Boo at the Zoo

I want to use "The Scoop" this week to send a quick thank you to all the parents of Abilene. I was very impressed with the turn out at Boo at the Zoo. Now by turn out I don't mean how many people were there (there were a ton, which was great!), I mean the costumes that I saw. Now it is certainly possible that a child can come with the idea to turn themselves into Mac N' Cheese, and then create a masterpiece of a costume by combining a yellow jumpsuit with giant noodles that stick to them. But my gut tells me that great parents were behind the fabulous costumes at Boo at the Zoo. Not to mention, the kids were so well behaved! On paper, the idea of handing out candy to kids at about 2 dozen locations among wild animals seems not only insane, but dangerous as well. But it was so much fun to see all the smiling faces, and watch the kids just let loose and have a great time. Boo at the Zoo is a great idea. It's safe, it's clean, it's really well run, and I know for a fact that all the people who volunteer their time to help with the event get much more in return than what they give. So thanks for making it another great year at the Zoo, and thanks to the parents for making it happen.

Farm livin' is the life for me

So here's the scoop, I just spent the weekend in Houston with some of my family and they suggested that we take the kids to a farm near their house. The Merkel girl inside of me who grew up in the country immediately thought of tractors, cows, and hay fields. But when we got there, I was completely shocked. The place was called Dewberry Farm. It was far more amusement park than West Texas farm. This place had it all. Pumpkin patches, pig races, hay rides, rubber duck races, petting zoos, corn cannons, pvc pipe slides (as uncomfortable as they sound), corn train rides, and even a zip line! As if you couldn't tell from the pictures, the kiddos had a phenominal time. If you are ever in a bad mood, or having a rough day, seeing a joyful kid will do the trick. It was awesome to see my nieces and nephews without a care in the world. They seemed so happy and free. I learned that we all need to find our "Dewberry Farm" in life. Whether it's cooking, shopping, reading a book, taking a walk, whatever it may be. Find what makes you feel like a kid again.

Gummy Bears and Windshields

So here's the scoop, have you ever had one of those days where you just can't seem to get it together? You know, those days where you tear up the entire house in search of a pencil when the darn thing was behind your ear the whole time. I seem to have days like that more often than not.

My most recent moment was when I was leaving Hobby Lobby on my dinner break. I was in my zone, I just found some great deals, I was munching on a bag of gummy bears and when I walked to the parking lot, I noticed something was wrong with my car. I put the candy on the ground and went to inspect. I had a crack in the windshield. Not really a big deal but I couldn't remember ever seeing it before.

Now, my windshield was a little dirty and the sunlight was hitting the window just right so I thought just maybe it was a dirt streak and I could clean it.
So I took my hand and gave it a go, to no avail. I picked up the gummy bear bag and slid it across the glass, again nothing. So without even thinking twice, I licked my hand and tried to clean the window. Gross I know. I think I even said that immediately after doing it. But I think we all have these little moments where we do things that we immediately say afterward, "not a good idea."

In the end, I should have just let it go and hopped in the car, and that is exactly what I did next. I hit the unlock button and went to open the door, but for some reason the door wouldn't open.

Come to find out...I was trying (and failing) to commit grand theft auto. It wasn't my car! I called my husband (again, not a good idea), and he hasn't stopped teasing me about it. One of those days I guess. At any rate, my windshield is fine. My dignity...not so much.