How Many Boys Does it Take To Catch A Crawdad?

How many boys does it take to catch a crawdad? Sometimes, it takes a lot.
Yesterday we went to a local well we call "Crawdad Park." When we went last Friday, 10+ crawdads were caught. We were having to release them as soon as we caught them. There were so many! Yesterday, the weather was overcast and we thought finding the water creatures would be easy pickings. The crawdads at this park hide when its sunny, but when its cloudy or overcast many can be seen in plain view. We didnt catch any! Seamus saw one in the rocks and spent about 10 minutes with his friends trying to force it out. Alas, it wouldnt budge. Better luck next time.


Happy Thursday.

Red, Red Wine You Make Me Feel So Fine

Because of a round about set of circumstances, I receive Martha Stewart Living Magazine. I dont particularly enjoy the publication and typically dont find the information it contains very useful. Its beautifully photographed and the creative direction of the magazine does appeal to me. I just seem to have a hard time relating to its content.

This month while browsing the August issue, I found this very interesting information (see circled portion below:)

No wonder Italian women are so smokin' hot. Looks like I'll be starting a new diet today. YUM! ;)

Happy Tuesday.

Reading Hour

For the past few summers, I have tried to incorporate a reading hour into our schedule. The boys are pretty good readers. I probably dont need to set aside time for them to read, but I do for a few reasons. First, I want reading to be a normal, daily activity in their lives. I am not a huge reader and whenever I meet someone who is, I feel slightly envious they have such a constructive and lifelong hobby. It would make me feel really good if they boys grew up to be readers. Secondly, the boys have summer book reports. Its always nice to have time to complete those reports instead of stressing the last week of summer. And lastly, I enjoy the quiet time. Its nice for the three of us to occupy the same house and yet feel its stillness. That is so rare in our home. My boys are normally really loud, but during reading hour all is hushed and unmoving.

Today during quiet time I snuck this picture of Seamus in his room. He is reading the first Harry Pottery book. You have no idea how giddy it makes me to think of him reading this series. I am a HUGE fan of the Harry Potter books. Matt got me the first book when the boys were babies. Although Im not a big reader, I was curious about the phenomena and began reading the book with some interest. I was hooked from the first few pages. The second book was already out when I began reading the first, so Matt quickly set out to buy me the second book. I devoured it too. For the next several years, this pattern became a tradition for us: each time a new Harry Potter book came out, Matt would buy it for me and Id read it. I have spent many blissfully, selfish hours reading those wonderfully, written books.

The Harry Potter books were on Seamus' book list for the 7th grade so at the end of last year, I took down my copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and gave it to Seamus. I asked him to read it for his book report. He wasnt very receptive to my idea and decided to read another book that wasnt on his list. (((deep sigh))) A few weeks ago, I tried again. I emphasized the fact that he had to read a book on the list and that I wouldnt force him to read a book I didnt think he wouldnt like. He took the book and told me he'd read it. A week passed and I noticed little progress with the book.

Today during reading time, I saw Seamus take the book into his room. That was 2.5 hours ago!!! Ive checked on him from time to time and he is indeed reading the book. He came out for about 5 minutes an hour ago and asked me if he could google Gringots. I told him yes. He did it and went back into his room with the book.

I think he's hooked!!!! At least, I hope he is.

Happy Monday.

I ((heart)) Cub Scouts.

These are the boys Ive been spending all my time with this week. They're pretty awesome. I mean that. They're AWESOME!

And the boys with the brown shirts in this next picture are also mine - my assistants, Nick and Seamus.

Tomorrow is the last day of Cub Scouts camp. Its gonna be bittersweet for me. On one hand, this camp experience has been super exhausting. The days have been hot and the shade at our location has been scarce. Im positive that the suburn I have aquired this week is going to come back and haunt me in later years. Its dirty at camp too. When I take off my shoes at the end of our day, I have a dark dirt line where my ankles meet my socked feet. Dirt and sweat might be the hallmark of a young boy's life, but in my opinion its really gross. At the beginning of this week, I felt incredibly bitter and resentful having to volunteer 7 hours of my daily time at this day camp. Babysitting 11 nine year old boys isnt normally on my list of ways to spend my summer vacation. However, watching this particular group of boys has made this past week more than tolerable; its made it kind of wonderful. These 11 boys (13 if you count my two assistants) are such fantastic young men. I have mentioned to many people this week that I have the BEST group of cub scouts at that entire camp. There honestly isnt a bad apple in the bunch. In my experience (and ironically, I have extensive experience working children's summer camps) having good kids makes a HUGE difference in the mental endurance required for working a children's day camp . My boys were amazing. They totally bought into the camp experience and in doing so, they made my time with them fun and rewarding. My boys were kind to each other. They were engaged. They were excited. Although this week has totally kicked my ass in a physical sense, I have enjoyed my week with these remarkable, young boys.

Happy Thursday night. :)

Time Warp.

I cant believe its only Wednesday.
Im serious. I really cant believe it. I woke up this morning and I felt like Id been doing this day camp for at least a week.
I seriously need a day off.

Happy Wednesday?

Cub Scout Day Camp

This week the boys and I are attending Cub Scouts Day Camp here in Vista.
Finn is our resident Cub Scout (he's a Webelo now,) but the five day camp needed volunteers so Seamus and I are helping out. I am our den leader and Seamus is an assistant/runner.
Today was our first day and although we are tired, we all survived. Phew!

Pros of today:
-my group of 11 boys are a great bunch of kids. They have good attitudes and seem eager to enjoy the camp.
-Seamus was very helpful today. Most of the morning he hung with me and my group, but in the afternoon he was drafted to other areas of the camp that needed help.
-Finn doesnt seem too bothered that Im there with him. I noticed/overheard that many other leaders are not in the same group as their children, but Finn and I are together. So far, its not a problem.
-All the kids were picked up on time. Since Im the leader, I am responsible for the boys until their parent/guardian comes to get them. If any parent is late, I have to stay late. Today was no problem - all kids left on time.


Cons of today:
- It was hot today. The weather this summer has been so yucky. The weather hasnt peaked out of the 70s much and since we're close to the coast, we've been getting a lot of overcast days. I joked to Matt that with my luck, the week of camp will be beautiful and warm. I was right. Today all of us got sweaty and I got a sunburned on my nose. I reminded the kids to reapply sunblock after lunch, but forgot to heed my own words.
- Its dirty. Our camp is located outdoors in a dirty, dusty area. There arent many trees and there isnt much grass. When I took off my socks upon coming home, I could see a dirty sock line on my legs. Very fetching. ;)
- Its a long day. Lets face it people, I'll be 40 in January. Im no spring chicken. Im also not in the best shape which makes all the running around more taxing. Camp is from 8:30 to 3pm and my job is to keep up with 11 nine year old boys. Its not easy. When I got home, my back was aching so badly. Is it arthritis or just old age? Whatever the cause, I was wiped out. I must remember to take Advil with lunch tomorrow. The good part is, I wasnt the only McGarvey who was tired this afternoon. I knew our day was exhausting when we got home and both boys zoned out in front of the tv for 30 minutes without talking. It takes a lot to slow down Seamus and that boy was tired.

All things considering, Im thinking our first day of camp was a success. Here's hoping the rest of the week will be equally fun and successful.

Happy Monday.

Destination Movies.

Yesterday on Apartment Therapy the editors formulated a list of their favorite film escapes. It got me thinking of my own staycation movie list. Sometimes money and time cant afford an exotic vacation. However, in my experience, movies can often succeed in transporting us outside of our normal settings and immersing us into another world. My list of "destination movies" covers the globe and includes settings in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. I wouldnt say the acting/story/plot of the following movies is great, but I guarantee you the art direction stands out. An intersting note: I own the soundtracks for three of the movies on my list. When I put the music on, the scenes and sights of the movie come flooding back to me. Its like I can close my eyes and be there.

So.... without further adieu, here are a few of my favorite destination movies.

1. The Painted Veil.
I only saw this movie a couple years ago, but it made a big impression on me. Everything about it - from the music, to the scenery, to the costumes - is artistically captivating. The screenplay is based on Somerset Maugham's book of the same title. I think I need to read it sometime. I can watch this movie again and again. It doesnt hurt that the actual plot is compelling. The dramas and complications the main characters find themselves in are real and demonstrated well by the actors. I dont know why, but this movie really "got" me.

2. Out Of Africa
This is an older film, but one that never disappoints me. Out Of Africa came out when I was in my teens and my romantic younger self got totally carried away with everything about it. The safari. The land. The costumes. The love story. Like many of my favorite movies its set in the early 20th century. The costumes are so damn beautiful in his film. Just like the Painted Veil, I covet the wardrobe of the heroine. Another thing I achingly long for in Out Of Africa is the Baroness Karen Von Blixen's house in Africa. If I could have a dream house, that might be it. It has a huge veranda along the front and a brick path that leads to the house. The two main characters are often filmed out on the veranda listening to records on on old-school victrola. Could you just die? And dont even get me going on the scene out on safari when Denis shampoos Karen's hair. It gives me butterflies just thinking of it. I recently saw this movie in HD. I didnt think I could love it more, but I think I do in HD. The views of Africa are stunning.

3. Anne of Green Gables
Another blast from the past. I think I saw this series for the first time when I was just entering puberty. It made a huge impression on my young girlish self. One of my first major crushes was Gilbert Blythe. (((swoon))) The complicated relationship he had with the heroine Anne Shirley stirred up so many romantic feelings in me. Equally compelling for me as a kid was Prince Edward Island where the series was shot. The farm where Anne first lives is a dream. So natural and green and beautiful in its simplicity. I would DIE to visit there someday. I believe its because of this series that Ive always loved Canadian accents.

4. A Good Year
When I first saw this movie, the setting instantly reminded me of Italy. There is a vineyard and a large, old farmhouse. The setting is tranquil and natural and pristine. I immediately fell in love with the setting: Provence, France. I must go there someday! I think Ridley Scott has such a talent with creating a mood in his films. He must be quite a visionary because in so many of his films, he pulls off the illusion so masterfully. I imagine its in the details, but what do I know.

5. The Last Emperor
This movie kills me. Its so BIG. I have only seen this movie on the small screen and I was blown away by it. I imagine on the big screen its absolutely overwhelming. The plot of this movie is fascinating to me (the life of the last emperor of China and the rise of the communist state) but the art direction is stunning in every way. The director left no detail unnoticed. The colors and beauty of the culture shine. The views from a cinematic standpoint are pure magic. Anytime I catch even a small part of this movie on tv, I stop and watch. Its so damn beautiful.


Other favs: Amelie, Indochine, Notting Hill, Oceans 12, Gladiador, Spirited Away, Stealing Beauty, Casino Royal (2006,) The Man From Snowy River, The Wedding Date, Pan's Labyrinth and all three Godfather movies.

What are you destination films?

Bocce Balls of Steel

Does any other family go crazy for bocce ball on the 4th? This year it seemed like everyone in my family was playing bocce ball. My Dad. Matt. Uncle Bruce and Philip. The Chris-es. Jonathon. My Auntie Mel and Erin. The kids - all of them. Heck, even I was convinced to play and Ive never played before. For the record: I still think we beat Uncle Bruce's team. It sure did feel like we beat them.



Thanks Mom and Dad for the bbq chicken and the quesadillas. Fourth of July has been a favorite holiday of mine since I was a kid and its all because of you guys. I love you.

Happy Monday.

Yesterday Was A Pool Day....

Yesterday was a pool day and today we're hitting the beach.
Happy Friday. :)