Letters, Pinwheels & Some Knitting!

So I'm just trying to keep a record of the activities I do to keep the kids busy. Sorry if it's boring.
Yesterday we spent some time writing in our journals. I try to have journal time at least once a week. We pull questions out of our journal jar and answer them. Mateo is really liking Tina's questions. They mostly consist of drawing something! I'm hoping this will help them form some sort of writing habit.
We then wrote some letters to relatives. Yeah, when was the last time you wrote a letter? Who writes anymore? It's all about computers and cell phones.
I found this idea to interview a relative and put it in her history book. Well good thing we just made personal history books! So those went out with the letters. It'll be fun to have those back, read and put them in their books.
Today my niece was over and we made 4th of July pinwheels. Their pretty simple to make, for older kids that is. I was planning on using prettier paper but seeing that my 4th of July banner fell and was ruined. I opted for cheap paper. They may not look as nice but at least we had a project to do together.



Here they are displayed on our door. (They didn't stand so well in the ground)

My niece recently learned how to knit with her fingers.

It's pretty cool so she taught us. It makes a nice, thin scarf!

Here's Mateo looking very confused and frustrated!

It was a pretty relaxing and productive day!

Potty Time, Again!

Well Christina has decided to try potty training again. I decided to wait until I knew she was ready. I'm hoping this is it! Especially since in August she'll be starting pre-school.
Last night I had her sit on the potty. Of course business didn't happen so quickly. I had to encourage her to sit and sit. Finally she did it! She was so proud. She had to show everyone her business. It was so cute!
Today after church she sat again and did her business! I think she's getting the hang of it1 Wish me luck!

Very Personal

This is very personal but I must make a record of it. Read if you like.
Last night I had the most amazing dream. I usually have very vivid, unique and odd dreams. Sometimes they even come true.
Well last night I was having a dream and in the middle of my dream I began to hear my Mother's voice. Her voice gradually became louder and more clear. She was not talking to me. She was asking someone questions; "Where do I go", "What do I do". It was as though someone was letting me hear her and how she was doing. It was the best dream I've had in awhile. I began to cry it was so good! Have you ever cried in your sleep? I have many times! This was a good cry though!
I hope I have many more like this one!

Personal History Books

A while back we started the prep work for the kids personal history books. First we made a list of important places and then had their photos taken there. Next I took them to pick out some paper for their pages. Then they filled out a questionnaire.
Today we finally started assembling the book.
First we covered cardboard with some paper.

I then had them apply the pictures to paper. They also wrote a description for the pictures.

The pictures were then put into plastic sleeves and attached with a ring.

There you have it! Their own personal history book. As new things take place we will add them to the book. Each year they will feel out a new questionnaire.

The 4th Is When?

Oh my goodness, the 4th of July is next week! We're half way through summer! This coming week I have some 4th of July paper crafts planned for the kids. This one was all mine. I needed to get in the mood for next week.


I just love Independence Day! It brings back many great memories and reminds me of our freedom. I always remember attending a bbq and/or fireworks with my family. I especially enjoyed the 4th while we (my Dad) was in the Air Force. The base always had some great activities and fireworks show. They use to allow us to park on the (plane) runway, family next to family. Their were so many people! Every time a firework went off you would here "Ooh, Ahh"!
A few years ago we actually attended a AAA baseball game on the 4th, with my Mom. It was cool because after the game they shot off the fireworks from the field. You almost needed sunglasses!
This year we will be at an All-Star game and then I'm sure we'll find some fireworks.
Happy early 4th of July!

Puppet Fun

While I was at my quilt class the boys helped Tina make some puppets. I picked up a Martha Stewart kit. It was on sale for $3, can't beat that. They were easy to put together but the bags are really small. Only Christina can put her hands in them. I've been wanting to make a puppet show curtain, now this gives me inspiration! They turned out so cute!
My hubby couldn't believe I bought a kit. When I have all the stuff at home to make them. Well when there isn't enough time in the day, a kit sounds pretty good!

Ooh, Slime!

Okay so this is what we did today...we made slime! It starts out gooey and then becomes rubbery. The kids loved it! At first I was wondering how messy it was going to be but it wasn't so bad. I'm not sure after it becomes rubbery if it's really fun to play with anymore. It was easy to find instructions, I just googled it! Gotta love Google!
The plan today was to scrapbook but I didn't get my photos printed. So that got moved. I plan to finish the kids personal history books that we started a couple of months ago. We did visit the scrapbook store today, though so they could pick out their paper. Stay tuned for those.
I also got some needed sewing done today. I only have a couple more classes left of my quilting. I can't wait to see the finish product. Mostly because I have a couple of projects waiting.
I can't believe how busy we are this summer. I guess that's what happens when you plan out your summer. I'm glad I through some "Free Days" in there!

Water Fun!

So the kids finally got to spend the week in the pool. They have been waiting for a hot day, we finally had a few! Of course this week it's suppose to be in the low 80's. Oh well, that's what the bay area gives you!
This past week I just knew Tina was going to fall in the pool. So I made sure that I left my phone out of my pocket. Wouldn't you know it the first day, she became brave and walked off the step. And sunk! I jumped in and grabbed her. Well it didn't stop her from getting back in...the next day!

My Boys and Their Experiences

Here's Kenny right before we took him into the MRI room. Let's just say he stayed pretty calm and was very quiet at this point. The tech explained it was going to be loud and he needed to lie very still. He then gave Kenny some ear plugs and shut the door. We were able to see him through a window. The machine took about 5 scans that lasted between 60 seconds to 5 minutes.
Afterwards Kenny said it was loud, cold and kinda scary! We find out the results this coming Tuesday.
As we were leaving Ken got a call that Mateo had made All-Stars. Hallelujah! He should have made the last 2 years but got over looked. We are so happy for him to be able to have this experience! First game is July 4th.

Congrats Mat!

Not Too Late!

Okay so here's some Father's Day cards we made today. So cute! I found them on the Michael's site. The original pattern looks like this. Colored by Tina

I had the boys use scrapbook paper to make these. I like these, too!

Today I had my quilting class so I had a craft ready for the kids to help keep Tina busy. I call it "bean painting". Maybe you call it "bean mosaic". Of course, by the pic, you can tell it wasn't a big hit. I think if I was there there would've been a more filled out picture.

The kids have been great though to babysit and let me go to my 3 hour class. I have to say a BIG THANK YOU to Kenny and Mateo!

Potato Painting

Today we did potato painting. I never knew how hard it would be to carve designs into potatoes. I think if we had LARGE potatoes it would've been easier.


I tried to keep the mess under control, no such luck!
First Kenny opens up our pantry and the hang-over door shelf fell. While I'm cleaning that up Christina decides she needs more paint! Man, oh man! One mess after another I had to clean up. After everything was clean I taught the kids how to blow paint with straws. I think that was more fun then the potatoes.



I was begining to wonder if these activities were any fun. While I was cleaning up Kenny says, "Can we paint again"?
"We sure can", I said!

Sunday BBQ

Well some friends were in town at their campsite. So we got together for a bbq. It was very nice weather for a Sunday bbq and visit with friends. The campsite is next to a local lake so we took a walk down by the water.


Yes, we were at the bottom of a Damn!
Poor Kenny had to limp around!

They also have a boat and we were able to take a ride out on the lake. It was gorgeous! We each had a turn at driving the boat. Kinda scary at times! The kids had a blast at leaning over and touching the water. Each of us forgot our camera so sadly we have no pics. But we have wonderful memories!
When evening came around we had s'mores! We also enjoyed the warmth of the campfire!

Here's Christina with her little friend! They had a blast playing togther!

We can't forget Daisy, the chihuahua!

Quilt Time

So I signed up for a quilt class downtown. Yes, I'm the youngest one there! The lady who teaches it is really great. She has a lot of great tips that I could have used when I made those quilts for Christmas.
They help you from start to finish with your quilt. It's funny because at the end of class she gives you homework. Sewing, so not like it's "blah" homework. The quilt design is called "puss in the corner". It's gonna be a gorgeous quilt!
I decided to make it for my Mother-in-Law. It will make a great Christmas gift!
I left the kids at home during the class. Kenny was the main babysitter. They kept telling Tina that when Mom leaves we get to sit on you. She asked "Why"?
It's called "baby" "sit"!
She let them, and thought it was funny!

All-Stars or Injured List?

Okay so I haven't mentioned yet that Kenny made All-Stars this year. We really didn't think he had a chance. There are so many 13 year old in this league. We got the call a couple of days after everyone else, so it was a shocker. Kenny had already heard from some of his friends that they made it.
We were so excited! Then they told us the first game was July 4th. It was bitter sweet. We had a family vacation planned for that weekend.
Well wouldn't you know that after we change our plans, stuff happens.
Stuff, meaning, yesterday Kenny had a double header. He was playing so well. During the last game a player collided with him at first base. He did a turn, twisted his ankle and landed on the ground. I saw the whole thing. I knew it was bad!
He wanted to finish the inning but once he sat he knew he couldn't play anymore. He was in a lot of pain.
We ended up taking him to the hospital. The doctor was worried that he tore his ACL.
They sent us to the major hospital to see the Ortho specialist. While waiting his leg and foot made a huge improvement. When the doctor came down he was so amazed at the improvement.
No surgery but he does have quite a bit of healing time.
We have to go back on Tuesday and see if a MRI is necessary.
Mostly likely he won't be able to play in the All-Stars. :(
Well it was an interesting day to say the least. Enjoyed some games, spent 6 hours at the hospital and sang Happy Birthday to hubby!
Yep it was his birthday and we had plans. Poor hubby spent his birthday at the hospital.
Here are some pics from the game.

Some Sewing Going On!

Okay so I finally made my first purse! I've been wanting to try one for awhile now. My friend Beverly called and said, "let's make a purse"!
You don't have to ask me twice!
It took us all day due to babies, toddlers, lunch and some chatting!
We finally finished them! I can't wait to try my next one!

Half way done, we decided to have lunch!

The finished product!

Graduation Day!

Okay so today was the day! The day Kenny finished middle school and summer begins. The ceremony began at 10:30 and everyone arrived at 10am to get or should I say bring your seats. Yes, we had to bring our own chair! Ghetto, I know but it's a very old school with small facilities. They held the ceremony outside, better than being crammed in the gym. The sound was horrible. We could hardly hear a thing.
But we enjoyed watching our oldest graduate middle school!
Now I bet you can guess what we'll (or should I say I)will remember from this photo...my son didn't tuck in his shirt. You can bet I'll be bringing it up for years!

Here's Kenny with his girl "friend"

Kenny with his great group of friends


We then went out to lunch, sushi of course!

Tina was trying to get a little close to her brother, it was pretty funny!