Children and Charity

We're still not entirely sure where our child has learned about locks of love, or that he can grow out and donate his hair, but he announced a couple weeks back that he's growing his hair out (and refused to go and get it cut).

My husband planned to get all the boys' hair cut the following day. When our son announced to his daddy that he would not be getting his done, explained that he's growing it out, and he'll be donating his hair. At first we were shocked, and said nothing to anyone, but mostly we figured he'd change his mind. I personally figured he was trying to have some control in and over his life, but as time passed we both realized he might just be serious.

My husband and I talked about this, without any kids around, and went over all our concerns. First of all he is a seven-year-old little boy, peer pressure is starting to become a factor, and if he follows through he needs at least ten inches of hair past the ponytail (so he'll need more that can pull back and form into one). There are so many factors to take into consideration, and he is a child (with a child's mentality), and for all we know he can change his mind at any time.

 

He is such an amazing little boy!!! He loves to do charity/volunteer work, he's always looking for ways to do things for others, and he is turning into a great little person. His father and I are so proud of the child we are raising...

 

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First let me say, there are many great places to volunteer, and find ways children can volunteer. We're in a few groups, and if children are not allowed I'll check my husband schedule to see if I can do it, but we're always on the look out for things our children can do to give back to their community.

 

Charity Navigator

 

Charity Watch

 

Locks Of Love

 

Volunteer Center of Sacramento

 

Volunteer Match

 

Sacramento Food Bank

 

City of Sacramento Volunteer Opportunities

 

Sacramento Zoo Volunteering

 

 

Learned How to Tie Shoes

 

Youngest Ties Shoes

 

My youngest child in just a couple hours learned today... How to tie his shoes!!!

 

~*Cheers*~ ... ~*Applause*~ ... ~*Congratulate*~

 

Basically my middle child needed new shoes, the main part requires him to tie his shoes, and it has velcro at the top. He chose his shoes because he no longer wanted to pick shoes that light up as he runs (apparently those are now for babies). He's so fixated on becoming older.

 

My youngest son struck up an interest and in just a couple hours he accomplished his goal. I have to admit, it took a short time with his daddy, wanting to be like his big brother, and I offered him a reward (positive reinforcement). We didn't need to do things like we had with the previous children, and never pushed him to learn, figured he could wear velcro shoes that light up as he runs until he was ready.

 

Today was his day... ~*Praise*~

 

Now he is currently sitting by the front door, tying shoe after shoe, and by morning we'll all need extra time to get off to school and work. Worth it...

 

 

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Bunny Ears

 

Ribbon Box Idea

 

Shoe Lace Methods

 

Video

 

Wikihow with pics

Dragon Fruit

 

We love having the kids try new things, adventures in food... Dragon Fruit won this time!

 

 

The boys didn't know what to expect, the flesh is like a white kiwi, but without flavor of its own. The texture is the same too... so we sprinkled on sugar.

 

Life is about trying new things, indulging in things that are pleasurable, and having fun... living! Dragon fruit has a much better look and name than the actual process of eating. But, the boys can now know they've conquered one more experience (and flavor).

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How to Eat

 

Nutritional Value

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid "The Third Wheel"

~*Score*~... found the book, cheaper than most local stores!!! My children are absolutely in love with this author's series of books... so tonight they get to also count it towards their reading for homework at school.

Hot Cocoa and Shortbread Cookies

As the rain came down, we heated up the hot cocoa, and Costco has chocolate dipped shortbread cookies... to die for!

 

Basically, we would have done the mini cinnamon rolls, but had to literally flip a coin (as other customers watched me try and restore civility between my kids). Even though my middle son won, the little one threw an even bigger fit, and thankfully the middle child was willing to give up his choice (I asked they choose one so we don't fill up on naughty food at home).

 

I honestly didn't think that I would like the cookies, but the taste is divine! It has a perfect crispness, delicate moisture content (buttery), and I can taste a hint of almond extract. I am actually glad that it squished my negative thoughts. Than to make the experience even better, a woman let me cut in line, before having to make the mad dash to the car in the downpour outside. Anyone who shops Costco knows it is hard to get out under $100, the lines are crazy long (they even removed the self check out which used to speed up our process), and if you are like me it is hard to get around other customers in the isles (they tend to walk slower, and if you make a list and get specific things, it slows down the power walk I love and squeeze in). But I have to admit, there were less congregating around free samples, I got in and out fast, and it was a truly positive experience.

 

Thanks to the lovely woman who let me cut in line, I hope she is blessed for her act of kindness...

Watching TV & Snuggle Time

Sometimes a child needs a day to simply cuddle on a couch, watch something that they enjoy, and just get lost in the moments of life...

 

My boys say around in pajamas (one in his underwear), they ate left over Halloween candy, and got lost in being little boys! They had action packed thoughts from Spiderman, they exercised their brain muscle with I Spy, and we all had bonding moments... just being silly.

Halloween Candy to Trash

Better late than never, and I've been meaning to post this, but life has been busy!

 

This is just an idea of unsafe candy, that needs to be thrown away... lollipops that can be unwrapped and re-wrapped, foil candies, Tootsie rolls, boxed candy that can be re-glued after being opened, and  gum.

 

 

I know boxed candy seems like it is safe, but there it no way to truly tell if it was carefully opened, than glued shut...

 

When I was a kid Pixie Stix were soaked in things, dried, than handed out to kids... I toss all I find in the trash to stay on the safe side.

 

To be perfectly honest, and I know there are many parents that get upset, but to safest thing is to throw all candy from strangers away and hit the 50% off sales the day after. I know some people get in an uproar because they actually bought the candy, and we don't buy the cheap stuff (not many trick or treat'ers so we get stuck with leftovers)... but it would not hurt my feelings if other parents did the same. It makes no sense to give something than dictate what a person does with it.

 

This just gives an idea of how to go through Halloween candy, what to throw away, and what to keep... look for pin holes, glue spots, and anything partially open... never eat it while still going door to door!