The magic of Christmas... Beyond the items.

I felt like I was dreaming, I was caught in between that realm where I was still asleep, but hearing noises from the conscious side. My eyes were still squinted enough to see the darkness that loomed around my horizontal body. I lied there, still, listening to the footsteps which sounded like a herd of cattle outside my door. I finally opened my eyes wide enough to see the clock read 5:10 am

This was Christmas morning...

I cleared my voice, deep enough, so my children could hear me from my bedroom. I asked them to hold off until a little later. I was too exhausted to get up and at 5:10 am, it just seemed so unnatural. Plus, my husband didn't even stir a wink during all this.

My children obliged and I hoped to gain another hour of sleep. But instead, I lied there in the dark listening to them talk ever so quietly to each other. They were guessing how many presents were under the tree and what they received. And, if their elves were downstairs because they couldn't find them anywhere.

Christmas eve passed so quickly the night before. I hardly had enough time to relish in that moment before this next moment arrived.

On Christmas Eve, Santa came to our home, after veering off the Norad Santa Tracker, to see my children. They were glued to that computer screen all day, even had their breakfast in front of it, in hopes of catching a glimpse of a familiar town or city.

And, when he finally sauntered his way through our door, ringing his sleigh bells in his hands, my children nearly fell over (he has come to our home every Christmas eve since my daughter was 4 months old. It's a tradition that begun when my brother and I were little). They chatted his ear off and hugged him immensely.

And before I could capture the moment in my brain, he was hopping back into his sleigh...

So, after 10 minutes or so of hearing my children talk in the hallway on Christmas morning, and myself, not being able to go back to sleep, I told them I would be out shortly and we'll get started.

I attempted to wake my husband like a bear being woke after a long winters nap, then I was met with a, "are you serious?"  response. I walked through the downstairs, turning on every light, since the sun was no where near making an appearance. My husband reached for the camera, pressed play, and we gave them the all clear.

Holding hands, they skipped down the steps and when they turned the corner, they screeched with excitement and gratitude. 

Christmas day is such an elusive day. For children, it's THE day. It's the greatest day of them all. And sadly, it's a blurry mess of waking up, ripping through Christmas themed paper, then the let down of it all being over. 

So quickly...

In our home, we do lots of presents for Christmas. Too many, for that matter. But for us, it works. We do not buy anything throughout the whole year, they only receive on Christmas, birthdays, and Easter. With a random book or craft supply here and there. So our Christmas is their chance to stock up on everything they want for the whole year. And the other beauty of that concept is, my children never ask for toys while we're out. We're able to window shop toys and never buy, because mommy isn't the one they expect things from. Santa is. And with the introduction of our kindness elves, my children are spending their time donating, volunteering, and making gifts for others. So when my children are done with the 25 days of giving/acts of kindness, I feel better knowing they understand that giving is just as great as receiving.

In my home, I thread the line of finding the balance between having the magic of Christmas and not making it solely about presents -when they receive lots of presents. And if you asked my daughter, she would tell you that her favorite thing about Christmas is, decorating the house, making cookies, looking at lights, and doing special activities together...

Gifts are no where on the list...

Because when I look back upon my Christmas memories, I don't remember all the presents I received. Instead, I remember all the family that passed through our doors and the love that surrounded our table. I remember being so excited for my grandparents to drive into town and stay with us for the month. Mostly, I remember anticipating the time frame between December 23rd until New Years day, more than Christmas day itself. Because, that's when the gaudy plastic Christmas table cloth rested on our dining room table and people were randomly placed around and coffee was always brewing and cookies and cakes were eaten. 

But sadly, my children won't have these similar memories of a house full of people. Hell, I couldn't even get immediate family to stay for 3 hours for Christmas day dinner, before they rushed out the door, heading home for the evening. I was still sitting at my table, eating cake, when everyone was leaving...

It seems, gone are the days of people staying for hours after dessert, talking around the table, until late in the night and actually wanting to be around family and making the effort to carry on traditions for the newest generations. Instead, my children only have myself and my husband making the memories with them and passing on traditions of years past.

No, it won't exactly be the same, but the love will still be there. And I hope that when my children are older, looking back on their Christmas memories, they'll remember all the special things we did together as a family. And, that mama tried to get as much family involved as I could, but in the end, we had just as much fun with only the four of us. 

And the magic was just as perfect.

And that, Christmas isn't about what you get or what you give, it's about how much love you have around you. And, how grand your life is, because of the people who make the effort to be there and who want to share all the memories with you. And, as long as you have people around you who love you and care about you, you truly are more rich than any material item can possibly give you...

And knowing that, would be the best future Christmas present,  I could ever receive. 

Quick ramblings of our Christmas week...

The week before Christmas is what we call, Christmas Palooza... This is when we're skipping around like little elves, finishing all the last minute touches and cramming all the details into the last few days. 

Our kindness elves are almost done with their 25 acts of kindness and my children's Play Mobile advent calendar has only 2 days left. And tomorrow, has the best pieces yet.

We kick started this week off by making four different types of cookies, all double to triple batches... This was the first year my son participated the whole time, which was great for him to be a part of it, but not so great for every aspect that goes into the cookie making. To sum it up, his role would be equivalent to a pinterest fail... There was more dough and flour on him than in the cookies and my floor was speckled with christmasy sprinkles beneath his chair. He had fun and truly, that's all that matters. I've learned not to be so uptight with messes and perfection, otherwise, I'd been in a straight jacket years ago... However, my daughter was the one working the dough and pumping out cookies as quickly as I was. She helped a lot last year, but this year, she was pouring ingredients and whipping them up so fast, that I had trouble keeping up with her.

The next day, we rushed home from school to pull off into our local church parking lot to await the arrival of Santa riding on the town's fire truck... After 1.5 hrs later of waiting, the sirens were still being heard across town and we were all getting hungry. Both children didn't want to leave without seeing him and we still had homework to do and dinner that had to be made. That's when I got the idea to go drive around and hunt down the fire truck. Thankfully, we live in a small town where everything is condensed. So, the image I'm about to portray, is based on actual events... We threw the car in drive and headed up the hill, the two front windows were rolled down and the car was silent. We held our heads close to the outside and listened as we gauged where the sirens were coming from. With a few turns and straight aways, I stumbled upon the flashing red lights bouncing off the houses on the right side street. I quickly pulled into the narrow street, cutting off the fire truck, which of course, he proceeded to lay on his horn. Of course he did. I hopped out of my car, like I was a bad guy, who just dismounted from their horse and now is attempting to rob the train. I apologized and told the driver that we were in search of them. That, we were waiting up at the church across town and we didn't know how long the journey was going to be... He laughed and said, they wouldn't hit that side of town for about another 2 hours or so. He then told me to bring the children out so they could see and talk to Santa. Which they did. And they were thrilled. And their parting gift was a stocking full of candy.

And the fire truck ended up across town to where we originally were, 2.5 hrs later. That's a mental note for next year.

The following night, the elves brought my children a gingerbread house to make. Nothing too exciting happened with that. I really expected it to fall apart and become like all the social media pictures. But it actually went pretty flawlessly. Both kids divided up the house, so they each had a side and a door to decorate and tada! It was done... No arguing. No tears... I'll take that one as a win.

This brings us to Wednesday night, this night was our favorite. Although, chasing down a fire truck with Santa riding on top was a close second. We loaded up in our car, all of us were gussied up in our jammies, with hot chocolate in our cup holders, Christmas music blasting through the speakers, and baggies full of homemade cookies in our hands, as we drove around our local town looking at Christmas lights and decorations. Any other day of the week, this would be known as casing the neighborhood, but this week, it's socially acceptable. And even encouraged...

We sang, Rockin' around the Christmas Tree, too loudly and out of sync for most people's comfort level, but we had fun. My children screeched at their favorite houses. And, my son tried to fall asleep, which resulted in us having to drive around with the car light on, like it was an interrogation light in a made for TV movie.

The last night was tonight, Friday. Thursday was spent with my mother-in-law, sipping coffee and eating cookies around my coffee table. But tonight, we watched The Santa Clause as a family. Well, we tried. We were about half way through until the UPS driver knocked on our door with our final package for the Christmas season. This present wasn't a surprise. This was a gift from my mother-in-law to my children, for our new ninja warrior basement we're going to complete after the holidays. This package had a 6 knot rope climb and an 8 ft rope latter (which will eventually be the climbing tools to reach our monkey bars). But for tonight, they were the perfect item to place on the old swing hooks that rest in the beam of my kitchen doorway. So, the movie was no longer important anymore, and my children hung and climbed from these two items until it was time for bed...

Then bedtime came and went quickly, as they both were so eager to start tomorrow's festivities. We read our Christmas stories and my children prayed and prayed that Santa will stop by tomorrow to see them, just as he's done every year prior.

So here I sit, typing away, as my husband is putting together his present that his mother bought him. I stutter step between thoughts as he curses behind me when he can't figure out where a piece is supposed to fit. I laugh, as I refuse to help him. He babbles under his breath to himself. Hell, I wrapped every present and assembled presents, while he watched. So, it's only fair... And things have to balance out some how... 

And, we still have to clean the house before tomorrow...

But thanks for listening to my Christmas week. I know this isn't the typical, everyday storytelling post, that I normally write. But sometimes, I like to switch things up and write based on how I usually am -sarcastic, with my thoughts moving a mile a minute hahaha.  

Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year :) 

Mid Week Humor: Cookie thieves

In my home, we have to bake our Christmas cookies within a few days of Christmas, if not, the cookies won't last and at that point, they would just be considered December cookies. And let's face it, there really isn't anything special about December cookies... Motherhood, where the evidence of cookie crumbs rest motionless on my counter tops.

The Happy Days Blog

After a 5 week District strike, we finally returned to school ...

Today, after 5 weeks, our district finally resumed classes. Our strike is technically not over yet. But the teachers did decide to return, even though a new contract hasn't been reached. I personally, don't want to involve myself in the logistics of it all (the negotiations tactics portion) and I don't have an opinion about the debacle between the administration and the teachers. I do however, have an opinion about us being responsible for making up the missed days that we didn't request off in the first place. I understand that it all balances itself out in the end, but in order to make the balance, we'll have our holidays, vacations, and breaks revoked and will have to stay in school until June 30 (our original end date was June 9).

That is my biggest problem of this whole debatable argument that the children and parents are stuck in the middle of...

My secondary problem is the control that districts seem to have over our children. We just had 5 weeks off which were excused absences. However, if I wanted to take my child out for a week of school for a vacation or a family function, those days would be unexcused. Why is that not OK, but the other is? And how did we as parents, allow someone else so much power over our children's lives?

I really think parents should have taken advantage of the public attention this strike has brought to our district and picketed along side the teachers with their requests to reformat the policies regarding who decides what is best for our children. And, to finally make a change with our educational system and jump on board with other top countries such as, Finland, who teach to the child's strengths and doesn't make the child fit the education system. There are great teachers in our district who take the time out to make learning fun, validate feelings within the child, and create a calming atmosphere that isn't centered around tests and performances. But if I had to guess, the district would be happier with teachers pushing solely the information that will be tested on our state exams, which in turn, creates funding for the schools based on high performances. Personally, I think it says more about the District when the child's grades are higher based on how the teachers are performing. That should rank higher, rather than, how a child does on one test.  

Especially since, charter schools and homeschooling are now becoming more and more popular for the freedom of unstructured, unregimented, non test oriented learning that is tailored to child's functional ability, that helps increase success. And some of these children are ranking higher in academics, than the children that are in formal school settings...

However, I did not have a problem with the bonus amount of time that I was able to spend with my child due to the strike. I actually loved having her home with me all day. In fact, I was incredibly sad watching her return through the doors today.

When she woke this morning, she was sadden when we never received a robo call cancelling school. I think she was just as surprised as I was that the Union didn't back out of the start date, again. She held tightly onto me at breakfast and followed me around the kitchen. I made jokes, she laughed -very little. But, we felt the noose tighten, as we drove closer to school. 

We enjoyed our time together. I must say, it was a lovely gift to have during a time when it's not normal or expected. I loved having the option to run out in the snow right after breakfast. Craft in the afternoon. Read some books in the evening. And, fit math problems in between.

I was sad for all that to come to an end.

But here we are, December 19, where our classes resumed, but we're still unaware of all the uncertainties that lie ahead. We still don't know if our 10 day holiday break will be honored. If Easter/spring break will be a thing. Or, if they'll decide to strike again before January 1st, or again in March.

You'd think as taxpayers, we would have more say in where our money is going and what goes on between this situation, instead of lawyers and Union Reps deciding. But, I guess that goes with what I mentioned above, that when it comes to the school systems, they are more powerful than we are as taxpayers...

So for now, I guess we just have to strap on our seat belts and grip tightly onto the handle bars, as we unwillingly participate in this chaotic ride. But during that, I'll take advantage of the unexpected extra days that I'm "allowed" to be with my child. And secretly, I'll pray that somehow, they nullify the 180 days schedule so it's beneficial for the children, because after all, aren't they the ones who it's supposed to be all about anyways?

** I want to reiterate, that when it comes to this strike and negotiations, I'm not for one side or the other. Our community has been severely divided due to these circumstances and I don't want to be part of that. We've had parents acting out and yelling at board members during meetings and even cursing at the teachers on the picket line, and that is unacceptable. We have had temperatures that only reached highs of 15 degrees and the teachers continued to walk the picket line daily. That's dedication... Also, my daughter has been blessed with two amazing teachers so far and I have many friends within the district that I'm grateful for and support. However, until they want to raise my taxes, I'm staying out of it all. Because, my main focus is my child and what is best for her. And I want to bring awareness in how missing these days and taking others away, effects the lives of others besides the two groups that are in the argument. And how eventually, something has to be changed within our educational system... I hope some agreement is made that benefits all the people involved, the teachers, the district, the taxpayers, and the families.

Mid Week Humor: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

My daughter: Mama, when we finally get a hamster, only older kids will be allowed to pet her and hold her.
Me: Why only older kids?
My daughter: Because, babies will obviously try to lick her. You know babies with licking everything...

I was unaware that licking hamsters was a problem within the baby community. But thankfully, my daughter is here to bring awareness to it... Motherhood.

The Happy Days Blog

**Disclaimer: No hamsters were harmed or licked in the making of this joke... Obviously, my daughter was being funny. She has sarcasm down, just like her mama. But I thought it was too hysterical of a topic not to share.

In those quiet daytime moments...

Each day when my home is a little extra quiet, I find myself walking the same path through our Christmas filled hallways. I stop for a few seconds when my Christmas music is drowned out, in order to hear the location of where they're stationed. 

I find my son sitting on the playroom floor with a pile of Batman guys surrounding his little body. He doesn't see me in the doorway. He usually doesn't. His little mind is off somewhere in Gotham City, protecting it from evil villians. I linger in the doorway a little longer than usual, as I notice how much bigger my baby boy is getting. His words are clearer and his mannerisms make me feel as if he's his sister's age. I cannot believe he'll be 4 years old in just a few short weeks... When I close my eyes, the image of his sister at his age is becoming blurry with time.

My daughter is somewhere in our home, each spot varies, but the idea is always the same. I find her with notebook paper sprawled out in front of her and a freshly sharpened pencil in her hand. Scrape pieces of paper line the floor beneath her feet. And she's deep in thought, writing one of her many stories that she'll be beyond eager to show me when it's finished. 

And I'll drop whatever I'm doing in excitement to hear it... 

These days are so much different than my days just a few short months ago. They're growing quicker than my mind can comprehend. Instead of being consumed with the words "mommy I need" all day long. I find the air is quieter and vacant. I find myself seeking them out more than they find me. And even when they're being loud, it's not directed towards me. I just happen to be the moving structure that goes about, as they roller skate, play big wheel tag, or play hide and go seek.

How quickly we fall into our routines. I've grown so accustom to this life with them. Their familiar everyday noises and sounds. Even the loudness has a comforting tone to it. And when they go about their day, I still see traces of my babies in them. Like when they're tired and want all the cuddles life has to offer. Or when my so is half asleep and holds tightly onto my hands and says, "never leave me mama." And when my daughter wants to hear the same nursery rhyme melody that I used to sing to her as I rocked her to sleep when she was younger. Those are the moments that keep me sane when I feel like they're slipping away towards adulthood.

This is the part of life where I want to forever grab them and pull them backwards to me. To keep them in my wrap, so they're carried close to my heart and protected. But instead, I drop my hands firmly at my side and watch their freedom unfold. And being grateful for the opportunity to see their ability to grow and navigate life outside of mama. 

But, in these little quiet moments throughout my day, I'll still stand in their doorways, motionless, as I watch them look so peaceful and young. And linger longer and longer until I eventually get caught and told I'm weird (probably by my daughter).

And, accept that life is always changing and moving forward. And allowing them the room to continue in biology's path, is the best mothering gift I can give them. And use those quiet moments to feed my yearning for them to be my babies forever...

Tragedy diverted...

In between the rain drops and the soppy grounds, the sun came out just long enough to warm the air and harden the ground. So much in fact, that our indoor stricken bodies craved the outdoor freedom.

With ourselves packed in the car and no where particular we had to be, since our district continues to strike, we found our way to the local farm to wander.

We walked the grounds and followed our usual path. This time, my daughter had her favorite doll, Curly Shirley, along for the adventure. My children fed the ducks, sheep, Alpacas, and goats while making sure each of the animals all had the same amount of food. They sat on the ground and talked to a duck who was very vocal and followed right beside them, hoping to snag another piece of food. But, the duck didn't look too amused by the conversation that unfolded, he was by far, more interested in the food. My daughter did her usual reading to the baby cows. And, over in the horse barn, they played Santa delivering presents in a vintage horse drawn sleigh to all the animals on the farm. Each of them took turns "pulling the sleigh" and the other, being Santa.

But throughout our walk, my daughter must have dropped her beloved doll without realizing, and we walked away. She has had that doll since she first came home from the hospital and it goes everywhere with her -usually, she carries her in the back carrier, but this time, she decided to hold her. After being at the farm for about 2 hours or so, we buckled ourselves into the car to drive home. It was then my daughter freaked out and realized curly Shirley wasn't with us. So we unbuckled ourselves and ran top speed while retracing our steps. As I silently wished some other child didn't walk off with the doll and take her home. 

We checked every inch of the grounds, my son and daughter running besides me, and my daughter had tears streaming down her face. We stopped in all the outpost buildings and asked the workers if they have seen the doll on the floor or left on one of the counters, but no one saw her. Even other people at the farm were on the look out for Curly Shirley. 

But, as we rounded the last corner by the pig's pen, we saw her sitting high up on the fence. My daughter took off running and pulled Curly Shirley into her arms and repeatedly said, "thank you, thank you!" She must have dropped her while we were talking to the pig and because she's not used to carrying her, we didn't realize she wasn't with us.

And, some lovely human must have placed her high up so she could be found. What an incredible person to take the time to do that. Thank you to whom ever that was. May your day be awesome!

(Her beloved doll with a lipstick stain forever etched onto her lips, that apparently, no amount of washing will ever remove).

Also, because of that person's kind act, it helped as a visual for my daughter. Each time we're out and she stumbles upon a toy or something laying on the ground, I always tell her to leave it where it is, so the person who is missing it, can find it. Either, we'll put it high up (just like that person did with Curly Shirley) or leave it as it was. I always say, it's easier to do that because people tend to retrace their steps when searching (again, just like we did). So, she was utterly happy with the end result and a hands on learning experience took place as well...

So, as we walked back to our car, this time, with tears of joy on her face, she vowed to never take Curly Shirley to a place without her carrier. Not only to keep her safe, but to keep her close to her heart as well...

Mid Week Humor: Noise reduction?

Fact: Riding a scooter across hardwood floors isn't any less quiet than riding a big wheel, while mama is on the phone trying to pay bills. But thanks for the effort kids... Motherhood.

The Happy Days Blog

Our holiday weekend...

As all the other children's holiday vacation is coming to an end, ours is still very vibrant and full, since our district still continues to strike. Time seems endless and moments are fruitful. I feel like everyday will be like the last and returning to school was just a horrid reoccurring nightmare. 

We packed away the final pumpkin things and encapsulated our doorways with garland strung lights. We put the final touches on the outdoor lights and decorations and finished our home in multicolored loveliness. Thanksgiving came and went in a blur. My daughter helped me set the table. I remember the way her little hands tightly grasped the cups as they teetered from the kitchen to our dining room. She talked all the while, starting one story where the previous one ended. She pulled the ceramic turkeys from my corner cabinet to place at each setting. She said she remembered the stories I once told about my grandmother always having them on our Thanksgiving table when I was little.

This year was my first Thanksgiving cooking the entire dinner myself and it didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped. Our turkey tasted wonderful, but somehow fully cooked 2.5 hours earlier than expected, about 5 lbs of boiled potatoes strained down our drain, and my bundt cake fried in the convection oven because I forgot to change the temperature from 450 to 325. But somehow, it was all made right when family gathered around our table.

The next day, when Black Friday is filled with packed stores, tired people, and grumpy sale associates, we stay cozied up at my in-laws for our annual Thanksgiving #2. This is the scene where cousins of all ages run rampant, play with toys, play hide and go seek, and whatever else their little minds can muster up. Each room of the home is louder than the next and people are scattered, talking up their days and plans for the holiday season. The boys are in front of the television, talking football and sometimes cheering louder than the children are laughing. It's a scene that reminds me of my holiday dinners as a child. One that I hold close to my heart and I'm happy that my children are able to share.

After Thanksgiving was put to rest and our hearts were full of gratitude, we drove to our local tree farm to pick out our favorite tree. My daughter immediately loved the first tree she saw and begged for it. But my son, walked away in his oversized rain boots, dragging his outstretched arms across the silky branches. We watched him slow down at some and silently inspect the trees, then carry on until he stopped at just one. One, he said, was the "prettiest tree" he had ever seen. My daughter followed his voice to the tree where she absolutely agreed that it was our tree to come home with us...

I felt like Christmas was just a few days ago. But nonetheless, our tree is finally decorated and the village glows under the colorful Christmas lights. This was the first year where I sat back and allowed them the freedom to do the entire tree and village by themselves. I, of course, strung the lights and arranged the houses so they were accessible to electrical outlets. But, they worked together and in between the laughing and talking, they finished... 

And it was beautiful, so beautiful, that I didn't have to go back and rearrange anything.

And when our home was dark and quiet, I sat beside that tree with only it's glow emanating the room. I replayed the day, the week, and even the month over in my head. I thought about family and our days spent laughing. I thought about bedtime and the way both my children persuade me to stay in their rooms, just a little bit longer. The stories they tell. I'm not sure what I did before these little conversations took place. Or the complete randomness and things out of the ordinary. But, what will always remain are the memories of holidays, their love for each other, and these little conversations that seem to linger in the air long after my children have left the room. And if the room is quiet enough, I could hear their laughter and the questions only my daughter would ask. I can hear their smaller voice in between the beats of my heart. And that's where they'll remain, until the quietest hour, so I can replay them again and again...

Mid Week Humor: Things kids say...

I was in the kitchen tidying up, when my daughter comes in with a handful of paper materials and asks for help with the tape. I curiously asked what she was doing, as I manipulated the tape in my hand. She replied, "I'm making angel wings for my brother." But before I could respond, I hear her brother yell from the playroom, "I do not want angel wings!" She replies, "don't mind him. He'll love it." "I will not!" comes from the playroom. She shrugs her shoulders and says, "little brothers, am I right?" as she takes the loose tape from my hand and walks away... Motherhood.

The Happy Days Blog

A little winter wonderland...

Our Saturday was a typical weird weather scenario for our area, during this time of the year. It started in the 70s and ended with snow and 29 degrees... You know, like dropping 40 degrees in 6 hours is completely normal. Because apparently, birkenstock sandals and snowboots are supposed to be worn in the same day.

The day time hours were a wonderful 70 degrees with full sunshine. We basked in the outdoors with short sleeve shirts and used the open space as our blank canvas.

The day ended when the sun was just about to set. That's when the dark clouds rolled in and the winds began to swirl. The cold wind kissed off our faces, as if icicles were being thrown at us. We retreated inside to eat dinner, before my husband and I got ourselves ready for our second date night of this year (my in-laws were watching our babies). But, by the time we arrived at my husband's friend's surprise 40th party, it was sleeting and the temperatures already dropped to 33 degrees.

Our drive home was a vision from the movie, Spaceballs; The part where they were driving ludicrous speed. The snow was so thick that we couldn't even see past our headlights, but the angle made it look like we were traveling at lightening speed. And at this time, my phone outdoor temperature read, 29 degrees. 

In the morning, I was awoken by my children shrieking once their little eyes saw the outdoor scene. Snow enveloped the grass and trees. About 4 inches of snow had fallen overnight. 

So we rushed breakfast and raced for the outdoors to play.

After snuggling them up with their snowsuit attire, they immediately dove into the snow. After not seeing snow since early this year. Luckily for me, this was the first year my tired body was able to only stand at the bottom of our backyard hill to play catcher. Versus, walking the sleds repeatedly up to the top, then running back down before they gave themselves the biggest push.

(I realize the snow doesn't look that deep here. That's because my husband hasn't cut our grass since the end of August and all the fallen leaves coated the high grass.)

My children's little legs trekked through the snow, as they climbed the hill for what seemed like the hundredth time. Snow dangled off the tips of their gloves, snow speckled my daughters long ponytail, and my son's cheeks were apple red.

Two and half hours had passed and the snow finally stopped falling on our heads. A snowman was made, hills were sledded, and we even pretended we were The Thundermans throwing snowballs at the evil dark mayhem.

We ended our fun by snuggling around our portable space heater, while watching the new Thundermans and drinking hot chocolate; Giving us time to defrost before lunch.

If Saturday was a glimpse of the joy snow will have on my children, then I say, bring it on winter! We cannot wait to see you.

Homeschooling, our way...

In continuation to Monday's post, we concluded our first week of homeschool.

Our district continues to strike and an end doesn't seem to be in sight. But by law, the students have to be back in their classrooms after 30 days. Then, if they choose, the staff can strike again after the New Year. 

My brain hurts just thinking about all that...

With that, our Christmas vacation and Easter break will be terminated and students will be in school until the end of June. Not to mention, it'll leave the children scrambling around trying to end the year on a positive passing note. After being away from academics for such a long duration. And, I'm sure the remaining months will be a game of "catch up." As the teachers will have to review everything they already taught to the younger students.

So, as much as I have enjoyed the short structured homeschooling experience and my daughter's receptive ability, I did loosen up by mid week. Not because of problems, but because technically, this is all our holiday breaks and some of summer break wrapped into one. So I want her to be free of school work and have fun during her supposed time off. 

Also, we read daily anyways, it's her favorite thing to do. So it's not like we have to sit in a classroom atmosphere for that to happen. But, I now throw in some math as we saunter throughout our days.

But for now, we have been to the park, bike riding, library, bookstore, the farm, went outdoor exploring, walking, and played indoor hide and go seek all during those short winter day light hours...

We are taking advantage of this rare experience of enjoying each others company during the time when the sun is at it's highest point, without being pressed for time. 

To breakdown our week...
She was eager and excited to work and really respected me in my educator role. We completed a days worth of work in four hours, included recess and lunch. We did activities from worksheets and played a few games, I thought we were having fun. But, she said I wasn't a fun teacher and the class was boring. I guess that's what you get when your daughter is lucky enough to have such a wonderful, real, teacher. So, I thanked her for her critique, adding, I'm not a teacher and I do have a lot of room to grow.

As much as I love having both of my children with me all day, I still feel a sense of frustration that my daughter won't be allowed to share our holidays at home with her family. The day after Christmas, she is expected to be back at school, with not even a day in between to be allowed the chance to play with new toys, go visiting family, or watch some holiday movies while eating Christmas cookies. But, it's the realization that the state feels they have more rights to your child than you, as the parent, have, that really irks me. That, they think they know what is in their best interest. Then at the same time, they're the ones trying to encourage families to be together more.

It sounds a little oxymoronish to me...

So for now, we'll hunker down and enjoy our time at home with some homeschool thrown in. And we'll patiently wait out the strike, while crossing our fingers it will get resolved in enough time that our holiday breaks won't be conceded. 

But until that happens, we'll catch up on The Thundermans and decorate our home for Christmas during the commercial breaks. We'll throw some math problems in between while she skates around my dining room table. We'll read some of her new books we loaned out from the library and we'll even do some science experiments.

So homeschool will still continue, just our own version of it. Equipped with lots of fun and learning, from the new and improved, non boring teacher.

Mid Week Humor: Eating your own words.

When shopping with my children, my normal response for them wanting toys or items is, "don't worry, Santa will bring them for you." So yesterday, I ate my own words when I was going to get myself a pack of cupcakes, along with the cookies for my children. As I placed the package in our cart, my son put out his hand to block it and replied, "don't worry mama, Santa will bring those for you." Touche' kid... Touche'... Motherhood. 

The Happy Days Blog

A homeschooling opportunity...

Since my daughter started preschool, I silently battled my internal thoughts of wanting to homeschool. She had such a hard time leaving me and I wanted nothing more, but to hold her next to me forever. I wanted her to be sheltered from the other habits she would inevitably learn from her peers. And the whole structure of school itself doesn't resonate well with me.

But the reality is, she is a very social being who gets bored surrounded by the same walls everyday. And sometimes, even mom isn't as exciting to her anymore.

So, school has become a 6.5 hr social gathering for her, even though leaving me in the morning still continues to be a fete. However, she excitedly exits the building chattering away about her day. And making dinner has become our time to talk about all the things she experienced in her hours away from home.

Although, there are still times I bring back up the idea of homeschooling, but as she ages, it's not so much about keeping her securely attached to me, but more for the unschooling side of the education.

However, we are incredibly lucky to have an amazing first grade teacher this year. One who is very open to the individual needs of each child and isn't so focused on structure and control. She allows them the freedom to move about in class and do their work on the floor if that's where they please. She's understanding and compassionate. And her teaching, dulls the flame of the homeschool idea because, I know my daughter is experiencing a taste of unschooling.

Nonetheless, I also know, there probably won't be another teacher like her. So the homeschool flame will remain smoldering until the time is right.

But late Friday, we received final notification that our district will strike this Monday, until further notice. Which brought about an opportunity that I couldn't pass up.

I emailed her teacher, asking about the structure of their day and their main areas of focus. Then, I designed a lesson plan based on their recent homework and the teacher's advice, with worksheets and materials included. 

This week, or two, or three, I will take this opportunity and homeschool my daughter.

And we both couldn't be more excited about it...

I sat her down and discussed the idea and that come Monday, we will be doing actual school, not just playing like we usually do. That she would have to respect the fact that I was now the one guiding her through her academic day. 

And not just being, plain old mom.

And hopefully, her brother will cooperate too...

So after she was asleep, I tore sheets out of her School Zone First Grade workbook and stapled each section together. I created a schedule and even packed a spare backpack, compete with a folder and pencil case. 

So come tomorrow, between the hours of 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m, we will get a taste of what homeschooling will mean to us. So if eventually that is the avenue she wants to take, we'll be prepared.

*Come Friday's blog post, I'll update how the week went.

What we should be telling our children about the President...

Since the election, my social media pages have been buzzing from all walks of life. Posts after posts are being shared, some about how to dump trump and others about the good he has to offer. Some people are ecstatic and while others are devastated by the end results. There's very few in between.  

But, now that the election has come to a close, I expected people to live what they preach. And I would expect, the people who are protesting in the streets, to act against what they are protesting in the first place.

In my life outside of my blogging world, I'm really into politics. I'm very knowledgeable about current and past events and even into some conspiracies, as I'm open to hear anything and don't only form my opinions based on the mainstream media.

With that, I've never talked politics on here. And I don't plan to. But, what I do want to focus on is providing a different side other than what all the other websites seem to be sharing.

On my blog, I am always talking about peaceful parenting and being kind. I share details of my life that demonstrate a different life outside the norm. One with mutual respect between my children and myself. And the infamous, talking out our problems instead of punishment. But the truth is, it's not just a parenting style. It's a lifestyle. What everyone wants their children to be, starts at home. It starts with how children see their role models act and behave. No outside person is more important than you, the parent.

My children and I live a peaceful life of kindness and all that it encompasses. We go out of our way to help people and I preach understanding and not to use the word hate, or to feel that strong emotion. 

Because, hate is learned. 

But contrary to popular belief, this presidential campaign didn't cause all this hate and anger in our world. It was already there. It's in the music that plays all around us. It's in all the television shows that bombard our screens. And, the countless negative political ads that played during my children's cartoons during the day. Everywhere you look, hate is spewing from the faucet. This election just gave people an excuse for it to be socially acceptable to fight about. 

People are the ones who are pulling away from the light on their own. Children are not being taught to respect people, to love people, and to be kind to people. Because quite frankly, some adults don't either.

So when I see all these posts being shared on social media about, What do we tell our children about the president?

Well, you tell them, he said things he shouldn't have said. He's done things he shouldn't have done. The details don't need to be shared. But hey, he's human and we've all been there. We all had that foot in mouth moment or that moment when something seemed like a good idea at the time, but then listening to it later, made us all cringe. I'd tell them that Donald raised a great family and was a hands on father, despite building an empire. I'd continue to say, that over the years he was in the entertainment business and most of the time, he was portraying a character that the viewers craved. So, none of us really know who he is behind closed doors. I'd also say, sadly the reality is, he's an elite businessman and to get to that level, he stepped on a lot of toes and climbed over a lot of people. So, he has enemies. And enemies always have their own stories. And lastly, I'd tell them that people will always try to say things to bring you down. It doesn't make it right, but it's who THEY are. And we shouldn't judge people based on their poor choices. That's not for us to do. Our role is to talk to our children about what they are seeing around us. Not just with the election, but daily life too. We need to guide them through what their brains are absorbing and steer them on the path you want them on. Constant conversations should unfold. So when they're older and don't have you beside them, holding their hands, they'll know what are just "words" and what is worth listening to.

It all starts at home. Everything you want your children to be, you also have to be. So, it doesn't matter who is the President because, that person doesn't have the influence that mom and dad have. The President isn't the one raising your children or providing the morals and values of day to day.

Children don't see the world the way adults do. They don't judge people based off wealth, status, color, or religion. They base friends off of who is standing the closest to them at recess or who is sitting at their lunch table. So as long as the parents don't talk about their own judgments, children won't even think it.

So in the end, we tell our children that the sun will rise, the birds will chirp, and there will be air to breathe. You tell them they will always be loved by their loved ones. You tell them to always look for the good in people, to be open, and to always listen before assuming. Tell them to accept people for who they are because, you can't change how people act, but only how you react. And you tell them to be the only kind voice that stands against the masses. And finally, you tell your children to build people up and never tear them down. 

Because children are always watching and listening... So give them something worth applying.

Mid Week Humor: Election night...

It was all fun and games watching the election coverage until 5:00 a.m. That is, until the reality of motherhood smacked me in the face at 7:00 a.m and I had breakfast to make and a lunch and snack to pack... Motherhood, regretting my night time decision as soon as my eyes were forced opened.

The Happy Days Blog

Some Fall adventures...

Daylight savings struck our home, just like every person across the Country. Except as a parent, day light savings isn't your best friend who it once was before having children. Day light savings is the friend of those out on the town, cheering on that extra hour of fun. But with parents, that extra hour you once loved, turned into an hour earlier in the morning...

So 6:30 am wake up, now turned into 5:30 am wake up...

Woooopie!!! *said with heavy sarcasm*

Once the sun peered through my white lace curtains and the sounds of children chattering in the hallway about what level they reached on Bugs Bunny Dash, I knew it was early even before looking at the clock. 

Within minutes, they were draped over my husband and I, with smiles that only children could have at that hour, and both eager to start the day...

Our morning was slow and sluggish, with couch laying and catching up on past seasons of The Thundermans. But, the sun outside was almost too perfect to ignore. So around lunch time, we changed into play clothes and headed outdoors. 

The sun was sitting high above the baron trees and the deep blue sky was cloudless. The air was crisp with a warm tinge and the leaves were a colorful soft blanket beneath our feet. We know the minutes of sunshine quickly tick away at this time of the year and we only have a handful of days that will be this picture perfect.

So we set out to enjoy our time before the sun dipped below the earth, unfortunately, at a much earlier time...

My daughter packed her backpack full of supplies and my son followed suit. She even brought her sketch book, so she could draw pictures of what she saw and write about what she experienced.

My son's backpack was filled with random things like, books, Batman guys, and fake food. In his mind, he was ready... And that's all that counts. 

We played a little tag, hide and go seek, searched for an array of colored leaves and pine cones, and pretended we were lost in the woods and had to find clues to escape. Also, my son pretended he was Kid Danger a few times and my daughter, Thunder Girl...

Which helped against the "bad guys" who tried to steal our clues.

Our fall days are closing in. Soon, the air will be cold and the ground, lifeless. Our adventures will be halted until spring and our outdoor play, limited. We will pack away our backpacks and replace them with indoor crafts and night games of indoor hide and go seek. Our outdoor adventures will give way for indoor scavenger hunts and painting sessions... And maybe some more binge watching of family friendly TV...

But until then, we will embark on all the outdoor journeys the sun and warmth will allow. And continue our play, the old fashioned way.

And try to outsmart daylight savings in the process...