vacation with the family

My sister's family came to visit for a week and we had the best time! I don't think Marek has been that exhausted ever! From the moment he woke up until the minute his head hit the pillow at night - he was playing with his cousins. He just fell in love with them all over again. My shy little boy really came out of his shell and had a blast! He's so sad to see them leave and has even cried on and off because he already misses them so much. I really wish we all lived so much closer together. Here are a few photos from the visit:

summertime

I haven't posted anything in ages and will try to get back to more regular posts soon. In the meantime, here are some recent photos from our happy transition into summertime!

Pure popsicle bliss...

Corn on the cob. He's such a good helper!

Walking the surfboard with his friend.

The view from our walk to the store.

Hamming it up on our walk to the store.

Inexpensive sprinkler = hours of fun!

Flowers are in full bloom.

Looking down from the deck.

Looking out forward from the deck.

Resting inside after a long day of fun.

Collecting pebbles at the park.

A trip to the Oregon coast.

Taking Advantage of the Sun

We had gorgeous weather about a week ago and Marek couldn't resist a long bike ride. It's about time to raise those training wheels up and work on some more balance! I cannot wait until it is summer and sunny most of the time!

Winter/Spring Outdoor Fun

I thought I'd post a couple of videos of Marek's outdoor fun up north the past few months.
Riding...

Taking the Jeep for a spin...

This I Whole-Heartily Believe

This is one of my favorite quotes...

"If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much." - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Easter in Washington

Hope you had a happy Easter! (Belated) Easter wishes and love from Marek & I to all of you...

Marriage

We spent a lot of time in the car yesterday and one of the things we talked about was marriage. I don't even know how the topic came up, but I realized that Marek, at age four, doesn't have much of an understanding of what marriage means. I did my best to explain to him about growing up, meeting someone you love, getting married, living together, deciding to have a family, etc., etc. He thought about it for a moment and then said, "When I grow up I'm not going to get married." I asked him why not and he replied, "I'll just want to be by myself!" Then he paused, thought some more, and changed his mind: "No, I was just kidding! I want to get married. I'm at the beginning part of being married." I asked what that meant and he said, "I love you and I live with you and so we're at the beginning of being married!" So, there it is...all boys want to marry their moms! :) I explained to him that marriage is for when you've grown up and meet someone - not your mom - and love them and want to spend the rest of your life with them. Marek exclaimed, "I know that, but I'll still want to be with you!"

Lion's Birthday

Marek worked really hard for this camera. He had to go for a period of time -set by mom - without throwing any temper tantrums - not even a tiny one - so we celebrated with his new kid digital camera. He loves it! It's durable, has a LCD screen, takes video, has a small assortment of games. He has been taking pictures and playing around with the added features (including photo editing).

We had an impromptu birthday party for Lion, Marek's puppet, last week. Chocolate frosted cake, candles, singing...what else could you ask for to brighten up an afternoon? Marek loved it!

Just before the singing of Happy Birthday to Lion, making a wish, and blowing out the candles.

Now doesn't Lion look proud to be turning 100? Yes, 100 - "Lion turned 100 on his first birthday! How did that happen?" That's what Marek said...and so goes preschool logic!

Welcome Spring!

Happy Spring! I am so ready for spring this year. The first day of spring this year is also "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day". It's been 40 years since The Very Hungry Caterpillar was first published - and he's still going strong! There's a neat video of Eric Carle talking about The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the link above. Enjoy the beginning of springtime!

first buddies

I'm feeling a bit nostalgic lately, so I couldn't resist sharing a picture of Marek and one of his very first friends, Talus, at a playdate a couple of years ago. Back when Marek was more of a blondie!!

late winter snow

We had a few hints at snowy days not too long ago where we live. Marek would wake up very excited to see snow flurries and then be very disappointed an hour or so later when there was no trace of snow left. Luckily he had the opportunity to be up in Washington state during a late winter snow last weekend. He'd been begging to build a snowman (with a carrot nose and blueberries for a smile) for a few weeks. He finally got his chance (substitute raisins for the blueberries)! I know most of my friends in Washington were not thrilled with the extra snow, but it made my little boy's day!

lambing season

It was lambing season at the local university's sheep barns recently. They have a few weeks during this time each year that the barns are open to the public. We didn't get around to visiting the barns until the very last week possible. But then we went about 3 times that week! Marek even managed to get an invitation to visit the cow barns (not usually open to the public). Those baby lambs were so cute. I always turn into a Little House on the Prairie-wannabe during trips to farms. Marek really enjoyed being at the barns, but didn't seem to want his picture taken. Posing with a little attitude for this photo!

love of my life

Seriously, need I say more? I love this little guy more than anything else in the world. I am one happy, happy mother to have him as my boy.

Supporting a Great Cause

This past weekend was an auction event for M's Montessori preschool. It was a really nice event and we had a great time! I think the event was pretty successful too, which is a nice surprise given the economy.

M spent the afternoon playing preschool. He really has enjoyed himself there and is growing a lot. He's become much more comfortable and I love how much he is learning there! I'm excited when he tells me about the topics he's learning about, the "activities" he has tried and "lessons" he's been given, sings song he has learned there, talks of the friends he is making, and shares his creative artwork with me. But I also love how he happily adheres to the rules of his classroom, is considerate and thoughtful, is orderly and conscientious... I feel blessed to have the opportunity to give him this education as his first school experience. He has an amazing, kind and gentle teacher as well. We just love her.

He's also been really getting into his bicycle, too. We've had crazy weather here lately, but on the nicer days we've been heading outside for active play and bike riding. I'll have to include pictures of it here soon!

Off to sleep and read....hoping all of you are having a good start to your week!

birthday celebration

When I came home for dinner tonight, Marek and his Grandma had made a birthday cake from scratch for Marek's stuffed animal, "Num". As you can see, Marek helped decorate the cake. It was so sweet to watch. Marek was so proud of himself! He sang happy birthday to Num, had the dog make a wish and then he blew out the candle. Right before we ate our slices of cake, Marek announced that he wanted to say a prayer. He said, "Thank you God for everything. Thank you God for cake and sprinkles and treats. And we hope we can have another birthday. Amen." Then he went on a prayer marathon, folding his hands and saying, "Thank you God for everything. Amen" over and over. The prayers occassionally differed a bit ("Thank you God for everything, well...not everything, but...well, ummm...Amen!"). So sweet and so funny.

our hoosiers

I just realized I haven't blogged since January! Where did February go? This has been one of the busiest months for me. My work schedule has been unusual and full of projects that have consumed my time there and at home. With holidays, family visiting, a conference, professional committee duties, and volunteering at preschool (and of course, Mr. M!), life has been hectic. I can't say it's been bad, though. I love being involved, growing professionally, growing as a parent, and giving back to our community, but I think I tend to over-commit myself at times. I've also been reading a lot lately...I've been reading a lot about neuroscience, anything to do with religion (especially different denominations), and parenting books galore.

In addition, a few recent, interesting reads:

Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thornton
An Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Canon: a Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier
Children: the Challenge by Rudolph Dreikurs

I've also been tackling a large stack of 3rd grade level books for a children's book award committee that I'm on. There is a lot of good writing out there for children - many people would be amazed! I love finding new authors that not only get children, but also write for them with respect. One of the highlights of the last month included a short but terrific visit from my sister-in-law and nephew. It was so good to see them and definitely reminded me how much I miss them! They live quite a distance away in Indiana and we just don't get to see them that often. My sister-in-law has done such a good job raising her children (along with my brother) and it was great to see the bond she has with my nephew.

Mr. M absolutely loves going to hotels. This last time was especially exciting for him, as we were also staying close to the airport. He could look outside the window and see planes taking off and landing. He also was thrilled with the opportunity to ride up and down the glass elevators, look at the indoor waterfalls and to swim! Of course, I was the good mother and remembered to pack his bathing suit...but not mine. So, fortunately I had packed clothes that could semi-pass for a swimsuit (several tanktops and rolled up shorts). He had a great time and I, fortunately, didn't receive any odd looks from the other guests! But I will never forget my swimsuit again!