From Seed to Plants

Last May, Meli's class learned about plant life and the stages. She was so excited to plant her own at home. So, we started with quite a few. She ended up dropping several seeds in each pod. She chose bell peppers, carrots, radishes, little pumpkins, carving pumpkins, different tomatoes, sunflowers, and other flowers. 

She was responsible for watering them. She did a fairly good job. It was nice to see how excited she would get when the seeds started to grow. 

We had to figure out best where to put them, since Charlie also thought it was awesome once they started to grow. Not all survived the terror of Charlie. She has more than enough though. 

We forgot to label hers, so I have a pretty good idea of what type of plant each is. The tomatoes we will have to see which variation. 

Colin now wants to do his own. So, we started that last weekend. Charlie has been keeping an eye on them and trying to figure out a way to get to them!

School's Out...Sunriver Time!

This was our third year heading to Sunriver once the kids were out of school. I love our tradition! This year, we went with one of Will's bandmates and his family. Charlie joined us too! That was interesting with Brendon and Jessica having Odin (who is 1). Charlie did fairly good. He just gets so excited that he jumps up and usually knocks Odin to the ground.

We did our typical things: Sharc pool, shopping at the village,  bumper cars, and having a BBQ. This year, we let the kids join in the bounce house and jump bounce. They had so much fun!

I am so proud of Colin. Last year, I do not think he would have tried this out. He did awesome! Meli tends to be our more adventurous one. At least comparing them at the same age.

It was so fun seeing the B family bump it out! It was lucky to be the only ones there for a turn. It was Meli's first time, so that worked out nicely.

Charlie is not a big fan of cars, but I think this trip helped him out. Since he was in the car for about 5 hours combined. He had so much fun when we walked him around the village.

We were not able to make it to the Observatory or the lava lands. I hope to next year. Colin and Will have been to the observatory, but I want to take Meli. I have heard great things about the lava lands. We did the lava caves one year. 

Puppy Games

I love to watch the kids play with Charlie! They both have very different relationships with our puppy. Colin will definitely play with Char, but he seems to really enjoy when cuddle time. He wants Charlie to sit with him while he reads. 

 Meli and Charlie have a really cute relationship. They seem to have this unspoken connection that they just get each other. They play chase a lot! Meli will also create games for them to play.She obviously has some idea of what they are playing in her mind...and of course Charlie has no clue, but loves it all the same. 

Chase & Jump game Meli created

Big Jump!

It was so cute

She would just laugh and laugh

Last day of School 2017

Last day 2017

We had our last day of school last Tuesday. The kids had to go a few extra days to make up for all of the snow days that they had this past winter. I am not sure why Meli was acting grumpy in the top picture. She is still learning the concept of time, which is not an easy one to do. That can be very frustrating to her. She was excited for something to happen and she thought it was the day after she was out of school. 

First day 2016

They have grown so much since the first day of this school year. I cannot believe that Meli is no longer a Kindergartner and Colin is now a 4th grader. They had so much growth this year. Meli earned the "Grit" award. Only 5 students in the whole school got it! Colin embraced his challenge for improving his writing and time management. He had so much improvement, but he still needs to work on it this summer. I am the mean mama who is making him write 5 sentences about an educational topic twice a day. He gets to choose the topic from the books I bring home from the library. 

He loves to read, so that is not a hard thing to get him to do. He is definitely earning his game/TV time. 

Colin's first day - Meli being supportive (she started the next day)

It has been so fun to see Meli's outfits throughout the year! What a unique fashion sense she has...

Grumpy Meli  - Last day

Meli - First Day

I am so proud of Meli. She can be a real grumplestiltskin at times, but that probably has a lot to do with her eyes. We have seen a major improvement since she has started wearing glasses. I am excited to see what she brings in 1st grade! Scared and excited!

Colin - Last Day

Colin - First day

Oh, Colin! My sweet first born. We are venturing to new parenting areas. Colin had his first friend with a horrible, fowl mouth. That was fun. I am so glad that Colin is someone who feels compelled to confess things, even when he is not doing anything wrong. Helpful on the parenting side of things. He also tells on himself, even though you can tell he is wishing he would not. I do not think that Meli will have that problem. Oh, boy.

I am excited for the summer and some quality family time. 

Princesses do wear glasses!

Meli was hesitant this second time around with getting glasses. She told me that, "princesses do not wear glasses". She had said this when I did not have my phone on me, so I was trying to rack my brain for a princess that as some point puts glasses on. I thought maybe Jane from Tarzan. When I got home, I was hoping to get lucky with my Google search. I am so thankful for whomever decided to make pictures of all of the princesses wearing glasses!

For anyone whose little girl may ask the very same question - here you go... Princesses in Glasses



                                                     ~ Love, Hug & Kisses ~
                                                              The B Family

Holy Spectacles, Batman!

Several weeks ago, both kids had shown symptoms of poor eyesight or straining. Colin had some very obvious ones, so we took him in first & he came out with ordered glasses.

Then Meli went in a few days later with these ordered:

Colin's eyes are fairly bad (20/70 and 20/100) and is nearsighted. I was surprised by how high his numbers were. Thhe doctor said that this could have happened quickly with a recent growth spurt. He has transitioned very nicely with them.

 Meli eyes are not near as high, but due to a bad astigmatism in one of her eyes and being farsighted she has been only really using one of her eyes to see. That has led to straining it. Thankfully all is fixable and with glasses, maybe some of her moodiness will subside.

She has transitioned not as smoothly. Hopefully that changes, because she is the one that really needs to be wearing them all of the time. She lost her first pair within the two weeks of getting them! It bothers her when she gets sweaty and the glasses slide on her nose. So, during recess she asked a friend to put them in her overall bib pocket. Of course, they fell out somewhere on the elementary school playground.  We have the coolest vision center ever! We were able to replace the glasses at only the cost of the frames!! That saved so much money. Since our insurance already covered one frame.

So, now she has her second pair. Fingers-crossed that our kindergartner learned her lesson!

~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
        The B Family

A Day Getaway

The kids and I decided last weekend, that we were in a need of a roadtrip. It was Sunday, so it had to be a short one. Will decided to join us too. He was hoping for a day of learning his new music software, but the allure of the beach is just too much. We decided to go Heceta Lighthouse. This time we did not explore the lighthouse, but we like the beach access that is below it. The parking area is good, there are restrooms, and the beach is an area that I like for the kids. Plus, they have little caves and rocks for the kids to explore. 

It was actually a cool day, which I personally was thankful for. I think it was in the high 60's. Colin and Will tend to run a little colder than Meli and I. Meli was wearing a shirt and shorts. Both Colin and Will were wrapped up in sweatshirts. I thought it was a nice break from the recent warm days. 

Colin had a great time looking for wildlife and rocks. I love seeing how has blossomed when it comes to touching the sea creatures.

Meli loved running in the waves and exploring the caves.

Will managed to avoid the camera. Of course!

My grandpa's birthday (he passed away in '92) was the other day. He would have been 94. I thought a good celebration of him was to go to the Sea Lion Caves. That is somewhere that he used to take us grandkids a lot. 

The blue strip of sky was so beautiful! I had a wonderful time snapping pictures of it. 

Until next time...

~Hugs & Kisses~

The Kids' Reading Corner: Library Success!

We have had some successful library picks this month! I did find several them from a podcast I listen to and some were ones that caught my eye. 

From the top picture: 

Ratings 1= not so good, 2= OK, 3 = Awesome!!!

Owl Diaries #1: - This is a super cute book. Reading it out loud can be a little annoying with the "owl" made up words - like "owlerrific" but I am improving! There are already 5 or so of these books out. When I went back to get #2 they were all out. We picked up #5 that we are reading now. I do not think it is a series that has to be read in order. The art is adorable and the words per page are not a lot, which makes it perfect for Meli's age (5/6).

Colin = 3

Meli = 3

Mom = 3

Ninja!  - The kids loved this book! It was very cute and entertaining. 

Colin = 3

Meli = 3

Mom = 3

Just a Minute: I really enjoyed reading this one. It was very cute! Meli was a little confused as to why the skeleton wanted the grandma to go with her. It had a happy ending though.

Colin = 3

Meli = 3

Mom = 3

Without You: I picked this one, since I have a moody girl. I think the message was understood. Hopefully. Both kids liked the art. 

Colin = 2

Meli = 2

Mom = 3 (topic)

Dog Man: I did not read this book, but Colin did on his own. He loved it!! I got it since it is similar to the Diary of a Whimpy kid books, which Colin has read over and over. 

Colin = 3

The Parthenon: I loved how this book was organized and the information was great for his age. He is getting into mythology which makes this mom so excited. I did a minor in Greek Civilization, so right up my alley!

Colin = 3

Mom = 3

We finished the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. This has been our longest books we have tried to read out loud. Colin and I loved the book! We are excited for the second book. Meli enjoyed it on days that she paid attention more. The author had a very smooth writing style, which I love for read aloud books. I highly recommend this book.

Colin = 3

Meli = 2

Mom = 3

Everybody Loves Cupcake: Super cute book!! I loved the jokes, the kids did not get them all.

Colin = 3

Meli = 3

Mom = 3

Magnificent Magical Beast: Colin just read this himself. He loved it!

Colin = 3

Shh! We have a plan: The kids thought this was so funny!

Colin = 3

Meli = 3

Mom = 2

Meli loved all of the books above. I think the best for reading (Meli) are the Otto ones. I got all of these from a list of books that were supposed to be the level (1) that they say they are. I get frustrated with some of the early reading books that say one, but then have way too many words and not the easiest words. The four of these Meli could read on her own, with my help with a few of the words. 

Nuts in Space: This was a cute book. The order of reading was a little hard to know with all of the word bubbles. I love the incorporation of Star Wars and Star Trek. Very entertaining.

Colin = 3

Meli = 2 (grumpy)

Mom = 3

Very Red Riding Hood: A very cute book. 

Colin = 3

Meli = 3

Mom = 3

                                                              ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                                         The B Family

One Lucky Lady: Reflection on Mother's Day

My Mom

I am not a big fan of holidays that are based less on traditions and more for consumer spending. I know that a lot of the traditional ones have been invaded by that as well, but for me, I know why I am celebrating those and I have strong feelings for doing so. My husband and I do not celebrate Valentine’s Day, but we do something with the kids. I personally do not have expectations for the holidays like that (for me), but am not against doing something if the kids enjoy it. It just means more to me if it is random rather than “I got you these flowers because the stores told me too”.  I am though, very grateful for the amazing moms that I am blessed to have in my life… I also love making things and giving gifts. So, I tend to make things for people for Mother’s Day. This year, I made jewelry hangers, lotions, and lip balm. I also tried making a watercolor card!

My Mother-in-Law

I love my moms! I do not know what I would do if I did not have my mom and mother-in-law in my life. They have both given me such love and friendship. My mom is easily my best friend. I love that we can talk about anything and we have fun doing projects together. She has so much knowledge and skills to share with me. I am sad that I do not live near Liz anymore. I love her sense of humor and just being around her. I regret that when I was DC we did not do more mom/daughter dates like we did in Occoquan. These two women are such great examples of strength, love, and kindness.

“Let me love you a little more before you’re not little anymore” -  Unknown

The other part of this holiday, is from the perspective of me being a mom. This Mother’s Day has made me focus more on the stage my kids are at and just how truly fast it goes. I love the quote above.  I want to cherish the moments of their childhood more. The little quirks, things they say, are so easily enjoyed but forgotten. I need to be better at my journal I am writing for each of them, so that I do not lose those. I want them to know how much fun I had with them and  how funny they were.

I was picked to be the mom to two very adventurous, loving, sweet, funny, and caring kids. I want to always work on being in the moment. In this day and age it is so easy to get lost in the “world” and lose track of what is going on. I do not want to miss their crazy stories, their silly jokes, and their little giggles. I may not be a perfect mom, I make mistakes, I lose my patience, but I want to make sure that they see me as a happy mom. That they know they are loved and that they make me so happy. If they end up having me (as a mom) in their head moving forward – I want to take care of what that voice is. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful time celebrating one of the toughest but most fulfilling roles. Sending positive vibes to all of those moms who are struggling, to those who have experienced the horrific loss, & those who may not have the title of mom but have hope to be. Love & Light...It pains me that this day can be a tough one for some. I hope that peace finds you...

                                                   ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                                 The B Family

The Birthday Girl

First birthday

On Wednesday, my daughter turned the big 6! I am excited and sad at the same time. She is growing up way too fast for this mama. Recently, there have been some very noticeable changes in her personality and maturity that have thrown me for a loop. Well, I should not say changes…that is not the correct word. Certain aspects of her personality have really blossomed and have become more noticeable. So more emphasis on key characteristics. 

She loves rain & sunshine

With her birthday being so close to Mother’s Day, we usually try to celebrate with her friends a different weekend. She still does not understand that concept fully. She was confused as to why her friends did not come over on her birthday or this weekend.  She does get to have a friend sleepover, which should be fun. Her best friend is so sweet! I think she wants her party to happen because she really wants her Moana cake. She keeps changing her cake request. It started with Moana, then Trolls, then Shopkins. Now it is back to Moana. Thankfully, I have not ordered it yet, since we still have some time. 

A few hours before heading to the hospital

My darling little baby is becoming such a sweet, fierce, free-spirited girl. I love her style and admire some of her qualities that will help her when she is older. Ones that can be frustrating as a parent, but I think can be a real benefit later on. If she uses them in the right way. Chooses to use her powers for good (as Will would say, lol). 

During my pregnancy with her, we already knew that we would not go past a certain date (unless she came early on her own). I remember the day before. We were going into the hospital that evening to start the induction process. It was the first night Colin ever stayed the night away from both of us. Such an exciting and nerve-racking time. 

Meli LOVES Moana!

Our little adventure seeker - she loves her scooter

I am so blessed to be this little sunshine’s mom. What a joy she brings to our lives. Stress at times too, but mostly joy.

Will is so excited that she loves Lego sets.

Happy birthday to my little cuddle bug. My sunshine. My hummingbird.  Walela.

My sunshine

She chose a blue monster for her home cake

She loves her gifts from Grandma!

                                                      ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                              The B Family