Rice Tub

Im not a crafty mom, (i have boys, we play outside) but i am a mom who is into the latest and greatest sensory/brain building/creative activities.
Im also into natural play. So if the two go hand in hand, its even better! Trendy, i know.

Ive been hearing a lot of great things about "rice tubs". Great calming activity, yet brain stimulating at the same time. Used by a lot of professional child psychologists....blah blah blah.

I got to work and created a pretty awesome rice tub for Forest to enjoy. I got a little instructional help from a blog that was passed along to me. The woman who has the blog is a complete organizational, have your child do something educational every second of the day, lover of structure, above public school, does a family actually live in that house, nut job type of woman. However, she has a few creative ideas to offer. Its a neat activity that Forest can do inside or outside on the patio. And its currently keeping him busy while i write this blog post.
He helped with the dying process and helped me choose what colors we should use.
Here are some pictures of how it turned out!

Dying a batch of blue rice

Finished product. We did a multi-colored tub

We even some left over to make a mini tub for our friend

Thoroughly enjoying it! He likes to bury his animals

"Parenting means sacrifice. It seems that every couple of years some one comes out with a psychological or sociological study showing that parents have higher levels of anxiety and depression than those without children. I dont dispute those studies at all. The question, though, is, why is there such anxiety, such sadness, in the lives of parents?
I hope i dont succumb to the sin of anxiety or lack of trust in God. But i do worry about my sons.
I hope for the best for them. I felt conviction of sin when i snapped at someone, but i never felt the depression that comes with realizing that ive snapped at one of my sons. I feel sorry for a young man whos been rejected by the woman he thought was meant to be his wife, but ive never cried about it. I can imagine myself weeping behind closed doors, though, if it ever happened to my son.
Ive always loathed child molesters and raged against the way the courts and churches so often coddle them. But ive never had my blood pressure accelerate the way it does when a socially awkward, creepily friendly man kneels to talk to my kids.
Having a baby yanks one into a while new world of responsibility for shaping a life, a family, a future."

Russel Moore Adopted for Life

Choosing my battles

As a mom of two boys; one who runs wild, and the other who will soon follow, Ive learned to just let some things go. For example. Its not actually a big deal if Forest wants to jump on the couch with excitement because his favorite song came on. Do i let him do this at some one else house? No. Definitely not. Or, if he feels the need to stand during a structured class environment, I totally let him. No big deal. Do i let him block the view for other children who are sitting? No.
He's a unique individual who needs to be allowed a bit of freedom to express himself. This in return, helps him to actually hear me and respond when i need to correct him. (um hopefully)
Its called choosing my battles. It provides a much more enjoyable day for me, and for the kids.
Some might call this obnoxious. Thats ok with me. If obnoxious means that my sons feel free to express themselves (happy or sad), be independent, learn from choices, play how they need to play, feel satisfied and secure...then i consider it a day well done.

This next part is a bit controversial. Please refrain from creepy comments. Its my blog dude.

There is something that i am very adamant about.
We are a non gun owning home. Including no fake play guns.
I have been told by a handful of moms that "boys will be boys and turn anything into a gun", or the occasional "its just naturally in them to play with guns no matter how hard you try".
In all honesty, i rarely lend half an ear to these comments. I can tell you, i havent tried hard at all. It has actually taken very little effort. Forest doesnt have a clue. And in my opinion, a 2 and 1/2 year old doesnt need to.
I have tried to make it known that our kids dont play with toy guns. But i have always quietly feared the day that they receive one as a gift from some one who isnt aware. How would i react? What would i do? Well, it happened. However, it was quite humorous because the gift giver was some one i least expected! Christmas was at its best, and our boys were being showered with so many presents. Forest was very excited to open his gift from my best friend. My friend that i have known since i was 16. She knows me so well! Of all the people in the world, it had to be her! How could this have happened?! hahaha
He looked puzzled as he opened his brand new dart gun. Not as puzzled as i looked!
As he got more excited and decided it was a "tool", i sat in silence with my startled bird face look going on. Part of me dying and trying not to cry, the other part wanting to burst out laughing because of the irony. I have to admit, a dart gun is not quite the same as other toy guns. However, this one happened to be a pretty major one. She had bought my son a top quality dart gun. I decided to let him play with it. It took him quite a while to get the hang of it. He didnt naturally know what to do with it. But then after a few weeks, HE GOT IT. We never told him it was a gun. We never talked about shooting. It was just darts to him.
A major pet peeve of mine, is little boys pretending to shoot their friends. I started to notice a new behavior unfold in Forest. Something that he doesnt naturally have. Aggression. Every time he pulled out the dart gun, he became crazy aggressive. One day when our friends were over, i was just finishing explaining this to my fellow mom friend. We both turned to see Forest shouting at his friend (her son) and holding his dart gun to his head. I shouted "Thats enough! That thing is gone!". And the dart gun has now been put away forever.....no matter how much fun i was secretly having with it.
I think little boys know how to pretend to shoot guns if they are told about them, shown how, have watched and been exposed. Forest didnt know how. Once he was handed a gun, he learned how. I hate guns. And i hate that its considered "cute" and "natural" for little boys to pretend shoot each other.

To my best friend: Please please dont hate me for writing about this! hahahaha

"Dont Carpe Diem"

Here's a lovely article i read, titled "Dont Carpe Diem". Enjoy!

Every time I'm out with my kids -- this seems to happen:

An older woman stops us, puts her hand over her heart and says something like, "Oh, Enjoy every moment. This time goes by so fast."

Everywhere I go, someone is telling me to seize the moment, raise my awareness, be happy, enjoy every second, etc, etc, etc.

I know that this message is right and good. But, I have finally allowed myself to admit that it just doesn't work for me. It bugs me. This CARPE DIEM message makes me paranoid and panicky. Especially during this phase of my life - while I'm raising young kids. Being told, in a million different ways to CARPE DIEM makes me worry that if I'm not in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy, I'm doing something wrong.

I think parenting young children (and old ones, I've heard) is a little like climbing Mount Everest. Brave, adventurous souls try it because they've heard there's magic in the climb. They try because they believe that finishing, or even attempting the climb are impressive accomplishments. They try because during the climb, if they allow themselves to pause and lift their eyes and minds from the pain and drudgery, the views are breathtaking. They try because even though it hurts and it's hard, there are moments that make it worth the hard. These moments are so intense and unique that many people who reach the top start planning, almost immediately, to climb again. Even though any climber will tell you that most of the climb is treacherous, exhausting, killer. That they literally cried most of the way up.

And so I think that if there were people stationed, say, every thirty feet along Mount Everest yelling to the climbers -- "ARE YOU ENJOYING YOURSELF!? IF NOT, YOU SHOULD BE! ONE DAY YOU'LL BE SORRY YOU DIDN'T!" TRUST US!! IT'LL BE OVER TOO SOON! CARPE DIEM!" -- those well-meaning, nostalgic cheerleaders might be physically thrown from the mountain.

Now. I'm not suggesting that the sweet old ladies who tell me to ENJOY MYSELF be thrown from a mountain. These are wonderful ladies. Monkees, probably. But last week, a woman approached me in the Target line and said the following: "Sugar, I hope you are enjoying this. I loved every single second of parenting my two girls. Every single moment. These days go by so fast."

At that particular moment, Amma had arranged one of the new bras I was buying on top of her sweater and was sucking a lollipop that she must have found on the ground. She also had three shop-lifted clip-on neon feathers stuck in her hair. She looked exactly like a contestant from Toddlers and Tiaras. I couldn't find Chase anywhere, and Tish was grabbing the pen on the credit card swiper thing WHILE the woman in front of me was trying to use it. And so I just looked at the woman, smiled and said, "Thank you. Yes. Me too. I am enjoying every single moment. Especially this one. Yes. Thank you."

That's not exactly what I wanted to say, though.

There was a famous writer who, when asked if he loved writing, replied, "No. but I love having written." What I wanted to say to this sweet woman was, "Are you sure? Are you sure you don't mean you love having parented?"

I love having written. And I love having parented. My favorite part of each day is when the kids are put to sleep (to bed) and Craig and I sink into the couch to watch some quality TV, like Celebrity Wife Swap, and congratulate each other on a job well done. Or a job done, at least.

Every time I write a post like this, I get emails suggesting that I'm being negative. I have received this particular message four or five times -- G, if you can't handle the three you have, why do you want a fourth?

That one always stings, and I don't think it's quite fair. Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it's hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she's not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn't add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it's so hard means she IS doing it right...in her own way...and she happens to be honest.

Craig is a software salesman. It's a hard job in this economy. And he comes home each day and talks a little bit about how hard it is. And I don't ever feel the need to suggest that he's not doing it right, or that he's negative for noticing that it's hard, or that maybe he shouldn't even consider taking on more responsibility. And I doubt anybody comes by his office to make sure he's ENJOYING HIMSELF. I doubt his boss peeks in his office and says: "This career stuff...it goes by so fast...ARE YOU ENJOYING EVERY MOMENT IN THERE, CRAIG???? CARPE DIEM, CRAIG!"

My point is this. I used to worry that not only was I failing to do a good enough job at parenting, but that I wasn't enjoying it enough. Double failure. I felt guilty because I wasn't in parental ecstasy every hour of every day and I wasn't MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT like the mamas in the parenting magazines seemed to be doing. I felt guilty because honestly, I was tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often. And because I knew that one day, I'd wake up and the kids would be gone, and I'd be the old lady in the grocery store with my hand over my heart. Would I be able to say I enjoyed every moment? No.

But the fact remains that I will be that nostalgic lady. I just hope to be one with a clear memory. And here's what I hope to say to the younger mama gritting her teeth in line:

"It's helluva hard, isn't it? You're a good mom, I can tell. And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner. She's my favorite. Carry on, warrior. Six hours till bedtime." And hopefully, every once in a while, I'll add -- "Let me pick up that grocery bill for ya, sister. Go put those kids in the van and pull on up -- I'll have them bring your groceries out."

Anyway. Clearly, Carpe Diem doesn't work for me. I can't even carpe fifteen minutes in a row, so a whole diem is out of the question.

Here's what does work for me:

There are two different types of time. Chronos time is what we live in. It's regular time, it's one minute at a time, it's staring down the clock till bedtime time, it's ten excruciating minutes in the Target line time, it's four screaming minutes in time out time, it's two hours till daddy gets home time. Chronos is the hard, slow passing time we parents often live in.

Then there's Kairos time. Kairos is God's time. It's time outside of time. It's metaphysical time. It's those magical moments in which time stands still. I have a few of those moments each day. And I cherish them.

Like when I actually stop what I'm doing and really look at Tish. I notice how perfectly smooth and brownish her skin is. I notice the perfect curves of her teeny elf mouth and her asianish brown eyes, and I breathe in her soft Tishy smell. In these moments, I see that her mouth is moving but I can't hear her because all I can think is -- This is the first time I've really seen Tish all day, and my God -- she is so beautiful. Kairos.

Like when I'm stuck in chronos time in the grocery line and I'm haggard and annoyed and angry at the slow check-out clerk. And then I look at my cart and I'm transported out of chronos. And suddenly I notice the piles and piles of healthy food I'll feed my children to grow their bodies and minds and I remember that most of the world's mamas would kill for this opportunity. This chance to stand in a grocery line with enough money to pay. And I just stare at my cart. At the abundance. The bounty. Thank you, God. Kairos.

Or when I curl up in my cozy bed with Theo asleep at my feet and Craig asleep by my side and I listen to them both breathing. And for a moment, I think- how did a girl like me get so lucky? To go to bed each night surrounded by this breath, this love, this peace, this warmth? Kairos.

These kairos moments leave as fast as they come- but I mark them. I say the word kairos in my head each time I leave chronos. And at the end of the day, I don't remember exactly what my kairos moments were, but I remember I had them. And that makes the pain of the daily parenting climb worth it.

If I had a couple Kairos moments during the day, I call it a success.

Carpe a couple of Kairoses a day.

Good enough for me.

Blogging Break

The blog has been on a break.
Completely unintentional. I didnt even notice until Robert told me last night that i should update the blog.

I do have a few things id probably like to sit down and mention on here. But, to be honest, my free time is limited these days and id rather spend it doing something other than blog.

I find it really difficult/awkward to put up endless pictures of Forest, when i also have another handsome little man that id love to be showing......but i cant. Id love to talk about mile stones being reached, progress being made, court dates that are special, how blue his eyes are, how incredibly handsome he is, how big he is getting, and all of his "firsts". The blog is so public and available to anyone on the internet. Which means, for now, nothing about our little guy can be mentioned.
I cannot wait for our adoption day! The pictures will be showing up by the dozens!

The Holidays are here, and so i will take a break from blogging and fully enjoy my family as we soak up Christmas and all that comes along with it.

my year

2011 has been my year. Our year. Last November i knew it needed to be. In December i sensed it would be. In January i claimed it would be. (i also remember stating to my best friend "Tiff is back bitches!) This year has been exactly what my family has needed and more. I am constantly thankful for how blessed we are and for where our life is at.
I Know both sides of the coin. Ive lived both. I appreciate where we are in life more, because of it.

But ive gotta say....this has also been my year for aging. Yikes!!!!
Im turning 28 in a couple weeks. I really do love birthdays. Im not afraid of another number.
28 does sound pretty old. I find myself needing vitamins in order to feel my best. Extra yoga in order to feel strong.Getting excited about things like my new chair to rock the kids in.
And dun dun dunnnn.....i have wrinkles!! I guess 6 years of adventures with my husband, and two kids will do that to you?
Thanks to my sister, this has been my year of anti-aging night cream. Yes, really. Im not sure if its working, but im praying to God that it does. One morning my husband decided to tell me that i look "nicer" on the mornings that i have used the cream the night before.
Yes, he went there. So maybe there is hope! Or at least it will give me a couple extra years to save up for botox. I said it out loud. Id totally do botox. I already know where.

First tradition of the season is on its way!

2 years ago we started going to a special pumpkin patch. I often tell Robert that the only good thing i have taken from our semi-brief time of living in Auburn, is this pumpkin patch. It was during a very difficult year that we were fortunate to find and begin this special tradition. This October will be our third time going, which officially does make it a tradition! This is exciting for me, because im all about traditions...especially when i am the one who created it! Every October, its my mission to carve out a two day slot of time in the day planner for our journey to the pumpkin patch. Its a few hours away, but its proven to be worth the mini trip every time. We do this with the Clark side of the family, who actually live pretty close to the patch. And we always spend the night with them after.

So many things about our tradition get me very excited about going. However, i have to admit that the wardrobe takes top priority. What will the boys wear? What will i wear? What are the celebrities wearing this Fall as they take their kids to the pumpkin patch? (Yes, i seriously google that every year). Nicole Ritchi was my inspiration two years ago. Last year was Tori Spelling. This year is still undecided. But i guarantee, no matter what, i will be showing up to the patch in complete identity crisis mode. And i will wear it well. Most people dont realize that i think this way. Which is so funny to me. But i totally care about this stuff...i care so much.

Its going to be so fun to see how much Forest enjoys himself now that hes older. And it will be wonderful to see N at his first pumpkin patch!







.

Staying ahead

Today i was reminded that i need to be diligent when it comes to being prepped and ready for my day.

I was not ready for today.

Ive learned that its really important (more important than an extra hour of sleep) for me to be awake before the kids. I need this time to be completely alone and completely free to do whatever i choose. I need to know what our day is going to look like, so that im ready for it. I need to be pretty much dressed and able to leave the house before they wake up. So that i never have to figure out a chance for me to get myself ready...because lets face it, i might not ever get that chance! Bottom line, i need to stay ahead of the kids. Otherwise it takes me until half way through nap time to be caught up again.

In my ideal world, I have already planned what my day will be like the night before. I know my husbands work schedule. My coffee maker is already set to brew when i walk into the kitchen in the morning. I can sit in the brown chair at the window and read while i drink some coffee. I can quietly get myself dressed (EVEN MAKE UP!), and then they all start to wake up.

I feel incredible when i do this. Im one step ahead of the kids, which ive decided is a MUST in order to maintain a good mood all day and for my kids to feel satisfied.

Whenever i stick to this, it allows me time in the day to do extra things. Such as yoga during nap time or after they go to bed at night. Or a spur of the moment baking session with Forest. And it leaves no room for aimlessly roaming children who are waiting on their mom...which is something i cannot handle at all.

Wow, having two kids is a tremendous difference from having just one.

So, lesson learned. Ill try again tomorrow.


Side note:
I wrote this a few days ago but am just now posting it. I would like to say, today i woke up early, and therefore got to put on all my new make up, sweep the kitchen floor, pre-pack Forests beloved "snack pack" for the library, pre-pack my giant purse for N, and enjoy coffee alone!

Grasshopper

Meeting his coach

Warming up

Go Forest!!!!

Listening to his coach

Robert's dream...hes finally old enough for soccer!

Proud to be a Jr. Grasshopper

Yesterday Forest had his very first soccer practice!
He was completely into it...took it very seriously and played hard! I had no idea he would love it this much. I guess signing him up at age two was ok after all!
The soccer field is right next to the farmers market, so after we were done we all walked over to find some treats. This was such a fun way for all of us to spend out Saturday morning.

Bring on October!

I can tell that Fall is just around the corner! I know because in the middle of the night i can finally open all the windows to let the cool air in. And the morning requires a second layer to be worn.
This is basically what i wait for all summer. If hell had an actual temperature, it would probably be called Redding, Ca, instead of a number. The summer here can be pretty awful.
October is my favorite month of the year. I often forget that September has to come first. It brings a new season, refreshing weather, beginning of holidays, fashion police give the ok for wearing plaid again, Pumpkin lattes at Starbucks, our annual trip to Bishop pumpkin patch, our wedding anniversary, and my birthday. Its always the busiest month of our year. Both fun and not so fun things. Some how it just always fills up right away. And i absolutely love it.

I didnt blog all summer. There is really no way to recap all that took place.
It was a whirlwind! A much needed Vegas vacation with Robert (no kids!). The birth of our precious baby N. Little man Forest turning two! Roberts birthday. Participating in my brothers beautiful wedding. And lots of visits with family and friends.

I feel like i have learned a lot this summer.
I realized that even though i have never lived too close to family, as i get older, i sometimes wish that i did. I learned that nothing is more important to me than my little family of 4. And i realized that i am even tougher than i thought. Abd of course, ive learned how to handle two kids!

With all this said......im ready for Fall! And can i just be honest and say that i really just cant wait for Fall wardrobe and those damn pumpkin lattes!

"In the long run, much of what seems so pressing right now wont even matter. What we do with our children will matter forever."

Just a little clip of what ive been reading. I dont actually have much time for reading these days. And by night time, when i could be reading, there's no way in hell my brain would allow me.
However, ive been really getting into waking up early before the kids. Brush my teeth alone. Pour my coffee with Trader Joe's hazelnut creamer, alone. Sit in my brown stuffed chair by the window alone. Be silent and read. Sometimes this lasts 10 minutes, but sometimes 45!
I dont do this every morning. I usually decide the night before whether waking up early or sleeping extra will be more beneficial for that particular day. My reading at the moment, consists of the bible and a parenting book of choice. Currently, "The Five Love Languages of Children". I know what youre thinking....could i get any more mom-ish? But hey, i figure if i truly practice living life to the fullest, and for now my life is being a full time mom, then i might as well completely dive into raising my kids.

This book is pretty basic but a really great reminder of how we can love our kids on purpose.

A slight case of writer's block happening over here.
Its probably because im also enduring a two year old and a 2 month old! Yep! Thats right! The baby is here! A precious little man!
Im not going to write his story on here or about the day he came home with us. Its very personal and special and not to be shared on the internet. He also needs to remain anonymous for now. So ill refer to him as "N".

We are all completely in love with N, and have been spending the last month and a half adjusting and enjoying this new life in our family. And its back to sleepless nights for me.

And now i hear both of the boys waking up at the same time.

The bottom drawer on Forest's changing table/dresser, is almost empty. The only things in it are some new blankets and a special quilt that have been made for the new baby(whenever he arrives). I have shown Forest the blankets and i have told him who they are for. And now, i am always guaranteed to find him like this once a day. If the house has suddenly gotten just a little too quiet, and i havent seen the crazy blonde boy running by recently...you can bet it means he is curled up in the drawer. I should get mad at him because its actually very dangerous. At any moment the entire dresser could fall on him. But he is always so quiet and so cozy looking when i find him in there. He's usually just humming quietly to himself, and he likes to remind that the blankets are for the baby.

The two blondies spying on the parrot

Best Friends

Forest and his best friends Chuck and Jack, went out to the Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
We have yearly passes, so we get to go pretty often and we love to take our friends with us.
It was drizzling all day, but we still ventured out to see the new mini parrot exhibit! The boys loved being in the parrot house. We were able to feed them and watch them for as long as we wanted. The parrots happened to love Chuck and Jack's yellow rain coats, so they had quite a few landing on them and hanging out on them.. Forest wasnt quite sure about the parrots landing on me or darting past his blond head, but he sure did have lots of fun being so close to them. I even got to leave the exhibit with a lovely souvenir.....yep, bird poop in my hair! Put all my hair up in a bun and our outing goes on.... nobody ever knows! hahaha
We are so thankful to have such special friends like Chuck and Jack and their mom Mandi.
Mandi is pregnant with a little girl! So pretty soon we will be adding a girl into our little gang of boys! I always figured she would have another boy and i would eventually be adopting a baby boy. Which would put us at a total of 5 BOYS! So adding her baby girl into the mix this Sept will be pretty fun and interesting.

2 doesnt need to be terrible

Pancakes in the morning. The picture was taken this morning. And it was at this moment, that i looked at him stirring the pancake mix, he looked back at me, and he said "thank you". And it hit me that he is growing up. Lately all ive been able to notice are the awful meltdowns brought on by not being allowed to watch the Curious George movie for the 100th time, or by telling him he HAS to wear pants if he wants to go shopping with me. But i have to remind myself that this is actually a good thing. Its good because it means he is growing up. He is practicing his opinions and independence. I could do without the tantrums that are so intense that i lose my appetite for the day....but i guess thats part of it. I should actually be proud of him for how opinionated, confident, and expressive he is at such a young age.

Ive been trying to get a good picture to use for his bday invitations, but a photo shoot with an almost 2 year old is not very realistic. He never wants to smile when i need him to.

Though, he's pretty good at providing me with plenty of other animated looks.

Waiting to flip the pancakes (im a little scary at 8:30 am)

"Bubble"
His latest word and latest favorite activity. Every time he blows a bubble, he has to say the word as loud as he can. My poor, yet understanding neighbors.

Forest and i hit the road on Fri to head to the Bay Area to see our family. I kind of love these mini road trips just the two of us. We always start out with a stop at Starbucks for my coffee with cream and his mini scone and water. Once i have the caffeine greatness in the cup holder next to me, we are set to hit the road and begin our 2.5 hours drive. He usually passes out after he comes down from his sugar high and after we have had a van concert to our favorite songs. (songs will remain nameless in order to keep both our reputaions in the clear)
Once he's asleep, its a great alone time for me. Silence. Or talk radio. And hes usually waking up by the time we take the Livorna exit to my parents house. Thats my favorite moment. His favorite moment is when we pull into their driveway....he instantly starts calling out to the dogs and trying to free himself from the car seat. Going to my parent's, is like taking Forest on an overnight trip to a park...a park that has dogs! He is happy to explore the huge yard, go on the tire swing, run with the dogs, play hard with cousin Lil, and be barefoot and free. And i feel like im in heaven, because i get a slight break from watching him! A huge yard with a fence, what a concept!
Needless to say, we both have a great time and its always fun to hang out with family and see a couple of friends. We are usually exhausted by the time we get back home. Somehow, the drive back is never quite as fun. The concerts are minimal. The pre-hit the road coffee is more important then ever. And i look like a real gem by the time i walk up to our apartment door to be greeted by my lovely husband. What a treat for him.
The day after, Forest was in a horrible mood and so tired. It happened to be an extremely busy and scheduled day. He got very quiet while i was making his lunch. I came around the corner and found him tucked into the diaper box, in the living room, about to fall asleep. Poor guy.
I promptly grabbed my camera. I was very surprised that he actually wanted to eat his lunch, but he did! But he HAD to eat it from in the box. What a troll.

yogi in training

Forest watches every move i make these days. Ive been trying to fit in my exercise every morning before we are full force into our day. I have a much better day when i actually accomplish this. The other morning, i unrolled my yoga mat. Left the room. Came back, and this is what i found! Forest in full yoga practice. I was quite proud of him. And i like to think that maybe he felt nice and stretched out for the rest of his day!

"Downward facing dog"

"sun salutations"

concentration

Its been such great weather! Forest has been spending most of his days playing outside, and desparately trying to get a tan. haha or maybe thats just me. Last night he was extremely busy working on a tower of blocks and coffee containers. It ended up being as tall as him! He had no help in building this. He was really proud! Sometimes he concentrates so hard on his "projects" that i wonder if hes even having fun. I would never know by the look on his face. He can rarely crack a smile until the project is complete...in which he then lets out a loud a proud "TADA!" and a "OOOO YAAAAY". He definitely does not get this deep focus and concentration from me...his projects are causing me to fear the days when he needs home work help after school.

Easter

The three of us had a very fun Easter at home.
A friend of mine calls Easter the "yearly pilgrimage". Meaning, its the one Sunday out of the whole year that people feel the need to step into a church. Knowing that i havent been able to go to church lately, and knowing that Robert was off work for Easter, i realized that it would be possibly to finally get to church if we wanted to. But then the words of my friend came into my head. I realized that if we went to church, we would actually be a part of the pilgrimage since we havent been to church for quite some time. We totally qualify to be in this category this year. So....I then heard the words of my mother from when i was a kid, "we are not going to church for Easter so that there will be extra seats available to people who havent been all year". Hmmmm.
After thinking about how miserable Forest would be in the chaotic and crowded Sunday school,
i was convinced to stay home. We even decided against inviting people over.
So it was declared a family day in our home!
And this is how it went......

Forest and I made cinnamon rolls in the morning.
He was a great helper

But he was very mad when they had to go into the oven.
He checked their progress every couple of minutes.
And finally, sobbing, climbed into his highchair and put on his bib,
and proceeded to wait.
Finally, they were done baking!
He helped with the frosting.

Already starting the sugar high
"back away from my cinnamon roll"

Our Easter breakfast

Spying on Dad while he hides the eggs

His fist Easter egg hunt!

He knew exactly what to do

"Did i find them all?"

The eggs were filled with mini frogs, stickers, and fruit snacks.

And due to the sugary cinnamon rolls followed by fruit snacks, he had a complete

emotional melt down 15 min after the hunt and went to bed for 3 hours!
I spent the afternoon baking a carrot cake.
Forest helped me frost it after his nap

He thought he was so cool helping

After a while he realized he could eat the frosting
(quite the sugary day)

The finished cake!

The 3 of us took some of the cake over to our friends and then came home to have a dinner prepared by Robert. We had a great day together. We missed being with some of our family that we knew were gathering together for the day, but we were so glad to spend the day doing the beginnings of our own family traditions.

The morning after.....all stickers that were once in the eggs, are now on our glass door.