November 30th

I am thankful for...

Today

J and I had an amazing day! Running errands all around town with a trip to the Zoo nuzzled right in the middle!  Wednesday is half-price day at The Sequoia Park Zoo and my little guy has been begging to go and ride on the tractor they have in "The Barnyard."  The red panda is adorable as are the Spider Monkeys and the Tamarins! What a gem in the heart of Eureka! We may make this a weekly trip :)  

November 9th & 10th

Oops! Skipped another day!!  Here's a double whammy:

I am thankful for...

The Hammond Trail

AND

Children's Art

The Potty Pirate!

I believe The Potty Pirate may be showing up to my house in the next couple of weeks...

Check this out!!! Had to post about it!

We'll see how this pans out... stay tuned for a report!

Potty trained or not... I am in love  :)

Party Time!

It's so true what they say about Birthdays and Holidays being so much more fun with children involved.  Not to say they were not fun in our family pre-child, but there is a new excitement, there are many memories of our own childhoods that come up, and just to see that smile on Johnny's face is priceless.  

Yesterday, Terry and I had the honor of throwing Johnny's 3rd Birthday Party!!!  I know he did have a party at 2, but he was not in our home and so here, the Big Bash was thrown with the excitement of a first Birthday  :).  Tons of his best buddies were there.

The day was crazy and busy, but that means it was FUN!  The children had fun in the yard and in Johnny's room, they responded excitedly to my planned craft, they loved the cupcakes, and the buzz of present time was so funny.  I loved the excitement I saw in the children GIVING the gifts.       

Anywhoo, it was a perfect day, full of friends and food, cake and candles.  What matters most is that Johnny had fun and is now 3!!!! (officially on the 31st).

Here are some pics I snapped quickly:

favors  :)

Rock On!

What child doesn't LOVE Mac-n-Cheese?  I served an organic version with lots of  fixins  :)

The Rock Star with his shakers... the craft of the day :)

   

Dump On!

I am an organized person.  I like to put "like with like."  My silverware must be separated and organized.  My plates are organized by both size and pattern.  My clothing is organized, my garage is even organized (most of the time).  I like to know where things are at all times.

This is all fine and dandy... until a toddler comes into your life.  I spent days working on his room before he arrived.  It was perfect  :)  Even for the first few months he was here, I organized his toys and clothes weekly and sometimes daily.  Now that I am 9 months in to toddler parenthood, I say... a mess in there is good!  Those toys need to be played with!!!  Johnny's race cars in the back of a basket aren't going to be seen and so then not played with!!  blocks perfectly organized up at the top of his closet will not be asked for!   We definitely talk about "clean up time" and how straightening up is important, but that room asks for some action!

Johnny dumped a basket of toys this morning and sat for a while playing with dozens of small toys he hasn't seen for several days.  I love listening to him change his voice to get in character, and most of all, I know it is stimulating his mind and his imagination.

Play on J!

Cheese House

Why not?

This is what my life has come to, and I LOVE IT!

Quote of the Day

There are children playing in the street who could solve some of my top problems in physics, because they have modes of sensory perception that I lost long ago.

J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER, quoted in Pearls of Wisdom

Hiking to "Zebra Park" as Johnny calls it

Johnny and I are off to our local Playgroup today and then continuing on an adventure to a river spot in Willow Creek.   I love my one-on-one time with J, I can really watch as he takes in all of the sights, sounds, bugs, and people.

Have a nice Thursday, everyone!  

"I tried to teach my child with books;

he gave me only puzzled looks.

I tried to teach my child with words;

they passed by often unheard.

Despairingly, I turned aside;

How shall I teach this child?

I cried.

Into my hand he put the key

Come, he said, play with me."

-Unknown

I know many of you have probably heard this poem before, but I keep these words near and dear to my heart so I wanted to share.  I have had this wrinkled up piece of paper with this exact poem since I can remember.  It was with me all through college with my work with children, in my files as I taught preschool at many locations, and still continues to be a very important part of my teaching and now parenting style.  If anyone knows the author, please share  :)

Building "houses" out of rocks at the river.

Moments of Connection

Let's face it.  Parenthood is never as easy as you picture in your mind.  Many people picture trips to the park, laughter and hugs, that sweet, sleeping child.  It isn't all roses!!! Luckily before becoming a parent, I had lots of time and training and was told "what to expect" when bringing a foster child into my home.   Still, I am constantly caught off guard, as are most new parents.  Granted, my situation and experiences may be a bit different than those of a purely "biological" family, but I am certain there are many parallels.

Before Johnny came to us, I was certain I had what it takes to have a constantly pleasant household.  It's so great that I had that level of confidence in myself, but frankly, it's not possible.  There  are days when I say "Wow, I must be a horrible parent." There have been tears, time outs, and tantrums (from both parents and child LOL).  It's interesting how parenting really expands your mind and forces you to think harder and be stronger than ever... especially when you jump in to parenting with a 2 year old  ;).  

And then there are those moments that erase all of the stress.  All of the worries, the frustration, and the arguments just disappear when my child and I have a "moment of connection."  One of those times where I cannot take my tearful eyes off of my child.  I  feel so incredibly lucky and thankful for this gift. I documented our latest connection in the photos below.  Johnny and I went on a recent hike in the Arcata Community Forest and played at Redwood Park.  He and I had a blast and bonded more over a mutual love for the outdoors.

It is my goal to create more of these strong connections with my family.

"Go this way?"

Banana Slugs are fascinating!

These fallen pieces of tree are pieces of the "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree" (Johnny's favorite story!)

We arrived at the park... gorgeous day!!!

      

      

Lefty in the House!!!

As you may know, we are so lucky to be very close to finalizing our adoption.  Johnny came to us back in December 2010 and it has been such a thrilling ride to bond with him and become "Mommy" and "Daddy."  There have been many life changes in the past 7 months and Terry (my husband) and I have learned so much. There is one thing that has been difficult for me to get used to.  Our little guy is left handed (we're pretty sure).  Being a "righty," I have always been unaware of the challenges that left-handed people face.  Now, I think twice before I place Johnny's silverware on his plate, I have special scissors for him, and I place his crayons and markers on his left side where he can reach them.  Additionally, if he becomes upset and frustrated over a task that he's having trouble accomplishing, I'll often check his hands to see if maybe a quick switch would make things easier.  Often times, that method proves to be successful.

As a side note, I will never be caught placing something into Johnny's left hand.  It is up to him to choose which hand he is comfortable swinging a bat with, coloring with, and eating with.  A simple suggestion can get us past a frustrating time, but I want him to figure it out.  Recently I spoke to two women who mentioned they were hit with rulers when using their left hands in school.  I'm glad things have changed since then!!

"Clouds and Rain"  One of Johnny's many masterpieces

Small Town Celebrations

The annual Annie and Mary Days Celebration kicked off this weekend in Blue Lake, a town just 10 minutes inland from our home.  Often when the marine layer blankets our good old coastal neighborhood, we can hop in the car and be sweating in the sunshine by the river in this wonderful small town.  Today, however, we experienced a little change of weather- light mist and some rain!  Not sure if this makes me a true Humboldt County resident or not, but I totally enjoyed the break from the sun!!  

Anywhoo, Amongst the festivities was a parade, bocce ball, live music, a petting zoo, and of course food and drink.  The event took place on grounds containing a playground AND a roller skating rink!  Needless to say, our little guy was in heaven.  The pony ride, by far, was the highlight.  It makes me so happy to see my son having fun and experiencing these things.  Like a great friend once told me about exposing children to these events and other exciting adventures... "THIS is a childhood."  

Here are some pics from the day:

They don't make 'em like they used to!

I love the color contrast in this photo.

Why not?!

~Too cute~

        

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for reading  :)

colorful treats!

Johnny and I had a slow and relaxing morning in our PJs, but then packed up and headed out to the local Farmer's Market in Arcata.  The Plaza is the perfect place for Johnny to run around and meet other kids.  My eyes watered today when my little guy introduced himself to another boy about his own age, then gave him a long, meaningful hug with a smile on his face.  Children are amazing.

Here are some shots from our trip:

I could eat these like apples!

a beautiful basket of edible flowers

Hope everyone's weekend is going well!