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Cake for Breakfast: Russell’s 5th Birthday

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I kind of use this blog as an online scrapbook sometimes to share pictures of what we do around here. Maybe someday when my kids have access to the internet they can check out what their Mom wrote about our family and them. I will always have a real scrapbook for them, but this is more immediate. Let’s face it real scrapbooking takes a lot of time, and I might get around to finishing Coco’s baby book before she is three.

Anyway, last weekend my oldest turned 5! 5, people! That is practically a teenager… I kid, I kid. Still, we are sailing in unchartered territory here. He is entering the realm of big kid. It is definitely weird that it was 5 years ago I delivered a 6 week early 5 lb 6 oz munchkin. I guess it is true what they say: time flies when you’re having fun (or tired)!

Russell is a very thoughtful kid. So much so, that even on his birthday he is thinking of other people. He was so excited to share his new toys with George and Caroline and he made sure that everyone was having fun.

He also asked if we could help other people for his birthday.

A few weeks ago, we were watching Disney Channel and there was a story about a girl who collected shoes for her birthday instead of presents. Russell asked if he could do something like that for his birthday or Christmas. I told him to think about what he would like to do, and we could see what we could do. After nap time was over, Russell came downstairs and said, “I would like people to bring me glasses. I will give them to people who don’t have any. I wear glasses to see better, and some people probably can’t see because they don’t have money to get glasses.”

My heart melted. I really wanted to honor this request for him, so I started some online research, and I found a charity that collects gently used metal and plastic eyeglasses and sunglasses, called New Eyes for the Needy. I told Russell all about it, and he began making some posters. In a few weeks we will be collecting glasses from everyone we know and sending them. So far, I think we have 11 pairs. Which doesn’t seem like a lot, but that is 11 people who will be able to see better because of a (then) 4 year old boy. Amazing! George got wind of this and is planning what he can do for his birthday. Maybe this will become a birthday tradition in our home.

To celebrate, Russell specifically requested bowling with his friend and dinner at Red Robin. We gladly obliged as Brian and I love bowling as do George and Coco.

Birthday boy almost got a spare here.

George and Coco watching.

Keeping score.

 

Happy Birthday Russell!

He had his favorite dinner (cheeseburger, fries, apple slices, and chocolate milk). However when we got home there wasn’t time for both cake and presents, so Russell chose to open presents.

The next morning we ate cake for breakfast! I felt like that Bill Cosby comedy routine. “Dad is great, gives us chocolate cake!”

Passing the Torch: Halloween Props

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Back in July, the boys were adamant that they be Olympians for Halloween. To be honest, I thought it might be something they would forget about, but when the discussion came up again about a month ago, they remembered that they wanted to be just like the Olympians they saw on TV. I’m also glad they didn’t necessarily mean Michael Phelps, as the weather here is too cold for speedos.

I was thrilled that they still wanted to be Olympians because I knew that it wouldn’t be a hard costume to put together. Also, I was happy that the costume would include sweats to keep them warm.

My brother and sister in law, sent some official team USA shirts and got them gold medals for their costume. They only thing they needed were some olympic torches. I looked on Pinterest for some inspiration here, here and here. Then, I came up with my own version for my little Olympians.

I found the perfect pack of tissue paper at Target that had some red and metallic gold tissue. My original plan was to use paper towel tubes, but realized those my not be sturdy enough for a night of gripping. So I found these pretend microphones that were only $1. I brought everything home and got to work.

 

I first very carefully wrapped the microphones with the gold tissue by rolling the microphone and then taping with scotch tape. I left the top open to make room for the flame.

Then, I used two shades of red tissue to make the flame. I carefully taped the tissue to the top of the microphone using some stronger masking tape (sorry for the blurry picture).

 

This project took about 5 minutes for each one, and cost me a total of $5. The kids have the perfect prop for their Olympian costumes, and are ready for trick or treating!

Here’s one more shot the boys. I don’t know what’s cuter the boys or the torches… ok the boys.

 

Linking up with the Pinterest Challenge on Young House Love and Serenity Now.

Good Outweighs the Bad: Play Doh Fun

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When I was a kid, I have to say, I was never a fan of clay or play dough. I didn’t like the smell and I hated how it would get caught under my finger nails. I know its weird. I was an old soul. What can I say? Now as an adult, I pretty much don’t like play dough for the same reasons in addition to having a fear of it getting in my area rugs or couches.

My kids, however, did not inherit my anti play dough mentality, and for that I am grateful. Excuse the stacks of laundry baskets of clothes waiting to be folded, just keeping it real. Plus they go perfectly with all the toys on the floor.

I’m so happy the kids like play dough. Not only is it something they can do on their own but also gives me a chance to fold laundry er pick up toys ummm… sit and catch my breath. Also, after doing a lot of research on the educational benefits of play dough from a few websites, I found that play dough has several educational and developmental benefits.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children play dough helps to strengthen fine motor skills.

 

Also, it can help with social skills such as peer conversation, interaction, and sharing.
Lastly, it can lead to exploration of different topics such as science.
After learning so much about play dough, I definitely think the good outweighs the bad, however, I still hate when it gets caught under my finger nails.
For more information about the benefits of play dough, check out this link.

Teachable Moments

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A few weeks back, I was at the super market with all three kids. Which as many with kids know can be a hellish interesting experience. While zipping through the store, with my half written list, one child eating Goldfish crackers and the other two letting go of the cart to give me their “sales pitch” on on various unhealthy foods that we must purchase for the mere fact that Lightening McQueen is on the box, I make my way to the frozen foods.

I stop.

There is a woman standing right in front of the frozen waffles. I excuse myself to grab a box, and she says, “Can you help me? My hands are so sore.” I nod my head, and get a box of waffles for her. I notice her hands are resting backside up on the handle of her grocery cart, too weak to grip. I then say, “Miss (I’m not a fan of calling someone Ma’am, as I was near tears when a teenager did it to me once) is everything ok?”

She begins to cry, telling me that she just finished her last round of chemo that morning. That she has a cab waiting outside. That she hopes the cancer is gone. That her grandkids are coming for the weekend and she needs food in the house. That her daughter was supposed to help her at the store today and couldn’t make it. That she thought she could do it herself. That she thinks she is going to just go home.

I reply, “No, we will help you.” The kids by now are listening. Russell and George IMMEDIATELY get to work, when I say the word help. Russell asks the woman, “What else are you going to buy? I will get it.” George says, “Can I push your cart, please?”

We follow the woman around getting our groceries and her groceries, putting anything in her cart that she needs. The boys talking to her, asking her such important questions as “Do you like the Chicago Bears?” and “What’s your favorite color?”

We get to the checkout. The woman thanks us, and tells us that the cab driver can help her from here.

The kids and I checkout. We get to the car. Load everything in. Put everyone in carseats. Buckle up.

I stop.

Russell says, “Mommy, that woman was a stranger.”

“Yes, Russell, she was, but Mommy is here to keep you safe.”

“I don’t like seeing people that are sad. Why was she sad?”

“Because she is sick.”

“I don’t like being sick. I’m glad we helped her.”

George chimes in, “Being sad is not fun.”

I reply, “No, George, being sad is no fun. Thank you for helping.”

That night as I had just told all three munchkins to put their clothes in the hamper for the millionth time.

I stop. I smile. I tear up.

It dawns on me. Even though these kids can drive me insane, they are starting to catch on to the important things in life. Brian and I have done something right. Today my kids helped someone in need. They understand kindness.

As a mother of young kids, it is hard to see the payoff from your labors. Months of, “Say please and thank you.” Hours of setting the timer so they can see the concept of “turn for turn”. Years of trying to lead by example. I finally am getting to see that my kids understand. Even though they are so young, they are starting to understand.

 

Now, excuse me while I go break up a three way screaming match over Secretariat our rocking horse (hey, no one is perfect all the time).

Linking up at Mom of 6 Share Your Life.

Kid Craft Time: Canvas Art

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As the weather begins to get cooler, more time is spent indoors with the kids. While the boys are in school now, it is only for a few mornings a week, so sometimes I am trying to find something to do indoors other than bringing out the Play-Doh again (ugh, someday I will talk about my love hate relationship with Play-Doh).

A few months ago, I pinned a few awesome craft ideas for the kids, so I thought it was time to break one out. My kids really like crafting and they also like when we display their work. Armed with a 40% off coupon and a sale on canvas I hit up JoAnn Fabrics, and got some supplies.
Here’s what we created: 

 

Here is how we did it: 

 

Supplies:
Canvas
Froggy Tape
Acrylic Paint
Stencil Sponge Brushes
Paint Smocks
Plastic Bags 

Prep the Site: First, I covered my children with smocks (basically Brian’s old shirts), and covered my table and floor with plastic bags. This made for easy cleanup.

 

Tape it Up: Then, I taped off a small section of the canvas with Froggy Tape. 

 

Pour it Out: I put a small dot of each color paint on a take out container top. I deginated one sponge brush per color to help keep things a little cleaner and help the colors not bleed into each other so much. 

 

Let Them Create: The kids started blotting the entire canvas with dots of paint. 

 

 

Dry: I let the paint dry for a few hours, and then VERY carefully removed the Froggy Tape. Then, in the empty space I added a sticker I found at Archiver’s with one of my favorite quotes. 

 

The total cost for this project was under $20. The kids got to participate, and we made some awesome sentimental art for our living room gallery.What a perfect way to spend a cool afternoon indoors. The only thing that would make this better is some cookies.







LInking up at Hi Sugarplum. Everyone there is posting ideas for crafts that can be done in about an hour. Check it out!

 
Also, linking up at Serenity Now for plenty of quick and easy weekend project ideas.
 
 
 
 

 

The End of Babies: Zoo Trips

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This is post is dedicated to our great family friends, you know who you are.
 
Today was one of those days that I swore would never happen. I swore I would never be one of “those Moms” that embarrassed her children with sobbing tears over every milestone of her kids’ lives.
I found out today, I cannot help it. It is what it is. I AM going to be one of “those Moms” and get emotional, and people are just going to have to get over it. Mainly myself.
Today marked a milestone for me and my Mommy friend, Colleen. We took our kids to the zoo, which was probably the MILLIONTH time we have done it (and I’m sure there is a million more visits to come), but today was different.
Let’s start at the beginning. Colleen and I started having babies in 2007 and didn’t stop until 2011. In four years, between the two of us, we had six kids. We were there for each other for every bout of morning sickness, every birth, every Baptism, birthday, and everything in between. We’ve talked about every possible baby topic at least a thousand times. From cloth diapering to teething. From homemade baby food to discipline. We’ve seen each other through baby blues, husbands working long hours, moving to new neighborhoods, and kids’ phases (like picky eaters).
In addition to our mommy relationship, our kids have have become so close, that they treat each other like family. They have learned to share, take turns, and help each other. They have spent hours holding hands and following each other everywhere. They have taught each other lessons. They have shared meals, moments, and tears. They have shared their babyhoods together.
A lot of this all comes back to the zoo. The zoo is a place we started going when Colleen’s oldest was about 9 months old and mine was about 4 months old. It was a weekly gathering spot. As we would have more children, we would just pack more food and get bigger strollers.
I remember the first time we brought all six of the kids to the zoo, and we felt like “SUPERMOMS.” We thought we could take on the world. Most people around us looked at us, and thought we were crazy, but we didn’t care. The zoo was/is our place. Our kids can play, learn, and talk with each other. Colleen and I could catch our breath and talk about things that only we could appreciate (like how we just figured out the perfect system for organizing toys in our house).
Today is different because the kids are growing up.
We blinked.
School is starting. Our time is not our own. We cannot call each other and say, “it’s gorgeous outside, we’re going to the zoo.” or “Our kids needs a playdate, let’s head to the zoo.” or “I’m going to go insane if I don’t get out of this house, let’s go to the zoo.”
To our kids nothing changes. We WILL, of course, still meet up at the zoo. If it were up to our kids a pair of them will get married some day, and probably want to have their wedding reception there. But, Colleen and I realized something today. Our babies our growing up. Zoo trips will have to be scheduled around school, soccer and ballet (watery eyes). And as years’ pass, we will probably trying to coordinate a trip before everyone leaves for college (tears).
It kind of seems like an end of an era. Soon, no more strollers, no more sippy cups, no more diapers. Conversations will turn to drivers’ licenses, boy/girl parties, and college.
While we were both a little (and by a little, I really mean VERY) emotional today. I have to say some of my tears were happy. We have created a bond for our kids and with each other that will hopefully last a lifetime. Maybe someday they will be meeting at the zoo with their own kids (sob).Looking forward to what’s ahead. Are you?

Soccer Camp: I swore I’d never be a ‘Soccer Mom’

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When I first heard the term “Soccer Mom,” all I could think of is the “Mom Jeans” commercial from SNL. You will NEVER EVER see me sport a pair of Mom Jeans (EVER), but I have to say watching the boys at soccer camp last week was awesome.

They really learned a lot about the sport, and I even got to participate in the parents vs. kids game. The kids bragged about beating us, but we totally let them win (maybe).
Does that make me a Soccer Mom? Maybe, but did I mention I will never wear mom jeans?

Time Flies… Or Does It?

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The other day, I came upstairs to find this:

Three munchkins playing in the tupperware cabinet. At first, I’m not going to lie, I was a little annoyed. There they are sitting right in my way, and it is almost time for lunch. Then, I took a deep breath, and started to thank my lucky stars that they are still young enough to enjoy playing in the tupperware cabinet. Thanking God they are still little, and enjoy simple things.

 

Time has gone so fast it seems in the past few years, that in this moment I was so happy that it had slowed down, just a bit.

 

Someone once told me that someday I will miss the quiet and the mess so enjoy it. So that is what I’m going to do from now on.

 

Even if that means I have to re-organize the tupperware cabinet once in awhile.