The Happy Days Blog
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
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.
Monday, November 14, 2016
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.
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.
Friday, November 11, 2016
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
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
Monday, November 7, 2016
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...
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...
Friday, November 4, 2016
Is door to door trick or treating becoming a thing of the past?
I could remember being a child and having such anticipation for Halloween. For about a month prior, I would silently scope out all the houses I wanted to hit on Halloween night, when we drove through town. I even had 2-3 costume changes for the big day. And I always had a costume I wore to school and one that I wore out for trick or treating.
I even went trick or treating until I was 17 years old and drove my friends. And the only reason I stopped at 18 years old, was because my then boyfriend was popular and I hid that quirky quality from him.
...Ah, the teenage years...
Our school parade was a big celebration that continued well past the final bell of the day. Our parades weren't just on school grounds, but we also walked down the main street of town. Parents and spectators lined the sides, causing only single lane traffic to pass through.
I could remember rushing dinner as I kept one eye on the outside window, willing the sun to set. It would feel like Christmas eve and the anticipation of the night ahead was almost too much to bare.
Then when it was time, we went to a local development that had about 90% of the houses lit, with well over a 100 houses. Each house was decorated immensely, with every detail thought of. I could remember one of the first houses had a cemetery theme. They even had a hearse and coffin on site and fog across the front yard. It was terrifying. But, it was an awesome conquest each year. So, I remember hiding behind my brother, following his footsteps and we gingerly walked through the grass, frightful of someone jumping up at some point. Which they always did.
Kind of like the houses that had bushes surrounding the porch and you knew someone was waiting behind to jump out.
When I was a child, I remember loving Halloween like Christmas. And it wasn't even about the candy, but more about the going door to door, telling jokes or funny stories, and getting scared in the process. And, the anticipation of what the next house will bring. And, even covering your eyes or laughing so hard because you're tripping over your friends or brother, trying to walk directly behind them without looking.
So when my children reached the age of enjoying Halloween, I was beyond ecstatic to indulge with them. Right down to the eating candy at 9:00 pm while watching Halloween shows and eating candy for breakfast the next day.
Because come on, candy for breakfast is like a Christmas bonus your boss gives you.
But, Halloween isn't celebrated like it once was. There were more dark houses than lit and very few children walked the streets. Us adults, were truly disappointed in the evening. Of course, my children brought back a bag full of candy, so they were content, not knowing what a let down the night really was. Because for them, they don't have anything to compare it to.
From what I have heard from others, it seemed like more and more people are participating in those trunk or treats. And on Halloween night, our local fair grounds had a trick or treating event set up in the lot, which brought in about a 1,000 people.
That explained the dark houses...
...And there were your trick or treaters who once filled the streets, while walking door to door, creating memories and seeking candy.
I almost feel like trick or treating door to door on Halloween will eventually be an old fashioned story that is told to our children. Those stories that spoke of, "the good old days."
But in my household, we're fighting against the trunk or treats. We're keeping it "old fashioned" for as long as there are porch lights lit and doors to be knocked and candy to be had.
Because when my children think of Halloween, I want them to think of the walking, the running through the yards, the anticipation, the laughter in between, and the constant memorization of jokes to tell the next family.
And laughing hysterically when you messed up the joke, after practicing in between.
Not walking around a filled parking lot, like they're buying a black market item from someone's trunk...
**I hope all of you and your families had a great Halloween... What was your experience? Thoughts on this topic? And what did your child/children dress as?
My daughter went as Shimmer from Nickelodeon's Shimmer and Shine and my son was a Police Officer (Commissioner Gordon, from Batman).
I even went trick or treating until I was 17 years old and drove my friends. And the only reason I stopped at 18 years old, was because my then boyfriend was popular and I hid that quirky quality from him.
...Ah, the teenage years...
Our school parade was a big celebration that continued well past the final bell of the day. Our parades weren't just on school grounds, but we also walked down the main street of town. Parents and spectators lined the sides, causing only single lane traffic to pass through.
I could remember rushing dinner as I kept one eye on the outside window, willing the sun to set. It would feel like Christmas eve and the anticipation of the night ahead was almost too much to bare.
Then when it was time, we went to a local development that had about 90% of the houses lit, with well over a 100 houses. Each house was decorated immensely, with every detail thought of. I could remember one of the first houses had a cemetery theme. They even had a hearse and coffin on site and fog across the front yard. It was terrifying. But, it was an awesome conquest each year. So, I remember hiding behind my brother, following his footsteps and we gingerly walked through the grass, frightful of someone jumping up at some point. Which they always did.
Kind of like the houses that had bushes surrounding the porch and you knew someone was waiting behind to jump out.
When I was a child, I remember loving Halloween like Christmas. And it wasn't even about the candy, but more about the going door to door, telling jokes or funny stories, and getting scared in the process. And, the anticipation of what the next house will bring. And, even covering your eyes or laughing so hard because you're tripping over your friends or brother, trying to walk directly behind them without looking.
So when my children reached the age of enjoying Halloween, I was beyond ecstatic to indulge with them. Right down to the eating candy at 9:00 pm while watching Halloween shows and eating candy for breakfast the next day.
Because come on, candy for breakfast is like a Christmas bonus your boss gives you.
But, Halloween isn't celebrated like it once was. There were more dark houses than lit and very few children walked the streets. Us adults, were truly disappointed in the evening. Of course, my children brought back a bag full of candy, so they were content, not knowing what a let down the night really was. Because for them, they don't have anything to compare it to.
From what I have heard from others, it seemed like more and more people are participating in those trunk or treats. And on Halloween night, our local fair grounds had a trick or treating event set up in the lot, which brought in about a 1,000 people.
That explained the dark houses...
...And there were your trick or treaters who once filled the streets, while walking door to door, creating memories and seeking candy.
I almost feel like trick or treating door to door on Halloween will eventually be an old fashioned story that is told to our children. Those stories that spoke of, "the good old days."
But in my household, we're fighting against the trunk or treats. We're keeping it "old fashioned" for as long as there are porch lights lit and doors to be knocked and candy to be had.
Because when my children think of Halloween, I want them to think of the walking, the running through the yards, the anticipation, the laughter in between, and the constant memorization of jokes to tell the next family.
And laughing hysterically when you messed up the joke, after practicing in between.
Not walking around a filled parking lot, like they're buying a black market item from someone's trunk...
**I hope all of you and your families had a great Halloween... What was your experience? Thoughts on this topic? And what did your child/children dress as?
My daughter went as Shimmer from Nickelodeon's Shimmer and Shine and my son was a Police Officer (Commissioner Gordon, from Batman).
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Mid Week Humor: Halloween Candy
Upon inspection of all the Halloween candy, I was astonished by how many pieces were unsafe and had to be put in the garbage. And by garbage, I mean, separate container for my husband and I to eat while both of our children are sleeping... Motherhood (and apparently Fatherhood too).
The Happy Days Blog
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