Mr. Happy Saved My Mother’s Day

So my Mother’s Day was challenging. VERY CHALLENGING. The hubby was away on business, so I had the kids to myself. It started off the night before with Anabelle waking up three times. She’s been doing this for three weeks now. Not sure why, but its exhausting. Her top 2 year old molars are making their way in (finally), so this is the only thing I can attribute her waking to. Then both kids decided to wake up for the day at 6:30 am. And immediately off the bat, they began arguing over Legos….at the crack of dawn! I had only fallen back to sleep by 5ish am, and I was clinging on to every extra second I could get. I had to get up and face the day…but it was Mother’s Day!…so your kids are supposed to be perfect on this day, right? It’s the day they are supposed to get along, eat all their food, clean up their messes, kiss and hug one another, offer to mop the floor…etc. Right? Well, not exactly. We started our day off not the best, and it seem to continue that way for the rest of the day.

I decided to take them to Startbucks for breakfast (drive-thru only since they were being crabby from lack of proper sleep). Anabelle didn’t want to go in her carseat. I tried everything short of physically putting her in her seat. Bribing, distracting, being silly, giving favorite toys, food etc. Finally, after 20 minutes she decides she wants to go and gets in herself (so Two years old!).  In the drive-thru they were arguing over who wants chocolate milk and who wants vanilla (yes, they were arguing with thermselves because they could obviously get whichever flavor they wanted). Then, we drove around looking for a new park to go to (one that we haven’t been to before)…only in Austin, my GPS  pulls up “parks” as National Parks. So we drove past three plots of land with nothing but forest (and probably wildlife) without a swing or slide in view. Finally after 45 minutes, we found one, that was decent. The kids started running around and getting out of their moods (ok, I was beginning to get out of my mood). Then I took them home for lunch, nap, etc…While AB was napping, Red decided to cheer me up with making pictures for my fridge. He said he wanted to “cover my fridge” for Mother’s Day. Ok, so that was a true highlight. The shining moment out of the day that seemed I would never make it through.

When it was time to read books for bedtime, Red picked out “Mr. Happy”, by Roger Hargreaves. I had never read this one before. Well, I believe this was truly the perfect book for me at that moment. If you’ve never read it, please do. It’s cute. Basically about a character named Mr. Happy, meeting Mr. Miserable. Mr. Miserable transforms into a happy and cheerful person by just being surrounded by “happy things and people”. The book ends with a message that says, if you feel miserable, just turn up the corners of your mouth and smile. You will feel better. Wow, talk about speaking right to me that day.

I know that the kids were just being kids that day. It was how I was handling it that made it feel unbearable. Maybe I was a little depressed being alone for the day. Maybe I was tired from three weeks lack of sleep. Maybe it was a lot of things… So the next day, I woke up early and thought about Mr. Happy all day.

We had a great day.

Mommy Trend Alert: Mommy Cards?

So, I am starting to see these more and more actually, and I am feeling a little anxious that I am falling behind the trend. Mommy calling cards? What are they, you ask?  Basically your own personal business card for being a mom. It lists your name and contact details (even your children’s names if you like) should the opportunity arise where you have met a fellow mommy that you actually could see yourself liking (which is totally rare in my experience) and not getting annoyed with the fact she calls her son, “My Tommy”. So you want to set up a play date for your little ones…instead of fidgeting with your phone trying to input her contact details and realizing that you are fat fingering symbols instead of numbers, while the other mommy is blankly staring at you and making you nervous thinking you are smart phone illiterate, and then only later you realize  you never hit “save contact details” and  so the “potential” new mommy friend becomes dust in the wind, a mere distant thought on the rolling wave of relationships that could potentially change your life.. …well, you could have avoided all this if you just handed your “Mommy Card” over instead.

You can make these yourselves at home, or go online to the many vendors that will make them for you (just google, “mommy cards” or “mommy calling cards”).

This would make a great Mother’s Day Present too!! Very unique and easy to do!

What do you think? Would you carry Mommy Cards?

Kids Craft: Paper Owls

I am excited about our house because I have a designated “home school/craft area” for the kids. It’s an open room upstairs where I can put my shelves of craft supplies, books, educational toys, etc. Previously when we lived here, the room was where we put all the musical instruments…but it didn’t get used all too much. Now, we use the space everyday and it’s been so nice. The kids can freely walk into the room and have access to crayons, paper, books, etc. I often find them picking out their own supplies and sitting down to create something. A little creative independence if you will

Today Red asked if we could make owls as a craft…Sure, why not?!

I logged onto my favorite site for at home crafts: NoTimeForFlashcards.com. It’s amazing. I usually take inspiration from their craft ideas, and add or change a bit according to my own creative juices that flow.

Today we didn’t stray too far from the tutorial, but nonetheless, the kids had a blast.

Make Em’ Laugh!

My kids just love the musical numbers from “Singing in the Rain”. One of their favorites is the skit performed by Donald O’Connor, “Make Em’ Laugh”. Red has been watching this since he was two and he still cracks up when he sees it. It is also AB’s new favorite. I thought I’d share with you:

Primary Science Set | Great Find

So Nana bought Red a Science Set a ways back. We recently cracked it open (I tend to save presents the grandparents get the kids and space out when I present them. This way they don’t go through everything at once and then tire of it).  Red has been really into “experiments” lately, and claiming he wants to be a “science guy with goggles” when he grows up. Lately I have been finding him on his step stool next to the bathroom sink, filling up measuring cups of water and pouring into other cups. He also mixes in some bubbles and tops off his lab work with an evil scientist cackle.  Its pretty hilarious. So this set was really perfect for us right now. Recommended for ages 4 and up, the “Primary Science Set” by Learning Resources provides all the equipment and labs you need to spark the curiosity in your little one for less than $25 (thru Amazon.com).  AB, only being two, also likes it (even though it clearly states the kit contains small pieces and not recommended for under 3 years old).  I let her play with the larger equipment. She enjoys sucking water up the dropper and putting into cups. I kid you not, my kids were quiet for an hour the other day both doing their “experiments”. It was great.

This science kit  provides 10 activity cards that teach everything from mixing primary colors, to buoyancy. You can make volcanoes, learn about acids and base, and much more. The kit includes a beaker, magnifying class, funnel, eyedropper, flask, tweezers, goggles, test tubes and activity cards. The equipment is made in a very durable plastic, and the activity cards are laminated for easy care and longevity.

I recommend this science kit to any child who is interested in learning about chemistry and the way things work. I also recommend to any child who isn’t, as it still works on fine motor and sensory skills.

Thanks Nana for a great gift!

My Yogurt Trick

My kids love yogurt, and I love giving it to them, but every time I do, no matter how much I “prep” each child before eating (napkins, reminding them to “lean over”, bigger spoons, etc.), it ALWAYS ends up on their shirt, the table, their sleeve, and so on (keep in mind my kids are 4 and 2).  I am forever holding my breath as the spoonful of yogurt makes the trek from the container to their mouth. Its seems like such a long journey, and in slow motion for me, causing a bit of anxiety. Why? Its only yogurt?  So who cares if it spills? They need to learn, right?  Right..but how about I present those learning opportunities when they have their play clothes on, or their PJ’s that are ready to be washed. The rest of the time, I can do my Yogurt Trick. What is it,  you ask?  Well, I started buying yogurt with the aluminum peel back tops. I simply shake up the yogurt, and punch the straw through the aluminum surface (I find it better to cut the straw a bit to make it a little shorter). There you have it. Now they can drink the yogi (which my kids thought was hilarious at first), and you don’t have the mess! Not rocket science…but pretty damn close if you ask me.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

A little leprechaun visited our home today, and wanted to wish everyone a very happy St. Paddy’s Day (see video below)!

To learn about the history of St. Patrick’s Day I have provided a link here:  St. Patrick’s Day. It’s pretty interesting.

For instructions on how to make a Leprechaun Beard, please visit my favorite site for Kid’s Crafts, “No Time For FlashCards“.

Be safe, enjoy your fun day, and most importantly, be sure to eat corned beef and cabbage! Just kidding, my Gram used to make it every year for us on St. Patrick’s Day, and I must say I’ve never enjoyed it. Ahhh, tradition though, gotta LOVE IT!

Sliding into the Weekend

Sliding right into the weekend with AB’s video below. Red was really excited for her because the slide was pretty  huge and enclosed, and she went down it like a pro!

Not feeling too “bloggy” today (want to get outdoors with the kids on this nice morning), so instead just wishing everyone a very wonderful weekend. Relax yet be productive, and most of all, enjoy the moments.

See you on Monday!

My Bento Today

Another attempt at my new found artistic love for Bento Boxes. Whenever I serve a bento to my kids, they  immediately quiet down and their eyes begin to search the meal, almost like a scavenger hunt for their favorite items. I made the two bento’s slightly different since my kids don’t enjoy the same exact things…but I used  foods such as an organic uncured chicken dog, havarti cheese, carrots, broccoli, rosemary potatoes, grapes, strawberries, hardboiled egg in the shape of a heart (use an egg mold) and raisins. So fun and so nutritious!!

Batty for Bento!

I was out with the girls the other night, and we were of course talking about a ton of fun things…one of which was Pinterest. My friend Meg mentioned that she saw Bento Boxes for kids on Pinterest and is really inspired to start making them for her children. What? Bento Boxes?! I thought Bento Boxes were a lunch special you can order at your local Japanese Restaurant that  had something tempura and a side of miso. Boy, was I wrong! Meg pulled up an example on Pinterest, and I quickly discovered why she was so interested in this art. Its exactly that – an art! How to pack your food into small compartments, creating a composition of color, balance, depth, and texture. There are rules to Bento, such as proportion (dietary), sizes of bento boxes, styles of bento in terms of technique…but all of this can be thrown out the window if you like. Especially if you have kids. Just jam pack that box with tiny portions of what they like, leaving no gaps in between. Get creative with leftovers from dinner, use cookie cutters, and bright colored veggies and fruits. Have fun with it!!

Bento is also great for dieting by using portion control and carb to protein ratios.

Bento is another way to conserve as well. Ziploc bags, tin foil, plastic wrap, cardboard are all very wasteful. By using reusable plastic containers and silicon dividers, you can reduce spending and help the environment.

Where can you buy Bento items? There are so many fun accessories, boxes and containers you can buy to contribute to your bento success. My friend Kye turned me onto a Japanese Dollar Store (well $1.50 store) called Daiso. They have them throughout the country, and you can find all things Bento there (see my recent purchases below). I also saw several items on Amazon.com, however the price is considerably more expensive. Just look for a local Japanese store in your area and I guarantee they will have something Bento related that you can work with. If you don’t have one, just buy or use a small plastic lunch box or container, some silicon baking cups, and get creative with toothpicks and the like.

I have not yet dove into the various recipes of Bento making, as I just started this week and am getting used to all the fun things you can add and cut out…but I am truly inspired.  Here is a book I just ordered that has great reviews for kids bento making: “Yum- Yum Bento Box: Fresh Recipes for Adorable Lunches“. I tried out my first version (pics below) on the kids this week and at first they just stared at their meal not knowing if it was just to look at or if they could eat it. Then they were deciding what and where they wanted to start.  I served them lunch in a tiny box filled with all of their favorites that were served rolled up, with toothpicks, in little containers…etc. They got a kick out of it.

I will continue to post some really cool examples as I make them. I feel like my artistic ability will be able to finally come out in making food for my children. Something I always wanted but didn’t quite know how to do. But, you don’t have to be an artist to Bento. See here for examples.

Just Bento

Jacki’s Bento Blog

Whats for Lunch at Our House

Kooky Culinary

Lunch in a Box

All-in-all, the art of bento making is truly individual from the food choices, to the colors and the style in which you pack your foods. I even had company this week for lunch and she had a one year old child, and I made him a tiny bento as well. It was perfect, fun, and is always interesting to talk about!

Thanks Meg and Kye for introducing this to me!

The featured picture is from Wendolonia via AlphaMom.Com. It can also be found on Pinterest.com.