Video Games

What's wrong with video games? I mean, we're not talking about the "shoot you down, steal your car, kill you games" (although a little Star Wars Legos isn't that bad) but the games where you progress through mazes in order to get a treasure, drive the monster truck through a series of challenging tracks, or the ones where you create a virtual farm, amusement park, or city. And I do have to say, Club Penguin is my personal favorite.

Now, my boy... and those of you who know him will agree, I think... is an active boy. Not out of control (maybe, sometimes) but the kid likes to be on the go. All the time. So what's wrong with sitting him down on the computer to calm his little body? And if I may say, he knows exactly how to log on to his profile, open the browser, and sign on to one of many websites that we've introduced him to. Yes, we've started him on this virtual playground of video games. Now, he doesn't spend a ton of time on the computer, but so what if he did?? Is this bad? Will he not be as smart? Will he become isolated and unsocial? No, I don't think so. At all. Again, Logan is an extremely bright, articulate, and social little guy. If fact, I think the computer helps his overall being... it calms him down, enables him to focus his energy, and develops his fine-motor and visual-spatial skills, and overall eye-hand coordination. I think it's just fine if my boy wants to play the computer or XBox for just a slice of his day. If fact, I encourage it. After all, look at how much time we adults spend on the computer or in front of the box. I know I do my fair share.

UPDATES

Yes, it's been about three months since I've updated... I'm just so hooked on Facebook that I have very little time for other things... anyway, here's a few updates.

1- I read this in the paper today: "Leave the Kids at Home. Consumers accompanied by children bought 40% more items than consumers who were shopping by themselves. Children, bless their little hearts, tend to use a variety of techniques to coax their parents into buying more stuff." by Martin Lindstrom.

My thoughts (after laughing out loud): Duh... no, really? But, not in this household! Never... ha ha ha.

2- Jingle Bell Run: Yes, friends, I am "running" in the Seattle Jingle Bell Run. I have been "training"- if you care to call it that, and actually feel pretty good (although, I can barely walk at the present moment)! Check back with me in two weeks, after the event and wish me luck.

3- Leah had her 4th Birthday: Yes, it was great and yes, I am in denial... I just can't believe she is 4. I really don't want to talk about it, but I will let you know that she is the funniest, silliest, cutest, sweetest, and most stubborn little girl I've ever known. Happy 4th B-Day Sweet Leah. Keep on being the best Little Le that you are.

4- And, NO, I don't want anymore! Very happy and in love with my two... and that's plenty. (Kim, Karen, and others with 2+ kids- I bow down to you.)

5- A and I put up our Chirstmas lights today... and put up light we did! It only took about half the day but... the results are spectacular. As Logan said, "Wow, this is awesome, you guys." And Leah, "Our house is REALLY, fancy now. Really, really, REALLY fancy."

And that's what it's all about. We also wrote letters to Santa, decorated paper Christmas trees, and made a Christmas Countdown chain!

6- K Update on Lo: As reported from his wonderful teacher at our parent-teacher conference: "First, he is the cutest thing ever! He is so fun, polite, and is such a great friend. (After these two comments, A and I are thinking, are you sure we're talking about the same Logan?) He can be a bit distracted but he responds so well to my focus cues. He has a real love for learning and is a whiz at science and math. He's coming along with reading and writing and could always benefit from reviewing his sight words and writing about small moments. He is thoughtful, kind, and has made a super adjustment to Kindergarten."

YEAH LOGAN! You are a STAR and we are so proud of you. Keep up the amazing work!! She also mentioned that he loves the girls and the girls love him!

That's it for now and I'm off to bed!
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to All!!!

Back to School

Leah

Leah is so into "tea parties" these days. She even gets to go to Abby/Sophie's house and do the "real deal"... they dress up in their finest- complete with make-up, nail polish, jewelry, and fancy hats.

She also LOVES playing with her dollhouse- setting it all up with the furniture, dolls, and accessories. She doesn't actually "play" but just organizes and rearranges.

Leah is the best "Mommy" around- she is always carrying her favorite dolly around, feeding her, dressing her, carrying her, singing to her, etc. It is too cute...

Does this mean...

... that I am a true soccer Mom now?

The Big Night

Little Logan starts Kindergarten tomorrow. Everyone keeps asking me, "Are you sad? Are you worried?" And honestly, no, I am not sad or worried... (maybe just a teeny-tiny bit) but I am happy and excited for Logan. He is a fun, out-going, inquisitive, and energetic little guy. He is extremely curious and he loves to learn, figure out how things work, and make sense of the world we live in. Kindergarten is the "next stage" for Logan. It just makes sense. He loves being with other kids and has always enjoyed Pre-School. I believe that Anthony and I have given Logan all the skills that he needs to "conquer" Kindergarten and the years to come. Sure, there will be good days and bad days but, hey... that's life. Yes, Lo will always be my "little guy" but at the same time... he is getting bigger and I feel that he is ready for this next stage.

So, Little Logan, we are extremely proud of you and excited for your new adventure. We love you and support you in all you do. As we like to say, "knock 'um down" and "go get 'um."

Now, please excuse me as I go grab a tissue to dry my eyes...

Block

Every now and then I get into a "writers block"... I have great thought, ideas, and stories to share but sometimes... the words just don't flow. There's certainly enough excitement in my life to fill pages and pages of stories but I just haven't been able to convey my ideas in writing that I am satisfied with. Anyway, I'm hoping this "block" is over and I'm back on track!

A few things:

Quotes from Leah:
"Mama, I love you but Gramma is so, so, so cute and nice."
"Why is Reese and Beck's house not as messy as ours?"

Quotes from Logan:
"Mom, can you please just leave your Ipod touch at home today... I promise to share with Leah."
"Mom, I'm on the phone with Uncle and he needs my help today so I need to go over there."

The Kiddos

Uncle RULES!

My brother got me an iPod touch for my b-day.
Whoo-hoo!!

He's rad... I'm lucky he's my bro and my kids are super lucky he's their Unc.
Thanks Bri.

Vacation. Week 2.

- Trip to Amsterdam Medical Clinic- ear infection, anyone??
- S'Mores inside... thanks to Meg and her cooking skills
- Archeology Dig Site- treasures hidden from ancestors
- 5 bee stings for Uncle as a result from kneeling on a bee hive at the dig site
- Series of T-storms doesn't stop us... Uncle has a short-lived camp fire and spends the evening on the deck recording the storm
- Visits from Brady's and Bennett's
- Late night camp fire
- Uncle's week long training sessions (hydro-engineering 202, archery 157, trick masters 257, campfire 101, acro-judo gymnastics 303, treasure hunting 357)
- Megan & Maddi (need we say more)
- Fancy drink concoctions
- Scavenger Hunt
- Scrabble tournament (I won, of course)!
- Beach, boat rides, ball games, books, BBQ!
- Swimming, sand, sun, sailing.

The Sixth Sense

I think my kids have a sixth sense... it's the sense where they always need "Mama" as soon as I am ready to relax... lounge on the couch to read my book, check my email, unwind with a glass of wine, lay in the warm sun, read the latest gossip magazine, or call an old friend to catch up.

Sometimes... I take multiple showers throughout the day just to have a little quiet time. That's okay, isn't it? I also tried to play "my version" of hide-and-seek where I go to the other end of the house/camp for a little reprieve but my "L friends" always find me!

Hhhmmmm. Interesting. Very interesting.

Good Old Fashioned T-Storms

We were awakened this morning by the sound of thunder booming in the sky accompanied with flashes of lightening and sheets of rain. I always remember the great storms that would come up over the lake here in NY. The fog would roll in, the wind picked up, and clouds grew dark. The forecast calls for thunderstorms and rain throughout the day. And let me tell you- there were some loud crackles and bright flashes in the sky at 6am!

Leah's Reaction: crying and screaming in bed, "I hate these thunders. When will it go away?"

Logan's Reaction: "I had no idea about these storms. I didn't expect it to be this bad! I woke up and was freaking out!"

Happy Day!

HATE-TO-QUIT-IT Happenings- Week 1

- Tasty Treats (s'mores, nachos, cinnamon loaf, corn toasties, watermelon)
- Painted Pony Rodeo (need I say more)
- Sun, swim, and sand (what else could you ask for?)
- Toby or Hobie
- Can I ride the horsie, Gramma?
- Campfires (not "bomb" fires 'cause they're too loud)
- Slip 'n Slide
- Don and his damn boat
- Saratoga, Congress Park, Spring Water
- Lo's new love... aka Meg. (as A says, "well, she is just like a bigger Abby so why wouldn't he have a crush on her?")
- Jumping off the float
- Mama, can I go on the jet ski?
- Papa, you wanna go fishing?
- Seahorse, Seahorse

A's New Friend

Snacktime... no more.

I was so sad and disappointed to read about this!

Barenaked Ladies singer admits to snorting cocaine.


What a downer... and next to my hometown in Manlius, NY!

Back to School??

It drives me nuts that it is July 7th and already, I am receiving catalogs for "Back to School." I mean, come on... just stop the marketing and let us enjoy the summer!!

Picture Time

Snacktime!

We are hooked on a new kids CD- Snacktime by Barenaked Ladies.

I personally enjoy Barenaked Ladies and have fond memories of listening to their music throughout my college and post-college days. I was thrilled when I noticed their new CD- for kids!!! This collection is funny, entertaining, and contains songs and lyrics that both children and adults will enjoy. Our car rides are much happier now... much happier.

Leah's Favorite Song: Popcorn
Logan's Favorite Song: Allergies

Happy

It always makes me feel good, real good, when people comment on how well-behaved our children are!!

We were at dinner last night and the majority of people who attended did not have kids. The L kids were great- well-mannered, polite, a little rambunctious but hey, they are kids!! It probably helped that there was a fire for Logan to attend to and Leah was amused by the only other child present, a 3 1/2 month old baby- right up her alley.

Thanks to Anthony and Roger for a fun and relaxing evening- for both the kids and parents!!

6/30/2008

Our big day... watch out Land of Nod... here we come!!!

Say Cheese!

Why?

Why is it 11:01pm and our kids are still awake in their rooms?

Game Night

We try to have a family game night at least once a week before bed instead of the standard 'ole tv show. It's great fun to hang together and see the intense interest and concentration of the L kids. They take these games SO seriously and get so involved. Logan is great at explaining all the directions to us and Leah is too cute when she cheers everyone on! And yes, everyone is pretty good about the turn taking and no winning or losing but having fun mentality.

Team Interview:

How do you feel about game night?

Anth- Fun. We need to kick it up a notch with Monopoly or Risk. They're ready for it.
Laura- Game night is super fun. We sit, play, talk, laugh, learn, and relax!! What could be better?
Logan- I love to play games and I wish we could play 15 games each night! But we compromise and usually do about 4.
Leah- I love, love, love, love to play Candy Land. It is so fun and I wish I could eat up all the candy... for real!!

Never Did I Think...

I never though, never ever, ever, ever, ever thought that I would be one of those people who set their clocks 10 minutes fast so they're not always late.


I think I should become one of those people. Yikes!

New Friend

My new best friend.

Logan's Creation

From Logan:

"So this thing is amazing. It's a fighter jet, drag racer, and speed boat all in one. And it goes super, super fast and can change from one thing to the next in about one second. This thing is just amazing. And I created it by myself."

Logan rocks.

I should have known Le was sick when she took a nap outside instead of playing in the pool this afternoon.

Just when all the laundry was folded and put away, dinner was on the stove, phone had stopped ringing, kids were quiet, toys/clothes/shoes/etc were picked up, and I was about to pour myself a deserving glass of wine, I heard a loud scream and cry from downstairs...

Of course, I put the wine on hold and quickly ran down to see what was going on. Little Leah had thrown up all over... on the couch, blankets, pillows, floor, and herself. Oh, my heart just went out to her. This was the first time that she had "really gotten sick" and she had no idea what was going on. She took a shower, got all cleaned up, and went to bed... threw up a few more times in the process of all this... and I am, yes again, spending time with my good friends known as the washer and dryer. I did first hose everything down outside so this helped a bit.

Anth and Logan were great... They helped Leah and then walked to the store to pick up some crackers/bananas/gatorade for her while she got settled. Logan was so cute... as soon as he heard that Leah had gotten sick, he ran into her room, got all her dolls and put barrettes and clips in their hair. He carried about 5 of them to Leah and said, "Le, Are you okay? I am so so sorry you throwed up and I got these for you to help you feel better."

What a guy... I am a proud Mama.

And Leah... after she calmed down, said, "Mom, it's not funny. It's not funny that I did the throw up, it's just sad." Poor baby!! (And no, we were not laughing at all! )

Wish us well... a quick bout of the bug for Le that doesn't get worse and pass through all of us.

Logan the Wonder Boy in Love

Logan and I had a great discussion at bedtime tonight. Mind you, this is after he played with his best buddy, Abby. It went something like this:

**Just picture Logan in all his seriousness and his little inquisitive mind.**

**Also, it should be noted that Logan did not look at me while we were talking. He would walk around his room, sit next to me, get back up, come back to the bed... but he didn't look at me. I noticed that he was deeply concentrating on his thoughts and ideas as we talked.

**I was concentrating on getting the little guy to bed but clearly, he needed a little question and answer time.

Lo- So, Abby is nice, huh?
Me- Yah, she is a good friend.
Lo- Well, what do you like about her?
Me- Hhhm. What do I like? She plays and shares and...
Lo- She's cute, too. And nice.
Me- Nod in agreement.
Pause
Lo- Boys usually marry girls and girls marry boys but sometimes girls marry girls and boys marry boys.
Me- Yes, Logan, that's right. You marry who you love.
Lo- I wonder if dogs marry and cats and bunnies and things all marry.
Lo- Well, who do you think I should marry?
Me- It's hard to tell now because you are five and people usually get married when they are older. I think you should marry someone who you love.
Lo- Well, like, who do you think, though?
Me- Who do you think, Lo?
Pause
Lo- I do like Abby. Do you think Abby would like a boyfriend? Or does she have one? I mean, who is her boyfriend?
Me- Geee, I'm not too sure Logan but I think she does like playing with you.
Lo- But do you think she likes me?
Me- Yes, I do because she plays with you a lot and you are good friends. And you have fun together.
Lo- Yah, she's nice. I wonder if she wants to get married.
Me- You just never know but I do know that Abby like you.
Lo- Yah, she does.

Long pause and then I direct Logan to bed. We say our good nights and as I leave the room he tells me one more thing.

Lo- Wait, Mama. Okay, well Mama, I am going to tell you something but don't tell Abby because if you do I will throw you out of the house and you will be homeless. But I guess I am Abby's boyfriend but I am not going to tell her.
Me- That's great, Logan. I loved talking with you about this and I won't tell Abby.

And with that, he went to bed with a big smile on his face!!
Oh, I love it!!
I am so glad that my little guy is comfortable talking about his love life with his 'ole Mama!! Let's hope our relationship is always this open...

Picture Time

Summer is here... finally... I hope!

After weeks of cold, cloudy, and rainy, 40-50 degree weather, we had a perfect summer day!

You know it's summer at Team Robinson when:

* there is a constant trail of sand and grass throughout the house.

* the L kids each go through about 5 outfits and 4 bathing suits a day.

* you can't find any towels because the kids left them ALL outside.

* all our cups are dirty (and left outside) because the L kids feel that it is necessary to get a new cup every time you need a drink.

* someone is crying because there is sunscreen in their eyes.

* I am reminded that we need to buy new popsicles tomorrow because all 24 of them got eaten today.

* the sun sets at 9:30pm and we're all still out in the backyard playing and having fun! What could be better?

Welcome back, Summer!!!

Leahisms

1. When at gymnastics: "Mom, I have my pink leotard on and Monet has her pink Monet-a-tard on, too." (I am thinking, what are you talking about, Le? But she was exactly right- she wears a Leah-a-tard so Monet must wear a Monet-a-tard!)

2. "Mom, I asked you a million times to help me and I am not going to ask again."
(When she needed help getting her clothes on)

3. "I have to come inside because the hose and water are making me crazy."
(While watering plants in the back-yard)

4. "I wanna stay three forever because four is a boys number and I only like three. Forever." (She also says that she only wants to eat junk food and not "grow food" because she doesn't want to get any bigger!)

5. At bedtime: "Mom. You can lay down with me if I don't talk at all but you can leave if I do talk and make too much noise." (Of course, she talks and talks and talks and talks some more!)

6. Dada to Logan: "What's your favorite number?"
Logan: "5, of course."
Dada to Leah: "What's your favorite number?"
Leah: "I don't like numbers."

7. When someone (99.9% of the time, Logan) hits her, she says: "It's not funny. It's not funny at all." Even though no one is laughing.

8. Dada to Leah: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Leah: "Dad, remember, I'm gonna stay three forever and not be "grow-ed" up. Okay."

Leah rules. She is awesome in every way and she's got the world all figured out!! Go Leah!

Lo and Le

Leah Hit the Jackpot.

Both Lo and Le have toy chests in their rooms. Usually, toys (clothes, books, Lego creations, art masterpieces and such) are placed on the top with limited access to what's inside (Leah's is filled with dolls, stuffed animals, and a few dress-up/pretend play items while Logan's is filled with books, blankets, stuffed animals, and clothes). We generally don't access the toy chests on a daily basis, (I am thinking that we have enough toys to play with outside of the boxes) although, they are used occasionally during a game of hide-and-go-seek for a superior hiding spot.

Anyway... Leah has a habit of playing in her room an hour (or two) before she settles down and goes to bed for the night. **Anthony and I often sit downstairs in amazement of all the noise she makes... it sounds like she is rearranging all the furniture in her room but the best is when she dances and sings at the top of her lungs!**

So, tonight, all is quiet on the home front, when all of a sudden, Leah comes running downstairs and says (with her pretty eyes open wide), "Mama, did you give me all of those new toys? All of them? You filled my toy box? Thank-you, Mama. I needed all these new toys. I am so happy. Do you want to see them? I can bring you up and show 'em all to you. Come on. Daddy, I got all these new toys that Mama gave me!"

By this time, I imagine that Anthony is thinking, "Not again. I told Laura that we don't need any more toys!"

She is talking a mile a minute and is as happy as can be. I go upstairs with her and sure enough, she has discovered the hidden gems in her toy box!!! Too cute!

Thank You Cards

Logan and Leah made and wrote out (Leah dictated her thoughts to me) their own "Thank You" cards for their teachers this year. Their "comments" are worth sharing! Mind you, we did this over a few "art sessions" and they were reminded to write something special and different in each card.

From Logan:
Ms. Lori- I loved the snacks we had this year.
Ms. Jennie- You were so nice this year and I like your teaching.
Ms. Michelle- Thank you for helping me in my school.
Ms. Laura- It was nice being in your class some of the time.

And Leah:
Ms. Enid- I love you and I made balloons for you.
Ms. Kim- You are my best friend. I like you.
Ms. Karie- I had a nice time and I hope you have a nice day.

Are you kidding me??

After a tricky, drawn-out bedtime, Leah yells down to me:

"Mama, I'm just going to sleep in Logan's room, okay? He told me it's fine."



Oh, the fun!!

I thought wrong.

Well, I mistakenly thought that with our new washer and dryer, I wouldn't be doing as much laundry as before (or spending as much time doing laundry). Ha, what was I thinking?

A Loss for Words

I think about posting quite often... well, everyday actually, sometimes even twice a day. We've been so busy lately but at the same time, just progressing through our everyday routines. I guess that what happens when you have an active, animated 5 year old boy and a sassy, lively 3 year old girl. Don't get me wrong... life is good- great actually, but boy, am I tired at the end of the day (and at definite periods throughout the day)!! I have been thinking a lot lately about, "Wow, are my kids really 5 and 3? Is Lo really going to Kindergarten in the Fall? There's just no way." Hence, I have been trying to slow down and thoroughly enjoy the "little things in life", the everyday routines I mentioned above... with some examples below.

The way Leah tells me so seriously in the morning (with her hands on her little hips) that she will not wear a specific shirt "because it has blue stripes and blue is a boy color and she needs to wear girl colors because they are her favorite and blue is so, so boring".

How Logan will beg me to let him ride his skateboard to school because he "needs to practice his tricks" (and trust me, he is pretty darn good).

How it doesn't matter that the kitchen is destroyed and things are thrown all over the place because Logan was finding a container for Leah's new pet caterpillar named Fuzzy.

How yes, we can stop and get ice cream and walk along the beach even though it's way past bedtime.

How Leah manages to get glue, glitter, stickers, paint, and sparkles from one end of the house to another because she has been working so hard on projects for Grandma, Papa, Uncle, Monet, Abby, Sara, and even Logan.

How sweet it really is when Lo and Le pick all of the tulips and flowers in our yard (and some of the neighbors, too), leave them on the front porch, ring the doorbell, and run away... all because they wanted to surprise me on Mother's Day.

How it takes us 45 minutes to walk around the block because the kids are so observant and notice every little detail from bugs to flowers to houses to animals.

How Logan was so excited to give me 4 packs of gum on Mother's Day because "I know you love gum, Mama and you always share it with me and I was wondering if I could have some now. I actually got it for both of us."

How "my babies" are now 5 and 3 and they continue to make me the happiest Mom ever and help to remind me about the magical "little things in life"!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Addicted

I love these things... could eat them all day... and night.

Oh, yes...

Things Happen in Threes

Just a few words about our weekend.

Thursday- Lo falls and cuts his lip. One stitch on the outside, one stitch on the inside. Fun, fun!

Friday- Lo decided to jump out of a tree house and fractures his little foot. Yes, more fun for all.

Saturday- After screaming in pain all night because of a toothache, Logan has to have a tooth pulled because of a cavity that is down to the nerve and is beginning to get infected! Fun, fun, and more fun.

Poor guy had a rough few days! However, he was a TROOPER, so BRAVE and COOPERATIVE at ALL the doctor visits. We love you Lo... and no more accidents!!

Why I love the neighborhood kids...

1. They are all kind and polite kids who will spend hours entertaining L and L.

2. The older girls are amazing babysitters, who love to play, play, play, can walk to our house, have reasonable rates, and their parents are close by in the event of an emergency.

3. The kids teach L and L new games which forces them to learn turn-taking, sharing, following the rules, and that winning isn't everything!

4. They help the L kids learn to respect the needs and feelings of others.

5. They are extremely creative and spark the creativity in L and L- perform plays, make up their own games, role-playing, acting out scenes from books, and creating "magical" worlds.

6. The kids all remind me of when I was growing up... when we would run to our neighbors houses, play in the backyard, sell lemonade, start a game of kickball, and ride bikes for hours.

7. They help the L kids learn that "if you aren't nice, then we won't play with you".

8. The kids help Lo and Le to problem solve, negotiate, create, and think in new ways. They also model appropriate behavior and manners for Lo and Le.

Thanks to Ivy, Shawny, Sara, Clare, Ben, Gabe, Sophie, Abby, Max, Henry, Annabel, Lauren, and Jack!! Lo and Le are so very lucky to have you in their lives.

Fairy Houses

There's something magical about building a fairy house in the backyard!!
Way to go, L Kids. I love your work.

Leah- "Maybe the fairy will come and leave us a surprise."
Logan- "Yah, like candy."

And Logan.

A few pics to catch you up...