The Houston Fire Museum sponsors Fire Fest this Saturday, 10/21 to honor firefighters and educate Houstonians about what happens daily in the life of a Houston firefighter. The Houston program is so well regarded that aspiring firefighters from all over come to Houston to train. This is a great way for your children to learn how the fire department serves Houstonians. Bring the kids to enjoy fire demonstrations, fire trucks, music, food and fun. Plus, children love to shake hands with real firefighters.
Recommended age: 1+ years
Admission: FREE
Time: 10 am–5 pm
Physical location: HFD Val Jahnke Training Facility at 8030 Braniff (off Telephone Rd. behind Hobby Airport)
www.HoustonFireMuseum.org 713-524-2526
For more cool ideas of things to do with your children in Houston, check out www.TellYourTale.com/kids or purchase a copy of the book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids.
Until the next nap time...
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Halloween Haunts for Houston Kids -- All Ages
With the Halloween decorations out & about, I've been reflecting on favorite scary moments. What's yours?
Years ago, my little sister & I convinced our Dad & PaPa to rent us the movie Arachnophobia, starring John Goodman. This was exciting. We wanted to be scared yet be able to walk away from the fright. Our PaPa only agreed to half watch the flick as he visited with our parents during his visit to Houston from Ohio. My sister Colyn & I clung to the side of the sofa, enthralled by the movie about creepy, crawly spiders. The hair on our arms and the backs of our necks stood tall. My teeth clenched tightly.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed PaPa, creeping toward us. His smirky smile forewarned his horseplay but I sat quietly and watched. My lil sis was too engaged in the spooky film to notice otherwise. PaPa crawled close with a Pussy Willow branch in his hand. As he approached Colyn, he slowly rubbed the furry pussy willow against her leg.
"Ahhh!" she screamed. As terrified Colyn ran down the hall to escape the gigantic tarantula that was surely behind her, PaPa & I roared with laughter. The movie continued on by itself as we howled together. Later, Colyn rejoined us, promising to get us both back. She, too, smiled.
This is my favorite spooky story. (Sorry, Colyn!) So instead of paying hefty prices to take your kids to an overrated, teen-run haunted house, create your own spooky stories at home. Whether funny or slightly scary, doing it together is worth while.
Until the next nap time...
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Family Day on the Prairie This Saturday
Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend?
Head out to the Family Day on the Prairie & Preserve Tour this Saturday, October 14 from 9 am - noon at Nelson Farms.
Dip a net in the crawfish pond and discover the creatures that live there. Sweep the prairie with pole nets to find out what insects live in the tall grasses. Learn basic birding and animal track identification. See birds and animal tracks. Learn about plants you can grow in your own garden to attract beautiful butterflies. Go on a scavenger hunt. Make seed balls for the demonstration prairie. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day on the prairie and find out why we like to say, "It's flat out wonderful!" For more information or to register, write to events@katyprairie.org, call 713-523-6135 or visit www.katyprairie.org. For directions, visit www.katyprairie.org/assets/pdf/Nelson_Farms.pdf.
Until the next nap time...
Head out to the Family Day on the Prairie & Preserve Tour this Saturday, October 14 from 9 am - noon at Nelson Farms.
Dip a net in the crawfish pond and discover the creatures that live there. Sweep the prairie with pole nets to find out what insects live in the tall grasses. Learn basic birding and animal track identification. See birds and animal tracks. Learn about plants you can grow in your own garden to attract beautiful butterflies. Go on a scavenger hunt. Make seed balls for the demonstration prairie. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day on the prairie and find out why we like to say, "It's flat out wonderful!" For more information or to register, write to events@katyprairie.org, call 713-523-6135 or visit www.katyprairie.org. For directions, visit www.katyprairie.org/assets/pdf/Nelson_Farms.pdf.
Until the next nap time...
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Trip to Bountiful Offers Important Lesson for Houston Kids
Guest blogger Colyn Frazier shares her thoughts on the play "The Trip to Bountiful" put on by the A.D. Players in Houston.
Explaining to your child about aging can be difficult endeavor. Why do they forget things? Why did they say this or that? It can be hard for a child to understand or even be patient with Grandma or Grandpa sometimes. But the education does not only have to be a sit down discussion or a stern word telling them to be nice.
“The Trip to Bountiful”, playing at Grace Theater, is a great theatrical play set in 1953 to share with your older children, ages 12+. In a short two and a half hours, you and your child will laugh, cry and walk away with an appreciation for the elderly.
Jeannette Clift George, playing Mrs. Carrie Watts, brings sarcasm and humor to an otherwise “tear jerking” production about growing old. After living in the big city for 15 years with her son, Ludie, and obnoxious daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae, Mrs. Watts attempts another great escape to her home town of Bountiful in her last days of life. It is through this journey that she finds her inner peace and the audience finds a heartfelt connection to the elderly.
Explaining to your child about aging can be difficult endeavor. Why do they forget things? Why did they say this or that? It can be hard for a child to understand or even be patient with Grandma or Grandpa sometimes. But the education does not only have to be a sit down discussion or a stern word telling them to be nice.
“The Trip to Bountiful”, playing at Grace Theater, is a great theatrical play set in 1953 to share with your older children, ages 12+. In a short two and a half hours, you and your child will laugh, cry and walk away with an appreciation for the elderly.
Jeannette Clift George, playing Mrs. Carrie Watts, brings sarcasm and humor to an otherwise “tear jerking” production about growing old. After living in the big city for 15 years with her son, Ludie, and obnoxious daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae, Mrs. Watts attempts another great escape to her home town of Bountiful in her last days of life. It is through this journey that she finds her inner peace and the audience finds a heartfelt connection to the elderly.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Cornelius Garden Nursery Falls for Kids
Cornelius Nurseries did a wonderful job today with the Fall Harvest Festival. If you haven't gone yet, head out now! There's a moon walk for kids 3-12 years old. Since my daughter is still too young, we toured the nursery for the most beautiful, autumn flowers. "Little K", my daughter, had a great time picking some out. Then for $3, we bought her a miniature scarecrow who has ponytails! It's adorable. Little K also loved picking out her own small pumpkin and painting it. She wasn't able to decorate it as much as some of the bigger kids, but she had a blast all her own. This is a great way to spend 20 minutes to an hour with the family. http://www.corneliusnurseries.com/ Until the next nap time...
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Great Bazaar This Weekend in west Houston
For families on the west side of Houston, here's a great bazaar that's fun for the whole family!
Where: St. John Vianney Catholic Church at 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail - Houston, TX 77079 Sunday, October 8, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00p.m.
RAIN OR SHINE. Rides for Children, Teens & Adults. Silent Auction, Arts & Crafts Show, Merchandise Mart, Variety of Food Booths, BBQ, Music & Live Entertainment. Raffle, prizes: Car, Trips, and more.
http://www.stjohnvianney.org/index.html
I don't attend church here but our family attends the bazaar every year. It's just that much fun. Hope to see you there!
Until the next nap time...
Where: St. John Vianney Catholic Church at 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail - Houston, TX 77079 Sunday, October 8, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00p.m.
RAIN OR SHINE. Rides for Children, Teens & Adults. Silent Auction, Arts & Crafts Show, Merchandise Mart, Variety of Food Booths, BBQ, Music & Live Entertainment. Raffle, prizes: Car, Trips, and more.
http://www.stjohnvianney.org/index.html
I don't attend church here but our family attends the bazaar every year. It's just that much fun. Hope to see you there!
Until the next nap time...
Monday, October 02, 2006
Preparing for Halloween Fun in Houston
Well, as promised in my October newsletter, here are some great suggestions for preparing for Halloween with children in Houston.
1). Make your own scarecrow, which will be a great decoration through Thanksgiving. Grab some old jeans, shirt and hat. Stuff them with old rags or hay. You can use an old T-shirt to make the head and paint a funny face to give the scarecrow plenty of personality. Prop your new friend up on a bench, hay stack or against a tree.
2). Use Halloween cookie cutters to make holiday cookies. My 1.5 year old loved pushing the cookie cutters into the dough last Friday. Of course, her enticement was probably a pinch of the dough!
3). Pick out your pumpkin from a pumpkin patch. Our family loves Dewberry Farms for its wonderful pumpkin patch and loads of fun activities. You can easily spend a few hours here. Wear jeans, comfortable shoes and a hat.
4). Create your costume and practice wearing it. Even if you're not on a strict budget, it can be fun to get creative and make a costume. Plus, it gets the kids involved early on so they can contribute to the costume making throughout the month. Last year, my mom made my daughter a Lady Bug costume for her first Halloween. We put her in black tights and a black leotard. Then "Grand" made a small set of ladybug wings that velcro'ed to the back of the leotard. Finally, Grand created a hat that included the antennas. It was adorable!
5). Produce a masterpiece. Your children will enjoy making their own Halloween decorations out of crayons/markers, construction paper, old buttons, candy sprinkles, pipe cleaners and more. Then, the youngsters can decorate their closet (who cares if the paint gets torn off in there?) or give the art to a favorite relative or neighbor.
6). Attend the Creepy, Crawly Critters on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 am at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center. Your family will learn that spiders, snakes and other creepers play a key role in keeping nature in balance. Visit www.hcp4.net/jones for details.
7). Head to the Bat Cave. On Friday, Oct. 20, starting at 6:26 pm, meet on the east side of the Waugh Street bridge at Allen Parkway by the viewing platform for the bat lecture. Bring a blanket and a snack/dessert for the kids. You'll learn so much about bats and then see them take flight. It's cool and not scary.
8). Turn on movie time. There are plenty of Halloween movies available for all ages. From the Peanuts Halloween special to Friday the 13th and Arachnophobia.
9). Get spooked at a haunted house. If your kids are older (middle school or older), haunted houses can be fun. Just be sure they feel comfortable in knowing that it's all pretend and encourage a group of friends to go together with one or two parents. A list of Houston haunted houses are available at http://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/5031859/detail.html.
10). Carve your pumpkin a few days before Halloween. Add a candle to the center and watch it glow. Carving kits are available at most grocery stores but kids can help adults instead create their own fun face. Ask your kids to draw on the pumpkin the face they'd like to see. Have an adult do the carving. Then be sure to remind kids to be careful around the fire. Place the lit pumpkin in an area where it won't be easily pushed over.
As for trick or treating, thanks to the Bellaire Young Moms group and the Houston Police Department for these great suggestions:
Trick or Treating Safety Tips
- Shoes should fit (even if they don’t match the costume). - Avoid wearing masks when walking from house to house. Your child should be able to see properly through a mask. - Children should wear light-colored costumes with reflective tape for better visibility and the garment should be short enough to prevent tripping.
- Participate at church or local organization's festivities where the environment is more controlled.
- Carry a flashlight after sunset.
- Approach only houses that are lit. Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times, should stay within their neighborhood, and only visit homes of people they know.
- Look for costumes made of flame retardant material. Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Foam rubber is a good substitute.
- Make sure your child eats dinner before heading out. Get the vegetables in early!
- Stay on sidewalks, obey traffic signals and don't cut across yards or driveways.
- Inspect candy before any is consumed. If any candy appears to be tampered with, throw it away. If this is your child's first time to trick or treat, remember that he/she could be 1 in 15 kids under age 3 who are highly allergic to the nuts in many candies.
For more information like this, sign up for my FREE newsletter by visiting https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:8899. It takes less than one minute to subscribe!
Until the next nap time...
1). Make your own scarecrow, which will be a great decoration through Thanksgiving. Grab some old jeans, shirt and hat. Stuff them with old rags or hay. You can use an old T-shirt to make the head and paint a funny face to give the scarecrow plenty of personality. Prop your new friend up on a bench, hay stack or against a tree.
2). Use Halloween cookie cutters to make holiday cookies. My 1.5 year old loved pushing the cookie cutters into the dough last Friday. Of course, her enticement was probably a pinch of the dough!
3). Pick out your pumpkin from a pumpkin patch. Our family loves Dewberry Farms for its wonderful pumpkin patch and loads of fun activities. You can easily spend a few hours here. Wear jeans, comfortable shoes and a hat.
4). Create your costume and practice wearing it. Even if you're not on a strict budget, it can be fun to get creative and make a costume. Plus, it gets the kids involved early on so they can contribute to the costume making throughout the month. Last year, my mom made my daughter a Lady Bug costume for her first Halloween. We put her in black tights and a black leotard. Then "Grand" made a small set of ladybug wings that velcro'ed to the back of the leotard. Finally, Grand created a hat that included the antennas. It was adorable!
5). Produce a masterpiece. Your children will enjoy making their own Halloween decorations out of crayons/markers, construction paper, old buttons, candy sprinkles, pipe cleaners and more. Then, the youngsters can decorate their closet (who cares if the paint gets torn off in there?) or give the art to a favorite relative or neighbor.
6). Attend the Creepy, Crawly Critters on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 am at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center. Your family will learn that spiders, snakes and other creepers play a key role in keeping nature in balance. Visit www.hcp4.net/jones for details.
7). Head to the Bat Cave. On Friday, Oct. 20, starting at 6:26 pm, meet on the east side of the Waugh Street bridge at Allen Parkway by the viewing platform for the bat lecture. Bring a blanket and a snack/dessert for the kids. You'll learn so much about bats and then see them take flight. It's cool and not scary.
8). Turn on movie time. There are plenty of Halloween movies available for all ages. From the Peanuts Halloween special to Friday the 13th and Arachnophobia.
9). Get spooked at a haunted house. If your kids are older (middle school or older), haunted houses can be fun. Just be sure they feel comfortable in knowing that it's all pretend and encourage a group of friends to go together with one or two parents. A list of Houston haunted houses are available at http://www.click2houston.com/entertainment/5031859/detail.html.
10). Carve your pumpkin a few days before Halloween. Add a candle to the center and watch it glow. Carving kits are available at most grocery stores but kids can help adults instead create their own fun face. Ask your kids to draw on the pumpkin the face they'd like to see. Have an adult do the carving. Then be sure to remind kids to be careful around the fire. Place the lit pumpkin in an area where it won't be easily pushed over.
As for trick or treating, thanks to the Bellaire Young Moms group and the Houston Police Department for these great suggestions:
Trick or Treating Safety Tips
- Shoes should fit (even if they don’t match the costume). - Avoid wearing masks when walking from house to house. Your child should be able to see properly through a mask. - Children should wear light-colored costumes with reflective tape for better visibility and the garment should be short enough to prevent tripping.
- Participate at church or local organization's festivities where the environment is more controlled.
- Carry a flashlight after sunset.
- Approach only houses that are lit. Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times, should stay within their neighborhood, and only visit homes of people they know.
- Look for costumes made of flame retardant material. Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Foam rubber is a good substitute.
- Make sure your child eats dinner before heading out. Get the vegetables in early!
- Stay on sidewalks, obey traffic signals and don't cut across yards or driveways.
- Inspect candy before any is consumed. If any candy appears to be tampered with, throw it away. If this is your child's first time to trick or treat, remember that he/she could be 1 in 15 kids under age 3 who are highly allergic to the nuts in many candies.
For more information like this, sign up for my FREE newsletter by visiting https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:8899. It takes less than one minute to subscribe!
Until the next nap time...
It's the Little Things
Kids are funny. I try so hard to do fun, educational and creative things with my daughter, yet she finds joy in the littlest things. Yesterday, we went to Sears to get -- I can't believe it -- an ironing board. Oh, the excitement. My little monkey took a glimpse at the escalator and couldn't wait to go up. After wandering around the first floor, a salesman finally told me the ironing boards were hidden upstairs in housewares... probably because no one in her right mind would actually want one. (Sorry, Grammy, most people hate that chore!) Well, Kylie's smile grew ear to ear as we went up that escalator. As she waved to everyone and every clothing rack on the first floor, I smiled too. Shouldn't we all enjoy the simple things like an easy ride to higher ground? How do we lose the innocence and the enjoyment that youngsters revel in? More importantly, how do you get it back?
I'm going to try by focusing this week on the little things like the woodpecker that landed outside my window this morning. Later this afternoon, I think we'll fill up the empty bird feeder in our yard and see who comes for a snack. If no birds, at least we'll have goldfish crackers and apple slices to eat... and plenty of smiles.
Lots of fun things going on in Houston next weekend so check back later this week. Until the next nap time...
I'm going to try by focusing this week on the little things like the woodpecker that landed outside my window this morning. Later this afternoon, I think we'll fill up the empty bird feeder in our yard and see who comes for a snack. If no birds, at least we'll have goldfish crackers and apple slices to eat... and plenty of smiles.
Lots of fun things going on in Houston next weekend so check back later this week. Until the next nap time...
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Komen Race Takes Center Stage in Houston
There's still time to sign up to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this weekend. This is such a wonderful activity for the whole family. After walking, running or strolling the 5K (about 3 miles), your family can enjoy music and food in downtown as the party congratulates all its participants. Sign up in person this week:
Wednesday, Sept. 27: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RACE DAY, Sept. 30: Sam Houston Park - Registration ONLY
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 27: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RACE DAY, Sept. 30: Sam Houston Park - Registration ONLY
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Komen Race Takes Center Stage in Houston
There's still time to sign up to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this weekend. This is such a wonderful activity for the whole family. After walking, running or strolling the 5K (about 3 miles), your family can enjoy music and food in downtown as the party congratulates all its participants. Sign up in person this week:
Wednesday, Sept. 27: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RACE DAY, Sept. 30: Sam Houston Park - Registration ONLY
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 27: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29: theGalleria on 1st Floor near Nordstrom
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RACE DAY, Sept. 30: Sam Houston Park - Registration ONLY
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Grown Up Songs for Kids
I subscribe to several parenting magazines but one of my favorites is Cookie. My favorite part of the magazine each month is the music recommendations. Sticking to a theme, the magazine suggests five otherwise considered "adult songs" (like "Car Wash" by Rose Royce & "That's the Way" by KC & the Sunshine Band) that kids adore. You can simply head out to iTunes and download any of the recommended songs for $1 each. Alternatively, my cousin Jon just recommended Baby Rock Records so I don't have to do the downloading myself. Baby Rock Records dedicates one CD to rock artists like The Cure and Led Zepellin but plays the music in softer lullaby tunes. I can't wait to try it out. If you check it out, let me know what you think. Either way you choose, these are great ways to enjoy music with your kids.
Until the next nap time...
Until the next nap time...
Cornelius' Fall Harvest Festival
The weather outside is beautiful. What a great day to enjoy the park or have a snack and watch the birds & butterflies. My daughter & I love it! Hope your family does too.
Mark your calendars for Cornelius' Fall Harvest Festival. On Saturday, Oct. 7 (al9 am - 6 pm), Cornelius Nursery will have a family day and it looks super fun. Shop the old fashioned Farmer's Market with pumpkins, corn stalks, and seasonal decor. Choose a scarecrow for your yard. (It's perfect through Thanksgiving!) Take a photo of your child during the Picture Takin' Place -- a scene focused on a giant pumpkin cut-out and surrounded by corn stalks, hay bales, scarecrows and festive activity. Plus, kids can enjoy the Decoratin' Parlor, where they use paste-ons, safe markers, masks & feathers to decorate a pumpkin. Then your youngsters can have some gooey fun in the Slime Station. For more details, visit http://www.corneliusnurseries.com/Events/index.html.
Mark your calendars for Cornelius' Fall Harvest Festival. On Saturday, Oct. 7 (al9 am - 6 pm), Cornelius Nursery will have a family day and it looks super fun. Shop the old fashioned Farmer's Market with pumpkins, corn stalks, and seasonal decor. Choose a scarecrow for your yard. (It's perfect through Thanksgiving!) Take a photo of your child during the Picture Takin' Place -- a scene focused on a giant pumpkin cut-out and surrounded by corn stalks, hay bales, scarecrows and festive activity. Plus, kids can enjoy the Decoratin' Parlor, where they use paste-ons, safe markers, masks & feathers to decorate a pumpkin. Then your youngsters can have some gooey fun in the Slime Station. For more details, visit http://www.corneliusnurseries.com/Events/index.html.
Cornelius' Fall Harvest Festival
The weather outside is beautiful. What a great day to enjoy the park or have a snack and watch the birds & butterflies. My daughter & I love it! Hope your family does too.
Mark your calendars for Cornelius' Fall Harvest Festival. On Saturday, Oct. 7 (al9 am - 6 pm), Cornelius Nursery will have a family day and it looks super fun. Shop the old fashioned Farmer's Market with pumpkins, corn stalks, and seasonal decor. Choose a scarecrow for your yard. (It's perfect through Thanksgiving!) Take a photo of your child during the Picture Takin' Place -- a scene focused on a giant pumpkin cut-out and surrounded by corn stalks, hay bales, scarecrows and festive activity. Plus, kids can enjoy the Decoratin' Parlor, where they use paste-ons, safe markers, masks & feathers to decorate a pumpkin. Then your youngsters can have some gooey fun in the Slime Station. For more details, visit http://www.corneliusnurseries.com/Events/index.html.
Mark your calendars for Cornelius' Fall Harvest Festival. On Saturday, Oct. 7 (al9 am - 6 pm), Cornelius Nursery will have a family day and it looks super fun. Shop the old fashioned Farmer's Market with pumpkins, corn stalks, and seasonal decor. Choose a scarecrow for your yard. (It's perfect through Thanksgiving!) Take a photo of your child during the Picture Takin' Place -- a scene focused on a giant pumpkin cut-out and surrounded by corn stalks, hay bales, scarecrows and festive activity. Plus, kids can enjoy the Decoratin' Parlor, where they use paste-ons, safe markers, masks & feathers to decorate a pumpkin. Then your youngsters can have some gooey fun in the Slime Station. For more details, visit http://www.corneliusnurseries.com/Events/index.html.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Fall Festivals in Houston
As the temperature starts to cool off in Houston, many families start looking for outdoor festivals. And why not? There are so many to choose from. For a great listing of festivals this fall and into winter, check out the Houston Chronicle's online listing at www.chron.com/bazaars. It even includes our family's favorite Dewberry Farm.
Until the next nap time...
Until the next nap time...
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Confession from a Houston Mom
My daughter doesn't look a thing like me.
I used to think this would be horrible. No, it's not because I think I'm a beauty queen in the making. As soon as I became pregnant, I wondered what my little one would look like. I repeatedly told my husband that I was going to be mad if our daughter didn't look a thing like me. "Not as mad as she's going to be," my husband laughed, softly touching his thinning red hair.
I looked at one of my friends and her son, who is a spitting image of his father. "How unfair. The mom did all the work!" I said. I really wanted my child to look as if we belonged together. A total stranger would look at us and never wonder where my daughter came from. My hair, my nose, my smile... just in a smaller size. But that's not how things worked out.
Instead, my 17 month old looks remarkably like my mother-in-law! I know. It should make me mad. It's enough to make you see red. But after getting to know my daughter for a year and a half, I've come to realize something. When people see us playing "Kissing Tiger" and having a tickle fest, no one wonders whose child she is. When I'm laughing and pulling the wagon down the street while my daughter is sweetly waving to every man, woman, child and animal on our way, nobody comments that she doesn't look like me. She is her own person and I couldn't be happier. Things have a way of working out for the best. It's another lesson my young daughter taught me.
Until the next nap time...
I used to think this would be horrible. No, it's not because I think I'm a beauty queen in the making. As soon as I became pregnant, I wondered what my little one would look like. I repeatedly told my husband that I was going to be mad if our daughter didn't look a thing like me. "Not as mad as she's going to be," my husband laughed, softly touching his thinning red hair.
I looked at one of my friends and her son, who is a spitting image of his father. "How unfair. The mom did all the work!" I said. I really wanted my child to look as if we belonged together. A total stranger would look at us and never wonder where my daughter came from. My hair, my nose, my smile... just in a smaller size. But that's not how things worked out.
Instead, my 17 month old looks remarkably like my mother-in-law! I know. It should make me mad. It's enough to make you see red. But after getting to know my daughter for a year and a half, I've come to realize something. When people see us playing "Kissing Tiger" and having a tickle fest, no one wonders whose child she is. When I'm laughing and pulling the wagon down the street while my daughter is sweetly waving to every man, woman, child and animal on our way, nobody comments that she doesn't look like me. She is her own person and I couldn't be happier. Things have a way of working out for the best. It's another lesson my young daughter taught me.
Until the next nap time...
Friday, September 15, 2006
Free Train Rides & Looking for Jean Painting in Houston
In addition to Museum District Day, Houston Area Live Steamers (HALS) is running FREE train rides this weekend. The hours are 10 am -4 pm this Saturday the 16th. For complete details, visit http://www.hals.org/.
Also, fellow Houstonian Leah heard about a place in Houston where kids can paint their own pair of jeans and then take them home to wear. I've been looking for this place but can't seem to find it. If you know about this, please email me.
Until the next nap time...
Also, fellow Houstonian Leah heard about a place in Houston where kids can paint their own pair of jeans and then take them home to wear. I've been looking for this place but can't seem to find it. If you know about this, please email me.
Until the next nap time...
Houston's Museum District Day
Museum District Day is this Saturday, 9/16 from 10 am-5 pm. 16 museums will waive general admission fees so this is a great way to head to a few museums with the kids. Pack a lunch or snack and enjoy Hermann Park and then head to the Zoo (general admission fee does apply at the zoo).
Until the next nap time...
Until the next nap time...
Monday, September 11, 2006
9/11 Impacts Parents Still
As I dropped my daughter off at nursery school today, wearing an American flag dress, I wondered what parents felt like 5 years ago. I didn't have children then so it's hard for me to imagine. Instead, I found myself holding on to my little one a bit longer today. Her teachers quickly picked up on what was going on. My one-year-old was ready to play but mom was holding on in case there was another terrorist attack on the 9/11/01 anniversary. I wanted that image of my girl smiling to remain in my memory... just in case. My behaviour begs the question: should you hold on longer every day?
You just never know.
But my child doesn't know either. And so I'll go on like many parents who realize what happened five years ago and how different our lives could be if something tragic happened today, drastically changing our family. But I'll force the tears back and remember that I live by example and my daughter would rather play with friends than hide inside. We've got big plans tomorrow to attend MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and the playgroup for the children. The afternoon will unveil mommy & baby time just for us. At dinner, my toddler will throw peas on the floor and I'll grit my teeth in frustration. And then I will remember that just the day before I wondered how it would be not to have that time with her. So I'll be more patient and I'll smile in thankfulness for all that we have and all that our soldiers have given us. Perhaps this is one way to pay respects to those who lost their lives on 9/11/01 when you have a child that can't possibly understand. Have you forgotten? No, I doubt you have. Showing your children how to truly live life to its fullest is evidence of that.
Until the next nap time...
You just never know.
But my child doesn't know either. And so I'll go on like many parents who realize what happened five years ago and how different our lives could be if something tragic happened today, drastically changing our family. But I'll force the tears back and remember that I live by example and my daughter would rather play with friends than hide inside. We've got big plans tomorrow to attend MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and the playgroup for the children. The afternoon will unveil mommy & baby time just for us. At dinner, my toddler will throw peas on the floor and I'll grit my teeth in frustration. And then I will remember that just the day before I wondered how it would be not to have that time with her. So I'll be more patient and I'll smile in thankfulness for all that we have and all that our soldiers have given us. Perhaps this is one way to pay respects to those who lost their lives on 9/11/01 when you have a child that can't possibly understand. Have you forgotten? No, I doubt you have. Showing your children how to truly live life to its fullest is evidence of that.
Until the next nap time...
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Family Tree with One Limb?
Ahhh... my little one is taking a Saturday morning nap. So what, you say? That morning nap has been "outgrown" for months. Its pleasant return on a weekend was a God send.
Which leads me to another thought... I was watching my daughter running through her grandparents' house earlier today and realized how much she's grown. At 17 months, her exploratory skills are being finetuned. But it seems just yesterday that she was learning to walk. I'm now at the point where so many adults ask when I'll have my second child. Will I? I'm not sure. Why is it that people are in a rush to build out my family tree? Perhaps ours will remain lean but strong. Or maybe another limb will be added down the road. In any case, I've decided to focus on the child I have for now but I hope I never pressure others to make family decisions that might not be right for them. After all, it's still a personal decision.
It's interesting, too, to note that in my effort to capture all of my daughter's special moments in photographs, I've actually learned something else. Her childhood memories will not be specific to one of those moments but all of them. Her life will not be one defining moment but a mixture of many. And so old mom can ease back a bit and not fret about forgetting the camera (again!). Life is full of many moments that aren't categorized and captured but experienced and relished. This weekend I hope your family enjoys many pleasant moments. My family will.
Until the next nap time...
Go Longhorns!
Which leads me to another thought... I was watching my daughter running through her grandparents' house earlier today and realized how much she's grown. At 17 months, her exploratory skills are being finetuned. But it seems just yesterday that she was learning to walk. I'm now at the point where so many adults ask when I'll have my second child. Will I? I'm not sure. Why is it that people are in a rush to build out my family tree? Perhaps ours will remain lean but strong. Or maybe another limb will be added down the road. In any case, I've decided to focus on the child I have for now but I hope I never pressure others to make family decisions that might not be right for them. After all, it's still a personal decision.
It's interesting, too, to note that in my effort to capture all of my daughter's special moments in photographs, I've actually learned something else. Her childhood memories will not be specific to one of those moments but all of them. Her life will not be one defining moment but a mixture of many. And so old mom can ease back a bit and not fret about forgetting the camera (again!). Life is full of many moments that aren't categorized and captured but experienced and relished. This weekend I hope your family enjoys many pleasant moments. My family will.
Until the next nap time...
Go Longhorns!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Curious George Debuts in Houston This Weekend
Looking for a fun activity for the kids this weekend?
When: Saturday, September 9 at 10 am, 11 am & 1 pm
Where: Houston Zoo at 1513 N. MacGregor
Join Ernie Manouse, Houston PBS Host of The After Party and InnerViews, at the Zoo for the Curious George Kick-Off Event. Kids will enjoy:
- Monkey Facts
- Curious George Video Presentation
- Goody Bags &
- A Surprise.
The TV show "Curious George" began on Labor Day and continues Monday - Friday at 7 am. Visit the Curious George website on PBS Kids for more details. If your kids are in school during the week, set your Tivo or video recorder so your family can enjoy this monkey on the weekends.
And don't forget Sunday, September 10 is Grandparents' Day! Take your child's local grandparents out to eat, to a movie or enjoy bowling. If your child's grandparents live out of town, prepare your youngster to call them this weekend. Or mail them a masterpiece created by your child.
Until the next nap time...
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