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Katy Mom Offers up Some of Her Family’s Favorite Activities
Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean the kids have to stay shut up in the house, whining about “nothing to do!â€Â Instead of sending them with a toothbrush to clean the tile grout at their first complaint of boredom, why not beat them to it with these 11 activity ideas?
My children, ages 18 months and 3 ½ years, are very busy. They (luckily) love playing together and most often keep each other pretty well entertained. We’ve reached a point where I can even spend 5 minutes tending to a household chore while the children play nearby. We’re in the eye of the storm: my baby has not yet hit her terrible twos, and my oldest daughter understands how to share to some extent. It is wonderful.
Yet in this blissful break, it is also important to me that I remember my favorite poem of all time. It is called “Song for a Fifth Child†by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton, and while I never plan to have a fifth child to recite the poem to, I love the heart of the message: “The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow, for children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep. I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.†(more…)
March 26, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Sitting at the kitchen table, I mulled over possible meals for the week. I flipped through the pages of a cookbook and read through various recipes as I started on my shopping list. I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked at my youngest child, Braden, as he began to describe in detail a building he had just made out of blocks. He tugged at my arm pleading for me to go and admire his creation. Dropping my pen by my cookbooks, I ran with him up the stairs to inspect his work. He anxiously awaited my reaction to his masterpiece. His building was indeed impressive and I told him exactly how amazed I was at his engineering skills. He smiled, gave me a hug and resumed his work.
I walked down the stairs and continued my list. Within seconds, my oldest child, Brandon, walked to the table and asked if I would help him plan his school schedule for the following year. He excitedly spoke of the many courses that were available at Seven Lakes High School. I looked at the class descriptions and for the next half an hour we planned his perfect schedule. With a grin, he left the kitchen to commence another activity.
Hm…I thought…soup sounds good for Wednesday. “Mom?†I heard a voice call. It was my daughter, Melissa. “I need you to help me with my math. Do you know what the formula is to find the area of a circle?” I smiled since I did remember this particular formula.
“It is Pi R Squared.” I replied. She looked at me with admiration and asked if I would watch her work out the next few problems. As she successfully completed her work, she thanked me and left the kitchen.
The children love pizza. Perhaps we can make home-made pizza Friday night. “Mom! Come out to the trampoline!” My son, Bryan, breathlessly exclaimed. “I want to show you my back-flip. You won’t believe it!” He reached for my hand and began to pull me to the back door.
As I watched Bryan jump contentedly on the trampoline, a mental picture came to mind. I pictured my children continually in orbit around me. At this point in their lives anyway, I was the gravitas pull that gave them bearing. Â As I thought about this image, I marveled at how important it was for me, as their mother, to provide consistent support and stability to each one of them.
Though I had been working on a meal recipe list, I felt as though I had stumbled upon a more significant recipe…a recipe for rearing happy children. And, I realized that the recipe started with me. I suppose I have my work cut out for me! What are some ways in which you show love and support to your children? Post a comment below.
Yesterday, my extended family and I were spending the day together. We were sitting outside, watching my 4 year old daughter, Avery, playing in the sandbox. My sister, Amanda, and my grandmother were talking about a new dress my sister was hoping to sew. She went to the car to get the pattern she had purchased, only to discover she had left it at her house in Spring. All of the adults discussed how frustrating it is to realize you’ve left something by the front door instead of loading it up. I had no idea my daughter was listening until she interrupted the conversation.
“Mommy,†she said, “I’m all done with the sand. I’m going to go inside and wash my hands and make Amanda a pattern.†(more…)
We had every good intention of getting up at six o’clock a.m. this week, in preparation for the new school year, but those good intentions went out the same window that our good summer intentions of re-slathering the sunscreen every hour and a half went out of! My twelve-year-old son had to wake me up at eight o’clock a.m. this morning, so we obviously haven’t been wasting our time practicing for up and at ‘em! Shoulda, woulda, coulda… Ok, I have set the alarm for a good old-fashioned try at it tomorrow morning, 6:00 a.m. It’s that time of year again!
Almost gone are the lazy summer days of freedom and too much sun. So many friends over and too much swimming. So little chores to do, so much sleep to get! Almost gone are the days of hanging out with friends until too late, since the kids don’t have to be anywhere anyway! Almost gone are the endless popsicles, ice cream truck runs, and late night neighborhood walks. (more…)
I love to read. I have to limit myself to the amount of “for pleasure†reading that I do because I tend to get so involved with the book that I neglect my house, my children and my husband until the last word on the last page. I’ve found that self-help books are a bit easier to pull myself away from; the information takes a while to digest and if I read too much too quickly I tend to forget what I’ve read. Â
I have a pile of no less than 8 books and magazines sitting next to my bedside right now, and all of them are self-help, books for better living, or parenting related. I am in the middle of all 8 of them, and I really do love them all. Â
When it comes to parenting books, there are the highly touted (and highly controversial) baby sleep books, but I am talking about so much more than that. I love anything inspirational, funny, or helpful about raising children or activities I can do with my children. What follows is a list of my favorite 10 parenting books and magazines from my reading over the last year or so. (more…)
Make sure your child is protected by getting a Child Identification Card
The Katy Police Department offers a service to help locate lost or abducted children. The Kid ID Â program provides parents with a photo ID card for their children. But this is no ordinary photo ID card.
Sergeant J. L. Field, the police officer in charge of the program for Katy Police Department, says that this card is connected to a national database, which can be accessed by any police department in the U.S. Once all identifying information about your child is collected, it is sent to the KidID.org along with the card information.
My daughter and I had my granddaughter go through the ID card process at the main police department. It took all of 20 minutes. During the process, Sgt. Field took two photos of my granddaughter – one facing the camera and a profile photo. He also took a photo of my daughter (granddaughter’s mom) facing the camera. Mom’s photo and the profile photo do not appear on the card, but are attached to the profile which is uploaded to the KidID.org data bank. (more…)
I put Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbook, Deceptively Delicious, on my wish list the year it came out. I received it as a Christmas gift and immediately began cooking from it. Her premise is that we can puree vegetables and include them in recipes to boost the nutrition of a meal. The idea is that as children eat the muffins you serve them or the chicken nuggets you’ve made for dinner, they are also getting a serving of vegetables, which they may not otherwise have eaten.
When I first began using the book, I was already pureeing foods for my first-born. She was in the baby food stage, and so I’d chop and steam and puree (more…)
No one likes spending time doing activities they find disagreeable, even if the activities are good for them.  So, what is the best way to ensure you will exercise throughout your life? The answer is finding a form of exercise that you love. Once you find a kind of exercise that is fun, you will be hooked and exercise will become a pleasure.
My favorite form of exercise is dancing. I enjoyed ballet and ballroom dance when I was younger and find that I work hardest when the form of exercise is somewhat creative. I was thrilled when we moved to Katy and found that several of the local fitness centers offered cardio dance classes. If you pay for a membership to Lifetime Fitness or the YMCA, for example, the fitness classes are included in the membership cost. I have loved attending Latin Dance, Hip-hop and Zumba classes. They are great cardio workouts and they make me feel like a teenager again. (more…)
Celebrating the Little Things
As a mother of four boys, I am used to having a less-than-perfectly-clean house. These hot days of triple digit temperatures don’t help keep a house clean. I can’t really send my boys outside to play, so we make do inside with books, blocks, cars, and videos.
Yesterday, I was so proud of myself for enlisting my oldest boy in a quick cleaning job. Singing the “clean up song,” we rapidly made headway into our living room, I mean, playroom. Perhaps you have such a room in your house. (more…)
Father/son bonding doesn’t go exactly as planned
It was a 6 p.m. game at Rhodes Stadium. My husband was truly excited about taking our four-year-old son to one of his first football games. Our son was excited too. The two of them teased me about all the junk food they would eat while I stayed home with the babies. As they left, I heard my husband talking about what they would see.
Forty minutes later, they were on their way home already. It seems that our son just didn’t seem interested in learning about the game. They didn’t even eat anything while there. He just wanted to walk up the steps and watch some of the plays.
Needless to say, my husband was disappointed. (more…)
March 24, 2010 – Katy, Texas – I love spring. I love the comfortable weather and the flowers. But I especially love Easter.
I have such fond memories of Easters past. My family partook in so many of the Easter traditions: egg hunts, church on Sunday morning, confetti eggs, dying hard boiled eggs… the list goes on and on. Now that I have two children of my own, I feel giddy about the opportunity to pass these traditions down to them. And pass them down I will.
Avery enjoying the bounce house at last year's Easter Fest.
But my new favorite tradition started last year. The Waters Church at 2710 N. Mason Road (Suite #145) hosts an annual Easter Fest in the parking lot of the church. Our family went last year, and we were amazed at how much there was for our children to enjoy.
A lot of community outreach programs focus on Easter egg hunts this time of year, and we plan to be a part of many of those as well. But The Waters Easter Fest is more like a carnival than the traditional Easter egg hunt event. Last year, my oldest daughter got to have a pony ride, get her face painted, jump in bouncy houses, enjoy a petting zoo, and eat hot dogs for dinner at Easter Fest.Â
I’m looking forward to Easter Fest this upcoming Wednesday, March 31st from 6:30-8:30 pm. I’m sure many of the attractions from last year will be back, and this year I know my 3 year old daughter is really looking forward to the fire truck and a visit from Chuck E. Cheese.  Â
Spring Break ‘Staycation’ Means Bonding Time for Katy Families
Over the years, my boys have been the proud and loving owners of two gerbils and a hamster (thankfully at different times). While the hamster was relatively placid and generally roamed around his cage placidly, we delighted in watching the antics of the gerbils for hours. It seemed that they were never still. If they weren’t climbing up on the various apparatus we purchased for them, they could be found running on the little wheel that went around and around but never went anywhere. We would laugh at them and think them silly for being perpetually “on the wheel.â€
Since we have been on Spring Break, I feel as though I, too, have been “on the wheel†and have thankfully hopped off of it. It might be for just a brief week, but this week has proven to be a spirit renewer in ways I never envisioned. We have had a glorious “staycation.†Although we have not travelled anywhere exotic, the time off has proven to be priceless. My boys have enjoyed the quiet days spent playing outside in the temperate weather, going to various parks, fishing with friends, roller skating and riding their bikes, catching a movie, staying up later at night and sleeping in during the day, and taking a trip to the local library. We even all crammed into our car around bedtime and went for ice cream-the boys clad in their pajamas. Personally, I have read more books and have spent leisurely time mulling over writing and thinking than I ever have during the school week. We would never have been able to enjoy all of our relaxing, family bonding time during the hustle and bustle of the school week. Between the rigorous schedule of school and all the after school activities my boys participate in, finding time to “just chill†can be difficult. But hopping off the wheel has been crucial for us as a family.
What have been your experiences with Spring Break? Are you a working parent? If so, do you find it challenging to take time off to be with your child(ren)? What activities or places have you enjoyed together during this time off?
Five Whine-Busting Secrets Revealed!
For most of us moms, chores are something we dread. I haven’t met a Katy mom yet who looks forward to folding laundry, washing dishes, or cleaning the bathrooms. If you’re that mom, you can stop reading this article, you don’t need to waste your time! This piece is for those moms who do their best to clean up the messes, take care of the daily routine tasks, but often find themselves alone in the process. If this is you, read on, there is hope for help!
Here are five easy ways to get your kids to help with the cleanup of everyday living – after all, who made the messes, dirtied the clothes, and left the peanut butter jar out anyway?
March 19, 2010 –Katy, TX –I’m a big fan of having my kids’ birthday parties somewhere other than our home. After a particularly messy 8th birthday party at home complete with chocolate cake smashed into the carpet, I made a decision that birthday parties are best away from home.  The clean up is so much easier and the packages they offer are so convenient for moms and dads. Some of the most fun and memorable parties my kids have had were…
Times Square Entertainment – There are so many things kids can do and the party hosts are awesome. They follow you around and take care of every detail. This is best for kids age 8 through teens. Bowling, games, laser tag and pizza is fun for boys and girls.
Mason Road Skating – There is nothing like their money machine! What kid doesn’t want to stand in a money machine and catch flying dollar bills. A lifetime memory!
Laser Quest – Tweens and teens really like this place. It’s dark and kind of mysterious and they have a few party rooms to choose from. It’s on Westheimer, but not too far down, just past West Oaks Mall.
Pump it Up – I’ve had younger kids parties there and one for my 10 year old Both were a big hit. Jumping around on large inflatables is a blast for all ages, even for the adults!
Do you know a great Katy party place? Post your comment here!
Katy Library
It’s out! Hot off the presses, the summer reading list for 2010 is officially posted on the Katy ISD website. Students can get a jump start on their summer reading by checking out the reading lists for the grade level they will enter in the fall.
So why should they read during the summer? Summer is supposed to be for relaxing, taking vacations, and having fun,. That’s true, but part of the adventures of summer can include the adventures found in good book. We’re not talking about making them read because they “have to” learn something for school. The books on these lists are chosen to foster enjoyment of (more…)
Enjoying Katy ISD Sports at a Young Age
It’s an understatement to say that football is big here in Texas. Football has never been that important to me. Even in high school and college, I didn’t mind skipping a game to do something else. I didn’t grow up in Texas, and maybe that has something to do with it! Our sons are Texans, and our oldest is beginning to watch sports with my husband. Of course, the questions range from, “Dad, what ball is that?” to “Are they supposed to be hitting each other?”
So much to learn! (more…)
I am constantly amazed by my girls. Yesterday, I went in to wake up my four-year old from her nap and just sat and stared at her. On a daily basis, I appreciate the obvious things about her: her sense of humor, her creative mind, the way she spins in circles when she feels beautiful. But yesterday, sitting on her bed watching her breathe in and out, I was struck by the little things. How her hands have grown. How this amazing creation coexists with me every day of my life. How I can know the exact outline of her face and still be surprised when I really look closely at how perfectly she was formed.
I sat there, watching my daughter sleep, thinking about how not 2 hours earlier I was praying for more patience to deal with the latest act of defiance. With both of my daughters, four-year-old Avery and 18-month Kate, I feel like I spend my time living between adoration and frustration. The same little creature that throws temper tantrums is the one I was (more…)
I believe in the power of family meals every night.  I do not particularly care for processed foods, nor do I always have the time to make something fresh and fabulous each night.
So, if I am generally opposed to easy-to-prepare processed foods but I don’t have time to cook healthful meals, what do I do?Â
I meal swap.
Meal swapping is an idea that a few friends and I came up with to better answer the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?â€Â Each month, I prepare 2 home cooked meals to share. I triple the recipe and feed one portion to my family that night. The other two portions I package up in freezer safe containers, label the top of the container with the name of the meal and the last minute preparation instructions, and put it in my freezer. (more…)
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Several days ago, I went to my child’s elementary school for a class party. Upon entering the classroom, I felt like a rock star! When the children saw me, they all began saying, “Hi, Mrs. Lewis! I remember you! How are you?â€Â You see, I had been their Junior Achievement teacher, so I had taught five short Junior Achievement lessons in their classroom. I had loved every minute! As I walked into the classroom, I felt honored that they knew me and felt even happier as I watched my son swell with pride. I have really enjoyed helping in the Katy School District.
I am amazed at the parent support in the Katy schools. I have never seen more parents who are willing to donate time and energy to making the schools better.   Some parents spend hours and hours volunteering at the schools as room mothers, PTA board members, lunchroom helpers, library volunteers, workday helpers, party planners, and organizers of special programs such as PATHS, Ranger Science, and Junior Achievement.  No wonder the schools are so good in Katy! The parent support is unmatched! I have just started to become acquainted with all the volunteer opportunities, but, boy is it fun!    (more…)
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April 14, 2010 – Katy, Texas – This week, while waiting in the airport to board my plane, I noticed a mother approach the ticket counter with a young toddler and an infant in her arms. She struggled to carry her belongings, and her two children through the throngs of people gathered to board. Floods of memories came to my mind as I remembered myself in the very same situation. I remembered the looks and smiles of those around me. I remembered I yearned for an additional arm. As I watched the mother carefully move to the boarding ramp, I remembered the numerous kind women who offered assistance when I needed it most.
On this trip, I was traveling by myself, but, I could recall many other trips with my babies and toddlers that had been quite stressful. On one particular occasion, a sweet middle-aged woman shared a row with me. As I juggled cheerios, bottles, and Sippy cups, she was an angel. She helped me the entire flight and turned a very difficult time into a manageable, happy time. (more…)
Today I took my girls to Katy Mills Mall. Sometimes we head there to shop, and I love those trips. But today, we just went to be together.
Before we left, we gathered all of our change from around the house and stuck it in one of my daughter’s dress-up purses. I was curious if it would be enough to keep us busy for the next hour, and I was pleasantly surprised.
We arrived, with no agenda except to walk the mall and spend our coins. First, we stopped at one of those coin collectors with the funnel. My girls had so much fun watching the coins pin around and around. I was careful to pick out the pennies for this activity. Total cost for this stop: approximately (more…)
With the current state of the economy, we’ve been looking for ways to pull in extra money and cut our budget. I’ve been working as a photographer on the weekends to help make ends meet, but it has been at the cost of time together as a family. And the house? Oh, boy… please don’t come over without giving me at least 6 hours notice!
Photo by Lerin Wheeless
Katy ISD offers half-day preschool for certain children. Their eligibility can be based on having English as a second language, an active military parent, or federal income guidelines. We were a little disappointed to find out that we make just $30 per paycheck too much to qualify!
My first thought was to take on more photography work to pay for preschool. We figured out how many sessions I would need to book each weekend to cover the cost. I was one of the crazy moms standing in line way too early in the morning on registration day with a baby and two toddlers in tow, just to make sure we secured our spot! I paid the registration fees and filled out the paperwork for Bella (4) and Ben (3) to start in the Fall.Â
However, as the weeks have gone by, we are reevaluating our decision. After all, $700/month for preschool would mean quite a few photo sessions! If I have them in school during the week and am working every evening and weekend… when will I get to be their mother?
One tearful family meeting later, we’ve made a decision… next year, we’re doing preschool at home! I feel a tremendous burden off of my shoulders. To prepare our children for the wonderful Katy ISD school system, we’re planning a daily schedule of learning activities. One of my majors at NSU was Early Childhood Education, and with two siblings so close in age, this could be lots of fun.
My first daughter, Avery, is what most would call strong-willed. She is emotional and excitable, which make her fun to be around… most of the time. Anyone who has been in our lives at all will vouch for the fact that when Avery is in her element, feeling wholly loved and supported, she is a gem. However, when something goes wrong or when she is asked to obey and she doesn’t want to… well, everyone knows about it. (more…)
March 25, 2010 – Katy, Texas – One of my favorite quotes is, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents†(Emilie Buchwald). As a reading teacher, I know all too well the absolute importance that habitual reading (a minimum of twenty minutes spent reading each day outside of school) plays in the development of a child’s emotional and academic growth. Studies show that children who are exposed regularly to the joys of literature from a young age consistently rank in the top percentile when they are at the secondary level. Not only are vocabulary development and comprehension skills stronger than those of their peers, but knowledge gained through voracious reading then applies to all areas of the curriculum.
But what can a parent do when reading is a chore for a youngster? Read aloud, say the experts. Careful selection of high interest books can be a wonderful way to “reel†a reader into the joy of books. Young children typically enjoy repetitive books or books that contain rhymes. For an older child, selecting books that have sequels can sometimes entice a reader to want to continue a saga. (more…)
March 22, 2010 –Katy, TX — Rays of sunlight gracefully shimmered through the kitchen window as our family sat eating our breakfast. It was Spring Break and we were all excited for the week that lay ahead. How were we going to spend our time?  What did we want to do first? I listened as each child shared ideas for the coming days.
As we cleared the breakfast dishes, we decided to first start with a family bike ride through the beautiful nature preserve adjacent to our subdivision. Since the winter had been unusually cold, it had been some time since we had ventured on a bike excursion. Racing to the garage, we commenced untangling handle bars and bike pedals in order to give each bike a quick tune-up. As we had suspected, several bikes needed air in the tires and all of the bikes needed a good washing.
My two youngest boys offered their brawn as they gleefully “fixed†the bikes with the tire pump.  I located some old rags and a bucket and we washed the winter dust from the metal frames. The children chattered happily as they proudly prepped their bikes for our family bike ride.Â
Photo courtesy of RodeoHouston
Schedule of Events for Tuesday
It’s going to be another fun-filled day at RodeoHouston. Here’s what’s coming up for tomorrow. Don’t miss Keith Urban in concert immediately following the BP Super Sereis V – Championship Round.
Here is a schedule of events for March 16
Must-Haves for the Pantry
Reaching for a snack is a constant for my kids, especially after school and after dinner. Today’s kids are snacking more and getting much less exercise than kids five, ten, even 20 or more years ago. Traditionally, families ate during mealtimes only, and they were more physically active in their overall lives. In today’s America, however, far too many sugar-filled and salt-laden processed foods line our grocery aisles, and then find their way into our pantries at home – and we’re not spending the added “food energy” in our bodies as fast as we’re adding it.
When holidays roll around, the pull towards the kitchen gets stronger. My desire to bake to make every occasion special is so deep rooted that I have had the hardest time breaking the trend.
I should stop and present this disclaimer: I’m not against sugar intake. On the contrary, I love all things sugar. But at some point, when the kitchen is overflowing with candy and my daughter brings home cupcakes from Nana’s house, the need to bake sugar cookies just because it’s a holiday deserves an honest assessment.
This Easter, I realized that we, as a family, are on sugar overload without me adding to the baking mix. I knew this cognitively, but there was a powerful inner force that kept bringing me back to the kitchen, over and over again, reaching for the mixer. “But baking a bunny cake is tradition,†I’d tell myself. Or, “Sugar cookies at every holiday is so much fun! I want my kids to have fun, don’t I?†(more…)
My four year old daughter and I decided to make May special and to count down the days until school is out. I wanted to keep it healthy, low-cost, and low-stress, since the end of the year has enough stress of its own.
We decided to do a healthy(ish) dessert each week that somehow makes us think of summertime. Last week, we made beach scenes. We used graham cracker crumbs, low-fat vanilla pudding, and marshmallows to create the beach.
In each clear cup, we lined the bottom with graham crackers to look like sand. We had to make sure to put enough of the graham cracker crumbs along the bottom, because once the pudding is poured in, they can get hidden from the side of the cup if there aren’t enough.Â
Next, we stirred blue food coloring in to the vanilla pudding to create the water. We used a box mix of French Vanilla pudding and stirred the blue food coloring into the milk before whisking it together. Apparently French (more…)
Katy Mother Gets Ready for Summer Tradition
Guest post by: Usha L. Machiraju
This is my sixth trip back to the car, I have the list of things that need to be packed, and I am franticly checking them off as they go into the trunk. Towels – check. Food two small coolers for the kids and a big one for us – check. Swim suits, caps and goggles – check. Folding chairs and a beach umbrella – check . Plenty of water and sunscreen – check. No, we are not going to the beach. We are going to another swim meet! (more…)
My daughter loves birthdays. She loves her own (of course), her friends (the parties!), and especially birthdays of family members. Our extended
Avery and Kate enjoy watching the fish swim around the tank
 family’s tradition is to go out to eat for any adult birthday, as a large family unit. We used to try to head to places like Fogo de Chao or Perry’s Steakhouse, but as the children get older (and as there are more of them!), anywhere we go needs to be kid-friendly.
Enter our new family favorite: The Downtown Aquarium. The food is still fancy enough to warrant a birthday celebration, and the children have so much to do that the event is at least as special for them as it is for the birthday celebrant.Â
Before heading in to eat, we enjoy the shark tunnel train ride. As we’re seated and making our dinner selections, the children can walk around the huge aquarium and pick out their favorites (this past time is was the green eels). It’s not hard to keep the children entertained as we wait for our food with the cast amount of fish, sea horses, sharks, and eels to scope out.
The food is always amazing, and my youngest daughter especially loves the shrimp and chicken plate for children. (more…)
My kids are so happy to be off for the holiday today – with the extra stress of cramming for the upcoming TAKS test at school, today came just in time. The weather is so perfect here in Katy today, warm and toasty, but with a cool breeze blowing through. So we started our three day weekend off right, out in the garden and front yard, adding colorful impatiens to our growing collection of spring beauties. Then we planted the rest of our herbs, adding dill, cilantro, and basil to our “edibles” garden. After some fun in the early morning sun, we started breakfast.
March 25, 2010–Katy, TX — One of my most cherished memories from my childhood is family mealtime. After a busy day of school, lessons, chores and homework, it was refreshing to pause for a brief moment to connect with each other. I remember the savory aromas that called to each one of us to come. Sitting around the dinner table, we laughed, talked and each shared highlights from the day. To this day my parents, sisters and I remain very close. I know that some of this closeness is due to our daily connection point…the family meal. Now that I am married and have a family of my own, I have tried to carry on the tradition of family mealtime.
Scientific studies show there are numerous benefits to family mealtime. One recent study showed that working parents who were able to eat dinner with their families expressed greater job satisfaction. Other studies showed that children who have regular family meals eat more healthfully, and get better grades. Family mealtime is a practice that truly benefits children and parents alike. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is difficult to coordinate schedules and even to find a time when the entire family is home.  So how does a family create a habit of positive family mealtime?
First, make family mealtime a priority. Set a goal for two or more family meals per week and work to increase the frequency. Try to plan and schedule around family mealtime. Though not always an easy task, most days you will find it is possible. (more…)
And so do I!
Kate on the bars at The Little Gym
I love The Little Gym because my 18 month old daughter Kate’s face lights up when we walk through the doors. There are so many reasons that I love this place… and so many reasons that it has become my favorite hour of the week. It’s because it is a special hour designed for us to spend together, just the two of us. With a big sister at home, Kate spends most of her time following us around to “big kid†activities. Even when I am careful to focus on Kate, she doesn’t have the space to come alive while under the shadow of a very loving – and helpful – sister. At The Little Gym, Kate works on independence and self-esteem but it is also time for us to spend bonding. When we have a chance to interact, I am able to capture those moments between she and I and cling to them (and to her) with so much gratitude. During the times Kate is participating in more independent activities, I am able to step back and marvel at the things she knows and how she interacts with other children her age. These are things I long to know about my second-born but don’t always have the ability to observe while facilitating life for both of my children. The  activities are so uniquely crafted to Kate’s age and the focus is so much about the experience and the process, rather than the actual skills and where she is on the developmental scale. (more…)
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Running the Race Against the Clock Every Morning
Two weeks into having all four boys at a Mothers’ Day Out program has brought some big challenges to my life, especially in the morning. I am running around like a mad woman. I’m sure all moms understand and can add their own experiences to the morning routine. It’s calm, and then all of a sudden it’s time to get up and begin the Morning Triathlon!
The first event in this never ending triathlon is breakfast. Today, my oldest son was fine eating a bowl of cereal. Yesterday, it was a bagel and only a bagel. If I had offered cereal, the tears would have started. Tomorrow, the exact same cereal will not work. The babies are fine with anything I offer, bless their little stomachs! But with babies, I need to be with them with a spoon, so the second event in the Morning Triathlon gets off to a late start. (more…)
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March 25, 2010 – Katy, Texas – I recently struck upon a picture of a “reading countess chair” while searching for comfortable seating for my classroom library. My heart did a little skip and a jump as I thought back to how I crafted my blog name, “Reading Countess.†As the only granddaughter for sixteen years, I was treated like royalty by my beloved grandfather. He was the only one in my family who called me “Contessa,” a play on my “real name”, and he went out of his way to treat me like a member of the royal court. Much to my brother’s chagrin, I received preferential treatment by Granddaddy time and time again during my childhood. When we misbehaved, it was my brother and not I who was sent outside to pick the weeds. I was even given “fresh water baths” when I was really young. My grandfather carted buckets of water from the kitchen to fill the bathtub so that I would not be forced to take a bath using the pungent sulfur water from the rest of the farmhouse’s plumbing system.  (more…)
Five simple ways to mark the change of seasons
I know it’s still in the 90’s here in Katy, so it doesn’t feel like fall at all. Even though I am a realist, I am also an impossible romantic when it comes to this season. ‘Autumnal’ is one of my favorite words. Apple cider and wagon rides fill my imagination. My son is learning about our senses and each season definitely has its own smells, sounds, and tastes, so I will focus this post on some family activities based upon our senses. (more…)
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What is it about these guys?
I skipped the Barney craze and luckily missed out completely on the Teletubbies. I did some babysitting and so I knew of them, but I never had a deep understanding of these children’s television icons.
I am getting paid back tenfold via Yo Gabba Gabba.Â
In today’s media driven society, there are so many more choices out there for television for children. And, with as much as we limit tv time in our house, we’ve been through a few crazes: Sesame Street, The Wiggles, The Doodlebops… and most recently, Yo Gabba Gabba. (more…)
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