A Child's Perspective

I really wanted to write down the conversation I overheard last night between the kids so I would always remember it. I did write it in my personal journal, but I thought I would share it here too. I was watching the Oscars and the kids were playing Monopoly. Sometimes, when they play, they "add" other players and play on their behalf. Last night, they added Ezra as a player (and Bluey, Alayna's newest bear). I heard them playing and having the usual arguments they have when they play Monopoly (seriously, that game causes more issues than its worth). Then, I heard this:

A: "Do you think Ezra has glasses in Heaven?"

J: "No, because God healed him and he doesn't need them anymore."

A: "Well, I think he does because he looks cute in them. God made us cute so we can be cute in Heaven too."

It just made my heart melt. Oh, to be able to have such a perspective of God's Sovereignty. I pray that the ugly things of this world never corrupt their childlike views.

Jeremiah's First Concert!

The title of this post is a little misleading, since Jeremiah has been to a concert before. We took him to Spirit West Coast in Monterey in 2002, but he was only 6 months old, so we don't think it counts. But last night, we took him to see one of our family's favorite bands--The Aquabats! If you don't know the backstory, the Aquabats are what brought Peter and I together 11 years ago. It was Friday, January 14, 2000 and Peter and I had Adolescent Psychology together at UCSC. We were on the mid-class break and I was listening to my discman (remember those?!) when Peter tapped me on the shoulders and asked, "Is that the Aquabats you're listening to?" Indeed it was. It was peculiar that he would know the Aquabats. Up until that point, I had never met anyone that knew who they were before meeting me and I introduced them to their awesomeness. But, he did. And that is where our love story began! It was kind of surreal to bring Jeremiah to see a band I've been listening to since the age of 17! He had a blast! He even got to go onstage with the band. They are a VERY family friendly band (the lead singer is co-creator of the kid show "Yo Gabba-Gabba")--the music is fun and silly and appropriate. There were a bunch of other kids there. We decided against bringing Alayna because she is not a fan of loud things (although she is a huge fan of the Aquabats). She covers her ears at the movie theater. Plus, she would not have been able to stay awake so late--we didn't get home until 11:30. What a fun fun night it was! These pictures aren't great......wish I had a better camera that could take pictures indoors in minimal lighting. Someday....




















For an idea of what they are like, here is a video of them on Yo Gabba Gabba. They are SO MUCH FUN!


The lead singer is pushing 40, but still does this at every show!

Horseback Riding!

Peter's Mom has been here for the past few days and we've been having a wonderful visit. This morning, she treated us to a horseback riding adventure! It was the first time for me and the kids, and Peter hadn't been since he was a lot younger. It was AWESOME! We went to MacDonald's Ranch in Scottsdale. It was chilly, but we had so much fun riding the trails. Jeremiah (the fearless one) had no apprehension and got up on his horse and was ready to go. Alayna was nervous, but once she was on and riding, it just seemed natural to her. She was so relaxed and rode quite well. It was a great morning and one of those times that I am so thankful for the invention of the camera! (Especially digital cameras so we get to see and share the photos right away.) I hope we can get out there to ride again. Thanks Grandma!

Here's a slide show of the fun:

Happy Valentine's Day to ME!

Peter and I don't actually "do" Valentine's Day (we don't give each other cards or gifts or flowers), but we were shopping for our son's birthday present a few weeks ago and saw this on clearance. My wonderful husband, knowing my love and affection for The Beatles, got it for me and said, "Happy Valentine's Day!" But, really, it was "just because" and I had been wanting it for awhile (and didn't want to spend $40 on it) and it was a great deal. Of course, I have no one to play with here since no one can match my "knowledge" for all things Beatles (I even took a class on them in college), but I've tested myself on some of the questions and I am a rock star! :)

Betty and Jen, I would love all of us to get together and play this!!! You two would really challenge me! My Dad would probably whoop my butt too!

Making Valentines

Even though Peter and I don't "do" Valentine's Day (no cards, gifts, flowers.....we show our appreciation for each other throughout the year), the kids still have to give valentines to their classmates every year. Some years, we buy the already made valentines; other years we make them. This year, we decided to make them. We used Sunday afternoon (our "unplugged" day) and devoted it to this simple craft. They were a cinch: a pink or red big heart and then a smaller, white heart glued on top. Alayna was my big helper for the project; J helped a little, but he wasn't too interested. I guess valentines aren't his thing. Oh, well. It was a fun project with Alayna.....she's so artistic and I try to nurture it as much as possible (I am NOT a crafty person). After a few hours of stenciling, cutting, glueing, and writing, we had 50 homemade, simple, and inexpensive valentines.

Student of the Week

We've got another student of the week in our house! Last week, Jeremiah was chosen by his teacher for this "honor". Since he's struggled with behavior issues, its awesome to see when his good behavior is rewarded. He has an "All About Me" poster and gets his name in the school newsletter. He got TWO share days (3rd graders don't normally do show-and-tell; just the SOTW). He got a "book" of pictures from all his classmates and a reason why they like him. And his favorite: a free Blizzard from the Dairy Queen (Mommy is trying not to think about all of the sugar and artificial ingredients he consumed in that!). Way to go J-man!

Poster


Book


A Treat