Natalie Whatley

Last week will go down as one of the best spring breaks ever.  Why? Because the only item on our agenda was to do what suited us in the moment, even if the desired activity was inactivity – a rare treat. In the absence of all the things that devour our time, not filling that void was akin to walking in an unfurnished room – one that awaited the homey feeling only a family can provide. And not one of us cared if the drapes didn’t coordinate with the rug or if the sofa didn’t “go” with the chairs.   

The much-needed break started out with cold, raw weather that was not at all what spring breakers hope for. However, I was thrilled. On a couple of those nasty days, we were slothful and pajamas were the uniform. I didn’t fight the soft rain, dark skies, or warm beds; I couldn’t. I was nearly comatose, but lucid enough to enjoy laziness not normally allowed by three children, a home, a dog, a cat, and two hamsters.  

Simultaneous with the clearing of the weather, we were refreshed by our mini hibernation and ready to get out and enjoy whatever the days would bring. The slate was clean; we were running the schedule instead of the reverse.  It was a feeling money can’t buy, and thank goodness for that as I’m certain our elected leaders would find a way of taxing it otherwise.

Early on, Jeff and I enjoyed a quiet lunch at the new Arby’s (food and service were excellent) followed by home-project shopping at Lowes – without children. Pure bliss!   

We took the kids bowling one evening. I broke 100 (a personal best for me even with the bumpers up) and beat the pants off the whole family with my high score of 116! I wasn’t able to perform as well and came in last on the following game, even with bowling-league extraordinaire Paul Barrow giving me a few pointers from the lane beside ours.  

On St. Patrick’s Day, we tried our luck on the greens of the Chambers County Golf Course with our two youngest children. When the cold fog burned off it was a beautiful day . . . no, it was a perfect day. There’s nothing like the serenity on a golf course.  I messed it up at one point when my ten-year-old daughter made an incredible shot. I jumped out of the cart clapping and yelled, “Great shot!” It wasn’t that prissy golf clap, either. Apologies to those who suffered during my breach in etiquette.

One day, we took in a couple of movies at our leisure, while on another the kids played outside until dark. Yard work was done, cars washed, lemonade drank, and sunshine abounded. No worries, no schedule, no clock hands directing our every move.

In this age of fast-tracking everything, it was heavenly to not only slow down, but stop altogether. By taking a break from obsessing over daily minutiae, the economy, bad news, crisis du jour, I’m reminded that life’s pretty darn good . . . even on a bad day.

I highly recommend spending time filling empty spaces . . . I promise you’ve got nothing better to do.

© 2009 Natalie Whatley

Spring break is already over for some, but for others it’s just beginning.

Recall that me, myself, and I comprise the sitting Board for the Whatley Entertainment Committee. We resigned numerous times only to be re-appointed. I can’t for the life of me figure out why.  

In advance of the week-long holiday that gives a much-needed reprieve from monotonous schedules, I started gathering budget-friendly entertainment ideas.  During my search, I realized there are probably a few people wondering what do with the kiddos all week. Since we’re friends, I’ll share the fruits of my labor.

In-Baytown outings: Gray Wetlands Center is open M-F 9-4 and Sat. 10-4; picnic at one of the city parks – Roseland spray park is now open; Sterling Municipal Library has its regular children’s time along with Teen Book Club meeting this week, check www.baytownlibrary.org for details; Baytown Historical Museum located at 220 W. Defee is open Tues.-Sat. from 10-2 – visited recently and was pleasantly surprised by all the interesting exhibits.  And, the Foreman’s at Max Bowl East always “let the good times roll”; see www.maxbowl.com/east/  for specials. 

San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas: Kids love climbing all over the Battleship and the museum portion of the Monument is a must-see for any self-respecting Texan. Ample picnic areas have plenty of room for kids to run and play.  Find more information at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/sanjac/ .

Space Center Houston:  All new adventure “Treasure!” It’s pirate-themed entertainment that won’t make your wallet scream ARGH!  “Lucky Loot” half-price tickets are available through April 1. Also performing until March 22 are the All American Dive Team, and Sponge Bob and Patrick Star live.  Further details and ticket information/purchase available at www.spacecenter.org .

Happy news: The Kemah Boardwalk is up and running for the most part. Check www.kemahboardwalk.com for specifics.  The Flying Dutchman, stingray reef, and play zone are still closed due to Ike, but due to reopen this month.

Schlitterbahn Galveston reopened March 14.  If you’ve not been, you’re missing out.  It’s fun for all ages, and I guarantee a good night’s sleep afterwards. Life jackets are available for little ones, but many bring their own.  You can bring your own ice chest and food, but no glass containers or alcohol allowed. Your bags/coolers will be checked upon entry. Tables are plentiful in areas all over the park. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online (print, and skip the ticket line) at www.schlitterbahn.com/gal/  where you’ll also find complete information on the park.

Moody Gardens, still undergoing some Ike repairs (website says rainforest pyramid closed until April), will reopen the IMAX theater on March 14, and the aquarium will feature “Penguin Encounter”. Details: www.moodygardens.com .

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be at Reliant Center until March 22. March 18 is a “value day” where ticket prices are discounted. Kids can enjoy all kinds of interactive exhibits, looking at livestock, petting various animals, carnival rides, and the expertise of the many on hand ready to discuss their agricultural work. And, don’t miss the pig races! Full details can be found at www.hlsr.com .

Opening in movie theaters March 13: Disney’s “Race to Witch Mountain”, rated PG.  “Family oriented sci-fi adventure that tells the story of two alien visitors . . . searching for their lost spaceship”. This is a remake of the 1975 Disney movie “Escape to Witch Mountain”.  By the trailer it looks to be a great story remade with modern movie-making technology.

Other places that make fun day trips include: The Houston Zoo, The Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Fine Arts and The Children’s Museum of Houston which promises the “ultimate playground for your mind” and also celebrated its expansion grand opening on March 14.  Information on nearly half-price tickets to six famous Houston Attractions, including the ones just mentioned can be found at www.citypass.com/city/houston.html .  The “city pass” is great for grandparents wishing to take different children to different places.

There’s no telling where I’ll end up, but I hope to see you there!

© 2009 Natalie Whatley

Spring break is finally here, and my offspring couldn’t be happier.  The much-needed hiatus from the grueling homework and extra-curricular schedule is always nice. However, the time off will be a mixed bag for me.

This week will be a precursor of what’s to come this summer – a little taste to whet my appetite. The euphoria I’m feeling over not having to drag them (or me) out of bed in the wee hours, deal with bickering over the bathroom, and run the roads from 2:00-8:00 p.m. will be short-lived. I’m simply not hungry for squabbling siblings, and I’m speaking from experience when I say that I’ll need a break after spring break.

Gosh, this would be so much more fun if I was writing to all of you from a posh, tropical resort instead of going off on a rant about how I anticipate the week “going down”.  Our esteemed financial advisor (me) ruined everyone’s plans by announcing some months ago that since we’re putting braces on one, and buying a truck for another, we have just enough money to stay home and enjoy each other’s company. 

Within the first 24 hours, there will be a major disagreement amongst my little darlings over exactly what constitutes spring- break fun, and where to allocate the time and money provided.  Adding to that monumental issue is the sad fact that my children have been cursed with two first-born stick-in-the-mud parents.  My and Jeff’s finer points don’t rest in leisure-time activities.

When it comes to making entertainment decisions, our house is as much divided as the Democrats and Republicans. Jeff and I are the evil conservatives, and our children represent the more free-wheeling Democrats. Unfortunately for the kids, we are the party currently in control of the house and fiscal matters.

Jeff took the week off as well, so we’ll have all sorts of family fun.  I’m almost giddy just thinking about it. Misery loves company, and I can’t think of a better person to share all that (sibling) love with.  I predict that before the week is out, we’ll all be reminded of the truth in the saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder”.

I don’t mean to sound as if I don’t enjoy the company of my family. It’s just that I’ve become jaded by spring-break past. As a young, inexperienced mother, I started off with visions of sunshine, backyard fun, butterflies, rainbows, and Hallmark moments.

Those dreams shattered over the years as I dealt with bickering, “I’m bored”, and playing cops and robbers so realistically that 911 was called. Don’t worry, there were no real injuries, but the “good guy” hung up on the operator before he made an actual report, and learned that the police still show up. How about that? The officers even stayed to chat for a few minutes; I think they realized they may have been needed at my house for a whole different reason.

I’ve decided I will survive.  My middle child has actually provided the answer to what will save my sanity: Time goes by much faster when he’s NOT at school. Funny how that works so well for him…I can’t seem to catch that break.