Santa in Laguna Beach

Santa loves to visit Laguna Beach, and we love to visit Santa!

Frightening that I cannot remember if this is the second or third year that we've driven up to Grandma Pat and Grandpa Dennis's house in Laguna to welcome in the Christmas season. (Did we go just 3 months after moving from Hawaii when Macalan had just turned 2 and Charlie was 3 1/2...I just cannot remember!) This year Macalan has just turned 4 and Charlie is 5 1/2. Macalan asked Santa for a Blue Light Saber and Charlie asked for a toy aircraft carrier.

This year as an extra treat we met up with a High School friend of mine, Hallie Jones, and her two children, Emmie and Kai. The kiddos all loved the little play house, watching the glass blower, making construction paper snowmen and playing in the bubble snow.

Charlie's Adorable Comment of the Month

So...Charlie and I are in the car together. He has the week off school and Macalan was at preschool and Paul was at work. Charlie out of the blue says,

"Mommy, we should send a present to Baby Jesus for his birthday. Can you help me find a box? Then we need to give it to Santa because it's hard to get up there *Charlie pointed to the sky* but Santa can get it up there, his magic would be good for that."

I'm pretty sure I was speechless, and I was definitely lost for a few moments in that magical moment reveling in the amazing gifts our children give us.

You know you're a Grown-Up when...

When I was in high school, newly frocked with a drivers license, I would find myself driving down the road in amazement. I would breathe deeply, taking in the world around me in utter amazement - I, most certainly, was grown up. I was driving!

Throughout the years little things would unknowingly find themselves benchmarks in my life as I now and then re-defined myself a grown up once again. Placing my hands on the face of the man I love and realizing I was in a white dress and just said, "I do," that was a very comfortable, much anticipated, marked moment. The day I found 2 carseats in the back of my car with little humans that were in fact mine...well that was the biggest most breathtaking (if not a little panic inducing) moment to date. (As though it happened all at once and unexpectedly, right? I know, I know, completely ridiculous. Except that I'm sure all of my mommy friends know exactly what I'm talking about.) This morning I noted another moment...

I am in the kitchen 3 days prior to Thanksgiving, just having completed the labeling of which dishes will contain which tasty treats at Thanksgiving that we will be hosting, 2 minutes ago I got the boys settled with a mostly educational but still entertaining task, 5 minutes ago I was wrapping up time-outs with a meaningful parental lecture on why we do not use our bodies to hurt others, 10 minutes ago I was cleaning up breakfast dishes and in the background of my head I am planning to interview for a (temporary) teaching position I really want and...I actually feel like I have everything under control. This is my house, my family, wow. Now, I am a grown up.

October Re-Cap

Place holder...'cause I'm barely keeping up!

Happy Birthday, Macalan!

Hi Sweet Boy,

Your birthday was this past Thursday and your Batman Birthday Party was yesterday. What a whirlwind!

On your actual birthday you got to pick your breakfast - pancakes, clearly a family favorite. And you wore your new "4" shirt to preschool, which was having picture day. We also brought special napkins to make snack time festive. A little wrinkle to the day was that Daddy and I had a meeting at Charlie's school that evening. So...we sent you and Charlie to Chuck E. Cheese with Miss Brittany and Mr. Jake. Mommy and Daddy met up with you all after the meeting.

Yesterday we had your Batman party. Grandma and Grandpa Lockwood came down with Aunty Liz. Your friends Carson and Leo (and Baby Emily) Sahd, Carson and Miles Brower, Hannah and Sarah and Daniel Demiter, Kannan and Kayla Virgilio were all at the house. There was lots of laughing and running. The trampoline seemed to be a big hit, as was the pinata and cake.

Unfortunately because you and Charlie had runny noses your very good friend, Natalie, was unable to come. But...we're having a special birthday celebration just for the two of you at Seaport Village next Sunday.

Hard to believe my little snuggler is four....

Kindergarten Boot Camp

So...I am clearly not ready for Kindergarten. I've shared the following story a couple times now, and in the course of the retelling I've decided we have not simply started Kindergarten, we have been blindsided and, against our will, enrolled in what I refer to as 'Kindergarten Boot Camp.'

The story: We left Charlie for the first day with a few tears, but otherwise not too many scars. We didn't even linger at the top of the hill with the entourage of nervous parents clamouring for just one more peak. We felt good that all was well.

Yay!

I then picked up Macalan from preschool just a few blocks over. When we get to the top of the hill we can hear kiddos playing and Macalan asks about Charlie. I give him the quick lecture of, "Don't call down to Charlie because if he sees us he may want to come home and it's not time for him to come home yet. And we can just peek, then we have to leave."

We're not overlooking the schoolyard (from a public sidewalk mind you) more than 30 seconds, 45 tops! And one of the teachers literally shouts up to us waving her clipboard calling attention to our out of the way peeking spot and yells, yes, yells that we must leave IMMEDIATELY.

Let's just say Macalan was clearly shaken and I wasn't all too thrilled either. Okay, okay...I was nothing short of fired up! I spent the rest of the day vacillating between fury at being spoken to in such a way and guilt for breaking some rule I was truly not aware of, and disbelief that something so ridiculous had actually happened - did I mention we were on a PUBLIC sidewalk?

On some level, I get it. I understand where she was coming from. I have no doubt lots of kiddos would see a lingering parent and burst all over again into miserable tears...all to be dealt with by not the offending parent, but the teacher. But 30 seconds on our walk home? Really? Yes...I'm still a little fired up.

I am so not ready for Kindergarten. Give me back my half days, welcome hugs (for parents too!), attendance optional, one way mirror for sneak peaks and reassurances that all is well.

Preschool is so much more my speed.

Ladies and Gentlemen, We Have a Kindergartner!

With a start time of 9:05, you'd think our morning would be luxurious. And relatively, it was. Charlie asked for pancakes AND cinnamon rolls. And well, they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day....

Of course of all days Macalan wants to "help" in the kitchen and end up with a rather significant burn to his hand. Mercifully it only required some ice, Mommy Kisses and some extra TLC. Of all days kiddo!

Macalan starts preschool at 8:30 and though it's only 3 blocks away, there are sometimes tearful and lengthy farewells, so we left the house at 8:10.

By 8:30, after the expected but nonetheless heart wrenching tears, we were out the door at preschool at back onto Hill Street - home of Sunset View Elementary School. Oh, boy...here we go....


Charlie had a backpack from Land's End with his name on it that he had used for preschool, however, at Kinder Orientation we were told he'd need a BIG backpack. I think this one qualifies! If I didn't know the only things in it were his sweatshirt, lunch and snack - I'd say this didn't look healthy.

And look who's wearing "real" shoes! (not Crocs) Not only does Charlie have hard to fit feet (think Flintstones) he not thrilled with the feel of shoes in general. But, after an all day hunt that concluded at REI, we found a pair of Keen's that seem to be passable.







Charlie thought this looked like a good spot for a photo - I agree. : )

Charlie will be in classroom, K-1.

And as I snap this photo I can't help but beg the universe that my sweet boy, who looks ubber calm, cool and collected, remains that way when it's time for the Mommies and Daddies to say, "See you later, alligator."











Since Macalan is at preschool, and Daddy is at work, we have no photographer. A self portrait it is!

Although, just a few minutes later our good friends, the Browers, showed up and snapped a few photos for us too. Thanks, friends!

And...keep reading to see who else showed up....


Daddy!

Wow, was Mommy ever surprised! I had been so good, not so much as a hint of a tear all morning, but a "good tear" or two might have rolled when Paul showed up. A few minutes later the "Good Bye" bell rang. I think the reality of impending separation was only slightly more jarring than the sound of the bell - a sound Charlie clearly did not care for. There were some tears shed into the crock of my neck, but Charlie was a trooper and we walked him over to his teacher, who gave him the task of gathering up all the kiddos with a name tag like his (meaning they were all in the same class) and with this task he calmed a bit and we said, "See 'ya later, Sweet Boy."

New Kindergarten Mommy Syndrome

So...I'm pretty sure New Kindergarten Mommy Syndrome (NKMS) doesn't officially exist, but it should, and I'm pretty sure I've got it. In fact, I think this may be inspiration for the book I've always wanted to write. I should probably get to work while I'm in the fullest throws of it's maniacal grasp.

In the meantime, our...er...Charlie's teacher is...Mrs. Punzalan AND Mrs. Grey. Yes, two. How lucky are we to be in the classroom with 2 teachers?!? Mrs. Gray teaches Monday and Tuesday, and Mrs. Punzalan teaches Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. A good many of my fellow afflicted parents are none too happy about the whole idea. I, however, think it's fantastic! My child is blessed to have teachers who are not nearly as burned out as any of the others. Yay, us I say!

All seems so rosy for me to be truly suffering this dreadful case of NKMS you say? Ha! You should have seen me up until about 24 hours ago. I would have told you to run to your nearest financial advisor and double up on your shares if Tissue.

"So what changed?" you ask.

Yoga.

"What?" you say.

Yoga.

"Did you go to a marathon day of yoga classes?" you ask.

No, I did not even go to one yoga class today. In fact, it's summer. The kids are out of school and I haven't had a chance to go to yoga in months.

"Uh, your crazy is showing," you say.

Yes, it was. That's for sure. My house is museum clean to prove it. (My crazy cleans. My husband thinks that's super cool.) But, I'm better now, thanks to yoga.

Yoga teaches us to keep our focus in the present. Our minds cause us all sorts of grief drifting to the past and to the future. But that's not where we are. We are here - in now.

And you know what? Right now, I'm fine. Charlie's fine. We're all okay. My mind tried to go hurdling off faster than a dust cloud in the Big Bang, but I breathe. I resist with all my might and drag it back here - to now. Right now we're all okay.

And, it gets better.

"I'm sure it does," you say rolling your eyes. (And if you're not rolling your eyes, you're amazing. I'd be rolling my eyes.)

It does!

I discovered I need a lot more yoga classes because I am about as good at staying in the present as a 2 year old is at impulse control. And in one of those sub-par yoga practioner moments I started to worry again about problems that might crop up. For the most part this particular mental voyage ends with me muttering, "You hurt my kid, I'll find your Mommy." (Violent, huh? I know, I know...I was probably related to Ghandi in some past life.) But anyway, what was also a very clear image is that I am great at handling problems.

Imaginative problems...well, with those I'm about the worst. But give me a real life, in the now problem - I rock!

So...I will try to stay in the now. (It's much more comfortable.) And if something comes up - I'll handle it.

Here's to a successful first day of Kinder, (for Charlie, and myself) a new book and heaven help me, an end to my battle with New Kindergarten Mommy Syndrome.

First Days and Anticipation...

Here's our big (almost FOUR year old) preschooler on his first day in the Lion's class with his new teacher, Mrs. Slater. Macalan did awesome!! He marched right in, all smiles and got right to work, er...play...er...work. Well, in any case, he was busy and hardly noticed Charlie and I leave. And when we returned to peak on Macalan just a bit he was still doing great, sitting nicely for circle time, listening and participating well. Yay, Macalan!!

Okay, so tomorrow isn't Charlie's "Big Day" quite yet, but it is a decently sized one. Tomorrow is Charlie's Kindergarten Orientation, and the day we will (finally) find out who his teacher is. (One business day before game time seems a bit last minute if you ask me, but apparently no one is.) There is one teacher I want most of all, Mrs. Johnson. And one I am a bit (or more than a bit) apprehensive about, Mrs. Strong. Anything in the middle will be just fine, I'm sure. So...in about 17 hours, we shall know. And I shall most likely have no finger nails left at all....

In the meantime Charlie, Macalan and I have been having some of the most absolute best days ever. We've been doing lots of swimming, beach days, the zoo with friends, serious exploration in the parks of Poway and we've discovered some interactive literacy website the boys adore - www.starfall.com and www.readingeggs.com. Amazing how fast the kiddos learn when it's presented in a video game format.



As for me...I've discovered a book given to me nearly 3 years ago, that was little known then but so popular now. It's probably exactly what the doctor ordered for this moment in time, "Eat, Pray, Love."

A Great Day

We had play time on the play ground where Charlie will start Kinder in 2 weeks, then we were off to the beach to enjoy one of the few warm summer days we've had this year. The sand was like mud and the boys were in heaven. The quickest 3 hours we've spent in a long time. Many smiles and wonderful summer day memories.

3 Weeks...

Can I even type it without tearing up? Let's see...

Only 3 weeks until Charlie starts Kindergarten.

Whew. Did it....barely.

Yes, Charlie will start formal school in just 3 weeks, the very same day Macalan will start back to preschool in the 4 year olds, "Lions" class.

I'm showing both boys nothing but enthusiasm, though we have had conversations about the things that may be confusing or difficult just to open the door if there are concerns. But so far - all systems go.

Feeling blessed.

Heaven help me if our little guy was reluctant. I think I'd be hard pressed not to give him the nod, grab his hand and run for the hills.

Lemonade 5 Cents

Okay, I let them charge 25 cents, and 10 cents for cookies or 1 lemonade and 3 cookies for 50 cents. It's not that I don't want them to earn money...but rather I knew what was really important to them was that people actually stopped. And it was hard even at these low prices! Discouragement was rampant, so we switched gears and tried to count how many smiles we could collect. For not many people would stop, but nearly everyone slowed down and flashed a smile.

Good Times!

Okay...I fell behind, and then I got to feeling guilty about falling behind, so I hid...getting more behind...but - I'm back!

Big News - Charlie has graduated preschool! Following that both boys went to the summer session where the theme was, "Camping." Charlie will start Kindergarten in the Fall at Sunset View Elementary, Macalan will continue at ECLC.

For Paul's birthday he played hooky and we all went to the San Diego County Fair. How selfless was that? And we took the TRAIN! The boys loved it.

The boys have taken a few rounds of swimming lessons with their beloved, Lifeguard Taylor. And as of today - both of our little fishies are full fledged swimmers. I have to say it is quite magical to watch a little one learn to swim.

And, while they may disavow this in a few years, the boys are loving Dance Camp. I've even been told they're both blessed with their mother's natural turnout and flexibility. I know boys in ballet is hard for some to handle (but I've been so tickled Paul's been okay with it!) but boys who dance are cool. And it's nice to be able to go to class myself since they're otherwise entertained.

And to those of you cringing right now, the boys start Sports Camp on Monday. ; )

Before and After

Before Paint...


After Paint...
Comments?

We told him to break a leg...

Okay, we didn't actually - and I'm surprised we forgot! Charlie's first musical debut was this morning at First Church. He was in the Spring Choir and performed, The Secret of My Success. Pictures, and more glowing comments to come. : )

QOTD (Quote of The Day)

This one is compliments of Macalan...

"You're funny Dad! But you're still my friend."

Kids.

The Happiest Place of Earth?

Disneyland. What can I say, I'm not a big crowd person, and the logic of waiting 1-2 hours for an eight minute ride escapes me, kids of all ages throw tantrums by 2pm and everything is overpriced. Happiest place of Earth? Not for me - but we have kids now. It's not all about me anymore.

And, if you have to "do" Disneyland (and what self respecting parent doesn't feel obliged at some point?) we were certainly lucky to be able to do it in style. The boys' Grandpa Fred is a member to the super shwanky Club 33, a hidden little treasure that is more or less secretly located above the Pirates of the Caribbean.

For an hour or so we decompressed in elegance and filled up on amazing food you would never imagine to find at an amusement park. The kiddos were spoiled and given a ride in the "lift" all by themselves and I'm pretty sure they thought I wasn't serious when I said they could have dessert anytime they wanted AND were allowed to pick as many of them as they wanted to. (On an aside "Mom" note; I was pretty impressed they chose thoughtfully and didn't go as overboard as I would have guessed.)

Daddy had steak, of course. Mommy had Salmon, of course. And the boys had Mickey Pasta. The pasta was, no joke, shaped like Mickey Mouse. (And, they still didn't eat it which makes me feel awesome about all the food choices I've prepared for them and they've refused. If they won't eat Mickey Mouse pasta I think I'm comfortable in my thinking that it's them - not me.) There was also a buffet before the meal with Crab Legs, Lobster, Shrimp, bagels and lox, cheeses that would make you drool, various salads and fruits. As you can imagine - by the time the meal came no one was really starving. But Charlie managed to save room for the Special Mickey Mouse Birthday Cake that was served just before we finished.


As for rides...well, it's Disneyland and the lines are long. Here's our complete list from start to finish; Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, (the boys let us know in no uncertain terms that this was about their "max" in terms of scary and fast.) The Storybook Boat Ride, The Tree House (this used to be The Swiss Family Robinson and is now based on Tarzan) We explored Toon Town and saw Mickey Mouse and we rode the Rockets as we made our way to the Exit. Before we left the boys fell asleep and in order to give them a little down time after their big adventure, Mommy and Daddy walked through the new (to us at least) California Adventure Park. And then we headed home.

Just remember...

I found it first. And actually...your Dad found it before me.


Life has been running at a frantic pace lately. And this morning it nearly got the best of me. I was lucky and had time to listen to my heart and off I went over the hill to gaze at our ocean and listen to some music. Within 2 minutes the world felt right again.

I hope with all my heart you both take time to listen to your hearts and what they ask for when your worlds start to spin a little too fast. It's a skill that takes exploration, trial and error and a special kind of willingness.



I couldn't help but think as I was looking outward over the cliffs that this place will be a magic place for both of you in not too many years. I could easily imagine this place having deep roots in your memories when your grown and looking back upon your childhoods. There is clearly rich possibility of adventure here - and trouble and danger - so please be careful! Take careful steps, make smart choices. And someday...share your stories of adventure with me.

Happy Birthday Sweet Charlie!

5, Five, F-I-V-E. Wow. Really? Where has the time gone?

Your smile, sweet boy, can light up my heart. You are a gift. I love the amazing things that fascinate you these days; the solar system, how things work, and maps. You're learning to read, you know all your ABC's in upper and lower case. You can write your name. You can button your own shirt if you work real hard. In the fall you'll start Kindergarten at the school down the street - Sunset View Elementary.

This year for your birthday you wanted cupcakes to share at preschool, and a Lego Cake (in red of course!) for your party at our house. And this Friday we will go to Disneyland for the very first time as a family. Grandpa Fred is even taking us to Club 33. I'm sure it will be a magical day. I hope you enjoy it, and your year of being five.

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

Charlie and Macalan love arts and crafts, and especially painting. They were thrilled to get up from rest time to a table that looked like heaven to them. Paint and glue and cotton balls and tissue paper and stickers. All to make an Easter Bonnet for Preschool. After working all afternoon on their Easter Bonnet Crowns, the boys brought them to preschool and were in a Preschool Parade. If you click to get started, you should see 2 videos. The first is of all the preschoolers walking in their parade, the second is of them singing for some of the offices around campus.

Video One:

Video Two:

Blink

I have discovered my super power, I'd like to give it back. Perhaps someone would like to trade? Perhaps this power is one that someone else would enjoy? I think I'm not too fond of it. I have discovered that I can blink, just once mind you, and nearly an entire month flies by. Heaven help me if I were to get something in my eye and need to blink repeatedly.

It's March and it has been a very fun month.

The weather is warming up so we've gone to the parks more:



And for the first time the boys are playing soccer in the same time slot:

And on a certain day in March the naughty Leprechauns turned our milk green...


And we had great check-ups at the dentist! I am thrilled to make that 45 minute drive to pay a fortune for the boys to get their teeth tickled. I really am! We tried out a closer dentist and I can hardly bring myself to recall the event. Hooray for Dr. Cunningham's office - we love him.

And Mommy and Daddy had a night on the town since somebody had a birthday this month...

Blink. It's nearly April.

Singing In The Rain...Batman Style

...at 6:20am.

But, he must have known how cute he was. Not only did I let him go out in the rain at this special hour, I got out of bed myself long enough to get it on film.

The boys each got new umbrellas a couple weeks back. Charlie picked one with red tractors, Macalan's has puppy dogs. Our rain was relentless and it seemed a good option over getting irritated about them using (and losing) mine. My umbrella now stays in the car and theirs come out for special walks in the rain...and apparently 6:20am romps in the courtyard.

Our new song is, "Rain, rain, come our way. Charlie and Mac want to play!"

Our Most Awesome Ski Trip (with videos)

Hello from Snow Valley!

We pulled it off - a second ski trip in one season. With a little curiosity about what the boys would and would not remember from their inaugural trip nearly 3 months prior, we headed up the mountain and prayed for good weather. Our prayers were answered, we had beautiful blue skies. And, if possible the boys actually got better than they were at the end of our last trip. Perhaps they've been sneaking out and hitting the indoor training facility after we turn their lights out?

Charlie was less annoyed with the feeling of ski boots, never used the "pizza maker" (cool little device that makes is easier for the littlest skiers to make a snow plow without doing the splits or crossing their tips.) was getting off the chairlift completely unassisted and was doing slalom by the end of day one.

Macalan, with no hesitation, headed down the hill (with his pizza maker) and never looked back. Most often he could be heard saying, "Come on guys, let's go!"

Mommy and Charlie explored the cabin in Twin Peaks. Pine Rose Cabins, amazing place. A little "rustic," but perfect for us. The boys couldn't believe our luck that there was a complete world to explore with a pond, ducks, a water wheel, log bridges, snow to taste and throw, and rocks to climb on.

And this trip was extra special, since we were thrilled to be joined by...

Grandpa Cochran and Uncle Casey!

It is unbelievable the difference it makes to have 2 more adults around when skiing with the little ones. We all took turns skiing the greens with the boys and going in small groups of 2 or 3 for more challenging runs from the top of the mountain. Paul swiftly pointed out, "Your Dad's a better skier than you are." Yup, without a doubt. And for that matter Casey is too. He was snowboarding on this trip, but both were amazing to watch.

And for your viewing pleasure...a couple videos of the boys:

Charlie showing off his slalom:






Macalan skies with Grandpa and Daddy.

Moments

I remember when the boys were younger I was all about the moments. You know the ones - the ones that melt your heart, the ones where your life is so preciously as you have always hoped it would be that you couldn't help but almost cry, the ones where you prayed the future would be kind and dole out more moments just like it. I'm pretty sure these "moment" moments will always move me. . .

A Mac moment. The kid would do back flips for yogurt and granola. He calls it, "yogurt with crunchies." The joy on this kid's face from something so simple captures the pureness of childhood.


A Charlie moment. This child can make a rock smile. Born with enchanting dimples and a drive to use them - often. He is smiling like this waiting for a haircut. How lucky am I that my children actually enjoy haircuts, doctors and dentists? If I give them an inch, they will smile.


A Mac moment. My sweet baby is so visible to me here, but babyhood is singing its swan song in this sweet face. Photos like this these seem more rare with each passing day, and even in this one I can see as easily to the future as I can to the charmed baby memories of long ago. But Macalan is still a snuggler who comforts me in his need for touch and cuddles.


A Charlie moment. Often on the go, this photo seems to capture a "settled" moment. So many photos of Charlie lately are slightly blurry - he's moving, always. This little guy here has paused, for a moment, to say, "I love you."

I can't stop staring...

I'm not sure why I'm feeling quite so nostalgic looking at photos taken only days ago, but...I am. I suppose it is a mother's prerogative. This photo in particular just captures the sweetness and most wonderful qualities of my boys that makes my heart ache feeling like childhood is just too brief.

Jeweled Jaws

According to Paul we've procured our "gateway" pet, a Beta fish that Charlie and Macalan named Jeweled Jaws (but usually just called "Jaws.")

Jaws lives in our kitchen and so far is beloved. We'll see how much attention he gets in a month or two.

And yes...the Herbert household has yet another BOY.

While I was introducing our special friend to his new home I glanced at the container...MALE, printed clear as day.

Too Much Fun?

Not possible say the boys. And I agree. Fun is fun. I enjoy a good down day every now and then, but everyone's energy was high this week and the boys and I enjoyed three very full days of fun. Monday was the New Children's Museum, Tuesday was Sea World and Wednesday we topped it off with the Zoo. No one under 4 feet high was very enthused that on Thursday we had to go to the commissary.

The Children's Museum

Charlie and Macalan love going to The San Diego New Children's Museum. Yesterday they noticed their letter sounds in the words Children's Museum (Ch for Charlie, M for Macalan) so Charlie decided and commented, "It's like we're the owners!"

We made postcards with wings, raindrops that we hung from the strings of the growing rainstorm, painted the outdoor whale with the day's chosen color, made butterflies of old book pages that flitter on the end of plastic straws, molded clay creatures, played with soap bubbles made from twists of pipe cleaner and jumped in the rainbow - and we didn't even get to everything. Two hours is never enough.