Blue Skies Here | Central Texas

Halloween Safety Tips

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not an alarmist... However, it's good to make sure that we keep it safe on Halloween. With all of the "ghosts and goblins" out and about, best to be prepared. Here's a link with some great information:

http://www.halloween-safety.com/

Hope you have terrific Halloween - that you dress up, awaken your inner child, and sneak lots of candy!

Georgetown Gives...

 
I've been looking for a way to give back to my terrific community - and have just launched "Georgetown Gives."  I wanted to create something that would enable me through my business and personal involvements to contribute to a number of area charities.

I am kicking off with our first event on November 13 from 2-4 at the ranch at 1020 Highway 195 in Georgetown, benefiting the Caring Place.  I picked this day as it is the anniversary of my marriage to my late husband, Greg Smith, one of the most selflessly giving people I've known.  I picked this charity - as many of my neighbors have had a difficult year due to the economy and recent flooding and the Caring Place attends to an array of needs.  I hope that those of you in my area will help me with this venture... 

Our first event will kick off the holiday season with some outdoor fun: Chicken Bingo, Hayrides, Jumping House, refreshments, face painting, etc.  The Chicken Bingo will be hilarious - PLUS, you have a chance to pick up some holiday cash.  We'll split the money between winners and the Caring Place.  If you're interested in attending - drop me a line at klombar@kw.com and I'll make sure you receive an invitation.   Admission is free - but I hope that folks will bring donations of food, clothing or household items.  The Caring Place will have barrels on-hand, so you can just drop it in.

Also - please visit us on facebook.  Thanks for your support!

Blu Bambu and Schlitterbahn - 2011 and 2012

Now that the mercury is rising - and holding - folks are asking more often about the water parks slated to come to Central Texas.  Here's what I know...  I understand that Blu Bambu in Pflugerville is scheduled to open next May 2011 - and that Schlitterbahn Cedar Park will open in 2012.

I know that we all wish it was now - but with the state of the economy, many development plans have dragged.  Better later than never?

They ARE paying attention

Hello Moms and Dads out there.  In today's "short attention span theater" approach to communications - ever feel like you kids are paying ZERO heed to what you're saying?  I have some proof that, in fact, they occasionally are...

Recently took both kids to the grocery store.  The latest push for freedom: my seven-year old wants to head off and gather an item on his own and bring it back to me.  Okay - I'll play.  So I'll select an item that's in the vicinity of where I am - or where I'm heading - and he'll fetch.  After successfully completing a few items, he was ready for more.  So I said, "Okay - let's see how you do with this one...  I want you and your sister (age 3) to go and select your cereal for the week.  I want you to agree on your decision and make a good choice.  Hold hands.  Stay together."  And sent them over to the next aisle (where I could see/hear them).

After about 5 minutes, they returned.  Seven-year old reported back as official spokesperson:

"Mom.  We really want this new Cupcake Pebbles cereal - however, we read the label and noticed that the sugar was much higher than you would want.  But we REALLY wanted it.  So here it is.  BUT, we then searched for the cereal with the lowest sugar content we could find (handed over the Corn Flakes).  We thought that if you mixed the two together for us that would be a good compromise.  Can we have both?"

I couldn't argue with this.  And also couldn't help laughing a bit under my breath at the pitch as his little sister stood there nodding vigorously her approval.

Though outwardly silent - my voice inside was screaming... "HOLY CATS!  They are actually listening and paying attention.  Sometimes."

Score one for Mom.

Family Fun this Summer in Austin and Georgetown

Looking for something to do with the family?  Check out these resources online:

Austin:
http://www.austintexas.org/
http://austinfamilyfun.wordpress.com/

Georgetown:
http://visit.georgetown.org/

These sites just might give you an idea for a fun-filled day.

To the Moon...

For you space enthusiasts and history buffs, you might be interested in catching To the Moon: The American Space Program in the 1960s, a major exhibit at the LBJ Library and Museum. 

The primary focus of the exhibit will cover the period of “Sputnik” (late 1950s) through the first moon landing of Apollo 11 in 1969. The exhibit runs until the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, July 20, 2009.

For more details, visit the LBJ Library and Museum Web site.

Red Poppy Festival

Looking for something fun to do??

This weekend Georgetown will have its annual Red Poppy Festival -- it's a fantastic community event -- it's always a kick to see so many friends,kids and neighbors out enjoying the gorgeous Central Texas weather, live music, and some kettle corn.  Some of the events include the parade, the Red Poppy Ride (my whole family is participating in the 14 mile ride this year), the Red Poppy 5K, plus live music, the festival and other events all weekend.

Hope to see you there!