What should we talk about?

It's been a long time. A very long time! My baby is 4 years old and all signed up for kindergarten in the Fall. Let's not talk about that. We can talk about how my seven year-old has added many inches of height to his frame, and lost 5 teeth. Okay, maybe I don't want to talk about that. These things only serve to remind me that my little babies are growing up!

Perhaps that's partly why I'm not good at this blogging thing. I don't like to dwell on these things that make me keenly aware that my children have to grow up. The other reason is that I'm too busy to type entries in on this little smartphone keyboard. Who has time to actually sit at the desktop computer anymore?

I will think of some good stuff to talk about, and return, hopefully before another two years has passed!

Merry Christmas 2009 and Happy New Year!

Out with the old and in with the new! That will be my mantra as I resolve to organize this house! There are things I have been holding on to for far too long, with the hope that I would one day use them.

And then there is the whole issue of my being far too emotionally invested in my children's clothing and playthings! Matty does NOT need 1,000 stuffed animas, nor do I need to keep the bins of clothing, just because my child wore that item once, and it looked really cute on him that day!

I have to realize that while we are not rolling in cash, we can certainly afford a new rain coat for a child if there doesn't happen to be a hand-me-down in the "2 Year-old" bin of clothes. Ben hasn't worn onesies for at least 6 months, so why does he still have a drawer full of them! It's time for me to go through all the clothes and stuffed toys.

I will get this house organized this year, so I can get it off my shoulders and refocus on projects that I actually WANT to do, such as start doing crafts again, and perhaps organize the boxes of photos that are waiting for me in the garage!

Happy New Year! may everyone experience true joy in 2010!

One Year Later! (oops!)

I knew I wouldn't be good at keeping this blog up!

A lot has happened this past year, mostly in the area of growth for the two little boys. Since my last post, Benjamin has learned to walk, run, climb, and talk in full sentences! He recently celebrated his 2nd Birthday, with a little train ride at the local garden center.

Matthew has graduated from 4 Year-old preschool into Kindergarten. He continues to generate countless brilliant plans, is an expert scooter rider, and loves collecting small things, such as Pokemon cards and Bakugan Balls. His 5th Birthday in only a couple of weeks away, and he is already planning a big party!

Happy First Birthday Benny!

Our Ben turned ONE YEAR-OLD this past weekend! The year went by so fast, and it has been wonderful to watch Benjamin's many achievements in the past 12 months. Amazing that a person can grow and learn so much in such a short time! Ben now has 4 teeth, with 2 on the way. He is cruising the furniture and ready to take his first independent steps any day now. He babbles constantly, and wakes up singing and dancing, with a big smile on his face. He loves music and exploring. He can crawl all the way up a flight of stairs. He loves his brother and mommy and daddy, and he loves to wave hello and good-bye. He loves to eat, and is still very vocal if we are not feeding him fast enough. Fortunately he has learned how to feed himself a bit!

He lights up the room with his smile! We are so blessed to have the joy of Benjamin in our family!

Happy First Birthday Baby Bear!

Brothers

Matty and Ben

Today, I actually had to pull over to the side of the road, and rearrange the carseats so that the two boys were not sitting next to each other. I originally had Ben in the middle, with Matty next to him on the passenger side. Ben kept grabbing whatever Matty had in his hands, making Matthew very upset! Shrieking ensued. 

Evidently, even though Ben isn't even a year-old yet, he is able to annoy his big brother beyond measure. "Nooooooo, Ben!" A frequent refrain in our household these days, as Benjamin has become very mobile, and curious about everything that his big brother does. Matty prefers to build alone, or at least not to have his creations destroyed by little brother fingers.

There are sweet moments too, such as when Matty "lets" Ben use his special blankie, or when he is suddenly overcome with generosity towards his brother and says, "Ben, let's play! Come on, Ben!" 

I'm sure our house will see it's share of wrestling and shouting, but I hope it will also witness some brotherly hugs and a few block towers built together by two little boys. Brothers always and forever... Matty & Ben. 

Redwood Park

Without a doubt, one of my favorite things to do is take the kids to Redwood Park. It is beautiful and peaceful there in every season. I love sitting and watching the kids play in the playground and listening to their happy shrieks as the spin on the tire-swing, and the birds chirping high in the trees. Sometimes, there is an Eagle circling the tops of the trees.

We sometimes take a picnic snack or lunch, and we almost always hike through the trails. The kids climb the steps of the treehouse and knock on the miniature door at the foot of a tall tree. No one is ever home, but the children imagine it is a squirrel who lives there, and that he is always out, busy collecting nuts to store in his tree. 

We take the longish way around, because I particularly like the pathway that circles through a pretty  clearing. The boughs of the trees form an intricate arch over the path, and the exposed, knotty roots of the trees make the pathway interesting, especially if I happen to be pushing the stroller. 

At Redwood park, I can let the kids just be kids. They can run ahead of me, without me cautioning them to stay close. It is a quiet place, where we can get refreshed and spend some time in nature. 

It is a lovely place to be. You should go!

Ice Cream

The kids and I are trying to take advantage of the nice weather, since we didn't get a lot of it this summer.

A few days ago we headed to White Rock beach for a play and an ice-cream cone. Matthew had his favorite, "Blue Bubble Gum,"and I tried a new flavor. It was "Chocolate/Peanut- Butter!" It was "deeee-yishious," as Matty would say!

Matty has enjoyed many ice-cream cones at the beach. Above is a selection of photos of him enjoying his treats over the years.