Lets Go Orioles

One of the things I love about our home is that it is walking distance from Matthew's school and the Mt. Tabor Little League field. This was the first year Matthew was able to play baseball due to age requirements and he loves it. He has been practicing with Carlos and I and sleeping with his gloves under his mattress.

His team, the Orioles, have won all their games and Matty has several hits, runs, and RBI's. It has been a joy to watch his interest in baseball develop. I can definitely see both Carlos' and my competitive spirits in Matthew.

Playdate

Matthew had a play date with his friend Solomon last week. Actually, it wasn't a play date. It was two friends, "just hanging out." Because play dates are for babies. At least that is what Matthew told me while reminding me that he is almost six years old.

My boy has outgrown the term play date. I am not sure how I feel about that.

Sweet voice in the morning

I am posting this mini-video so you can hear Talya's sweet little voice. Not because I want you to see what I look like before 7am. Definitely not that.

Its pretty shaky because I was taping myself. At the end, when you are seeing the floor, Talya was holding the camera up to her ear like a phone.

Egg-citing Easter

Easter 2010 was quite lovely. Carlos' mom Marianne has been in town so we were able to share the day with her. Portland has been very rainy, windy, and cold as of late, so early Easter morning we decided to take advantage of the fact that it was dry outside and have our egg hunt.

Natalya took Matthew's cues and frantically raced around the front yard in search of hidden eggs. She did awesome, finding three eggs. She would find an egg, exclaim "a chicken," put it in her basket, then take it out to re-find it. It was pretty cute.

Matthew did a good job of letting Talya find the obvious eggs and really had to search for the rest. He was climbing trees, sliding under cars, and generally dashing around like a lunatic. In the end of it all, both Matty and Talya had fun and were delighted with the loot.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, enjoying each others' company, and preparing and eating a delicious meal. He had a spiral ham, mashed sweet potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Yummy. After we stuffed ourselves, we watched "Sherlock Holmes" and snuggled on the couch. Talk about the perfect day.

Splashing in the Sprinkler

Yes, they really did run through the sprinklers when it was only 68 degrees outside. I should add that it was a gorgeous 68.

I love the firsts of spring/summer. The first time Carlos has to mow the lawn. The first time I can wear a dress or skirt without tights. The first flowers blooming. And, naturally, the first tromp through the sprinklers. (Not to mention the gorgeous photos made possible by better and more natural light.)

To my fellow bloggers reading this, I have to tell you about Picnik, the web-based application that I used to create this collage. I heard about it during an e-course that I took recently and this was my first time using it. And boy was it EASY, FAST and FREE. I created my account, uploaded these photos, and created the collage in under 15 minutes. I will definitely be using Picnik over Picasa from now on. Check it out.

Please note, that I used the free version but there is an upgrade available, for $24.95 per year. I am considering upgrading because I think the price is reasonable and I've heard great things about it.

They're crafty

I love watching Matthew and Talya create. Children are spontaneous and free in their art, something that adult artists have to strive for. It is obvious that the process is more important to them than the product. I try to steer clear of my adult programming while they are crafting, not allowing myself to worry about the mess I'll have to clean up. Yes, even when Talya is clapping her paint-covered hands together, splashing paint in places yet to be discovered.

love note

On the 26th of April, Carlos and I will have been together for nine years. Thankfully, I love him more and more as time goes by. To avoid becoming complacent in our relationship, I sneak in love notes here and there, to surprise him and remind him that he's my main squeeze. This one will greet him when he returns home from work.

Often I wish I could ask her what she is thinking. A part of her personality it very intense and contemplative. It is curious to watch and daydream about what she is focusing on and what she thinks about. I also wonder how much she will reveal once she is able to communicate freely. I see her maintaining a degree of mystery and reserve throughout her life.

Writing this makes me question my idiosyncrasies as a child, what traits my mom identified in me when I was young and how she thought they would translate as I grew into adulthood.

I was recently reading about a father who keeps what he calls a "Legacy Letter." Daily, he writes a quick something regarding whatever is on his mind or currently going on in their lives. What prompted him to start the log was the fact that his parents didn't remember specifics when he became interested in knowing what life was like, and what he was like, when he was a child. The log was his solution to the possibility that he may forget the details eventually.

What a brilliant (and dedicated) idea. And what a treasure it will be to that kid, when he receives it.

rock star

First Signs of Spring

The kids enjoyed the sunny weather we had recently. I got them outside in hopes that the sunshine would dispel their cabin-fever.

I have been making some formatting changes to this blog, so if the layout looks wonky it is because I am making some adjustments. Hoping to beautify my bloggy blog a bit!

On the hunt - Chore Board

Like me, Matthew lives in the visual realm. He likes to see what he needs to do and what he has already done. Because of this I am looking for a chore board or chore check list to keep a visual record of his to-do's and done's.

I first saw this one at a local toy shop. Loving that this version is very comprehensive and the dry erase bottom section would come in handy. However, it looks a little too "day-care center" for me. Is it vain to expect the chore board have a certain aesthetic, one that I would not shudder at seeing on my wall? I think not. :) Particularly since I need it to be in a central location, the kitchen, to use it properly.

So my search continued. Etsy has several options, a bit more suited to my tastes.

This is from soapstarmom who offers additional chore cards as well.

AbbiesHouse is another great option, also offering additional chore magnets.

And these are only a few of the choices out there. Yet, all in all, I have not found THE ONE. I'm thinking this calls for a craft project....

Perideau Designs

Lucky me! I won a personalized canvas print by Perideau Designs from a giveaway I entered on Bliss, authored by the delightful Mrs. French.

Bridgett, of Perideau Designs, has been so gracious during the personalization process and I am just delighted to be the winner. I requested mine in the color "Pool" which is a dazzling pale teal, with Natalya's name on it. Won't it look delicious in her room!?! Me thinks so.

Please visit her blog and etsy shop to check out all the lovelies she has to offer and please let her know that I sent you. Her stationary is gorgeous. On my wish list, the "A New Key" moving announcements, since we are moving soon. Details on that to come...

My days are bright because I have her

Christmas 2009 continued

Truly, this was one of the best Christmas' I have ever had. Surrounded by family and love. There is no better a gift.