'Boy my mom really IS crazy' scene"
With a straight face he looked at me and said "Really? Mine too!"
May he RIP.

My first season not coaching my baby girl :-(

2009-10-09T13:08:00.001-05:00

My first season not coaching my baby girl :-(
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I really can't believe it. Look at that cute little smile. All of the team pictures should be ready next month but a mom from the team (thanks Jaime) took this for us to preview :-) We definitely spend a lot of time at the fields with all three playing this year but it's been really fun!

My desk

2009-09-22T14:16:00.002-05:00

My desk
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Just a typical office desk right? Tape, paper clips, computer, back scratcher...but what IS that cute little thing with the orange butterfly? It must be one of those cubed notepads. Or a box for trinkets? What is it!?

Wait! It's the new QTip's box! Called a VANITY BOX! I love it! I can have my Qtips at work and no one knows. I just wanted to share. :-)

What do you think about?

2009-08-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

What a joyful child!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

The other day, Vanessa Ethan and I were driving back from their dad's house. Vanessa was telling me he and his girlfriend were going to Vegas to get married. I have been basically single Vanessa and Ethan's entire lives so I was curious.
"Do you guys ever think about how Dadda has a girlfriend but Mama doesn't have a boyfriend?"
Vanessa said "Ya, I think about it sometimes"
Ethan said "Mostly I just think about Incredible Pizza"

Selena's Senior Prom

2009-08-03T13:40:00.001-05:00

Selena's Senior Prom
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Miss Selena has decided to enroll in college and not go into the Air Force at this time. I have to say I was very worried about her joining the military but I know there were good points too. She is not excluding the possibility of joining at a later date - but college seems like a great idea to me :)
This is Selena and her boyfriend Anthony at her Senior Prom. Just gorgeous!

Doctor Day Part II

2009-07-14T13:29:00.001-05:00

New foam floride!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

To save time and stress - I take off work and we go visit the doctor and dentist as a family. Much better than setting up 6 separate appointments! :-) Ethan was such a great patient at the dentist office. Vanessa had NO cavities and Chad took a shot without even a wince! I totally forgot to take pictures at the Dr. office. I have a good excuse though - I was busy. Restraining Ethan during vaccination time. Not a fun exercise for anyone! :-(

Can you read the balloon?

2009-07-13T08:15:00.001-05:00

Can you read the balloon?
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Our family has been going to Lords and Ladies in Jenks for 5 years. Since Ethan is only 4 - that means LnL has been a part of his life forever :-) He is so excited about start Pre-K at Jenks though so he is handling it well so far. Most of all he will miss Ms Lana and Ms Jae even though he would never admit it :-)

New edger!

2009-07-12T21:25:00.002-05:00

ouch
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Chad found an edger on craigslist and could NOT wait to use it. He found it in Bartlesville so his Papa Gene went and picked it up for him. We drove back to Jenks and he immediately started edging. He wore safety goggles (of course) but he didn't realize how much would be kicked up into his torso, arms and face. Then all of a sudden - BAM! A cuckaburr shot up at Chad's face and stuck in his chin. If you didn't notice it before - surely you will now be able to see the big green thing right below his bottom lip. OUCH!

Vacation!

2009-07-08T14:13:00.001-05:00

Grammi and Vanessa
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

We took a non-traditional family vacation for 4th of July and went to Kansas City! The real reason we chose KC over say - Dallas or even OKC is because of a little restaurant called Cinzetti's. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet...but like nothing you have ever seen. :-) We love it - so much so we drive 4 hours and choose our hotel in relation to the restaurant - not the attractions! :-) http://www.cinzzettis.com/
We saw the national traveling tour of Legally Blonde (in a beautiful outdoor theater in pouring rain!) and we spent a day at Oceans of Fun. We have a lot more pictures from my mom's digital camera - but I wanted to post the ones from the underwater disposable one NOW! I just love these! Oh yes - and we took our flip - there should be a couple of cute short films to post too! I will get to work! For now - click on Grammi and Vanessa for more pictures!

You'll be so jealous - but you can't buy "Chad" in stores!

2009-07-05T22:15:00.001-05:00

Preparing
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

After our second funeral in less than a month - we came home to find out mailbox smashed to the ground. We were not very excited. I stopped our mail and starting looking online for a good (cheap)sturdy mailbox. Then Vanessa and I went to Lowe's sans boys and picked out the one we wanted :) This one said - no digging necessary. You kind of just hammer the post into the ground (supposedly) Well, we live in Jenks America which is pure sand. So the whole - hammering the post into the ground did not make for a sturdy mailbox! So the neighbor came over with a cardboard tube and some cement mixture. Wa - la - Chad was able to get the mailbox up in a few minutes! Click on the picture for more of Chad building his first mailbox.

'The Killer Inside Me' (the movie)

2009-06-29T13:11:00.002-05:00

Vanessa loved the pink one best
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Casey Affleck is set to star with Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba in "The Killer Inside Me," which is set to be shot in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Guthrie, Enid and Cordell, according to the film office. Michael Winterbottom, best-known for helming "A Mighty Heart," has been named as director of the Oklahoma production. (from the Tulsa World)
They are shooting in front of my building today so we took a couple of photos with Vanessa and the vintage cars. Pretty exciting! A lot of big names are in this movie - Simon Baker is one of my favs! :-) Click on her picture for another shot...

Cutey patootie

2009-06-29T10:29:00.001-05:00

Collin
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Grammi and Papa Gene kept my nephews for a week while my sister and her husband took a mini vacation at Grand Lake. When my parents took the boys to grand they luckily took advantage of the scenery and took a few GREAT pictures :-) Click on Collin's smiley face for more of the series. :-)

Flower Girl

2009-06-29T10:16:00.001-05:00

My favorite
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

When I was 4 I was the flower girl in my aunt Bonnie's wedding. When I got married, her youngest daughter was the flower girl in my wedding. And just recently my youngest cousin got married (Bonnie's daughter) and she asked Vanessa to be the flower girl in HER wedding. Vanessa had a great time. She was shy/nervous at first but by the time it was over - she was asking to go to ANOTHER wedding ;) There will be professional pictures from the wedding but for now Vanessa just wanted to show off her dress :) Click on her picture to see more!

What boys do...

2009-06-29T10:09:00.001-05:00

What boys do...
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Every summer Papa Gene takes Chad camping. This year they took Chad's friend, Baylor, chose War Eagle as their destination, and even did a little bit of kayaking. No pictures of that since they were all IN a kayak :) But I think you can get a good idea of the fun they had and the beautiful weather. There were other people around, but you really can't tell in these pictures :-) Don't forget to click on the picture to see more of their fun camping trip.

New Reasor's in Jenks!

2009-06-28T19:16:00.001-05:00

Family size foods! (Like Sams)
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Our new Reasor's just opened up and we are so excited! Plenty of parking! Tons of new products! A coffee bar, with seating - photo shop - video rental redbox machine - BOK - out of this world bakery - all the cheeses you could possibly ever need - fresh pizza and made to order sandwiches - it's pretty cool! :-)

Leading the turtles

2009-06-26T23:10:00.001-05:00

Leading the turtles
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

It was below 100 degrees - around 97 - so we took the kids to Kiddie Park which is a small amusement park in Bartlesville OK. Vanessa is starting 1st grade and is too tall for more than 1/2 of the rides. They had a great time and I took tons of pictures. With my cell phone. Which look great on a little tiny screen. But rather blurry once they are downloaded. Hopefully the fun they had shines through the horrible photography :-) (as usual - click on the picture to lead you to MORE!)

Growing up

2009-06-22T06:25:00.001-05:00

Selena Graduating
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

This is Selena Ruth - she is Vanessa and Ethan's oldest sister and she graduated from high school in Kentucky this month! I met this little one when she was a mere 10 years old and she lived with me for a year. Look at her now - 18 and just beautiful. She has made the decision to go into the Air Force at the end of the summer. Please keep in her thoughts so hopefully she will stay out of harms way.
Unfortunately Vanessa and Selena (and her other sister Danai) haven't been raised around each other because they grew up in different states. But let me tell you - the resemblances are uncanny! Not only in looks - but in behavior! I even call Vanessa "Selena or Danai" sometimes because she acts/looks so much like them :-) They are all beautiful girls!

Small Blister

2009-06-19T08:02:00.003-05:00

Small Blister
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

You know, there is only so much we can do. We mold and shape and suggest and then we sent the kids out into the world and hope they don't end up hurting others or themselves as they grow older. So when my uber mature 13 year old asked if he and a friend could go to Big Splash I said SURE! Just be sure to wear your swimshirt. "OHHHH MOM!" I'll be careful. I'll wear sunscreen. Don't make me wear the shirt. (It's soooo embarrassing)
Fine. He knows the dangers of overexposure to the sun. He and I are so fair, our skin is translucent under black light. He has seen me have numerous 'spots' removed (one was even stage 1 melanoma) and he has had his own spots removed!
He would be safe right? Oh wait. 13. girls. water. big slides. too cool to say "hold on. let me reapply sunscreen"
ya let me just say sunscreen and his lifelong health were not at the top of his priority list.
This picture is the second day of his severe burn. It has been 3 days and he still can barely walk. If you click on the picture you will see the first blister that emerged this morning. This is not for my friends and family who tend to have a weak stomach. So consider yourself warned.
He wants a season pass to Big Splash. I think he is going to have to compromise and agree to wear his swimshirt to get one. And swimpants. And a swimmask. And carry an umbrella.

As of 5/28/09

2009-05-28T15:20:00.001-05:00

As of 5/28/09
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Look at the beautiful lettuce. And the corn is really getting tall! Just gorgeous!

Gardens are like Tattoos

2009-05-18T07:46:00.008-05:00

Have you heard tattoos are addictive? Well we are finding gardens are too. We are getting ready to build a second garden box. Our first one has been so successful but it's sooo small. So Chad has already started germinating onions and spicy lettuce to plant at the end of the month. We had better get busy! In case you have forgotten this picture to the right is what our garden used to look like. Below are a series of our garden as it has been shaping up ;-)

And then yesterday! I took a picture yesterday! We are SO anxious to eat our lettuce!!! :-)Doesn't it look amazing? Chad works very hard it on it everyday. :-)

The Stars

2009-05-15T10:09:00.005-05:00

What a great few seasons I have had with these girls. 4 of them have been on the team since the very beginning and will be playing again next season when Coach Van and Coach Omar take over. I have to admit it will be nice to sit on the sideline, but I'm also very worried about screaming and acting like an idiot. The parents from the Stars are so calm and supportive. You never know - I may break this team up with my crazy antics. Maybe I'll be team mom so I can plan the end of the season party! Or maybe I'll just help the team mom do that. :) Look at these girls! Adorable!

Chad is growing.

2009-05-15T10:02:00.004-05:00

Chad told me he wanted to play soccer. So I signed him up. They had no coach - most kids had been playing for years and already had a team. I had a team full of 10 years that had JUST decided to start playing. So I volunteered as Coach. Then I suckered another mom into being my assistant coach. It was an interesting experience that taught me a lot - mainly that I should not be coaching kids over the age of 6. Luckily the quality of this pic is so bad it actually hides Chad's weird face he is making. Seriously he looks better.

And now here is this years team - several of these boys were on Chad's team that first year. It is definitely fun watching these guys grow up and

become soccer players! :-) Chad has signed up to play again next year. And he has been talking about going beyond that. I have fallen in love with rec soccer so its been a great fit for my family. Vanessa and Ethan are excellent players too and all three will be playing this season. I resigned as Vanessa's coach and I volunteered as Ethan's. It won't be boring coaching Ethan. Hopefully he and I both make it out alive!

End of School Pictures

2009-05-15T10:01:00.001-05:00

Vanessa School Picture
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Poor Vanessa. They handed out yearbooks yesterday in school and she didnt get one. She asked the teacher why - she told her "your parents didn't order you one" :-)
Nice. About an hour after hearing this story I get a call from the school. They have one of the automated systems where the principal can leave a message to everyone from our campus! It said "Bring $20 tomorrow and we will give your kid a yearbook. If we don't run out first. Next year, plan ahead."
Ok so maybe that wasn't verbatim. But I felt bad. This morning Vanessa went to school with her check in her hand. She was scared she would forget if she put it in her backpack!

Cheernastics!

2009-05-12T08:11:00.001-05:00

Sucker in hand
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Cheernastics is a dance class that combines the sharp skills of cheerleading and stunting with tumbling and dance! Vanessa took the class with Madi - her friend from soccer and I think they had a blast!
We may take a break from dance for a little while and only play soccer. We haven't decided yet. This whole idea of choosing one activity over another just stinks! I've told the kids only one activity each - but that is tough. This fall all three will be playing soccer so we are going to be busy enough I think!

What is this?

2009-04-25T08:55:00.004-05:00

In the morning my feet/ankles look like this
But at the end of the day - my feet/ankles look like THIS!!! It is freaking me out!!!

Ethan School Pictures

2009-04-23T09:48:00.005-05:00

The family and I found a great photographer with extremely reasonable prices to take our family photos this year. Which means I didn't make the kids dress in their Easter best, and I didn't have to climb on top of a wobbly little table meant for 6 year olds. But of course Ethan still had his picture made at school...and here they are :-) I also received a size chart for Ethan yesterday. he is a big eater. I don't know how to explain it - he needs food constantly - it is like he is always starving. Crackers, fruit, milk, really he isn't picky - FOOD!!!!! So - On Jan 6th he was 43" tall and weighed 41.5 lbs - 3 months later on April 9th he was 49" tall and 43 lbs. He gained 1.5 pounds and 6!!!!!!! inches!!!!!!!! No wonder he is starving and his poor little legs hurt! :-(

Veggie Garden Survives Freeze

2009-04-22T13:22:00.011-05:00

Do you remember when this happened?

This post is long overdue, I realize. I have been working on PriorityMe almost non-stop. There are even bigger and plentiful plants now - but I thought I should post in order! :-)

Luckily Chad is supersmart and protected the garden with a tarp! The next day all the snow was gone. It was just mud and kids dying to get muddy!

Snow boots, short and a T-shirt. Classic Oklahoma weather. There used to be a lot of lush grass in front of our shed, but some local children (mine) decided this was the most perfect place ever to DIG. I think the goal was a moat. I'd say they were about 60% successful.

Back to the garden. These two pictures are of the first cute little sprouts of vegetables. Tonight I will take some pictures of the agressive little plants so you can see how far they have come! :-)

Here are the wee lettuce and pea plants. Those are 1 ft squares so that gives you an idea of the size when I say WEE. :-)

Veggie Garden

2009-03-22T18:30:00.010-05:00

When I made my annual "lists" one of the TO DO'S was a Vegetable Garden. Luckily I have a 13 year old that was super interested in this and wanted to help. So we started doing our research about a month ago. I mean - we have NO idea what we should do to plant veggies! The internet is an amazing thing! Especially when you are search wizard like me :-)
So we chose the square foot - raised bed method. There are tons of fancy (i.e. expensive) ways to do this - but we chose the more budget friendly route.
Chad started by picking the best spot in our yard that gets the most amount of sun during the day. Later he realized he did NOT take into account the neighbors shed. But hey. We are all learning here.

By "raised bed" we mean two things - one is - we are not using the natural soil. In Jenks America our soil is red and sandy and full of way too much iron. So Chad dug his little 4x4 hole getting ready for the frame he built out of left over floor molding from a previous documented floor remodel ;-)

It was really dark when we lined the bottom of the hole will plastic liner to discourage weed growth and placed the frame in so there are no pictures. Also when we filled it with peet moss, compost and verticularsidemosis. Or whatever its called. Its good for the veggies. Next he drilled equally space holes in the frame to tie off our square foot garden. There are 100's of reasons this makes our garden way cooler than say - row gardening - but I can't remember what they are. Just that I thought it sounded reasonable and I definitely FOR SURE wanted to do my garden that way too.

This is from my favorite vantage point. I am now sitting in a lawn chair opening seed packets and possibly bossing the youngin around a little. He is fixing a string I noticed was loose. He is fairly good at doing what I say.
After many hours of hard work and lawn chair coaching - the garden is complete! Lettuce, Carrots, Peas, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers and CORN! In the next 40 to 90 days we will document the progress of the gardening trials and tribulations. And if we DO have a food shortage as some are predicting all evidence of us ever planting this garden will be removed from the internet immediately.

Launching business in April

2009-02-17T22:15:00.001-06:00

Smoothing out bubbles
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

I have started a business called PriorityMe. We will officially launch in April and our website should be up by middle of March. We will conduct seminars and workshops for women to help them rediscover their potential! The workshops will be local - but the website will be free and accessible from anywhere! Join us!!! It's time to make yourself a priority again!!!

From Grammi! Not me!

2009-02-17T22:12:00.001-06:00

From Grammi! Not me!
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

Chad just celebrated his 13th birthday on friday the 13th! His Grammi decided he needed drums. He did ASK for them afterall. So she purchased a used set from my dad (her ex-husband) and merrily dropped them off at my house. I may call her up over and over and let Chad play on her answering machine at home.

Please Vote and Help Me Make a Decision!

2009-02-08T19:17:00.011-06:00

Can you take a minute to VOTE?! Help me out!!!
One of my pledges this year has been to only buy two pair of shoes ALL year. Where did I come up with this number?!?!?! So I was out with my mom shopping in antique stores for vintage plates - we were so lucky - we found them in the first store! But we had time and we didn't want to miss out on cuter or cheaper plates - so we kept looking. Thank goodness. Because at the back (very back) of one of the stores - they were selling shoes. And there they were. Nine West. My size. Beautiful Beautiful shoes. AND they were $3! Not $13, not $30, $3!!!! So I snatched them up. Dont you love them?
Mom said they don't count since they were only $3 :-) But since it's February and I'm still super motivated....I am counting this pair. And I am giving a pair to charity. But of course - I can never part with shoes - I love them all and I actually WEAR them all surprisingly! AND when I got home - I realized I had a black, red and white NINE WEST purse!!! So cute!

Black, White, Red Nine West Purse
Originally uploaded by Chavaneth

So I will post three pairs of shoes - and the pair with the most votes will be shipped off to a new home where they will be loved with deep passion as they have been loved here. (yes i'm a little sad)

Cream Flat Slingbacks

Brown Lace-Up Boots

Blue Suede Ankle Boots

Thanks! Leave a comment on which shoes to DONATE! Not keep! Thank you so much!!!!