Adjusting to School Again

My poor Little K. She just didn't want to go to school today. As we left the house, she cried because she'd forgotten her Moose from PaPa Don. I wouldn't let her go back into the house to get Moose since the door was already locked. I didn't want to set any precedents. She was upset throughout the short trip to the school & then took 15 minutes to release my leg and sit down for (some more) breakfast. Luckily, her friend Clare showed up and the world was at peace.

I ran out the door, trying to make it to a client downtown before 8 am. After 8, the parking increases from $9 daily to $20 daily. I pulled into the garage at 8:09 am. Dang it. At least the weather is beautiful.

One funny thing: the other night, Little K sang THESE words to "London Bridge is Falling Down":

Dun dun bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down.
Dun dun bridge is falling down,
My BARE lady.

I cracked up.

I'm hoping to pick Little K up from school by 4 pm daily now so that we can spend more time together. I think it makes her happier and it usually works wonders on me, too. Wish me luck.

Until the next nap time...

Valentine Week Wrap Up

I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day. It was one of my favorites with a no stress meal at home with Trent & Little K. Ahh.

Last night, we opened a few gifts, including one that Little K made at school. A paper heart with plenty of colors and cut-outs with a photo of my little girl in the center... with a frown. It about broke my heart. The photo was taken last Monday (I think) & my typically bubbly daughter just wouldn't smile for the photo. When I asked her why she was sad in the photo, she simply said "because". This is when my mothering instincts kicks into high gear. Last week, I had a very stressful week and, while this week has been better, I've admittedly been coming out of the fog, so to speak. While Little K loves school, I think I can sense when she needs me more. When Mommy is stressed, it affects the entire household. (Sorry.) Could my stressed-out manner negatively impact my daughter? You bet.

This morning, Little K awoke at 5:15 am. We ate breakfast together, watch a bit of TV and then read an Elmo book together. After brushing our teeth together, we drove to school & I hung out there a bit. I promised to pick Little K up early today so we could spend time together. She clung to Mommy. Well, to be honest, I'm getting my hair highlighted at 1 pm and my sister's wedding rehearsal starts at 5 pm so I better pick Little K up around 3:30 pm. I'm hoping that some snuggle time today and throughout the weekend, combined with a more upbeat Mommy will turn Little K's frown upside down. Any suggestions from my friends & readers?

Trent was quick to point out that Little K certainly could have had a tough moment or maybe just didn't want to stop playing long enough to take her photo. I don't buy that though. Here's hoping today is a good turning point.

I will say a good thing happened yesterday & this morning. Little K's Great Grandfather mailed her a mini moose stuffed animal for Valentine's Day & it's been a big hit. "Moose E. Moose" (named after a character on the Noggin Network) slept with Little K last night & was the show & tell hit at nursery school today. He's now patiently sitting in my car, waiting for us to pick up Little K from school this afternoon. Yeah. This fuzzy guy really made Little K smile.

Until the next nap time...

Hershey's Kisses for Valentine's Day

There are about 20 calories in one Hershey's chocolate kiss without nuts. The fact that I just scarfed down at least 10 kisses made me laugh. After lunch, I think I'll grab another kiss and just not weigh myself tomorrow morning.

Happy Valentine's Day! Until the next nap time...

Forever Friends

Sometimes our indoor cat TJ is a real pain. Like when he cries at 5 am because he's hungry. Like when he scratches on my love seat, tearing it to shreds.

But sometimes, he's such a sweet cuddly friend. I especially appreciate how he lets Little K snuggle with him. Lately, he's been jumping into her bed more & more. It's too cute. They are forever friends.

Until the next nap time...

Full Time Mom, Full Time Wife, Full Time Worker, Part Time Me?

Well, to be honest, it was a really tough week... last week, that is. This week will definitely be better. I found myself in a HUGE funk. After a meltdown, my parents suggested that Little K spend the weekend with them so that Trent & I could melt off some stress. Friday night, we went to the Houston Symphony's love-themed performance (courtesy of my parents) and relaxed a bit. Afterward, Trent asked "Where to now?" Completely out of character, I said: "Home. I'm exhausted." So home we went.

Saturday, I got double doses of much-needed sunshine doing a bit of pruning in our backyard and swinging in my hammock under the blooming magnolia tree. We caught the movie "27 Dresses" and loved it! Then, we grabbed some Mexican food at a local favorite and made it home in time for the news and "Saturday Night Live."

Another good night's sleep and I'm feeling better... more relaxed, I guess but things still seem to be moving faster than I am. I'm going to try to make a bit more time for me and cut back a bit at work and volunteering. Hopefully, that'll work.

In the midst of it all, Trent forwarded to me a really interesting article on raising children without nagging or whining. Check out "Praise A Child Right, and You'll Get Results." I think I'll check out the book and see how the suggestions work in practice.

Until the next nap time...

Fat & Happy on Fat Tuesday!

We had a great time this past weekend at Galveston Mardi Gras. I was a bit worried about more raucous crowds than usual. In the past, there's been a $20 fee per person to get onto the Strand, but this year there was no entry fee at all. Fortunately, the day time provided a festive atmosphere for all. Little K especially liked dangling Mardi Gras beads for the second story of a building and then tossing them to her "friends" on the streets below. Boy, can this kid tease!

Monday proved to be a lot of fun for Little K at nursery school. Since her primary teacher is an LSU grad, Mardi Gras was in full swing. Each child picked out two necklaces and made a Mardi Gras mask. At some point during the day, Little K's class visited the other class rooms to shake their beads and shout "Happy Mardi Gras!" Too fun.

This morning, Little K was not about to head to school without a photo of her adorned mask. Let the good times roll! We now have so many Mardi Gras beads that I'm stepping all over them. I think I'll take some to our Mardi Gras party tonight at the church. It'll be relatively tame but celebratory. Happy Fat Tuesday to all!

Until the next nap time...

Fun, Healthy Food

Who knew healthy food could be so fun? And easy to put together! Little K made this nutritious creation two nights ago. It includes a whole wheat tortilla, cream cheese, and lots of veggies. Too fun! I'll include more fun ideas for healthy eating in the February newsletter... coming out tomorrow.

Until the next nap time...

Dance Party

"I can't believe it's Sunday already," I said this morning as my husband woke me for church. The last 2 weeks have just flown by.

After church, we returned home for lunch and cookie baking. This week is Catholic Schools Week so our cookies are treats for the teachers and staff at St. Riose Elementary School in the Heights. Well, the cookies that my husband hasn't already eaten. As fast as I lay them on the plate, he eats them.

While we waited for the cookies to bake, Little K and I enjoyed another "Dance Party." I turned the TV to the '70s music channel and we hit the dance floor (a.k.a. the living room). Little K quickly invited all her stuffed animals to join us & Trent snapped a photo of this finer moment.

Until the next nap time...

Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras 2008

Looking for something fun to do next weekend with the kids? Dress in purple, green &/or yellow. It's Mardi Gras time in Galveston and YES, there is a great parade for your family. The Children's Parade is sponsored by the Galveston Firefighters and is good, clean fun. Starting at 2 pm, your family will see an array of characters, clowns and (of course) fire fighters in this celebration. The float participants toss stuffed animals, plastic cups, beads and candy to children cheering them on. Last year, Little K loved it. Happy Mardi Gras!

Until the next nap time...

Challenger Tragedy Remembered

NASA Astronaut flies Challenger Learning Center mission with students
On anniversary of Challenger tragedy, presents mission patches that flew on STS-

WHAT: On the anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, a NASA astronaut will lead an all-student crew on a simulated mission to Mars. In a ceremony dedicated to the spirit of the Challenger 51-L astronauts, he will present a flag and plaque with a DVD containing Challenger Learning Center mission patches that flew on the recent STS-120 mission.

WHO: NASA Astronaut Scott Parazynski, STS-120 mission specialist and member of the board of trustees of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Dr. Parazynski has logged over eight weeks in space and traveled over 23 million miles.

Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D., Vice President of Astronomy & Physics, who led the creation of the world’s first Challenger Learning Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

WHEN: Jan. 28, 2008

10:30 a.m.
Dr. Parazynski will present a museum flag and a DVD plaque to Carolyn Sumners. The flag and DVD flew on STS-120, carrying images of patches created for over 400 missions in the Challenger Learning Center, representing the work of over 15,000 students. Images of these patches will be available at www.hmns.org beginning Jan. 28.

10:35 – 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Parazynski leads a Mission to Mars with a student crew from HISD’s Hartman Middle School. These students are participating in the ExxonMobil Career Challenge program, which gives them the opportunity to sample the science and engineering careers possible in 21st-century Houston.

11:30 – 11:50 a.m.
Dr. Parazynski will visit the Planetarium to review fish-eye images taken by crewmembers during his recent mission specifically for Houston Museum of Natural Science audiences. The images will become a pre-show adventure for visitors to the Burke Baker Planetarium.

WHERE: Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann Circle Dr., 77030

HOW: Contact Erin Blatzer at (713) 639-4785 or Melodie Francis at 713-639-4743, or come to Museum Services for assistance.

WHY: On the anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, Dr. Parazynski joins the Museum in honoring the spirit of exploration exemplified by the fallen astronauts and celebrates the accomplishments of hundreds of thousands of visiting students.

This year, the Museum observes the 20th anniversary of the opening of the world’s first Challenger Learning Center. Since it’s opening at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, over 500,000 students have flown missions in the Museum’s Challenger Learning Center, at the main Museum and at the George Observatory.

Until the next nap time...

Cosmo or Family Circle?

So I'm flipping through these women's magazines for work when I suddenly realize I may now be more of a Family Circle reader than a Cosmo reader. When did that happen? Rather than stopping him in his tracks with my good looks, I'm okay with my slicked-back pony tail so I can try out that new recipe and pick play-dough up off the floor.

"It's hip to be square"?

Until the next nap time...

Pest Control

This morning, Little K & I got dressed & started picking up the house. I explained that the man for Houston Pest Management was coming to get rid of the bugs in our house. Little K looked at me and said: "But we like Lady Bugs & we like Butterflies."

I smiled and assured her that we'd talk to the exterminator to ensure he wouldn't hurt the lady bugs or butterflies. Too cute.

Later, with Little K singing parts of "Frosty the Snow Man" in the back seat, we drove to the doctor so mommy could feel better. I thought it would be good for Little K to see that even moms go to the doctor & that it doesn't have to be a scary event. Plus, she is out of school today for MLK Day so I didn't have a choice. The verdict? S is for sinus infection and A is for antibiotic. (I wanted to put D is for drugs here but thought some moms might be offended. Oops. Too late now.) I was told that I should feel like Miss America in seven days. What an improvement!

Tomorrow, Little K returns to nursery school & I head back to work. After completing a whirlwind trip to Dallas for a friend's wedding this weekend, I think we're all ready for a return to normalcy, including Little K's regular nap schedule. Smile.

Until the next nap time...

Cooking with Kids

Do you have any tips for cooking with young children? How about favorite snacks and meals for children? Please submit your ideas to the comments section of this blog or email me your thoughts. I hope to use your recommendations in the February issue of my newsletter.

Until the next nap time...

Do As I Say

Little K cracks me up. This morning, she said her eye was hurting so I ran some hot water over a wash cloth and told her to gently wash her eye.

"It's all better now!" she exclaimed after washing her face.

The next thing I know, she's washing her entire body, body part by body part, because she said her knee was hurting. Then, her stomach was hurting... You get the drift. Too funny...

My sister and I went to look at two bridal gowns on Sunday. Colyn had narrowed the selection down to just these two. The first one I really wasn't crazy about but the second one... WOW. It was gorgeous. She is still not sure of the date but is working on it. It's exciting.

This morning on the way to nursery school, Little K told me that her "Juji" (nickname for my sister) was getting married. "Yep," I said.

"And I'm getting married," Little K responded.

"Oh, no you're not," I jumped in. "You need to be much older because when you get married, you can't live with me any more." Little K agreed that she should wait then.

Out of the mouths of babes.

Until the next nap time...

Little K Tackles 5K on Feb. 23

Yep, it's true. I just signed up our entire family for the "Steps for Students" 5K on Saturday, Feb. 23. All donations will benefit Little K's school, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, so we're excited about the walk & hope to earn some money for the school. Learn how you can support us by visiting our fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/salch.

Go, Little K, go! Until the next nap time...

Artist of the Sky

Earlier today, I was thinking about our holidays and remembered the cutest thing that Little K said. We were on our way to Galveston to visit my in-laws. It had been a long day and nearing dinner time. From the back seat, my husband & I could hear Little K starting to whine. She was tired of being in her car seat and needed a distraction.

My mind raced to find some diversion. We started looking out the window at the clouds. It was nearing sunset and the clouds shimmered in pinks, oranges and purples. I was amazed at the beauty as Little K carefully described the sight. She grew quiet momentarily and then asked, "Who painted the sky?"

Trent & I looked at each other & smiled. It was such a cute thought.

"Who do you think painted the sky," I asked. "Who made it?"

Little K concluded that God painted it and my head must have grown a number of feet wider. (Well, at least I'm honest.) But I also felt so lucky at that moment. That my daughter had noticed nature's beauty right in front of us all. It's a great reminder to me.

Until the next nap time...

Free Trial Classes with Creative Connections

Free trial classes!
West University Recreation Center
Thursday, January 10th
Art Exploration: Explore various media through fun stations and projects.
2.5-4 years-9:00-9:45

Infant/Toddlers in Motion: Includes lots of fun with movement, rhymes, songs, massage, Yoga and much more!
14-30 months-10:15-11:00

Fine Arts Fun: Includes FUN theme related Movement, Art and Drama!
3-5 years-2:45-3:30pm
6-8 years-3:45-4:30pm
Friday, January 11th

Infant /Toddlers in Motion: Includes lots of fun with movement, rhymes, songs, massage, Yoga and much more!
14-30 months-10:45-11:30am
4-13 months-11:30-12:15pm
A 5 week session of these classes will begin the following week at the same time and day as the demonstrations.

*NEW TIME for Yoga for kids
3-8 years-4:30-5:15,Thursdays

*If you are interested enrolling in this class or attending a demo; please contact Leigh or Casey at the information below. To attend the demos, please RSVP to: Leigh at the West U recreation center Or Casey at Casey@Caseyscreativeconnections.com or 713-780-0085. Don't forget to invite your friends!

Until the next nap time...

The Land of Curiosities

Here is a new development on being environmentally-friendly and teaching kids about history and caring for the environment in a fun way. This new book series tells stories about young characters in the 1800s. The first book in the series is called The Land of Curiosities and finds two children who move from New York and later experience the development of the world's first national park, Yellow Stone Park. While set in a historical setting, the kids' adventures is what makes it fun, according to the company owner. The author explains that the environmental messages are woven into the storyline so readers don't feel as if it's being beaten into their heads. The back of each book will include ~ 10 pages of history about Yellow Stone Park or in future books, history about the book's setting. The books target readers age 8-16 years.

The company behind the book series is EcoSeeker, a brother & sister duo, hoping to gain Harry Potter status with the books and then motivate readers to take the EcoSeeker pledge to care for the environment.

Listen to the interview of the company owner & his sister (the book author) on Good Morning America Now at http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4100843. Wake up your children to environmental issues.

Until the next nap time...

Catching Up After the Holidays

Okay so I haven't been blogging lately and it's only because my world has been spinning a bit. The holidays presented my Grandfather-in-law's funeral, followed by my sister's engagement announcement. Wow!

Also, I'm excited to say that Little K gave all of her pacifiers to her cousin because she is a "big girl." Yes, my 2.5 year old no longer has a paci. I can't believe it's taken this long. She's had a few problems soothing herself when she wakes up from a nap. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised considering she's comforted herself one way for SOOOO long. The funny thing is that Little K has not taken a pacifier at school since she was a year old. Go figure.

Big progress was also made this weekend on the potty training front. We're not all the way there but the fact that Little K will sit on the pot and give herself a chance is good. Yeah!

Little K is back at nursery school this week full time so Mommy can get caught up on work. Hmmm... that's what I should be doing now. Gotta run.

Until the next nap time...

New Year's Noon Party Great for Kids

If you're looking for a way to ring in the New Year with your kids, it can be challenging. Who really wants to keep the kids up that late and get them stirred up so they can't sleep until 3 am? The Children's Museum of Houston offers a family-friendly event each year called the New Years Noon Celebration.

We loved this last year. Read the post & see a few photos at http://kidsactivityqueen.blogspot.com/2006_12_31_archive.html. If you're planning to be in Houston, add this to your calendar. Kids can make noise makers to use later on & create a "parade float" to where in the indoor parade. A kid-friendly band takes center stage to get families jazzed up about the New Year and then the countdown begins at 11:45 AM. Yes, this is held during the day on New Year's Eve. At the strike of noon, confetti colors the air and noise rings out. Little K was a bit awe-struck for the first minute but then quickly decided that the confetti was cool. This event gets a big thumbs up from our family. Hope you enjoy it, too.

Until the next nap time...