Capturing the “Right Now”

There’s nothing like a 6th grade graduation to make you realized that childhood is fleeting. It was the first graduation in my little school’s history–these three 6th graders started as preschoolers 9yrs ago and have been in our little school ever since.

At the ceremony, there was a sweet slide show, capturing their time in their elementary classroom, as well as their preschool days. That was fun and it made me a little nostalgic for some of the students I’ve had in the past.

Then we got to the part of the program where they showed baby pictures. And those funny moments in the bathtub, the cute baby’s first halloween pictures, the required “smash cake” photo, those were in there too. By the time it was done, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.

Time is so fleeting. Sure when I’m up to my elbows in vomit, or calling about the upteenth ear infection it seems like it will never end. But it will. And knowing that (and seeing that slideshow) makes me really want to be in the moment and enjoy the wee-ones.

Right Now.

So right now, on June 3, 2010, here’s what shakin’ in our house:

As I type, the kids are zoned out in front of Blues Clues. They’ve just gotten home from their 2nd to last day ever of the little daycare we’ve been a part of for four years. (MaM is there this week since school’s out but I’m working on my classroom)

Jr. is a chatty, chatty boy. He loves race cars and big trucks with all of his heart. He plays with his Little People Parking Garage like it’s going out of style.

MaM is a collector of silly bandz and she’s becoming a big reader. She tries to read every word she sees. She only wears big puffy dresses. They have to have layers, and they have to twirl. She won’t even try them on if they appear not to be of the twirling variety.

At the Children's Museum this weekend

Day 3 of my attempt at NaBloPoMo is complete!

Works for Me Wednesday: Mom I’m Bored

I have to say, my kids don’t say this phrase (yet–they’re almost 2 & almost 5)). They are extremely good at keeping themselves occupied…….lining up matchbox cars, coloring, sorting silly bandz, and so forth.

I love being home all summer long–I love that we don’t have to be anywhere at any particular time. But I know our summer routine well enough to know that we do need a little routine…a reason to get dressed before noon at least a few days per week, a way to be sure we don’t just hole up in our air-conditioned house and become hermits.

Sooooo my friends and I are doing a little planning.

We’ve shared a Google Calendar, named it “Summer Fun 2010” , and plugged in activities that we see which catch our interest. We’re attempting a few theme weeks–Toy Week in honor of Toy Story 3’s release will include a matinee of the movie & a visit to a toy museum. Transportation Week will happen the week the park dept puts on “Touch a Truck”. We may also go on a train ride that week and see the local race track.

I’ve plugged in the free movies around town (check Regal’s Free Family Film Festival), happenings at local libraries, and events advertised by the parks dept.

We’re also planning on using our memberships tochildren’s museum and historical farm, and of course, it wouldn’t be summer without swimming.

I also try to make it a point to visit playgrounds and library branches that aren’t in our usual traffic pattern.

Are you tired yet? It’s a lot…..but it is SO. MUCH. FUN!!!

What are your ideas for summer fun?? Do your kids get bored easily or are they fairly content? At what age does the phrase, “I’m bored” enter a child’s vocabulary????

Leave a comment here, or write your own post and link it up at We Are That Family!

Day 2 of NaBloPoMo–DONE!

Almost Two

Playing at the sand table
Playing at the sand table

Somehow, this spring, the boy has gone from a toddling one year old to a boy who is so close to two he can taste it. So close to two he runs now, he runs and he says, “RUNNNNINNNNGGG!” And then he climbs up the swing set and says, “CCCLLLIIMMMBBB”

Run! Run! Run!
Run! Run! Run!

And his favorite color, based on language alone, is green.

And his favorite sound effect is “woo- woo”, which he does every time he sees sirens and lights.

He’s addicted to rice milk. He’s got a killer sweet tooth. He can open the drawer to the freezer and pull out a popsicle.

And his hair? It’s his crowning glory. I loved every minute of Spring Break with this boy, and am now counting down the school days til we are out for the summer! (33 more days to go)

Looking like he's posing for senior pictures on Easter Sunday at the lakefront.
Looking like he's posing for senior pictures on Easter Sunday at the lakefront.