Cereal Party 2012

I don't know if it has anything to do with us being American but...

We LOVE good cold cereal with milk.

There are over one hundred varieties at the grocery stores.

Everytime we go shopping it is hard to resist putting a couple boxes in our cart.

 

So one spontaneous morning we had a cereal party with Grace and I hope you will always remember this cereal party or ones in the future.

 

We set all the boxes of of cereal out with bananas and blueberries with a tiny discussion about letter "B" and its sound.

 

And we chowed away.

 

I love our creative and unique ideas that make our family "us"

Cassie choosing her first cereal at the party

Ready set crunch!

Create some fun around a normal routine thing like bathtime, chores, meals to add to a bank of lasting memories and childhood pleasantries.


Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Giving Back-Missions

 

Cassie is too cute with her new Hello Kitty Pajamas on!

 

Me oh my you've got soooo much personality sweetie.

 

And sometimes the sassiness is too much for me but hey you got it honest girl.

 

We plan to have a Hello Kitty 4th Bday Party and I can hardly wait!

 

What fun it was to shop with "Miss Chris" today! Her generosity touched our hearts and impacted our lives. She was a volunteer who blessed us for the Autumn Weather with cozy clothes and jammies. God bless her heart and the scholarship program and everyone involved with referring and processing and showing up.

 

I'm on a mission for you baby girl. When I shared that I was going to go to a book club at the church you said you wanted one for kids too. Mommie said, "I'll see what I can do."

You were so excited about the idea...the way your eyes lit up. I saw all your trust in me that I would make this great thing happen for you.

 

You also said you wanted to help people the way mommie does when I told you about my trips to Mott Children's Hosptial to volunteer for their "getaway night." I became even more grateful for all God has done in your life Cassie. I suggested that since I was helping younger people you could help older people and you LIKED that idea so much. That is my objective for the month of November "boolee pops."

 

It's amazing how impactful we are on the lives of kids...that is part of why I am a teacher and *minister.

 

Talk to your children like "regular" people. You will be surprised by how much they really do understand, what they add to the conversation, and what new ideas they come up with based off of what you have said or done. Try it.

 

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*we are all called according to His purposes to share the gospel with those we meet



Getting Discovered

I believe Cassie and I both have above average potential to impact the world in a BIG way. I don't know how. One area I've wanted to expand is our blog. I imagine our blog getting "discovered" by all the right people. Right now I believe we have an audience of ONE pah. At least someone other than me reads about us and shares in our joy.

It's a good thing that the primary goal of this blog is to preserve memories in a "safe space."

Check! goal met there.

A collage representing a few of my dreams for Cassie

Dream BIG first for yourself for you are an example, then dream even BIGGER for your children...they are the future.

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Growing up-Pepperonis



http://youtu.be/ZDbFxAtNNnU 

I never understood what Auntie Jess was saying about this song... and now I do and I'm sooooo sad.

 

Even though I'm proud of you baby girl why do you have to grow up so fast?

 

You are 3...almost 4 and already half my height.

 

You make choices for yourself, you know how to talk things out when there is conflict and you speak up when your feelings are hurt.

 

I LOVE YOU "stinky mc stinkel"

 

 

You pick your OWN pepperonis off now and I'm amazed at you. You take care of yourself. You don't rely on me for everything. You are always declaring "I can do it!" Putting your shoes on, wiping yourself at potty time, pouring your own drinks, putting on your jacket.

Cherish the smallest of feats like picking off your own pepperonis with your children. Reminisc on th times when they needed you most. Most importantly be present for the current moments because life is ever changing.

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Teamwork and Confidence

Sweet baby Cassie otherwise known as my "BabyWaby"...

You are learning all about teamwork on your first soccer team.

 

I love the way you run with your arms flailing barely able to control your ever growing toddler body.

 

It's crazy that in 3 short months you will be a 4 year old.

Look at you putting your hand in the pile...preparing to yell "GreenMachine"

 

I looooove the green machine. What an awesome coach adn teammates you have!

 

I could hardly believe how you tumbled and got right back up with hesitation and back in the game. No tears on your tough girl face. I'm sure your soccer mentor Grace had a lot to do with that!

 

I hope you will ALWAYS carry this same strength with you every single day of your preciou life girlfriend. You are ahhhhhhmazing!

 

I love our tradition before soccer games (which is also a reminder of what parts of your body to use...no hands heheheh) "head shoulders knees and toes knees and toes"

 

It's so funny that we spent the longest time choosing a "soccer name" for you. We agreed on "NOLA"...short for the granola bars (which you call nola bars) you always request. Only to be advised before you went out on the field, "can you just call me Cassangwa and say yaaaaay Cassie?" Shakes my head. What to do with you miss bossy pants. You are still my little soccer Nola and I hope the name follows you all the way through your highschool sports and College or Professional sports if you choose to go that far.

 

Cheers to being in the present while also dreamin'

 

I love our little family and the little sports slice of our pie  :)

 

 

 

*Although sports teams are all about your child and the bond between teammates and coaches it is still cool and possibly important to add a tiny sliver of family connection to the picture as well. You can choose a sports name, share a tradition like our good luck song, and show support by attending the games with loved ones to cheer them on, high five, and wipe tears too.

 

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Following in my footsteps-Writing

Cassie wrote and illustrated (painted) her first book

Her book is titled "Good"

She chose all the words to go with the pictures.

 

 

"Reading" her own work!

Dear Cassandra,

Congratulations baby girl! Even if this doesn't turn out to be a profession of yours in your adulthood I am quite proud of your increasing literacy daily!

Just yesterday you sat on the toilet seat "reading" me (story telling actually) from an American Girl book while I soaked in a bubble bath. I was amazed by your creativity, intonations of your voice, posture as you held the book in front of you and turned pages from above.

You are some genius I tell ya!

You understand so much about books already. You were able to look at vignettes and create a story line and characters.

What do I do with you!?!?!?!   "I suppose I'll just love you" ;)

Love,
Momma





Expose your children to books by reading to them, letting them physically explore their make up, taking them to local story times, and making books with them. Beginning literacy begins early in life.

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Somethin fun to do at home

Cassie has a chore chart.

However.

I thought I would explore other household tasks with her just for the FUN of it.

She operates in true "BIG KID" spirit so I wanted to make this happen for her.

She did the dishes...and loved it.

I won't be adding this chore to her list for many years to come.

It's a cool distractor if I need to cook something that is difficult for her to help with, or she needs attention while I mop or sweep there...voila...dish tiiiiiiime.

 

Let your kids help with the house work even if you will have to "re-do" it later. They love to be involved and its a good way to form positive habits.

 

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Try It Out Thursday-Glitter Leaves

Thank you to the oh so creative www.pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com for your lovely blog post about glitter leaves.

Here's how our trial went...

It started with a "leaf hunt" outdoors. We counted pumpkins on doorsteps. We observed halloween decor. One friendly neighbor even gave Cassie candy in her leaf bucket. That made her day as she is counting down for the actual trick or treating night.

We gathered our materials

 

Leaves-Hers

 

Leaves-Mines, modge podge, paintbrushes, glitter shakers

 

The painting began. First she disliked the smell, then she liked the smell. Ohhhhh Cassie!

 

Sweet baby face- impressed with her own work.

This was the best part, shaking that glitter

 

The trickiest part for her I believe was painting the leaves.

 



But we did it.

 

It was a magical experience to see the leaves change. I could stop saying "wowwww look cassie!"
This is so much fun. Are you having fun. Isn't this pretty.

 

So we clipped em onto "San Fran" our plant and made a glitter leaf tree :)

 I am so grateful for the online community. I get some of the most unique recipes and craft ideas online. Network and try new things from other mommas. It will enhance your own family experiences.

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

 

 

Blog Mission Statement

As directed by sarahmae.com I have composed a mission statement for this blog:

"To share our lives w/ others. Save our memories in a "safe-space" for later. To advise as I learn about being a mom. To document growth of our familial relationships. And to inspire moms to be more conscientious and do more in their families"

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Still Saving the Earth...

Since Earth Day 2012 Cassie and I have been doing our parts to save the earth by:

1. Not littering

   

   Her newest bathtime toys! Lots of filling and emptying

   
   
2. Reusing items around the house like grocery bags and containers

Yummy ice cream container now serving as storage for extra spaghetti and meet sauce

 

I love that my daughter is aware that she can make an impact and reuse things.

 

Go on a search around your house with your kids for things you can reuse! Make a family pact to never litter so as to help save the Earth.

 

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

New Beginnings-New School

After much prayer and searching and scholarship waiting lists and desperately showing up unanounced we found the perfect Preschool for my toddler...

This was her first day, which was only 1.5hrs to get acquainted with the classmates and teachers.

Our other beloved teacher is away for a whole month in one of our fave countries...The Phillipines

Cassie brought one of her Hello Kittys for comfort

The first full day was a BREEZE. My BIG girl was ready!

Her wondering what the HECK this sign says lol (I read it with her)

Looking so very large to me in front of her classroom.

 

She did so well. Sometimes drop offs are rough and sometimes they are easy peasy.

It's all apart of the three year old lifestyle.

 

God bless you each and every day babygirl that you learn all there is for you to know, that your eyes, ears, and body are protected and that you hear see and feel only what God intended for you to feel. May you make new pals and great connections, be respectful to teachers, try new food choices, and really just have a grand ol time.

I pray nap times go smoothly and peacefully restore your energy level for the second half of your day.

 

I love bringing her little surprises (edible treats, picked flowers, mail that came for her, stickers) when I come to get her.

 

I also secretly enjoy our stroller and sometimes city bus rides back HOME because I think this is the last year I can push her in a stroller without side eyes all through out town  :)

 

We are so grateful that things worked out exactly the way they did.

 

Have a blessed school year Cassie

 

 

 

Make sure you give your child time to adjust to new situations. I like that the first day was only a little over an hour. I also try to be there early enough so that I'm not pushing her in the door and running. I like to speak to her friends and briefly with the teachers and get her situated for breakfast there.

 

Do as momma says, Do as momma does

Autumn is here

 

She woke up from nap to find...

A trail of blank pumpkin heads

 

That led to Halloween treats!

 

Yummy! Just look at that smile.  :)

 

That makes it all worth while.

Plus an educational opportunity.

Sorting, well wishes, counting, and EATING!

As for that trail of pumpkin heads...

Googly eyes served as their embellishments!

 

And in the future...popscicle sticks.

Going to make some fancy puppets!

And we couldn't forget beloved cousins: Justus and Devyn

Their treats were sent in the mail.

Holiday greetings on returns home from visiting dad.

 

And a pumpkin waiting at the top of the staircase as a surprise.

Nothing compares to the excitement in her eyes ;)

 

And surprisingly...

This all happened in September.

 

What will we think of next????

 

Happy 1st of October.

 

 

 

 

Make sure to make the change of seasons fun for kids. Little do dadds and surprises make lasting memories and opportunitites to learn.

 

Do as momma says, Do as momma does