Edge of my seat . . .

I have recently finished reading "Across the Wide River" by Stephanie Reed and was immediately swept away. The story follows the Rankin family as they aid in the underground escape of slaves during the mid to late 1800's. I was captivated by their bravery as well as the historical background of the treatment of human beings.

It is also a coming-of-age story as the oldest son, Lowry, must decide to continue down the path his father has chosen as a well spoken anti-slavery minister or forge his own future. He is faced with many difficult decisions as well as witnessing much hypocrisy within the people of his and surrounding communities.

In our current society, slavery is merely a topic we learn about in history class. We may remember a few details and a few important people in abolishing the practices but often don't fully grasp the depravity and depth of persecution. By weaving a first hand account of a family making bold choices to assist despite great risks and the well described setting of the times, I felt as though I was there and could actually witness what it was like to live in such a divided and difficult culture. I was on the edge of my seat during much of the book as I couldn't wait to see what would happen, if they'd be caught, if they'd continue to risk their safety and the safety of their family, and how each of the characters would develop throughout.

Although the book is a well-written piece of fiction, it is based on the real Rankin family. The author had the amazing privilege of meeting a descendant of the family and touring the Rankin home to learn first hand what life was like for them and how they accomplished so much. Stephanie Reed spent years doing research to discover as much as she could about this family to create the most factual and riveting account.

The story is captivating, the characters real and easy to relate to and the message truly inspirational. To enter to win a FREE copy of this amazing book, leave your name in the comment section at the end of this post and the winner will be notified by email.

GOAL!!!

Last night, Grandma and Grandpa took the whole family to the Sounders game (Seattle's pro-soccer team). Never having been to a pro-soccer game, I had no idea what to expect. Hannah wore her soccer camp jersey (signed by Jhon Kennedy Hurtado who came to camp one day and talked to the kiddos). We arrived to the sound of the pep band playing and this giant soccer ball . . .

They had fun free activities for the kids once we got inside the gate . . . free is always my favorite price!! The girls both tried their hands (or their feet) at kicking a soccer ball through a hole.

We stood and watched the band play for a bit and danced along to the fun music. They are musicians of all ages and they love their job . . . they even had routines to go along with the songs!! The girls thought it was pretty awesome. They have not been to a big stadium since they can remember (they both went to Mariners games but were pretty tiny) so they were amazed by the size . . . of the bathroom! I cracked up watching their faces as they froze in the middle and said, "there are soo many toilets!!" I couldn't wait for them to see the actual field!!

Before finding our seats, we went to the pro-shop to buy pom-poms for the girls . . . not free but totally worth the fun and added interest into cheering (an important thing for the waning attention spans of a 5 and 8 year old). We walked out through the tunnel into view of the field and they were speechless . . . Quest field is absolutely beautiful (even though I have been there before, I was still in awe myself!)

The weather could not have been more perfect . . . we found our seats and settled in for some fun.

I was ready for a low scoring (or no scoring) experience as most soccer matches prove to be. A season ticket holder in our area handed out homemade red cards to add to the experience. Much to my pleasant surprise, there was never a dull moment. From watching the crazy fan section (chanting, singing, clapping, drumming, dancing in lines together, and over all having a great time from the start to the finish), watching Haley light up and laugh every time they bounced a ball off their heads and getting the greatest kick out of flashing her red card with the refs, sharing kettle corn and homemade lemonade, and jumping up to cheer for the 4 goals the Sounders made, it was a great new experience!!

After the game, on the way back to the car, Haley said, "We need to thank Grandma and Grandpa because that was fun!! I didn't think I liked soccer but that was the best night ever!!" I'd say she enjoyed the evening. And Hannah was beyond thrilled that "her player" was on the field the entire time and "I actually got to meet him, he actually signed my shirt, and he actually kicked my ball into a goal at soccer camp." Fun memories, shared experiences and new adventures . . . what life should be about!

Canvas Project

I had a big bare wall . . . and some super cute pictures of my little girls taken a few years ago. What to do - what to do . . . another canvas project!!

1. Buy the canvas (I found 10 - 8x10 canvas for $20 at Michaels - used a coupon so it cost me only $10!!) and buy a paint color you like. Paint the edges and part of the inside that will frame the pictures (I squirt the paint onto a paper plate and use one of these foam type brushes - it goes on easier and quicker).

2. After the canvas are dry (and you've touched up any parts that look bare or splotchy), put mod podge all over the back of the picture and center it on the canvas. (You can enlarge or reduce any photo and color copy and it looks just like an original photo. You can do it yourself at Kinkos or get help for the same price at Office Depot - a safer bet for me as I don't have a degree in photocopying and won't waste my time or paper trying to figure it out!!)

3. Flip the canvas (picture side down) onto a clean counter top or wax paper and place some heavy books on top to dry.

4. Now comes the scary part - or at least was for me the first time I did a photo project on canvas - use another foam brush and brush mod podge all over the front of your picture in straight fluid lines. It will look super cloudy over your picture and you might feel as though you've ruined your precious memories . . . and you might even go into your closet to have a good cry . . . was that just me?! Just kidding . . . Why would you want to put this crazy stuff (that is sort of reminiscent of the kindergarten paste we all used) all over your picture? It helps to seal it or glue it down to the canvas and also creates a really cool finish.

5. When it's all dry - you'll know when the picture is clear again - use a hammer, some nails, a tape measure, and a level and make the magic happen . . .

The picture doesn't do it justice . . . I am so excited to have more pictures of my adorable daughters hung in such a fun way . . . and it feels like such an accomplishment to have created it myself - even without a professional degree in art!! Super easy and fun - you can do it too!!

The Things Kids Say

These girls in my house are constantly saying things that make us laugh but today in particular, they have been hilarious and I just had to share . . .

This morning at Sounders Camp Hannah came over and said, "Soccer . . . a time of laughter, a time of pain."

And this afternoon, I was outside on the deck chair reading while the girls played on the swing set. Haley came over and said, "Mom, put away your magazine please. You have me to worry about." (Boy - don't you know it sista)

And as we speak (or I blog and you read) they are running around the back yard yelling, "Here buggy buggy buggy . . ." attempting to catch flies, with their bare hands, to feed the little tree frog they found earlier and put into a box with holes . . . a temporary habitat until they have to free him tonight.

Not everyday around here is funny . . . some are just plain crazy. . . but for today, I'll enjoy the laughs and try not to laugh to hard out loud at the serious attempts for buggies . . .

Reptile Guy

Today, Haley attended vacation bible school at our church. Instead of doing a week long curriculum, they have decided to do four weeks, one day a week, each with a unique theme. Today it was God's creatures featuring Reptile Guy!! He was awesome with trunks full of animals to show the kids. Haley was in the front row - no fear - as huge, crazy, creepy, crawly guys moved and crawled and slithered and hopped. I can't wait to see what this little one is going to be when she grows up!!

The "Reptile Guy" was full of amazing facts about each animal and the unique way God made them to get by and survive where they live. The grand finale was getting to pet this 75 pound snake! Oh the things we get to learn in church!!

Soccer Camp

We're experiencing another first as a family. Hannah is attending a Sounders Soccer half-day camp. It is coached by high school and college soccer players and she is having tons of fun . . .

They are running drills, playing games, learning some new tricks and continuing to foster the love of the game. Today they even got Sounders soccer ball bags and Sounders team shirts . . . she's super excited to wear the shirt tomorrow to camp.

Around the fields where they are practicing and playing is a huge track. I brought Haley's bike and we walked/biked the loop three times. She had a great time and I was equally impressed at my ability to walk so far so successfully - a giant victory!!

I want our kids to have lots of opportunities to explore lots of things. Hannah is really enjoying piano, reading, drawing, playing outside and many other things . . . but right now if you'd ask her, soccer is on top.

I think I'm destined to be a mini-van driving soccer mom . . . at least for today.

Habitat for Hermit Crabs

Yesterday we set out to create a new habitat for our hermit crabs. We started at Goodwill (based on a great tip from a friend) and found a tank/terrarium for $13 . . . love thrift stores!! Then off to Michael s for sand and crushed up shells and a cool climbing stick. Our final stop was Petco where we chose some bigger shells for when they need to up-grade . . . who knew there was so much detail to these little $8 guys. The girls had a blast cleaning out the new tank, filling it with sand, setting up all the new toys and watching Gem and Houdini explore their new digs . . .

Until we find a better place for these little guys, they are situated on an end table in our dining room . . . as we were eating dinner last night I discovered it is simultaneously fascinating and creepy to watch them craw and explore while you are digesting . . . leaning more towards the creepy side . . . . new spot needed fast!!