1) A 2 year old really just wants to run away instead of play on the equipment
2) A 3 year old really just wants to gather rocks, sticks, pine cones and leaves
3) You don't have to worry about running into that one child that tells you his name 8 million times and is in your kids faces the whole time so they can't even play and whose parents don't even notice because they're talking on their cell phone
4) You can run wild with your children and there's no one around to judge
5) You can enjoy a quiet outing with your kids in your pajamas without people staring at you
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
To Be Or Not To Be, That Is The Question
Preschool ...
1) Is it necessary?
2) Is it beneficial?
3) Public or Private or Home School?
4) 2 Days or 3 Days a Week?
5) Now or never?
My 3.5 year old son has been asking me for almost a year now if he could go to school. So next week, I am starting my preschool interviews. What do I do? What do I ask? What if their first impression of me is "psycho OCD parent"? Well, I do love a challenge, so ... preschool directors, watch out, here I come !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
1) Is it necessary?
2) Is it beneficial?
3) Public or Private or Home School?
4) 2 Days or 3 Days a Week?
5) Now or never?
My 3.5 year old son has been asking me for almost a year now if he could go to school. So next week, I am starting my preschool interviews. What do I do? What do I ask? What if their first impression of me is "psycho OCD parent"? Well, I do love a challenge, so ... preschool directors, watch out, here I come !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
Pain, Pain, Go Away, Don't Come Back Another Day
This past month has been a challenging one for us. Our little family has been hit with one sickness after another. From Shingles, to Pink Eye, to a 2 week long Stomach Bug, to a potential Chicken Pox scare (thankfully not!), to Toddler Molars coming in and turning my Angel Baby into Miss Cranky Pants.
I normally like to see the glass as half full, and find the positive in all situations, and I don't complain very often, in fact, I don't even like to complain. But some days, like today for example, I wish that God would give me a new digestive system. What hope is there for a bathroom-bound wife and mother? What benefit is constant pain? I trust God in all things, but sometimes I have to ask him "why" ... "Why me?", "Why this?", "Why now?". I know that the testing of our faith produces numerous good things (especially Patience as it says in James 1:3), but I don't like being tested. I want to be free like everyone else. This condition is like chains holding me down. I'm restless inside, I want out.
It's been over a year now that I've been suffering (or for a better word, dealing) with this condition, and I'm done suffering. I want to eat a fresh salad again or even a bowl of cereal. What about ice cream or even a steak(don't tell my parents) ... I mean, hummus is good and all, but everyday for breakfast? :-)
Will I ever be able to volunteer in my kids' classrooms without having to run to the restroom like an unexpected bolt of lightening? Will I ever make it through an entire shopping trip to Target without having to ditch the cart, grab the kids, and run to the restroom which is always on the opposite side of the store? Will I be able to work my dream job again?
Alright, there ya go, I got it off my chest, now I can move on to better and brighter topics, such as ... PRESCHOOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I normally like to see the glass as half full, and find the positive in all situations, and I don't complain very often, in fact, I don't even like to complain. But some days, like today for example, I wish that God would give me a new digestive system. What hope is there for a bathroom-bound wife and mother? What benefit is constant pain? I trust God in all things, but sometimes I have to ask him "why" ... "Why me?", "Why this?", "Why now?". I know that the testing of our faith produces numerous good things (especially Patience as it says in James 1:3), but I don't like being tested. I want to be free like everyone else. This condition is like chains holding me down. I'm restless inside, I want out.
It's been over a year now that I've been suffering (or for a better word, dealing) with this condition, and I'm done suffering. I want to eat a fresh salad again or even a bowl of cereal. What about ice cream or even a steak(don't tell my parents) ... I mean, hummus is good and all, but everyday for breakfast? :-)
Will I ever be able to volunteer in my kids' classrooms without having to run to the restroom like an unexpected bolt of lightening? Will I ever make it through an entire shopping trip to Target without having to ditch the cart, grab the kids, and run to the restroom which is always on the opposite side of the store? Will I be able to work my dream job again?
Alright, there ya go, I got it off my chest, now I can move on to better and brighter topics, such as ... PRESCHOOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Terrific Twos
I am so blessed by my life. Granted, it has it's hardships and there are some days where I don't think I'll even survive past lunch due to sleep deprivation or sibling rivalry, but overall, it is a joy to be alive. I wake up every morning to my 3 year old's face 2 inches away from my face (between the wretched hour of 4am-5am), saying "Mommy, is it morning yet?" Despite my response to that question, or my best efforts to ignore such a sweet face and go back to sleep, it is time to get up. A few hours later, Little Miss Chubby Cheeks and the Handsomest Prince in the world awaken to the smell of Dunkin Donuts Coffee and then the day has officially begun. We send Drew off to work like an official "goodbye committee" with hugs and kisses and waves and "bye daddy" over and over until we not longer see his car anymore. Our days are filled with laughter and fun as we play the day away and await Drew's arrival home from work. Some of the days include Tristan's Karate Lessons, Park Playdates, Shopping Trips, Moms Group at Church, or even just pajama home days filled with puzzles, block towers and art projects. Well, now I am off to enjoy another day with my beautiful little family ...
Monday, August 2, 2010
Babies Always Grow Up
It's late and I've got a mild case of insomnia. Thanks to blogging, I have something better to do than lying in bed forcing my mind to shut down.
My mind races to the summer so far ... saying goodbye to my family as they left for Spain/Germany for a few months; our trip to the East Coast with Andrew's family; our Palm Springs weekend with my Dad's side of the family; frequent Skype dates with my parents and sisters; playdates; birthday parties; pool days; park days; backyard renovation days ... it's all a whirlwind in my mind ... then I look to the future: baby showers, company coming from Germany, more birthday parties, more playdates, weddings, family flying back in from Europe, and what is occupying my mind most of all, is Kira's upcoming birthday!
My baby girl is turning two years old! It is a milestone and such a joy to prepare for as I am excited to take a day and dedicate it to our Kira Belle (as she is currently nicknamed). As I plan out the order of events for her special day (this coming Sunday), I can picture her face as she smiles when the doorbell rings, and each family member walks in the door. I can hear her laughter as she opens her Elmo Radio gift from Drew's Grandma. I can feel her delight as she gets her first dress up Tinkerbell outfit from Auntie Chris. I can feel the stickiness of her hands as she devours her first homemade birthday cake (thanks to me, ha ha!). And I can picture her excitement as she runs up to my laptop when Yia Yia (my mama) calls via Skype. Just seeing her Yia Yia's face, brightens up Kira's whole countenance! She gets so excited, she doesn't know what to do with herself. Can't wait !!!
I am so thankful that God has blessed me with an incredible husband and two precious children.
And to quote from the soundtrack from "Message In A Bottle" based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks,
"These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
These are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've got all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more"
My mind races to the summer so far ... saying goodbye to my family as they left for Spain/Germany for a few months; our trip to the East Coast with Andrew's family; our Palm Springs weekend with my Dad's side of the family; frequent Skype dates with my parents and sisters; playdates; birthday parties; pool days; park days; backyard renovation days ... it's all a whirlwind in my mind ... then I look to the future: baby showers, company coming from Germany, more birthday parties, more playdates, weddings, family flying back in from Europe, and what is occupying my mind most of all, is Kira's upcoming birthday!
My baby girl is turning two years old! It is a milestone and such a joy to prepare for as I am excited to take a day and dedicate it to our Kira Belle (as she is currently nicknamed). As I plan out the order of events for her special day (this coming Sunday), I can picture her face as she smiles when the doorbell rings, and each family member walks in the door. I can hear her laughter as she opens her Elmo Radio gift from Drew's Grandma. I can feel her delight as she gets her first dress up Tinkerbell outfit from Auntie Chris. I can feel the stickiness of her hands as she devours her first homemade birthday cake (thanks to me, ha ha!). And I can picture her excitement as she runs up to my laptop when Yia Yia (my mama) calls via Skype. Just seeing her Yia Yia's face, brightens up Kira's whole countenance! She gets so excited, she doesn't know what to do with herself. Can't wait !!!
I am so thankful that God has blessed me with an incredible husband and two precious children.
And to quote from the soundtrack from "Message In A Bottle" based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks,
"These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
These are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've got all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more"
Monday, July 12, 2010
We're Back!
After two weeks, vacationing it up on the east coast, we are back home and ready to rock and roll!
We had a marvelous time, with dear friends and family and this is what we did: We stayed in an adorably old 4 story beach house, one block from the beach. We rode surreys on the boardwalk, enjoyed water ice (almost daily!) in 111 degree weather, rode lots of rides at the Wonderland and Playland theme parks on the boardwalk, including the Ferris wheel and Carousel, we had warm pretzels, curly fries, funnel cake, monkey bread, and Mack and Manco Pizza (an Ocean City favorite!), but not all in one day, of course.
We also spent several days at the beach, building sand castles and digging giant holes and working on our tans. The kids loves the water and enjoyed gathering sea shells and rocks, etc. We discovered a nice playground in the area and went there twice. The kids got to experience a water park for the first time, and that was a ton of fun!
Drew went fishing and experienced a feast of crabs, and of course had a famous Philly Cheese Steak. We went to WaWa several times for coffee and tasty cakes and Hoagies. The east coast is so weird, but so cool all at the same time! We got to experience the culture of not being allowed to pump your own gas at the local gas stations. That was fun staying in the car and having a gas attendant take care of it all!
We drove through the neighborhoods where Drew grew up and saw the homes he lived in and school and church he went to. It was fun going down memory lane ...
We celebrated the 4th of July with all of Drew's family and friends and watched the fireworks from the beach. It was one of the best firework shows we've ever seen!
2 weeks of fun and craziness, 4 airplane rides later, 10 lbs heavier, skin alot darker, we are glad to be home, and are hoping to rest up (diet again!) and enjoy the routine of our life back here in San Diego.
We had a marvelous time, with dear friends and family and this is what we did: We stayed in an adorably old 4 story beach house, one block from the beach. We rode surreys on the boardwalk, enjoyed water ice (almost daily!) in 111 degree weather, rode lots of rides at the Wonderland and Playland theme parks on the boardwalk, including the Ferris wheel and Carousel, we had warm pretzels, curly fries, funnel cake, monkey bread, and Mack and Manco Pizza (an Ocean City favorite!), but not all in one day, of course.
We also spent several days at the beach, building sand castles and digging giant holes and working on our tans. The kids loves the water and enjoyed gathering sea shells and rocks, etc. We discovered a nice playground in the area and went there twice. The kids got to experience a water park for the first time, and that was a ton of fun!
Drew went fishing and experienced a feast of crabs, and of course had a famous Philly Cheese Steak. We went to WaWa several times for coffee and tasty cakes and Hoagies. The east coast is so weird, but so cool all at the same time! We got to experience the culture of not being allowed to pump your own gas at the local gas stations. That was fun staying in the car and having a gas attendant take care of it all!
We drove through the neighborhoods where Drew grew up and saw the homes he lived in and school and church he went to. It was fun going down memory lane ...
We celebrated the 4th of July with all of Drew's family and friends and watched the fireworks from the beach. It was one of the best firework shows we've ever seen!
2 weeks of fun and craziness, 4 airplane rides later, 10 lbs heavier, skin alot darker, we are glad to be home, and are hoping to rest up (diet again!) and enjoy the routine of our life back here in San Diego.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
T - 3 Days ...
We leave for our New Jersey vacation in 3 days ...
Preparation for a trip like this is nearly impossible. I don't really know how to prepare since I have no idea what it's going to be like. Our first 2 week vacation, with both children, out of state, out of their (and mine!) comfort zone. We will be staying for the first couple of days with friends of Andrew's parents, that live right on the outskirts of Ocean City, NJ (I think). Then when the beach house becomes available, we will be staying there for the remainder of the time with Andrew's parents, grandma, sister and her husband and three kids. 12 people sharing a beach house. I can only imagine the noise level and entertainment involved.
Tristan is really excited to fly on an airplane and find seashells on the beach and Kira, well, I've tried to prepare her, but she really has no idea what's happening. She's such a little delight and I'm sure she will light up the airplane with her big eyes, gorgeous smile, and high pitched squeal! I figure if we just feed her trail mix the whole flight, she should keep relatively quiet. Tristan, on the other hand, will probably press the "Call Flight Attendant" button over and over and then take frequent trips to the potty just to make sure it's still there and not broken.
What I am looking forward to most is, time with my husband (2 whole weeks of no work, woohoo!), making memories with the kids, and getting to know Andrew's family better.
Oh and for those of you readers who only know my husband as "Drew" and are wondering why I am calling him "Andrew", well, ya know, it just seems fitting. Andrew means "strong, manly, and warrior", and I am really seeing that side of him as he works in the yard every day and fixes things around the house!
Preparation for a trip like this is nearly impossible. I don't really know how to prepare since I have no idea what it's going to be like. Our first 2 week vacation, with both children, out of state, out of their (and mine!) comfort zone. We will be staying for the first couple of days with friends of Andrew's parents, that live right on the outskirts of Ocean City, NJ (I think). Then when the beach house becomes available, we will be staying there for the remainder of the time with Andrew's parents, grandma, sister and her husband and three kids. 12 people sharing a beach house. I can only imagine the noise level and entertainment involved.
Tristan is really excited to fly on an airplane and find seashells on the beach and Kira, well, I've tried to prepare her, but she really has no idea what's happening. She's such a little delight and I'm sure she will light up the airplane with her big eyes, gorgeous smile, and high pitched squeal! I figure if we just feed her trail mix the whole flight, she should keep relatively quiet. Tristan, on the other hand, will probably press the "Call Flight Attendant" button over and over and then take frequent trips to the potty just to make sure it's still there and not broken.
What I am looking forward to most is, time with my husband (2 whole weeks of no work, woohoo!), making memories with the kids, and getting to know Andrew's family better.
Oh and for those of you readers who only know my husband as "Drew" and are wondering why I am calling him "Andrew", well, ya know, it just seems fitting. Andrew means "strong, manly, and warrior", and I am really seeing that side of him as he works in the yard every day and fixes things around the house!
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