Memorial Day Weekend 2013

 

The weekend started off with a trip to the zoo. It was completely packed, with lines out to the street. I was grateful we have a membership and moved over to that line (much shorter, faster). We packed a lunch, enjoyed the animals, and had a great "family bonding experience". It was kind of nice sitting at the picnic tables, in the shade, and watching them in the play area. I'm sure it won't be much longer before they out grow this part of their lives. It was nice to sit back and just "be".

 

 

Here is an aspect of our weekend I was most happy with! We tried fajitas (made at home with Spanish Rice) and I think it was a "score"! ~*Mmm*~

With the sprinkles (slight rain) on Memorial Day, I took out the Smore Set...

 



We had another "First"... COMIC BOOKS!!!

 

We've been to a few stores, which call themselves comic books stores than just have figurines and trading cards. I think I have found our "fave spot" (or "sweet spot") when it comes to actual comic books!!! ~*Score*~

 

A-1 Comics

5361 Auburn Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95841

 

This place is absolutely amazing, whether you are looking for a specific item, or simply want the nostalgia of "Big Bang Theory". Personally, I collected comic books as a teenager, played RPG (still do virtual RPGing), and I would have popped a blood vessel if I didn't have perfect grades. However, comic books in a boy's life are a natural transition. Today kicked off their "firsts" in their soon to be collections...

 

I loved watching them devour the "first" of their collections in the car ride home. They neatly tucked them into their "special boxes" (reserved for prized things, and private from each other). I think I am going to treasure and appreciate this round of parenting.

Discovery Museum (Science and Space Center)

Last weekend we introduced our boys to the Discovery Museum! They have a Facebook page too... we now have a membership (added with our Sacramento Zoo membership, we let the Railroad Museum membership go)!

~*Cheers*~

The boys walked around with a clipboard, which we loved because it forced them to visit and learn from each station. There are so many aspects that brought me back to my own childhood (in this same building). They got to dress up and pretend, interactive robot, live animal show, planetarium, and it made for a truly memorable day. I could not have asked for more.

We enjoyed watching our children interact with the exhibits. Hands on learning experiences not just on their own but also with staff. We are thankful for the learning experiences and chance to bond as a family. And let us not forget the adorable pictures of the boys. These will add to the memories we talk about with our future grandchildren. And my husband and I plan to be great as grandparents, which is why we practice new things with our children. Let's just hope they wait until after they are well established in careers before blessing us with the next generation...

In the meantime I am enjoying every moment we have with our AMAZING BOYS!!! Last night was "game night", they beat us with "Beat the Parents" (trivia game), than we all had Baskin Robins (ice cream). We love bonding with our boys.

??? Girlfriend ???

Our seven year old announced to us a few months back that he has a girlfriend. It isn't much past being "best friends", but they decided to give it a title. When I first found out it took great restraint to not seize up. I read parenting books, talked with my husband, and reflected on my own childhood. It is perfectly natural to explore the relationships and personalities or those outside of our homes (and extended families). We made sure to include the "no spreading germs" talk (thanks to the advice of a neighbor who works with school children in her profession, thankful for her). His "girlfriend" is more like a reflection of himself, same personality, some humor, etc.

Our youngest son recently announced he has a girlfriend. I was certain with his competitive spirit; it is more about the dynamics with his brother than a first crush. I asked him what her name is (sounds cute). Than I asked if she knew she was his girlfriend, "nope". Later when talking to my husband, I whispered, "that doesn't have stalker written all over it". All in good fun, we laughed outside the discussion with our son.

I do want to add; I have gratitude for the book I have been recently reading! It states to talk to your kids about things that "don't matter" because it opens the doors to the things that do matter! It is hard to face those emotions of my baby doing things I am not ready for or giving up control so they can grow into who/what they are to become. And I am thankful for the fact we have more than one child so we don't have a narrow view of parenting. Each child is a different adventure in life... diverse personalities, different looks, and it has been a huge blessing!

Creative Imaginations

 

Creative Imaginations

 

There is nothing more precious than watching a child play. To have the ability to stop what you are doing and gaze into their perceptions. I love how I can gauge how they are feeling and what is currently going on in their lives just by watching.

Free play is extremely important to the development of a child. We have taken the approach early on to never overload the kids with activities. We let them choose what they want to do, than support them (and cheer them on).

 

Family Education

Purpose of Alone Play Time

 

Scientific American

Kid's Health

Most of all I am simply grateful to play an active role in the lives of our children. We have an open dialect, trust, and honesty with our kids. This is something that my husband and I strive for. He loves his boys to no end (as do I)!

 

Mother's Day 2013

 

~*Mother's Day*~... May 12th, 2013

 

My day actually started off with my kids crawling into my bed to snuggle. They were so excited it was "Mother's Day", but I was thankful to give them kisses and hugs. We spent some bonding time before we crept into the living room to watch cartoons.

 

When "daddy" got home, the lil one was complaining about his toe. It was looking much worse than the day before, but I figured I couldn't get him into his doctor until Monday. I just didn't see the urgency of going through the emergency room for something so minor and exorbitant costs (co-pay). Turns out they have another option that is more like a doctor's office setting but without the inflated costs of emergency medicine! Thank God...

 

We took the very next appointment, which meant we needed to leave as soon as we hung up the phone. Once we arrived the wait time wasn't bad at all. They were handing out roses to all the moms in gratitude for "Mother's Day". It was a appreciated and heart warming. I was already in a good mood from the love and attention of our boys.

 

Once in the exam room we learned it was probably caused from him stubbing his toe. And that his swim class might have been why it didn't look worse than it does. There was a culture sent to be tested (will learn in a couple days if we switch medication). He's to take antibiotics twice a day, soak his foot in Epsom salt and water. And his follow up appointment with his normal doctor he has a shot due. Poor kid probably wishes he'd stayed home.

 

I plan to file away the cute gifts from our amazing little boys! My seven year old made me a book (things he loves about mom, and last page that he'd buy me a big truck when he grows up) along with a scarf. My six year old made me a card and an 8x10 cherry blossom branch (Chinese symbols for harmony).

 

I am absolutely grateful for my little boys! They remind me that all my sacrifices have a purpose, that I'm doing a great job, and that we live a truly blessed life. Days like today (and it is only half over) remind me of all that is going positive in our lives.

 

Swim Lessons

Our youngest little man is enthusiastic about his swim classes. We don't mind sitting on the sidelines cheering him on. He's actually been improving (his skills). And I adore watching other families (multigenerational) show up to cheer on their kids too. I sometimes wonder if that is what it'll be like when our children have children.

 

~*CHEERS*~... this week for the first time he swam to the platform, and to the instructor. About five feet of swimming under water, we're so excited for him!

Stamp Out Hunger

 

This is something that is near and dear to the hearts of our family! This year I let my boys rummage through the cupboards and help add things to give. We managed to put together five grocery bags of food and a gallon of juice. I love how much my boys care, the empathy they display towards others, and that we're blessed enough to find little things they can do (most volunteering they are too young for).

 

Help... STAMP OUT HUNGER

 

https://www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger

 

http://www.helpstampouthunger.com

Mother's Day Spoons

Every Year I enjoy making "Mother's Day Spoons" for the boys to give to classmates. Last year they were gold Hershey Kisses with red roses... this year I did my favorite color!

~*Purple*~ ... ~*Purple*~ ... and more ~*Purple*~ (Deep Purple)

A spoonful of love
And a couple of wishes,
That you enjoy your
Mother's Day Kisses!

Supplies needed...  plastic spoons, tulle fabric (circles that are used for wedding stuff), ribbon (to tie it together, left over from Christmas), Hershey Kisses, scrapbooked pictures (I do wallet size), flowers with those wires to wrap around... and a hole punch for the pictures with the poem.

Normally I do the color scheme around the flowers I can manage to find. And they are getting harder and harder to find. This year I did the colors off the Hershey Kisses, and just thankful it happened to be my favorite color so I feel like it celebrates me as well.

I love the boys having the ability to give to their class. I don't do it for attention, or to have them recognized... but the pure joy in the "happy thoughts". One reason our names or pictures are never added. I imagine a little boy or girl handing it to their mother, and why I work on making it as cute as possible. We all love the paper flowers, colored pictures, and homemade cards... but why not help to make it a little more special if possible?

I hope in my heart of hearts that this small gesture brings a lot more joy!!!

 

 

Finished... but full of love and potential to make someone's day!

 

Caterpillar

 

Yesterday we went to the park, we lovingly call the "butterfly park". Basically, it backs onto a nature preserve where they seem to migrate every year. We came a little early because we noticed most were still caterpillars.

 

 

 

I was hoping to get some good pictures but most like the Tiger Swallow wouldn't land and stay still.

~*Dishes*~

 

I think it is absolutely adorable that my little ones tried their best to do the dishes.

 

~*Cute*~