Pumpkin Carving

I was so exhausted from battling the stomach flu, but rallied to be a part of our annual pumpkin carving the night before Halloween. Bailey chose a peace sign design, while Raif had a piratey pumpkin.

Determined to get the seeds out.
Watching daddy

I think he likes his creation

Peace sign pumpkin for Bailey

Raif's piratey inspired creation

Halloween Party

Colby and I were invited to a Halloween Party this past weekend at our friends, The Darling's, house. I lasted all of about an hour before we had to exit the party, with a horrible stomach pain that turned into the stomach flu. At least we got a cute picture before the sickness commenced!

Halloween at Dance Class

Bailey's dance studio had a fun dance class for Halloween. Each year, everyone comes in their costumes for their regular dance class. They practice dance to some fun Halloween music, and this year even turned off all of the lights, had strobe lights and a fog machine!

Bailey and her dance instructor, Miss Marissa
Our little ballerina

Bailey's dance class

Dancing in the fog, so spooky!

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!