Shelly’s Journal

The other night, we dusted off the old Charlie Brown Christmas tape and popped it in the VCR. (Well, technically it wasn’t too dusty as we usually watch it all year round.) Bump was excited to watch it as this is really the first year he’s been aware of Christmas traditions and icons. We’ve had LOTS of discussions.

Eventually, they get to the scene where Pigpen strums the bass, Schroeder plays the piano and Snoopy jams on the guitar while everyone else dances. This is the part where I come running from where ever I am in the house, so I can dance like all of the kids do in the scene. It’s fun. I’ve been doing it for probably 30 years. Bump laughs and tells me to stop. Zach will join along someday soon. He’s my dancing boy. For the moment, his dazzling smile is all I get.

And then it’s over. (Until tonight when we’ll probably watch it again.)

Christmas traditions are so wonderful.

Over the years Christmas traditions have changed greatly for me. When I was young, my household was very immersed in the Santa culture. Mom made lots and lots of Christmas cookies. We had decorations everywhere. Christmas music filled our house from Turkey Day onward. On Christmas Eve we always got together with family. We would also open our presents from each other. Then on Christmas Day Santa would come. Later, he would still fill stockings and all the big time opening remained on the Eve.

After I went away to college, things changed. Usually it was only a few days before Christmas when I returned from exams. This meant I missed out on most of the prep - the baking, decorating, music and gift shaking. On my own, I was not so hot-to-trot with the traditions. Although, I still loved the ride back from college right before Christmas. I’d have the Christmas music going and had the chance to enjoy Christmas decorations for 180 miles of journey. Except in the National Forest that I drove through. There I would usually pull the car over for a few minutes, and turn the lights out. You never saw a place so black and dark and unpolluted by light, a real light show usually took place above.

As an adult, my life has changed so much over the years, that I’ve hardly been able to grasp onto traditions. First I was with roommates, then my fiance (later husband), then single again, moved out east, with Gil when his kids were little, with Gil and bigger kids, then we became Christians, now little kids again.

Gil is not a holiday guy for a number of reasons. But the mantel of Christmas rests almost solely on my shoulders. Which makes things even harder. It tough enough to get through the day-to-days without having to add in a giant blown-up holiday. So, I don’t. I cling to what is really special and what matters most - God and family.

Our celebration includes an Advent Calendar and Nativity Set, Christmas Songs and some Christmas cookies, a card to family and friends, light Christmas decorations including outdoor lights and a small tree, exchanging of gifts on Christmas Day, reading the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve, reading lots of Christmas books and watching a few favorite Christmas specials, a drive to look at Christmas lights, a meal with the big kids on Christmas Day.

It still sounds like a lot now that I write it all down, but believe me it is scaled way down, way back from even where we celebrated when the big kids were the little kids. I would like to get the kids involved in some giving activities when they are older - maybe serve a meal at a homeless shelter or food bank. I would like to give more to those in need - not just throw money in a bell ringers pot. That time will come.

Santa has not found his way into our celebrations. Bump knows who he is, but doesn’t quite get the relationship because all his Christmas Day gifts are from us or others. He’s never had it any other way. But you know, it’s still fun for him. I only say that, because so many people think that those of us who don’t celebrate Santa are depriving our children of something “fun”. That they are missing out. Even our big kids think that. But Bump and Zach know nothing else. They are surrounded with love all year long. They get other special things added in during December and that’s exciting. We’re trying to teach them to give and find joy in that. And as they grow older and are able to be more involved, our Christmas will reflect who we are as a family more than what the world teaches us traditions should be. Perhaps we are still a bit too worldly yet in our celebration - I may have gone a little wild with the Christmas shopping. But we’re trying to center our celebration on Jesus, and connecting the dots to all the traditions back to him.

I love Christmas time in the blogosphere. Why? Because in my real life, I find more people who are grossly opinionated about how we should celebrate Christmas, and less people who remember Jesus in their celebrations. In blogland, I find many more hearts along the same line as my own, but also people who may not celebrate the same way, but aren’t judgmental because of what we do.

Christmas is about love, not about being right. And even as I watch those around me who do things differently, I must remember that, too and cling to the things we have in common - which is love for our children and our family and sometimes even our Creator.

What is my family reading these days? Favorites come and go for the boys. For me, it’s what do I have time for. Here’s a list of the latest in Shelly’s house:

Zach
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boyton - Still hasn’t let this one go. Gosh he loves this story. All I have to do to get him to stop crying is say…The sun has set not long ago…

Baby Einstein - Poems for little Ones - I love this book of poetry. We also have the DVD. The book presents 6 classic poems - or pieces of poems along with a picture of the object. Zach loves the kitty, and especially when mommy makes the kitty noise as she opens the page - over and over and over again.

The Nose Book by Al Perkins - Bump loved this one, too. I don’t know why or what for, but the pictures and the rhyme are just golden.

Zach actually sits on his bed with his books and looks through them and I recite the text. Sometimes he keeps to the right pages, and sometimes he doesn’t. I even find him in his room sitting in a pile of board books and laughing.

Bump
Can’t You Sleep Little Bear? by Martin Waddell - I remember the first time around with this one. We read it over and over and over. It’s a pretty cute book, and I’ve worked up a good cadence with it and some commentary to go with the pictures. Little Bear is a fun little guy!

The New Adventures of Curious George - Since George has become such a hot shot in this house, so have his books. I actually like the new stories a little better. They are shorter and not so hung up on details. Great for this preschooler.

The Story of the Statue of Liberty - Step 1 book - Picked this up at a used bookstore last week. Bump really likes the story. Of course, he’s only fond of the Statue because Rocket from Little Einsteins happens to fly past her in one of the stories, but I’ll take enthusiasm however I can get it!

Shelly
Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew, M.D Sleeth- I’m just getting ready to start this one. Picked it up at the library. I also have a couple of posts coming up on the “green” thing.

The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola- I’ve had this for about 2 years and am enjoying it. It’s very long and detailed. Almost like reading Charlotte’s writing yourself, but more grouped into categories. It’s the story of one woman relating her CM homeschooling experiences by writing like CM. Some great ideas here, but I know that our house is just a wee bit different in approach.

Runners World Magazine - Yeah, I love this magazine. It’s great for a quick read before bed. There are lots of inspiring stories and different approaches. I’ve always enjoyed this magazine and am happy once again have a subscription.

1 and 2 Kings - My Bible study is covering these books in our weekly lessons. We’re still in 1 Kings - the introduction of Elijah and Ahab. It’s really powerful stuff!

As for Gil, he’s not much of a reader these days. He listens to the Bible on CD and I’m not sure where he is now. Last I knew, he was in Kings as well, but that was a few weeks ago and he may have moved on!

What are you reading these days? Do you have any good books on your nightstand?

Zach is so darn proud of himself. He now blows kisses and thinks that when he does it, he’s the funniest thing in diapers. He laughs and laughs. My heart leaps with love when he does it. He has the cutest little laugh.

Bump learned this week that Xs and Os are hugs and kisses, and in many little corners he asks me, “Mama, what do Xs and Os mean?” This is my cue. “I don’t know Bump, what do they mean?” “Hugs and Kisses,” he proclaims loudly with a smile.

Zach loves to get kisses. He especially loves when you kiss his little hand and then go all the way up his arm. He breaks out in hysterics. Then I say, “Where’s the belly?” He loves to have his tummy kissed, but he’ll put up a good fight for 10-15 seconds before he succumbs to da Mama and her loving. And then he laughs and laughs and screams, he’s laughing so hard.

At night I tuck Bump into bed. We have the ritual of blowing kisses to each other as I depart. I have to catch his and put them on my cheek, or tuck them in my pocket for later. His kisses go around door frames, down hallways, and descend stairs. If I don’t pronounce “got it” for a kiss he lets go, he’ll yell, “Get it Mommy.” Sometimes I have to catch them all the way downstairs.

These precious moments.

A 3-year-old boy is not discouraged by the closing of our pool during weekdays. He was just as tickled to be squirted with the hose and to lounge around in this tote. He used his boots to scoop up the water and pour over his head. This is his third set of clothes for the day. We dumped the pool for another day after this session!

When the kids get bored, introduce water into the scenario. You don’t have to have a big pool. My boy also uses a bucket of water and a paint brush to “paint” things in the back yard. We bring a tub of water into the sandbox to spice things up a little. I have had him in the past water our vegetable garden (we don’t have one this year). After rain storms, he stomps in the puddles on the tarp that covers his sandbox. We’ve even rigged up a makeshift waterfall with the hose so he can splash in it.

Water is an easy and fun outlet for kids in the summertime. It’s totally consuming and perfect for those HOT, HOT days. And in Virginia, we have plenty.

Summer is here!!!! Stay cool!!!

This post is part of Rocks in My Dryer Works for Me Wednesday. Check out all the great ideas to keep your kids from being bored in the summertime!

He loves the rain. He calls the water splashing off the roof his “waterfalls”. This morning as warm droplets fall from the sky, my Bump has ensconced himself in rain gear - boots and coat over his pajamas, umbrella in hand - to take on an early morning adventure. I call it SPLASH!

When he comes in, he will be wet in places - mostly his hands and the area above his boots. He may even take the boots off and run barefoot through the muddy places.

Really, he’d prefer no rain gear at all, but since Christopher Robin and other characters of his books and favorite shows wear such things, he embraces them as well. He keeps trying to climb in the umbrella and make it into a boat. Fortunately, we’ve given him a boat in the backyard to float in if need be, but it’s not the same. And a little creek wouldn’t hurt in his opinion. Every day water - very good. So before our day starts and the storms come in, I let him splash and be that little boy who loves water.

Yes, it’s finally finished - Baby Joseph’s Quilt.

Remember, I started out with a four patch, but this is what I ended up with. Fabric is primarily St. Jude Quilt of Dreams material from Hancock’s. I stitched in the ditch along the sides of rows and also across some of them. I also did a little squiggle in the blue areas between rows of the colorful fabric.

This quilt kind of grew out of my vision for the back of the four patch that I started. I was going to do a big four patch on the back, but it appeared too busy with these fabrics. I tried other combinations, and somehow ended up with this.

I am very pleased with it. It’s probably my best sewn quilt to date. I had no trouble with the binding. Quilting went quickly. It was a dream. I think that I haven’t actually quilted and bound a piece since before Zach was born. I also believe that pregnancy hormones restricted my abilities to sew - believe it or not. My new workspace - lower table and larger space has also made sewing more fun.

Kind of reminds me of the quilt I made for Zach almost a year ago.

Well, at least the colors do. Anyone who follows my sewing projects probably looked at the pictures and said, “That’s a Shelly Quilt!”

Potty training continues to be challenging for us. Bump just doesn’t get it, although we introduced stickers into the mix today and that seems to help. Gil has become the potty nazi and Bump is scared to death of him and goes every time. Me, not so much.

I got some videos and books from the library today and I hope they will help.

I’m still in a holding pattern with my Ergo Carrier. If you recall, I slammed the chest strap in my car door on our way back from Busch Gardens, breaking the clip….

Although I called Ergo immediately upon my arrival home, and they shipped me a new clip the very same day, it still isn’t here. And it’s been an “at home” week because of it. Most of the errands I could run with both of the kids, would be better, faster and more easily done with Zach in the carrier. And a few things just couldn’t be done. Plus, he’s been very fussy this week and we Ergo-It to mellow him out.

But there is hope. Not only did I confirm with Ergo that they shipped the new clip, but I also ordered a new chest strap from a VA company that sells Ergo stuff and it will be here tomorrow. That way, I’ll also have an extra clip if this ever happens again!

How was Busch Gardens? That’s the question I’ve been asked this weekend.

To answer it correctly, I’ll say we had a blast. It had it’s challenges.

I used to go first thing in the morning to avoid the heavy afternoon crowd push. But, with Zach’s nap schedule that wasn’t going to work. Instead, we left the house about noon and were in the park by 12:30. Temps in the low 60s. Sunshine. A little wind. Zach needed a light jacket, but other than that, we were good to go.

I went with the double stroller/carrier option. I took my sit n stand since the running stroller just doesn’t fit into my car trunk without tools (mini van coming soon to this house.) And I discovered the greatest thing. The Ergo backpack - a backpack that can hook onto my Ergo Carrier - is perfectly set up to hook on a stroller handle. It has these short little loops on the backside that put the zipper top up near the handle. It was a dream, really. Also, I wore my little Ergo Front Pouch. It has a strap to wear it like a purse. When Zach was in the stroller it was a purse. When he was in the carrier, I velcroed it onto the carrier. It really worked well.

It was very inconvenient moving Zach back and forth between stroller and carrier. But to take Bump to some of the places - like the big tree house - it just needed to happen. Also, parents are supposed to put their children in the rides, so I did some of that as well. Zach took it in stride, but since I haven’t gotten used to wearing him on the back yet, it was difficult to maneuver with him on the front.

Bump only went on a few rides - the boats, red barron planes and then the tree house. We saw all the roller coasters - including the Griffon - a coaster set to open Memorial Day Weekend. I’ll tell you that first drop is a big one. I can’t believe the car stays on the track. The track is fully assembled, but they still have work on the ground to do. During our train ride around the park, we got a birds eye view of it.

Bump said “hello” to all the coasters and his other favorite rides. We ate our popcorn and drank lemonade while watching Alpengeist. We rode on the slides about 10 times. This involved me walking up and down the 35 steps to the slide area each of those times with Zach in his pack.

When we finally made it back to the car, we were exhausted and happy and ready to go home.

And then I slammed my Ergo buckle in my car door, breaking it.

Great day otherwise. Happy, happy boys. And I didn’t quite lose my mind.

Tomorrow.

It’s the day.

We’ve waited for it all winter.

The first Friday that…

Busch Gardens is open.

Yes, I’ve been pumping Bump for it thinking that Gil was going to be with us for this trip. But alas, it will be the usual threesome for the first trip of the year. Bump has been watching all of their roller coaster videos. He is pumped. Plus Busch is in the process of building the world’s largest dive coater - Griffin. So, we’ll get a closer view of the construction as well.

I can’t believe I am going to go tomorrow. It’s been such an exhausting week. Bump will love it though and that will be a great punctuation mark to his birthday week celebration!!!