She floored me again...

We were just sitting at the table the other night, and Jasmine was supposed to be doing homework. I was on the computer sitting next to her. She said..."You know- My name is Mrs. Stolz, and I have a son". I said "Oh yeah"...not even looking up or paying attention because she always says she is a mom. Then she said.."His name is Ron!!". I jumped off the chair:) She may have asked me a couple of years ago what my father's name was, but I don't think she would remember that. Now she says that Ron likes the name Jacob better:) I guess it goes right along with the having to watch The Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday nights!

Critter Keeper.....

New program,- one of many- at the Phoenix Zoo. Kids ages 6-10 can spend a few hours with various zookeepers "helping" them feed the animals, clean cages (which we didn't do), learn about the animals. and see what it's like to be a zookeeper. Class size is limited to 6 kids.. which was really great. Today the class was on "Endangered Species". The first animal they visited was the flamingos. The kids were able to feed them up close with the "keeper". (I wasn't aware that flamingos are endangered- I really don't think they are.) Next, off to the bird sanctuary where they all fed meal worms to the exotic birds. I didn't think that Jasmine would grab a handful of meal worms with her hands, but she did. Next, they each colored a small box with various paints, put meat into the box, and threw the boxes over the fence for the African Spotted Dogs who ripped up the boxes and devoured the meat. The class went overtime by 15-20 minutes. I was supposed to go to my Sunday afternoon meditation class which I keep missing, but by the time we would have made it back to the car, I would have already been hopelessly late to my class:( I don't even think they know I'm in the class anymore:( So, we just stayed at the zoo, had a late lunch, walked around, and rode the safari train. The Phoenix Zoo is just way too big to see in one day. There are many more classes in the Critter Keeper series, so we will be going back multiple times. In the flamingo pen with the "flamingo keeper", standing on one leg like the flamingos do.

Feeding the flamingos.

Making observations about the aviary. They had to check off a list of items about the birds, count the birds to make sure they were all accounted for, check to make sure they all looked healthy, then feed them the worms.

Holding the worms...

If I was a Hornbill:

Painting boxes for the meat to give to the African Spotted Dogs.

Learning about the Desert Tortoise: We actually saw a Gallapegos turtle. I have never seen a turtle so big in my life! Massive! They say he is over 100 years old, and has been at the Phoenix Zoo for 50 years since they opened this week, 1962.

Eating lunch after class. Oh yes, Dora the Explorer was there so we had to go meet her, and then drive one of the Barbie cars around for awhile. It was a long fun day. One of these days, I'll be able to go back to my class!

Desert West Competition....

"These Boots Are Made for Walking" at Peoria Polar Ice on 10/27/12. Getting last minute pointer from Coach Jaimie- probably telling her to "smile"!:)

Start position!!

Air guitar:)

Dancing on the ice.

"One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over YOU"

Tempe Kiwanis Park Halloween Bash....

Every year, I keep hearing about this massive Halloween Party in Tempe-- 10,000 people. I've kind of dreaded going. This year we finally went. I have never seen so many ghosts and goblins in one place before. Lots of games, booths, prices, dances, singing, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts... even the mayor of Tempe was there with whom Jazzy spoke for a few minutes. Of course... lots of candy. I told her that we were definitely not going trick or treating this year, so this was it.... as far as "trick or treating" goes! Playing "Pin the Face on the Pumpkin".

Peoria Polar Ice....

Today was Jasmine's first official ice skating competition at Peoria Polar Ice- Desert West Championships. She entered the Artistic Light category where they are judged on expression, drama, costume, dance... and not technicality. Her program was to "These Boots Are Made for Walking" by Nancy Sinatra:) She was great! We'll make a couple improvements for the next competition in 2 weeks, then start on the Christmas program. She won first place!! by a hair. The only reason I know that is because after the performance, the competitor can get a printout of the placing from each of the five judges. It was really close. I ordered alot of photos from the photographer since it was her first official competition. Will post them when they come in. Good thing they videoed it also, because my video was blurry. Practicing with Coach Jaime before going on the ice.

Goofing around with her friend Katie.

Halloween Party at Gold Medal Gymnastics....

With her coach Julie-Anne

With Shelby- friend from Dobson Academy

Halloween from Grandma and Grandpa

Minnie Mouse pajamas, Charlie Brown movie, jewelry, and some candy!