Favorite songs sung in our house lately...
Tamlin:
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne: "Going off the rails on a crazy train"
YMCA by the Village People: "It's fun to go to the Y M C A, Y M C A"
Rock you by Queen: "We will, we will, Rock you.
Jingle Bells: "Jingle bells, one horse open sleigh, jingle all the way, HEY!"
Jude:
Jingle Bells: "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, HEY!"
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Oh, Jude
Oh Jude...my youngest...
Hard to believe he's as old now as Tamlin was when he was born. Did that sentence make sense?
Jude has such a huge personality in his little body and so strong willed! What is up with my little Jude-o lately?
Bare feet. He wants to see his feet and toes. This means that wearing socks is a bit of a struggle, a fight I don't try to win around the house. It also means that he doesn't like it when his pants are so long that his feet get stuck in the legs. He also really only wants to wear his blue croc shoes...and only boots for a short time if it means he can wear his shoes when we get where we are going.
Independence. I do it! I do it! He wants to do it himself with little to no help. He especially wants to not have me hold / or steady things for him. Most times I let him try it for himself.
Trains. Wooden trains or geotrax or hot-wheels or stickers. He is very into trains and lining them up in long lines. Lately trains have been the choice object to go to bed with him. Planes, especially the little planes, are still a favorite too and are often found in the coaches of the train cars. The past few days he has been quite content to play with re-usable train stickers that he got for Christmas.
Stop signs. Another favorite of late, though he pronounces "sign" as a two syllable word "sigh-nee". He points them out along the road while in the car and carries a wooden one around the house.
Colors and letters. Thanks to preschool and his older brother, Jude is mastering his letter, shapes, and colors. He loves pointing out colors of things and hearing the praise when he gets them right. Recently, besides pointing out letters, he is saying their sounds too. Such a smart little cookie.
Reading. "I read it." We read stories each night before bed. Usually, Tam takes the books just read to bed with him to look at in the morning. Now, Jude is grabbing the books and "reading" them, or at least remembering what I had said and parroting it back. Books of interest have been about stars and moons.
Budding artist. He is quite into drawing and crafting art. I am always seeing new artwork from him made at preschool. At home, he loves to draw and color, but mostly with pens and markers (not so much crayons). The downside is I don't have a ton of markers anymore :-( Stamps and stickers are also favorites. The drawings aren't much but circles still, but he is getting better at coloring within the lines.
Potty Trained, mostly. We have gone over to underwear all day. Fingers crossed. Pooping in the potty is still not 100%, but we are hopeful.
Latest phrases:
I do it! Go potty! No take bath! Stop sigh-nee! I want ____, I want ____ please! Blue Shoes, please! Tamlin share! No!
Hard to believe he's as old now as Tamlin was when he was born. Did that sentence make sense?
Jude has such a huge personality in his little body and so strong willed! What is up with my little Jude-o lately?
Bare feet. He wants to see his feet and toes. This means that wearing socks is a bit of a struggle, a fight I don't try to win around the house. It also means that he doesn't like it when his pants are so long that his feet get stuck in the legs. He also really only wants to wear his blue croc shoes...and only boots for a short time if it means he can wear his shoes when we get where we are going.
Independence. I do it! I do it! He wants to do it himself with little to no help. He especially wants to not have me hold / or steady things for him. Most times I let him try it for himself.
Trains. Wooden trains or geotrax or hot-wheels or stickers. He is very into trains and lining them up in long lines. Lately trains have been the choice object to go to bed with him. Planes, especially the little planes, are still a favorite too and are often found in the coaches of the train cars. The past few days he has been quite content to play with re-usable train stickers that he got for Christmas.
Stop signs. Another favorite of late, though he pronounces "sign" as a two syllable word "sigh-nee". He points them out along the road while in the car and carries a wooden one around the house.
Colors and letters. Thanks to preschool and his older brother, Jude is mastering his letter, shapes, and colors. He loves pointing out colors of things and hearing the praise when he gets them right. Recently, besides pointing out letters, he is saying their sounds too. Such a smart little cookie.
Reading. "I read it." We read stories each night before bed. Usually, Tam takes the books just read to bed with him to look at in the morning. Now, Jude is grabbing the books and "reading" them, or at least remembering what I had said and parroting it back. Books of interest have been about stars and moons.
Budding artist. He is quite into drawing and crafting art. I am always seeing new artwork from him made at preschool. At home, he loves to draw and color, but mostly with pens and markers (not so much crayons). The downside is I don't have a ton of markers anymore :-( Stamps and stickers are also favorites. The drawings aren't much but circles still, but he is getting better at coloring within the lines.
Potty Trained, mostly. We have gone over to underwear all day. Fingers crossed. Pooping in the potty is still not 100%, but we are hopeful.
Latest phrases:
I do it! Go potty! No take bath! Stop sigh-nee! I want ____, I want ____ please! Blue Shoes, please! Tamlin share! No!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Weekend Adventures
It's Saturday and the kids are driving us bonkers in the house. The weather is wet and yucky outside, so no dice to just throw them into the backyard to play. The past couple of weeks, I have been on the hunt for relatively cheap indoor activities to do with the kiddos on the weekends.
Last week, our adventure took us to an indoor play arena / arcade...which was fun, though more fun for the kiddos than me. It was quite loud, crowded, and crawling with, well, kids. Oh, and I did I mention how "fun" it is to crawl up into the jungle gym to help the 2.5 year old Juddo get over a few obstacles (that he repeatedly wanted to climb over). At least I wasn't the only parent crawling around with a youngster who was trying to play with the bigger kids on the larger gym. However, I did notice that this gym was conveniently next to...an antique mall. Guess where we might go when Papa Ralph comes to visit?!
This weekend, I wanted something I could be more involved in with the littles. I decided to kick a bit old school.
We went...
Wait for it...
Roller Skating!
It was a blast! The rink was about 15 minutes from home and open skate was from 1-4pm. I got there around 2 (with the kids micro napping in the car on the ride out). Brian had to work, but I told him that if it was successfull we would look into coming out again as a family on another day. Now, Tamlin has skating on the Fisher-price skates outside, but Jude hasn't skated ever. I had read online that the rink had the toddler skates for rent, so I was stoked that both kids would be able to have fun.
However, when I got there, they were out of the toddler skates! 30 pairs all rented! The attendant was nice enough to check the rental prior to me paying for admission, but she assured me they did have small sized normal skates. The manager apologized and gave me 50% off! Wahoo!
Once inside, I had major flashbacks to the old roller den in 'Bula. The dazzling laser lights, the hip music, the mushroom shape chairs, carpet up the walls, cheesy snack bar, arcade games ... oh, such memories of skating to Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, and New Kids on the Block.
The kids are already digging the place and dancing to the music as I step up to get their skates. Tamlin gets a pair easily, newish with a harder plastic shell...
and Jude first tries the smallest pair they have (and one of the oldest pairs!). I did have to up Jude to the second smallest pair they had, size 8. And these little ones are the old-school brown skates with orange toe-stops! Oh the boys looked so cute in their skates, jeans, and white t-shirts. I opted to stay in shoes 'cause I knew the boys would be looking and clutching on me for support. Next time though...
I showed Tamlin the basic means to move forward and that he needs to go on tip-toe to stop. I told him him to stay close to the wall for support and not to be afraid to fall on his bum. I held Jude up by his hands, which he clung to desperately. I kept positive and did not laugh at their attempts to keep their balance...oh it was cute. Both boys were real troopers and tried their hardest to skate. We even attempted the actual rink floor for about a quarter of the circle, but mostly we worked our way around the outside (carpeted) area. We did make it into the center of the rink for the birthday song and the hokey-pokey, the later of which was a hilarious attempt at staying upright while the wee ones turnaround on skates and simultaneously try to pull you over. Skating (and helping to skate) is hard work, so we did take a break to eat the highly nutritious slushy and warm pretzel. Jude informed me that he wants his next birthday at the roller rink...which I may really keep in mind as a fun idea.
Before we left, we played a couple of games of skee-ball and won enough tickets for a couple of pieces of candy. The attendants were all really nice and made sure both boys got a treat, even if the # of tickets was a bit less.
I think we made it entirely around the rink 3 times in two hours, but it was a ton of fun. By the end, Tamlin was actually skating for several strides before falling down and using his toe stops. Jude was even maintaining an upright position for minutes at a time! Both of them attempted to even "dance" while upright on their wheels.
All in all, the boys loved it and had a blast. I loved being involved with making them smile and get some exercise, even if my back is a bit sore from helping them keep their balance for several hours.
Can't wait to go again, with Brian and even other family members. Can't wait to get a pair of skates back on my feet too! I love to skate and remember street skating during gradeschool...may have to pick that up again :-) I remember wearing a pair of white skates with blue pom-poms.
I had a terrible itch to participate in all the special skate songs at the rink: backward skate, speed skate, shoot the rapids. I even told Tamlin about all the skating I used to do, and that even his Papa Ralph used to skate! Good times.
http://www.rollarena.biz/
Last week, our adventure took us to an indoor play arena / arcade...which was fun, though more fun for the kiddos than me. It was quite loud, crowded, and crawling with, well, kids. Oh, and I did I mention how "fun" it is to crawl up into the jungle gym to help the 2.5 year old Juddo get over a few obstacles (that he repeatedly wanted to climb over). At least I wasn't the only parent crawling around with a youngster who was trying to play with the bigger kids on the larger gym. However, I did notice that this gym was conveniently next to...an antique mall. Guess where we might go when Papa Ralph comes to visit?!
This weekend, I wanted something I could be more involved in with the littles. I decided to kick a bit old school.
We went...
Wait for it...
Roller Skating!
It was a blast! The rink was about 15 minutes from home and open skate was from 1-4pm. I got there around 2 (with the kids micro napping in the car on the ride out). Brian had to work, but I told him that if it was successfull we would look into coming out again as a family on another day. Now, Tamlin has skating on the Fisher-price skates outside, but Jude hasn't skated ever. I had read online that the rink had the toddler skates for rent, so I was stoked that both kids would be able to have fun.However, when I got there, they were out of the toddler skates! 30 pairs all rented! The attendant was nice enough to check the rental prior to me paying for admission, but she assured me they did have small sized normal skates. The manager apologized and gave me 50% off! Wahoo!
Once inside, I had major flashbacks to the old roller den in 'Bula. The dazzling laser lights, the hip music, the mushroom shape chairs, carpet up the walls, cheesy snack bar, arcade games ... oh, such memories of skating to Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, and New Kids on the Block.
The kids are already digging the place and dancing to the music as I step up to get their skates. Tamlin gets a pair easily, newish with a harder plastic shell...and Jude first tries the smallest pair they have (and one of the oldest pairs!). I did have to up Jude to the second smallest pair they had, size 8. And these little ones are the old-school brown skates with orange toe-stops! Oh the boys looked so cute in their skates, jeans, and white t-shirts. I opted to stay in shoes 'cause I knew the boys would be looking and clutching on me for support. Next time though...I showed Tamlin the basic means to move forward and that he needs to go on tip-toe to stop. I told him him to stay close to the wall for support and not to be afraid to fall on his bum. I held Jude up by his hands, which he clung to desperately. I kept positive and did not laugh at their attempts to keep their balance...oh it was cute. Both boys were real troopers and tried their hardest to skate. We even attempted the actual rink floor for about a quarter of the circle, but mostly we worked our way around the outside (carpeted) area. We did make it into the center of the rink for the birthday song and the hokey-pokey, the later of which was a hilarious attempt at staying upright while the wee ones turnaround on skates and simultaneously try to pull you over. Skating (and helping to skate) is hard work, so we did take a break to eat the highly nutritious slushy and warm pretzel. Jude informed me that he wants his next birthday at the roller rink...which I may really keep in mind as a fun idea.
Before we left, we played a couple of games of skee-ball and won enough tickets for a couple of pieces of candy. The attendants were all really nice and made sure both boys got a treat, even if the # of tickets was a bit less.
I think we made it entirely around the rink 3 times in two hours, but it was a ton of fun. By the end, Tamlin was actually skating for several strides before falling down and using his toe stops. Jude was even maintaining an upright position for minutes at a time! Both of them attempted to even "dance" while upright on their wheels.
All in all, the boys loved it and had a blast. I loved being involved with making them smile and get some exercise, even if my back is a bit sore from helping them keep their balance for several hours.Can't wait to go again, with Brian and even other family members. Can't wait to get a pair of skates back on my feet too! I love to skate and remember street skating during gradeschool...may have to pick that up again :-) I remember wearing a pair of white skates with blue pom-poms.
I had a terrible itch to participate in all the special skate songs at the rink: backward skate, speed skate, shoot the rapids. I even told Tamlin about all the skating I used to do, and that even his Papa Ralph used to skate! Good times.
http://www.rollarena.biz/
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Christmas 2013
Christmas.
Snowy drive.
Surprise arrival.
Candlelight service.
Hymns sung in harmony.
Amen's expressed.
Hand-made pajamas in stripes.
Gifts shared.
Exclamations of thanks.
Piles of presents awaiting.
Stockings hung with care.
Early cuddling.
Christmas cartoons in bed.
Stockings explored and dudes revealed.
Candy devoured!
Wonderful chaos.
Hectic.
Wrapping paper shredded, peeled, ripped, mangled.
Happy cries of delight.
Toys played with immediately.
Favorites frequently changed with each new unveiling
Love shared
Smiles
Thank you hugs freely given.
Family visited
Cookies on display within reach of little hands
One cookie in the mouth and hand outstretched for another
More hugs and pats on the back
Lots of laughter
New baby to smile at
So many people in such a small space, but room for all
Gifts and gifts and gifts passed out
Shouting and glee
Photos taken
Books to read
Crockpots of food to share
Bandit begging for scraps
Bellies full
Children playing
Delight in just holding my sons
Winding down
Packing the car
Tears of tiredness
Hugs goodbye
Cookies for the road
Just one more hug and kiss
A long drive home
Bedtime early
The day is done.
All of our lives are a bit richer
I love my family
I love the holidays
I love the peace of the evening after the day is done.
Snowy drive.
Surprise arrival.
Candlelight service.
Hymns sung in harmony.
Amen's expressed.
Hand-made pajamas in stripes.
Gifts shared.
Exclamations of thanks.
Piles of presents awaiting.
Stockings hung with care.
Early cuddling.
Christmas cartoons in bed.
Stockings explored and dudes revealed.
Candy devoured!
Wonderful chaos.
Hectic.
Wrapping paper shredded, peeled, ripped, mangled.
Happy cries of delight.
Toys played with immediately.
Favorites frequently changed with each new unveiling
Love shared
Smiles
Thank you hugs freely given.
Family visited
Cookies on display within reach of little hands
One cookie in the mouth and hand outstretched for another
More hugs and pats on the back
Lots of laughter
New baby to smile at
So many people in such a small space, but room for all
Gifts and gifts and gifts passed out
Shouting and glee
Photos taken
Books to read
Crockpots of food to share
Bandit begging for scraps
Bellies full
Children playing
Delight in just holding my sons
Winding down
Packing the car
Tears of tiredness
Hugs goodbye
Cookies for the road
Just one more hug and kiss
A long drive home
Bedtime early
The day is done.
All of our lives are a bit richer
I love my family
I love the holidays
I love the peace of the evening after the day is done.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Preparing for Christmas
Wrapping is done.
Cookies have been baked.
Santa has been visited.
I think we are ready.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Lending a helping hand
Shhhh...
Don't tell Brian, but I took the boys to the horrible place called McDonald's tonight. Oh the shame! (The kids call it the French fry store). So I do feel bad that I treated them to craptacular food because it was fast and we were on the way to the store.
But....
Our town's Mickey D's is newly remodeled and has a play climbing kiddy thing. The little ones were stocked....I mean it is a playground inside the French fry store which equates to sheer mind-blowing awesomeness in their world.
But...
Within moments of heading into the structure, Jude struggles to climb up onto the platforms. "Momma! Momma up! Momma up, please! Momma help, up, please!" Each phrase being utter with a more frantic voice than the last. Being Super Mom, I help him up.
But he gets stuck again...just out of my reach.
So...
Tamlin to the rescue!
Who knew that greasy food meant a chance to have my older son do good deeds by helping he's little brother navigate the playset. Tam was awesome. He climb right over and gave Jude's little bottom a push up to the next landing. He also held Jude's hand while attempting to cross the swaying bridge for the first time and Tam held Jude in his lap when going down the twisty slide for his first time.
It was pure goodness to see the brothers playing well with each other.
My heart swelled with pride.
To top it off, the boys shed no tears when I said it was time to go and everyone made it to the potty on time.
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