Get to Higher Ground

Yesterday, while someone was supposed to be resting in his room...someone snuck out and went into my bedroom (I was downstairs)

...and...got into...

his daddy's stash...

of donuts!

I found the evidence, a mess of crumbs...and a closed box (which means this time) the dog didn't do it.

Though I tried, I couldn't help smiling as I confronted the sneak who tried to look repentant as the tell-tale white powder clung to the corner of his mouth.

Tip: If you want to keep something out of little hands, store it somewhere safe. Get it up off the ground. Put it on the highest shelf. Lock it up if you need to. When it comes to sugar, it's hard control the beast...even the best of us succumb.

I love video games!

Z is playing VSmile...the Finding Nemo game.

"Mom, did you know octopi can open a jar?"
"Mom, did you know octopi can change colors?"
"Mom, did you know dolphins rescue people?"

I love video games!

Nature's Beauty

Last Tuesday, I took Z to trek through the marsh. Since it is considered to be the last vernal marsh in Los Angeles, I thought it would be fun and educational. A plus was that it was also free.

First I had to look up the word "vernal." (Did you need to?) It didn't mean much until I tried looking up "vernal marsh" which led to "vernal pool." Ah so!

Spring was just around the corner. The plants were caught in that awkard in between stage. The pools were filled, complete with ducks and sea gulls and other birds.

I even bought binoculars so we could have a closer look at the different fowl. (Yes, those binoculars!)

Z wasn't much moved by the wondrous sights of nature preserved in the middle of a bustling city. But, there was something that he enjoyed immensely. So what did float his boat and got his interest?

Dirt. Yes, the dirt path and the holes in the dirt. Well, it is a part of nature, right?

Stitching and Bitching

*whimper* No one told me I needed to lift weights before my knitting meeting. My left forearm is sore and I smell like an old person. *groan* Crafting is making me feel old and weak. The other night I bandaged my fingers to protect myself from getting burns from the plastic twine I was crocheting with. This morning I'm putting Bengay on the arm to ease the ache from knitting. *sob*

On the positive side, I learned how to do k1,p1. And I learned I have been doing my knit wrong. It only took 2 months to learn that one. *grimace*

I'm hoping to have something knitted by the end of the year. Something that resembles something. I know. How ambitious of me! Maybe a potholder. Or a wash cloth. I wouldn't hold your breath though. I suck.

Note to self: I cannot knit for 2 hours straight.

Hawaiian Vacation FO's

While I was on vacation, I managed to complete some projects and hand out gifts.
I made 2 bags using this pattern as a quide.

My nephew had a blanket that he loved. A little too much?

I made him a new blankie, so his parents could throw the old one away.

My Mother's thumb

Her Water Lilies

She got potted tulips for Valentine's day.

It bloomed.

Her Orchids...

The green thumb missed a generation.

Hawaii Scenery Pictures

The Leeward side

Our front yard

during a rain

We did have sunny moments.

The Windward side

I loved the sky.

Hurling and Curling

Yesterday I felt like hurling. No...not preggo. I think it was the glasses and binoculars combo as I looked at an inch worm we found. The feeling lasted hours and hours. Ugh. But...

Z just gives me the warm fuzzies.

As I lay on the floor trying to keep my head from spinning, I hear his sweet voice:

"Now it's my turn to take care of you."
"Why don't you go upstairs and rest?"
"I think you are 'home' sick. If you rest, you'll feel better."
"Just try to smile, honey."

I must be doing something right.

Why Hawaii is the best

Although it rained every day,

the rainbows made it all worthwhile.

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On Parenting

I'm a professional parent. I get paid in hugs and kisses and tears and the occasional tantrum. Having been the child too, I've learned a few "truths." Right or wrong, these are my views on parenting:

Be consistent.
Be honest.
Teach your child that what you say is what you mean. If your child cannot put faith in your words and actions, how will they be able to do so with anyone else?
Remember to give praise. It's so easy to reprimand...we sometimes forget that praise is just as important.
Be your child's greatest fan. Let them know you love them unconditionally even if you may not agree with the choices they make in life.
Teach your child to be their own individuals. It's okay to beat to a different drum. It's okay to think for yourself.
Teach your child to be self-reliant. Having friends and family to rely on is wonderful, but knowing you have the inner strength to carry you through adversity is a powerful thing.
Television is not a good babysitter.
Play. Play. Play.
Don't compare your child. Not even to another sibling. Remember...individuals! They are who they are and should not suffer or be made to feel any less because they are not a carbon copy.
Don't put undue pressures on your child. "Set a good example for your sister/brother since you are the oldest." BAH! PTOOEY!! That is a load of crap. Your child should behave simply because that's what they should be doing. NOT because they must set an example. If anyone should set any example, it should be YOU!
All children are good. They have the potential to be well-behaved. If they aren't, then...sorry to say...you need to take a look at what you might be doing wrong. Yes...YOU!
All children will screw up. It's called learning. If they don't, they never figure out what is right. Expect it to happen. Unfortunately, we are not perfect. It is not a sin. It's a learning experience. Use the opportunity to teach your child.
Let silly-ness be. Silly is good. Not all the time. Yes, there is a time and a place. Make sure to make the time.
Hugs and kisses are good. Give often.
Love, always.