Story Time at Barnes & Noble

Last Friday, I had a book presentation at the Barnes & Noble in Copperfield in conjunction with Pajama Party Time. It was really cute. Little K wore her new cheetah print robe (thank you, Camille!) so Little K was styling. The community relations manager read some stories from the Biscuit the Dog series and there was a surprise appearance from a gigantic Biscuit. Most kids loved taking photos with Biscuit, but not my daughter. She hid in her daddy's lap the whole time. All in all, I still think this was a fun, free activity for families. It's easy to take an hour out of the weekend to head to a local Barnes & Noble for story time. Check out the Barnes & Noble Web site for locations and events near you.

Until the next nap time...

Skatepark or Police Memorial in Less Than 30 Minutes

As I mentioned yesterday, Little K didn't want to go to school. As my friend Amy sometimes says, "Well, I don't want to go to work but I have to." It got me thinking about how hard it can be for working parents to do fun things out of the norm with their kids. I luckily have a flexible schedule but I still find myself grasping for more time with my daughter. This week, I started getting anxious about Little K starting PreK this fall so I find myself using short amounts of time to spend with her doing memorable things. Like yesterday...

After school, we went to the Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark (page 93 of my latest book). I honestly expected it to be somewhat grungy because that's what I expect from skate boarders. (Just being honest.) I was pleasantly surprised & really surprised with Little K taking to the sport -- or the watching of it. I liked that several parents accompanied their kids to the outdoor park that opened in 2008 & that staff members walked the park to ensure safety and good behavior. Surprise.

One man turned on this radio, put on his safety equipment and began skating. He kind of looked at us with curiosity so we kept walking around the park, watching various people (like another man in the photo above). I love that you can see the Houston skyline in the background? The skaters skate in what looks like empty swimming pools with a few extra bumps. (I thought it would just be the above ground ramps that the kids used to make in my neighborhood.) When I was ready to go due being cold in a short-sleeved shirt, Little K insisted that we stay for a bit longer. We did. On the way out, we looked at the posted graffitti art and the purple cow (Little K's favorite).

On our way home, we stopped by the Police Memorial on Memorial Drive. Little K ran in the field toward the memorial as I tried to keep up with her & explain what a "memorial" is. She couldn't help but to be happy with the openness of this stop. I finally decided that, while the Police Memorial honors those officers who gave their lives in the line of duty, a solemn nature is not always required here. I hope others will appreciate a youngster's spirit & joy in attending this memorial.

Once we reached the base of the Police Memorial, we looked up & down realizing we could go either way. Onward & upward, I always say. So we climbed four stairs up & met a deadend - sort of. We next had to move to the right or left side of the square monument in order to find the next set of stairs up. Little K chose right. Right we went & up we went until we came to a similar situaton of needing to choose a path in order to get to our destination. After four levels & 16 stairs up, we found ourselves at the top of the Police Memorial. The view from the top, as they say, was breathtaking & calming all at the same time... & no, it was not strenuous. But I couldn't help but to think (as I'm sure you're supposed to) about the choices police officers make on a regular basis about which way to go and how to handle different situations. Little K is too young at 3.5 years to understand that but I loved it. Little K liked the soft-flowing fountain at the top (seen in the photo above, left). Fallen officers' names are etched in the marble around the water. It's really neat and something most kids can accomplish.

If you only have 30 minutes between school and dinner (or whatever), this is an easy, unique activity. If you have more time, pack a picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy in the fields surrounding the memorial and then take a walk along the paved path along Buffalo Bayou. I was glad that we again made the visit.

Until the next nap time...

Creating Bugs

Little K did NOT want to go to school today & I had a lighter load, so we played for a few hours this morning. We watched channel 8 TV and blew bubbles outside using the new bubble toys from PaPa Don & Grammy. Then, we got creative. We used old materials to create bugs. Little K stayed focused for almost an entire hour and unleashed her artistic side. (See our creations at left. Mine is the purple bug on the far left, while Little K's is the big eyed one.) It was too fun.

It made me remember how easy entertaining a little one can be. Now I just have to figure out what to do on Monday since it's the MLK Holiday.

Tomorrow, I'll be presenting tips from my book at the Barnes & Noble on Hwy. 6 North. Then, I'm heading to a meeting and back to the office. However, at some point, I'll post photos from our trip this afternoon to the Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark and the Police Memorial. It was cool.

Until the next nap time...

What's a Chinch?

This afternoon, I picked Little K up from school and went to the library. At some point, she told me that a school mate (we'll call her Sally) told Little K that she "had a chinch on her face and it was bleeding". After Little K repeated this exact statement to me five times, I finally told her that I didn't know what a "chinch" was. She didn't either so I told her not to worry about it.

Tonight, Little K repeated the whole thing for Daddy. "What's a chinch?" he asked. Even when little kids don't know the meaning of words, they can get so concerned.

On another note, I have been so pleasantly surprised at the good nature of our neighbors. Maybe I shouldn't be but two different families have offered us their daughters' clothes when they outgrew them. Little K is so hard on clothes and doesn't have an older sister to inherit from , so I say bring it on. In the process, the older girls have befriended Little K and offered to show her the ropes when she begins PreK next fall. If only I had a big-kid friend to show me the ropes at each new adventure. :-)

Until the next nap time...

Who's That Skiing Down the Slopes?

Hopefully, this will work. My photo camera apparently also has the ability to shoot video so here are two clips of Little K skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado with her instructor Nico. At 3 years old, this was her first time. You can tell by the way I hover in the background!

Applause, applause.

Until the next nap time...

THIS is How We Do It

So I just finished reading the book THIS Is How We Do It by Carol Evans of Working Mother magazine. I wish I had read this when I was pregnant with Little K and trying to determine how to continue my career and be a good mom. It's packed with great statistics and tools to help working mothers propose better work/life arrangements with employers. I like how it even discusses going into business for yourself when your employer just doesn't get it. Evans calls it voting with your feet and it's exactly what I did. When Little K was 2 months old, I called my boss to discuss when exactly I'd return to my marketing job and discuss the arrangements. Unfortunately, I was told that I needed to work the 60+ hours that I previously did in order to continue working. No wonder they insisted that a lawyer be on the phone. Any ways, it all worked out for the best as it always does but for working women pregnant (with their first, middle or last child) faced with career and family decisions, this is a great resource. It's also an easy read.

On top of all that, I really liked how Evans sprinkles stories of her own children and husband throughout the book to truly personalize the book (like how her daughter ordered 8 geese for pets!)n . My daughter is 3.5 years old but somehow I feel like Evans is preparing for what's ahead. She includes tales from when her kids are very young to college age. It's refreshing to see that she, like the rest of us, have struggled at times with parenting and yet continue to make it. Check out This Is How We Do It.

Until the next nap time...

Militant Mom or Flexible Mommy?

So where should I start? It's been a couple interesting weeks and a great start to the New Year. First, as my daughter returned to nursery school this week, I fell into the routine that I experienced growing up. You see, whenever we returned to school from summer or holiday vacation, my mom thought it best to act extra strict to kick-start us back into the routine. She said that we had gotten use to sleeping in, being spoiled by extended family (who, me?) and unaccustomed to the regimen. So, my mom would act a bit like a sergeant and get us up early, not budge a single bit on rules or responsibilities and kept a stern face. I guess as an adult, I just fell into her way of thinking.

However, I'm reading a book called This is How We Do It about working mothers. One part of the book talks about easing new parents back into the workforce after having/adopting children. What's the relevance? No, I'm not expecting! As I read the book, I wondered if the same principles and rewards could be achieved if I simply eased Little K back into her school routine. Instead of rushing to school in search of jumpstarting my own work day and getting back on track, what if I took Little K in a bit later? What if I made sure that after school we played the same games that Little K loved during Christmas break? I'd try it.

The first day, Monday, seemed fruitful as Little K was excited to return to school. Tuesday and Wednesday were a bit more of a struggle as I had early morning meetings combined with temper tantums both days. It's hard to allow 30 minutes of TV time in the morning when you're watching the clock, hoping to make a 7:45 am meeting. Some days, it's harder to ease into the day than others. Wednesday night, we discussed not having temper tantums, but rather picking out her outfit and a toy to take in the car (before walking out the door!), eating a good breakfast and leaving the house when Mommy said.

Thursday morning arrived. Again, I had an early morning networking meeting but I'd agreed to go a bit late so that we could balance my work needs with our family needs. Little K appeared at about 6:30 am with her selected shirt in hand. When I offered to help her get dressed, she giggled and ran back to bed saying she wanted to sleep more. Upon entering her room and sitting on her bed, I quickly discovered she wanted to be tickled. Cool. It's a good way to start the day on a happy note. She got dressed, went downstairs for breakfast while I did her hair and responded to my 5-minute-before-departure warning (even though Curious George was on TV). At departure time, I turned off the TV and watched Little K put up her dishes (remember: she's 3.5 years old), get her babydoll and head for the front door. I was amazed at how she got in the car and minutes later walked into class. Something was working. I'm not sure if it was my change from militant mom or the fact that we discussed each step and it's Thursday so Little K is getting back into things. BUT, I have to say that I feel better about easing back and not being THE ENFORCER. I like my role as Mommy much better.

How has your first week back from the holidays been?

Until the next nap time...

Family Visit to Breckenridge Brings Skiing Surprises

Our trip to Breckenridge has been too fun. Little K took her first ski lesson with a family friend who is also a Breck ski instructor named Nico yesterday. Nico said if Little K did well, they would maybe try a ski lift on Wednesday. By the time the adults got to our ski lift, Little K and Nico were already headed up. She did great.

Last night, we went down to the mountain base at about 6 pm to watch the ski team ski down the mountain holding poles with red flares. It was so beautiful to see the red glowing lights gliding down the mountain. Everyone cheered when the skiiers arrived at the base. We returned to the condo at the base of Peak 9, had dinner and then at about 9 pm, we watched the beautiful fireworks glowing on the snow. Little K had already been in bed but woke up to the booming. Once she realized what the sound was, she came downstairs with Mommy to watch the fireworks.

Today, Little K and Nico went up the Quick Silver lift and then the A Lift today. She skiied what we consider a "baby bowl"today. I couldn't believe it. When I skiied it yesterday, I was a bit nervous. Like most kids, she has no fear and doesn't understand why I would be scared. My sister-in-law reminds me that our distance to the ground is much greater than a 3-year-old's but it continues to surprise me how little my daughter fears... even if she does much of the mountain in a snow plough. Ouch! My knees would cry in pain.

After the adults skiing about 5 hours today, we are staying in tonight to have Dorothy Orton Chicken casserole (a family fave). Aunt Susu and Drew have just wrapped up another game of Candy Land game with Little K as I try to recover from skiing. My legs are aching from the workout. Our ski instructor has the day off tomorrow, so Trent and I will ski the green slopes with Little K on Friday. It sounds like Uncle Bax will come up from Denver to join us, too, and I think Aunt Susu and friend Drew will join us in the morning. Then, while Little K naps, we'll head for the blue slopes. The snow is plentiful, the company cheerful. We continue to pray for Popi as he pushes through chemo to battle his cancer. Cici remains strong and faithful. In the mean time, we savor every moment of this family time.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and your families. Until the next nap time...

Guest Blog: Review of Tale of Despereaux

Hi everyone. This is my first blog ever... That's right, this is Trent, not Megan. Quick, ladies, go get your husbands and brag about how supportive that Trent is to his lovely, beautiful, near Saintly wife Megan. No, really it is me, Trent. Megan has asked me to do a guest blog spot for her on tonight's fun family activity. I certainly hope that I can make her proud. Here it goes.

Tonight we took little K out to her first bar. Okay that's a lie. We actually took her to the movies tonight. We piled into the family truckster about 5:45 for a 6:00 show of Despereaux. Arriving 14 minutes prior to showtime thanks to some magnificant driving by Daddy, we pealed little K off the back windshield and raced inside.

If you have been to the movies recently you will understand that as usual we spent nearly $2000.00 on popcorn, candy and drinks. We then raced into the theater where our timing could not have been better. Front row seats! Just kidding, because I drive like an absolute maniac we were able to sit in the center about half way up. After the obligatory spilling of "popgold" that some used to call "popcorn," (before the price went higher than crude in the summer of 2008) we settled in for the show.

Now anyone who knows me, knows that I love the movies. But you have to be in the right mindset to go see a kids show. For me the preparation starts hours beforehand with a lot of booze and some greasy food. Then a quick nap and a couple of vicaden later, I'm ready for showtime! But, today I was not allowed to take my usual liberty with preparation so I had to go...sober. I know this is scary, especially if any husbands were really hassled into reading this by their wives. How did I pull this off? Easy actually. Don't watch so much of the movie. Take a look at your kid watching the movie. That is where the real entertainment is.

Our seats allowed little K some "wiggle room" that gave her the freedom to rush the screen as Despereaux made a courageous charge. And come screaming back to us as the evil rats chased him around. Little K had some of those big, deep in the belly, laughs, that make the entire outside world seem insignificant in comparison. She always has a good time but tonight was a better than usual time. And truly the movie did put forth several great lessons that we will continue to reinforce.

All in all, is the movie something that I would have taken my most beautiful, smart, nearly saintly wife to go see when we were dating? No. But, it is a great movie for parents to take their kids to. You bet, the world is short on honorable heros. If the movie studios can only bring back honor, chivalry, and otherwise gentlemenly behavior by using a mouse, I'm cool with it. I would love to see a thousand Despereauxs next year for Halloween, but, that is wishful thinking. After all the Watchmen will be out in 2009.

Dads, take your boys to this movie. Teach them well. For your safety as well as theirs.

Until the next naptime...

Our Christmas Project: Day Two

So we haven't been as diligent about our project as I had hoped but it continues to be interesting and humorous.

Yesterday, Little K & I met my sister at a local Palais Royal to do some last-minute shopping. When we went to check out, we couldn't help but to notice the man in front of us who was pouting. (I'm pretty sure he's on the naughty list.) He shouted that he was late for a party (it was 5 pm) and had been waiting for an hour to return one item. (Actually, he had several items in his hands so I'm not sure if he could count.)

Little K looked at him, confused. I bent down and told her that he was having a very tough day and that maybe she could wish him a Merry Christma to make him feel better. As the salesperson walked off to get some help, Little K looked up at the brooding man & said: "Sir, Merry Christmas." He didn't respond but she said it in a normal voice. I told her to try it again. My sister looked at me as if I was daring my daughter to run across Loop 610. Okay, the guy was visibly angry but who better to receive a little Christmas spirit?

"Excuse me, sir. Merry Christmas!" Little K announced. Still, no response.

Next, Little K held my hand and stepped closer to the man, who was now pacing. "Sir, Merry Christmas!" Still, no response.

My sister & I laughed and Little K just couldn't understand his problem. Finally, another salesperson returned to help the man and a third salesperson offered to help us at another register.

The man turned toward us and said, "I'm sorry but I've been waiting for a long time here."

"It's okay," I responded with a giggle. "Merry Christmas!" Still, no response!

I'm picking up Little K early from nursery school today. With school out for the holidays, we should have plenty of opportunities to determine if folks can enjoy our Christmas sentiments or if we should tell them "Bah Humbug!" I'll try to capture & share some fun photos, too.

Until the next nap time...

Our Christmas Project: Day One

Yesterday, Little K and I went to Target (at I-10 & Taylor) for a few items. It was the typical trip until the end. Little K loves to climb on the large red balls that grace the entrance. They are really intended to block cars from barrelling through the front doors. Still, I let Little K climb on one at the end of our trip. That's where Our Christmas Project developed.

As harried people walked in and out of Target, Little K wished them a "Merry Christmas" in a normal voice. No one noticed. It was AMAZING to watch. It's kind of hard to miss a child sitting on the blockade but whatever. As minutes ticked by, Little K got braver. She stood on the ball with Mommy holding her carefully while minding the loaded shopping cart. She now shouted "Merry Christmas!" to each passerby. One man finally stopped and asked me if the little girl was talking to him. When I nodded, he was shocked. "Well, Merry Christmas to you," he studdered.

Little K beamed. With her new found confidence, she began to call out to specific people. "Hey lady with the green shirt. Merry Christmas!" Little K burst. (PaPa Don would be so proud!)

Usually, Little K got a smile in return but some people didn't even notice. Amazing.

We continued for about 20 minutes and laughed at people's responses. We couldn't believe that with only 8 days until Christmas, so few people were not in the Christmas spirit. Why would you be surprised about a child wishing you "Merry Christmas" at this time of year??? And why would you avoid eye contact with a child? It was as if the customers were afraid that Little K was going to ask for something in return. I was awestruck.

We've decided to continue the experiment through Christmas in the name of research... and fun. Check back here for updates. I encourage you to do the same experiment, too. It feels wonderful. Your kids will love it. Who knows? Maybe people will catch the Christmas spirit after all and remember the real reason for the season has nothing to do with crossing off the shopping list. It has everything to do with spreading deep-hearted joy and anticipation.

Merry Christmas to you! Until the next nap time...

NBC special A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa

Despite the hum-drum reviews that it is getting, we can't wait for the Muppet's Christmas special that is showing tonight. Let's watch and see how the kids like it.

A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS: LETTERS TO SANTA
• When: 7 tonight
• Where: NBC

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/tv/6168184.html

Until the next nap time...

Let it snow, Let it snow.

Let it snow... in Houston. What a wonderful memory the snow will provide for so many Houstonians -- young & old. Here's a photo of Little K, Daddy & our reindeer as the snow falls Wednesday night. It was too cool.

Happy holidays!

Until the next nap time...

A Blast at Dickens on the Strand

Last Saturday, we had a ball at Dickens on the Strand. I was a bit worried about navigating the crowd (especially since my husband had to work that Saturday unexpectedly) but I was pleasantly surprised. We arrived just after 10 am when they opened the gates and walked the Strand. There was a constant line of sight seeing for sure. My favorite was the Princess Baby in the gorgeous coach. In the photo here, you can see Little K and her Cici peeking inside at a real child. Oh, how I would have LOVED to have a stroller like that when I was younger.

We also saw a quick magic trick by a goose, who couldn't lay a golden egg, but could find a candy cane for my daughter. That goose seemed to know my daughter's preferences.

There was just so much to see... from the costumes and St. Nicholas' appearance to the Alpaca named Cici. (That's what Little K calls her paternal grandmother --also pictured -- so it was quite coincidental.) Interestingly, alpacas hum. Who knew? Their fur is super soft and great for blankets.

Next, we ate corn dogs and fresh lemonade. Little K even tried her first Funnel Cake with Cici. At last, we found a kind of cake that my daughter likes. She scarfed it right up.

We enjoyed the real wedding Dickens-style at noon and then decided just to sit for awhile, listening to gorgeous singing. The carolers were the good dose of Christmas that I needed.
Finally, a magician/trickster appeared on stage and performed various juggling acts and tricks. Our favorite was twirling the rope around 5 people and then watching each person slowly sneak out from beneath the rope without touching it or messing up the roper. Of course, we liked that trick mostly because Little K was one of the stars. (See photo below. She's the tiniest one.)

Any ways, if you didn't make it to Dickens on the Strand this year, mark the first weekend of December on your list for 2009. It was a wonderful, calm day that supported Galveston's Historic District. It was hard hit by Hurricane Ike but is coming back, thanks to people like you.

I also took photos of the west end of Galveston... the devastation from Hurricane Ike remains. I'll post those later this week. I'm still in awe.

Until the next nap time...

I know we're past Thanksgiving, but Little K keeps bringing home drawings of turkeys in the shape of her hand. Funny. I remember doing that as a kid, too. Since Thanksgiving seems to be still on our mind, I thought I'd share a photo of Little K playing with her home-made tom-tom. We actually made it on Thanksgiving while the feast was baking at my parents' home. She is still playing with the oatmeal container turned Indian music instrument. I thought my father was going to toss us out of the house if we played the tom-tom any more.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Don't forget Dickens on the Strand is this weekend in Galveston. Pack up the kids on Saturday or Sunday and head down for a day of Christmas spirit. Hope to see you there!
Another fun event if you want to stay close to home is the ADVENT FESTIVAL at Faith Lutheran Church, located at
4600 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401. It's this Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 am - 1 pm. Prepare for Jesus’ Birth! Bethlehem Bazaar and Food, Advent Crafts and Ornaments, Games, Carols, Storytelling, Bake Sale and Silent Auction. Fun for all ages!
Admission is a canned good or unwrapped toy for Christian Community Service Center’s “Jingle Bell Express”. (What a great idea!)
To close out for the week, I want to share these real comments from moms in Houston. Share your comments to this blog to keep the laughter rolling.
You know you're the mother of a preschooler when you ...

• double-knot your own shoes.
• find a half eaten molded sandwich under your driver's side seat!
• discover going to the grocery store is a twice weekly event.

Until the next nap time...

Fun Holiday Activities in Houston

If you're looking for some fun holiday activities in Houston, be sure to check out my December article "Seasonal Sensations" in The Buzz Magazines, page 9.

I also highlight 10 Seasonal Celebrations in my monthly e-newsletter called the Houston Family Fun Newsletter. Check out the December newsletter and then subscribe to this free email newsletter. (I never sell your contact information so no worries.) Each month, you'll receive one email showcasing fun things to do with your family.

As always, your feedback is welcome so send me your ideas for upcoming newsletters and let me know your family-oriented interests. You can also post your ideas & comments to this blog. Thanks.

Until the next nap time...

Oprah Brings Thrifty Holiday Music to All

There are not many free things these days, but here is one from Oprah. She has eight free Christmas songs available for download. the artists include: Faith Hill, Tony Bennett, Il Divo, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, Amy Grant, Harry Connick Jr., and Aretha Franklin. Here is the link: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20081118_tows_holiday/2 They are only available for the next day. So, this is my way of saying Happy Thanksgiving and may you have relaxed and peaceful month ahead during this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Until the next nap time...

Over the River?

Whether for Thanksgiving or the Christmas season, I like my new rendition of the holiday favorite "Over the River", now referred to as "Over the Bayou". It's Houston-style.

Over the bayou and through construction
To Grandmother's house we'll go.
Dad knows the way
on the Katy Freeway
through sun and mug we'll Go -- o!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Until the next nap time...

Madagascar 2 Cracks Us Up

Yesterday afternoon, Trent & I took Little K to the movies to see "Madagascar 2". It was the first time for Trent to see our daughter at the theater. (I've taken her to a matinee once with our MOPS group.) It was so fun.

Little K didn't seem to remember our previous trip but she was excited to see the show. She LOVED the popcorn. Luckily, we sat on the first row above the handicap seating so Little K actually had plenty of foot space and could occasionally stand up to stretch her legs without bothering anyone.

The "Madagascar 2" show was fabulous. Adults enjoyed it and youngsters were thrilled. I can only imagine watching that flick on IMAX, which is available at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. That would be a blast. Great, humorous lines with some good moral values weaved in. I give the show a big thumbs up. Trent & I have agreed, though, that our favorite part was watching Little K at the movie -- she danced, sang and was enthralled. Now Daddy is even willing to take Little K to more movies. Who knows? Maybe Mommy will catch some free time while the duo heads to the movies.

Until the next nap time...

Paint This

We had a great, no stress time at Young at Art this morning. My sister brought her 4 month old Claire so that we could get her foot print painted. Too fun & cute.

Even though it's a gorgeous day outside, we enjoyed the art studio. I only wish I had taken Little K there when she was a newborn so that I could have gotten her handprint & footprint done. Claire's handprint was so little, it was adorable. Last time, we did Little K's footprint but could only do her toes because her foot is already bigger than the large tile we were painting. Way to go, Mom.

I think we're going to see "Madagascar 2" later today so I'll post my review later this weekend.

Until the next nap time...