Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts

Saturday, March 28, 2015

I Am The Mother Of Boys




I wrote this about a year ago, when everything was still pretty crazy from two very little boys. I marveled at how much they could destroy in such a short time. I was amazed even more at how little it bothered me. (I've always been more about creativity and less about order.) Having little boys has certainly been a life changing experience for me. I wouldn't trade it for the world!


I Am The Mother Of Boys

 I am the Mother of boys.
Crash, Splash, and "Oh No!" are commonplace, and silence is suspicious.
I no longer bat an eyelash at the thought of one purposely dumping sandy pea-gravel on my freshly vacuumed carpet, nor do I jump when a pail-full of water, now empty, is haphazardly refilled with what was, my sweet tea.
A dirty face in public no longer offends me.
I no longer think of children with dirty fingernails as "Looking like orphans."
I am the Mother of boys.
My days are filled with dump trucks, dirt, water, and more dirt.
Four-wheelers, tractors, and trains are the bomb-diggity and rocks, like balls, no matter how big, are meant to be thrown.
Popsicles are a daily necessity and can also be used as face paint.
Brushing teeth, using the potty, and washing hands are way over-rated. *sigh*
I am the Mother of boys.
Frogs, bugs, and fish are to be caught. Deer and turkeys are to be shot.
Getting dressed means we're going somewhere.
My coffee table is often finger-painted with ketchup, yogurt, and whipped cream.
Doctor visits are scheduled around how many bruises are showing from their latest stunts.
Drinks are only good if followed by an extra loud burp and toots are just being generous.
Outside beats inside, sticks beat toys, water and Daddy beat everything; even me.
I am the Mother of boys.






                            




Wednesday, July 9, 2014

                         Beach tips for Beach Trips

                         Tips for a weekend visit to the sea-shore with kids.

 
We Love going to the beach! We try to do it at least a couple of times a year. This year we've been several times. I love to collect shells and Boogie board when the waves are right!
The boys were scared at first...The sights and sounds were so overwhelming to them.  After trying several things, what worked best was to tell Blade, "Look at that Ocean! It says PSHHHH! (Ocean Sound) Why are you so LOUD, Ocean?!" :) He Really seemed to enjoy it after that.
 
 
 
Here are a few more tips and a packing list for a weekend trip to the sea-side.
 
 
 Sunscreen:
I'm sure you've been there too...hanging out at the beach while on vacation and after only being there a few hours, someone is burning. Usually that someone is me. Our Seaside Vacays were normally spent applying sunscreen all over sandy legs every 30 minutes or so...talk about exfoliation! I tried the spray sunscreen, in hopes of it working...but alas the pink tint of my sunburn reared it's ugly face that evening. :( So until last week I was determined that this was just a beach way of life. My friend R. clued me in.

"Before you get on the sand, rub all exposed parts with a high SPF of "waterproof" sunscreen. Then when you need to re-apply, use the spray on kind."

NOTE...do not let the spray sunscreen get sand in the sprayer. (duh)
This last time, we were at the beach for hours and no-one got burned!



Protective Wear:
 I can't stress this enough...Take:
  • SPF suits for your little guys, especially if they are going to be in the water.
  • Hats and Sunglasses are always beach appropriate, unless you like looking like a raccoon!
  • Footwear for little guys is a good idea as well, sometimes there are sharp shells...sometimes you have to take both of your 30-something pound boys back to the car, and BELIEVE ME! You don't want to carry them both all the way there because the sand is "TOO HOT" for them to walk on!


Equipment:  
  • Umbrella
  • Water (In sippy cup or baby bottle for easy drinking for the little ones.)
  • Camera
  • A blanket or sheet (to get off of the sand if you need to)
  • Beach Towels
  • Sand Off Mit These things are awesome!
  • Beach Chairs
  • Swim goggles
  • Beach Bag
  • Cash/Change (for parking, snacks ect.)
  • After-Sun spray or gel (just in case)
  • Stroller (preferably one that will roll on sand, check out the Jeep Jogging stroller)
  • Sand toys
  • Pacifiers
  • Swim diapers 
  • Food for the kiddos
  • Cooler with drinks, bottles, ect.
  • Something to keep the kids occupied in the car
  • Boogie Boards
  • Toy Bag
Overnight bag:
  • Changes of Clothes for everyone
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Hotel/Condo Reservations
  • Shoes
  • Cosmetics
  • Toiletries, see Toiletries Packing List
  • Kids' special Blankets, Stuffed animals, Whatever
  • Pack-N-Play
  • Credit Cards, Driver's License, Cash,
  • Blankets, Pillows

It's been just about a week since we made a trip down to the beach, but I'm already planning the next one. 

"LIVE IN THE SUNSHINE, SWIM THE SEA, DRINK THE WILD AIR." -Ralph Waldo Emerson