Celebrating Raif at Preschool

Raif celebrated his birthday at preschool with all of his new friends today. He got to decorate his birthday crown, eat delicious white powdered donuts, and even sit in the special chair. Ms. Riggins took some pictures of his special day.

I think they all have a bit of powdered sugar on their mouths!
Hello everyone!

Decorating their skeleton project

I still can't believe he's old enough to go to preschool.

Decorating his special crown.

Happy 3rd Birthday Raif!

On Raif's actual birthday, Raif was picked up by his Grammy and Papa, while I VIPed in Bailey's classroom. He got to spend some time to himself there for the morning. We had my parents over for dinner that night, since we went in together to get him a train table for his present. I also got to take a picture of him with his cake. Happy Birthday Raif!

I can't believe he's 3!
All smiles!

So cute!

Playing with his train set

Choo Choo!

Raif's 3rd Birthday Party

We once again had a Halloween costume party to celebrate Raif's birthday. However, this year he was totally into his costume and actually wore it!!!! He was not, however, into picture taking. Once again, I only managed to to take some pictures, and didn't get around to taking every one's pictures. I didn't even get a family photo, since Raif was done with picture taking. Note to self, start with the family photo and go from there. Also, charge the camera before the party. The camera died as we were singing happy birthday to Raif! Lessons learned.

Despite the lack of picture taking on my part, we did have a fabulous party. Thank you to all of friends and family who came to celebrate with Raif. He might not remember you being there to share his day, but Colby and I will, and love all of you for sharing Raif's special day with him.

The big 3 year old!
Hello little Kitty!

Pretzels helped in getting him to take pictures.

Cowboy Daddy and his kiddos

Raif not wanting to take pictures

At least we got to see a head shot of the giraffe

Mommy and her little girl

The Vega Clan

Say cheese Raif!

Not like that!

I think he knows I was not happy about the previous picture

Grandma and Grandpa

One more picture Raif

Really Raif, again?

Uncle Greg, Jake and his girlfriend

Bailey with our neighbors Vicki and Annabelle

Vicki, Annabelle, Bailey and Gabby

Gabby was trying out Bailey's scooter

Pirate Liam

The Candy Corn Witches

Holden, Mason, Deirdre and Michaela

Some of the fun

Uncle Greg and Aunt Shelley

Hi there bumble bee Charlotte!

Jaymee being a good big cousin

The Queen of Hearts, Deirdre

Raif went upstairs, stripped down to his underware, brought down his blankets and stuffed animals....I don't even want to know!

Homework Help

In a past lifetime, at least sometimes its seems like one, I was a teacher. I can't believe it's been 6 years since I last stepped foot on school as a teacher. As the school year is now in full swing, I've heard many of my friends have some choice words for homework time. I very rarely offer my "teacher" opinion, since they are talking to me as a friends and not as a teacher. But, I figured I'd offer a few things to try out through the blog. Homework has been pretty seamless around here. Some of that has to do with Bailey loving it, some has to do with our routine. Here are a few suggestions to try out if you are dreading homework time.

1. The area

Setting up a homework area is critical. If you don't have a table/chairs or desk, the kitchen table or dining room area will do. But be consistent with where you do homework. If you're constantly searching for a spot, you've already wasted time they will be able to concentrate.

2. Routine

A must. Bailey and I walk home, everyone has a snack, then Raif has his nap. This gives me time to spend alone with Bailey and really concentrate on her homework. If you don't have a napper, then some quiet time or some other quiet activity will do, with the caveat that you are not to be interrupted.

3. Don't push it!

Most elementary schools are giving out weekly homework packets. This offers some flexibility on how you do homework. For instance, Bailey was so exhausted the other day, we finished 3/4 of her math papers, and then stopped. I knew she was too tired to concentrate, so we finished the other paper the next day. No biggie.

4. Read ahead.

I know, I know. It's not your homework. But, if you read ahead all the directions, you will know how to direct your child, and you will get any additional things you might need before you sit down. Again, this gets rid of any unnecessary distractions or getting up that would interrupt homework time.

5. The Stuff

If you walk into a classroom, a good teacher will have everything a student needs accessible, without having to get up every 5 seconds. The same should be for at home. This is Bailey's homework tray. In it are pencils, a box of crayons, scissors, erasers, glue, glue sticks, a ruler, index cards, marker (for me), counters for math time, and her homework folder. This stuff is only to be used for homework time, so none of it is misplaced and we don't EVER have to go searching for it during homework time.

6. Make it their own

Bailey had to decorate a box for her books she brings home from school. She also helped me organize the "stuff" as to where it should go. By making it their own, 1. They know where the stuff is. 2. They feel grown-up about making the decisions 3. It just seems more fun

Now, I might have organized it a bit differently, but hey, it's not my homework, it's hers.

Hope this helps. Happy Homework Time!

True Friends

What is a true friend?

As you grow older, you often ponder this question. I've never been the type of person who has a million friends. I have a few close friends, and I'm fine with that. My sister, my mom and dad, and my husband are at the top of that list. I do so much with each of them.

Take for instance, today, my sister and I had a pedicure, mindless shopping, and a late afternoon lunch. No reason for this event, we just hadn't had one in a while and we needed it.

My husband and I had great conversation last night, a great dinner, put the kids to bed early, and had more great conversation.

My mom and dad are gone on vacation, I miss them both, and can't wait to talk to them until the next port on their cruise. Hearing about their fun adventures.

And then tonight, I texted our dear friends, our true friends. They had no dinner plans, we didn't either. So, we had dinner. There were no pictures taken. No fancy shmancy-ness for the blog. It was just a fun evening. The kids played, while the adults ate. Then the kids ate, and the adults drank.

A PERFECT evening with true friends. The friends you can call up, tell them to bring what's in the fridge, change the menu, then change it again. You can come in your sweats, or not. No one cares, because that's what true friends are all about. You can be yourself, no strings attached.

I just love those types of days. Hanging out with friends. Great conversations. I hope you are enjoying your weekend with some of your true friends.

Pumpkin Patch 2011

Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was so much fun. The kids rode so many more rides, and Bailey got to play with some of her new school friends. Due to the rain, the pumpkin patch fundraiser through Bailey's school was delayed a day, which meant Colby got to come with us! There was a chill in the air, I got to wear my new boots and sweater. Fall is officially here!

Family photo
My kiddos and me

Daddy with his little pumpkins

Being a little silly

Bailey and Raif

Spinning around, I think Raif was chillin'

Vroom, vroom!

I'm not sure what the licking of the lips means...

Stretch, Raif!

How Did She Get So Big?

Each October, we go to the pumpkin patch. Bailey's first trip to the pumpkin patch was while we were in San Diego. Subsequent years have all been at Pa's Pumpkin Patch, just minutes from our house. It has been our tradition to go as a family, but this year was a bit different. Bailey's school holds a fundraiser at Pa's, over half the school attends. Bailey rode lots of rides with us, but she also went off with some of her new friends, by herself. A big step for a baby who used to cry every time I left her. I'm a bit sad, those days gone...but more excited for these new adventures. I found this picture of Bailey's first trip to the pumpkin patch, I can't believe how grown-up she looks now!

October 2006
October 2011