memorial day 2012

Memorial Day beckoned us to our home away from home. We joined a large group of friends for an annual beach day in San Clemente. It didn't matter that some the kids didn't know each other because all kids speak the universal language of play. Give them sand, salty ocean water, tide pools, crabs, and each other and they are set.

We arrived early enough to beat the crowds. Early enough translates to boys wearing winter pajamas and boots to stay warm and Kevin kindly suggesting that maybe I should not talk to anyone until my coffee starts to take effect. He was so on target, I just laughed. I am not a morning person.

Jack cracks me up. He was intently trying to figure out the point of this game. I finally shouted down to him, "Jack you have to toss it!" All was well after that.

My boys are fluent in play.

Jack tried to pull a Charlie on the boogie board, but the rocks prevented him from shredding it up. He wasn't too happy about that.

Don't fret, he bounced back. Kids have a remarkable knack for that.

The kids disappeared into the forest several times. Our oldest, Luke, was crowned Master. It must be nice to have little ones follow you and call you Master all day long. I think I'll try that one of these days.

I hope you had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend. Did you do anything fun? I must put our fun day aside for a moment to say that I'm so grateful for those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf. 

Now I'm off to finish watching House Hunters before another week of teaching begins. Hugs to you!

Much love,

Katie

palm desert get away

As I have mentioned before, one of the perks to living in So. CA is that we are close to the beach, mountains, and desert.

We headed to Palm Desert for a combo Mother's Day/birthday celebration a couple of weekends ago.

Although it is less than 2 hours away, there is something about the dry, hot desert air and moutains that jet straight up to meet the ocean blue sky that make me feel a world away from my daily life.

We quickly transformed into vacay mode and plopped down on the lounge chairs while let the kids dig, swim, and splash.

         
Enjoy the weekend, friends!

Much love,
Katie

a day with my charlie

Charlie and I recently had a fun Mom and Charlie Day for his class field trip.

We went to the Safari Park (formally known as the Wild Animal Park). I will forever call it the Wild Animal Park. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

It was his 1st time on a bus, which I suspect he was more thrilled about since we have season passes to the Wild Animal Park. 

However, this time was different. I got the chance to watch him in the presence of his peers outside of our circle of family friends and the classroom. 

He's well known in our casa as "fun time Charlie" because he is just that kind of guy. But he is also an observant guy. A thinker.

Charlie marches to the beat of his own drum. While other kids were running together, he'd cruise around waiting to see what was around the corner. At times he'd join in and play and chat with friends, but then come back to grab my hand. He has no idea how much I love the feel of his little hand entwined in mine.

He's a great kid and I'm so glad he's mine.

Much love,

Katie

i've got that crafty feeling

I had my 4th graders make magnets as a part of their Mother's Day gifts. This is a perfect project for little ones, too. Charlie, my 5 year old, decided he wanted to make one and give it to his teacher. As a teacher, I can tell you that I can never have enough magnets!

Cut small squares of scrapbook paper. Paper with small prints and bold colors work best.

Let it set.

It works best when you have lots of paper options. You can also use pictures from magazines.

 Cut around the marble (flat on one side) when it is dry and then use glue to adhere magnet and let dry.

Final product...

I wish you each a very Happy Mother's Day!

Much love,

Katie

p.s. My lastest contribution is up at Beautifully Rooted. I'd love for you to stop by and give it a read.

Hello

Good morning friends! Please check out my new post at beautifully rooted. It was a tough one to write, but I am so glad I did. Much love, Katie

when the hubs is MIA

Kevin is out of town for business so I knew that I had to plan today wisely. Normally we just hang around home, go to church, I work in my classroom, and Kevin runs to the grocery store to cram pre-school week shopping.

However, we hung out here all day Saturday so another day at home would not work in my favor. My boys get cabin fever quickly. We are not hang at home people, but I have to say that there is something about being home ALL DAY LONG. I got 8 loads of laundry washed on Sat. I even washed all the kids' sheets! Sadly, those sheets don't get washed as often as they did before I returned to teaching in February. I ran to Target and to the grocery store, took the kids for a walk, and hung out by the pool.

I have a horrible cold that must be an early Mother's Day gift from either Charlie or Jack. Luke has managed to stay well. Kevin has it too, but don't feel too sorry for him. He is staying at a posh hotel in Vegas while treating clients to fancy dinners. Meanwhile, we'll be feasting on breakfast for dinner, grilled cheese, and cereal over the next few nights. I can't bring myself to cook when he travels.

Despite feeling blah, I knew that a day in bed was unrealistic. So I took one for the team and we headed to Legoland.

 It was our 1st time using the water park since last summer.

Luke knew better. He hung with me. 70 degrees with a breeze is still not water park weather in our books.

Jack and Charlie went for it.

And between park enforced potty breaks, Jack would entertain us with his singing and dancing. Watch out America's Got Talent. He breaks out in song and dance everywhere we go much to Luke and Charlie's dismay.

As for me, I can't get enough of that wild 4 year old.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Much love,