Amanda being recognized as an "Outstanding Student" in mathematics at Cascade High School

Amanda was nominated by her Geometry teacher in recognition of her academic achievements. Here is what Ms. Parker has to say about Amanda, "Amanda is an excellent role model and quiet leader in Geometry class. She consistently turns in excellent work, is always on task, and demonstrates an incredible work ethic daily." We are so proud of Amanda's achievement, especially since this is an honor's class and being a freshman in a sophomore class. We are so proud of you. Keep up the good work. You have a bright future ahead of you.

Mouse in the House

This is what happens when you leave the sliding glass door open in the morning... cats bring gifts!

Video Blog of Amanda's performances and our featured numbers from CATS as seen at the Applause Studio 2010 Recital - FAME

Here is a playlist of all of the dances Amanda performed in the Applause Studio 2010 Recital - FAME.
Also featured in the playlist is Amanda and Me performing in a couple of featured numbers from the Applause Players musical production of CATS.
Click the "PLAY BUTTON" to watch the show!! ENJOY!!

Hang in there, baby... Friday's coming!!!

Happy Thursday - Reggie is Climbing the Walls!!

If only I had the video rolling for what

happened in the 60 seconds that

followed this photo.

Meow!

Applause Players "CATS" - Ultimate Blooper (expertly handled)

As Miss Laura would say, "WELCOME TO THEATER!"
So here we are... third and final show of the weekend. All is going along quite smoothly until this point. Sure... Friday night had a little blip at the beginning when the opening music started before our CATs were on stage... that was no problem - nothing noticeable. Saturday night we had a slight microphone malfunction during Grizabella's magnificent solo, "Memory." That was somewhat painful... but Griz skillfully reached behind her back and turned it off. Luckily... she projects very well. But nothing will top the transition section between "Jellicle Ball" and "Macavity." There is this transition scene where Old Deuteronomy gets kidnapped while sirens and suspenseful music plays in the background. Meanwhile, the three soloists, are quickly getting mic'd for Macavity (Lisa, Alex, & Amanda). When the transition music looped again, we figured they were buying time since there isn't nearly enough time to get all three gals mic'd before the Macavity music starts up. But we quickly realized we had a little problem when the transition track and sirens started playing over the Macavity track... just when we thought it was going to be no big deal and it sounded like it was going to be okay.... watch and see how it turned out!

There are places I remember....

1. La Push, WA, USA


2. Neah Bay, WA, USA


3. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada


4. Ocean Shores, WA, USA


5. Roche Harbor, WA, USA


6. West Hollywood, CA, USA


7. Newport Beach, CA, USA


8. New Orleans, LA, USA


9. Seaside, OR, USA


10. Winthrop, WA, USA


11. Whidbey Island, WA, USA


12. Edmonds, WA, USA

• View my profile


• Create your own travel map or travel blog


• Top vacation rentals at TripAdvisor

Oh, deer!!

Now I know how we ended up with so many deer in our back yard! Never a dull moment at the Rice house!

Triple Birthday Celebration at the McMansion on Camano Island

click here to view photosLance & Reba hosted friends and extended family for a wonderful birthday celebration for mom and the twins: Mom turned 79 and Gary & Larry turned the BIG 5-0. It was a beautiful day all the way around. The sun shined on us and a beautiful sailboat floated by with red sails... as if dad was there - He would have been celebrating his birthday this day too... his 80th.

Rice Family Easter 2010

Well... the Easter Bunny did not disappoint this year. He left a couple of awesome Easter baskets for Amanda and Austin and a back yard full of eggs filled with loot.

Click on the "play" button below to watch the video production of the Easter Basket Scavenger Hunt and follow Austin and Amanda as they follow the clues to their baskets of goodies.

Click on the photo below to watch some clips and see fun photos from Amanda & Austin's back yard Easter Egg hunt!

Easter Egg Hunt 2010

After the Easter Egg Hunt... we packed up the car and the kids and headed to the Great Wolf Lodge for a mini vacation. Here are just a few photos we captured.

Great Wolf Lodge

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Low Fat Whole Wheat Honey Banana Muffins

(with flax seed, oat bran, and a splash of organic palm nectar crystals)

These muffins are a great snack for the kids (and mom and dad too) and are 100% healthy (but don’t tell the kids)! No refined flour or sweeteners and a good dose of fiber! Enjoy -- Happy Eating, Happy Health!!

35 min | 20 min prep

Makes 24 muffins

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour


• 1 1/2 cups milled flax seed


• 1/2 cup all natural oat bran


• 2 teaspoons baking soda


• 1 teaspoon salt


• 1/3 cup organic palm nectar crystals


• 2 tablespoons wheat germ (optional)


• 1/3 cup olive oil or canola oil


• 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce


• 2/3 cup honey


• 4 eggs


• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas


• 1/2 cup hot water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Stir together dry ingredients.


2. Beat oil and honey together; add eggs and beat well.


3. Add bananas and beat to combine.


4. Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with hot water; mix well after each addition.


5. Spoon batter into 24 greased muffin cups; bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes, or until muffins are golden brown and test done.


6. Remove from oven and cool on rack.

Julie’s handy tip: For easy and perfect portions, use a gravy ladle when spooning batter into muffin tins.