April Showers Bring May Flowers

I know that the saying goes "April Showers Bring May Flowers"... but why does it feel like it's raining more in this month than it did last month?

Springtime always makes me want to surround myself with fresh flowers. I wish I could go into the park by me and just pick every single tulip and daffodil that I can get my hands on and put them in vases all around my home. Wouldn't that be beautiful?

Tomorrow I'm going on a field trip with my son to Central Park. It's supposed to be sunny and warm - and I'm so excited! The class is going bird watching. We're going to be on the lookout for robins, sparrows, cardinals, swallows and blue jays. We might even get a glimpse of a peregrine falcon! It's going to be fun because the only birds that we see on a regular basis are pigeons.

It's funny, I feel like I've been stuck indoors all winter, and now I seem to be going to Central Park every few days. I love it!

Art, Culture (and Children?)

My oldest son recently used his birthday money to buy a new video game. And now...both Fischer and Henry are obsessed with playing every waking moment. Sunday morning, they bound out of bed, raced to our rooms, whispered "I love you!" immediately hopping on the computer! (I couldn't help thinking, hmm, were their sweet words used to lessen the likelihood of my setting computer limits?)

However, this Saturday, I has another agenda. I wanted to take the boys to the Guggenheim Museum to see a massive art installation by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang. I needed an angle...how could I entice them to give up their "earned" computer time for an ART MUSEUM? It seemed to be an uphill (and almost fruitless) battle.

So I told them the truth.

The exhibit was a once in a life time opportunity, having travveled across oceans to set up. And never again would they be able to see exploding cars danging from the ceiling of the Guggenheim or a pack of wolfs running accross the walls overhead or paintings made using dynomite!

In the end, curiousity got the cat. All three boys joined me. Once there, they chatted enthusiastically about how "Cool the cars were" dangling above us and they each had a theory about how the artist did it. They even waited in line to take a boat ride in a boat made of yak skin through Cai Guo-Quiang's art pieces.

The best of all, they didn't miss their computer at ALL!

Springtime is in the Air!

I love this time of year because it always makes me feel like I'm a kid again.

Each spring when I was younger, my family would always devote an entire weekend to planting new flowers and getting our gardens ready for spring and summer. It was so much fun because we got to put on old clothing and play in the dirt! My dad would walk around with his wheelbarrow full of fresh, new dirt, and my mom would carry around trays of seed packets and flower pots, but I had the most important job.

I was in charge of digging rows of holes for each flower, and then gently dropping them in. I knew that my job was vital to the appearance of the garden because if I dug the hole too deep, the flower would disappear into it, and if I dug it too shallow, the flower wouldn't be able to take root and grow. I took my job very seriously, and carefully dug rows of identical holes with my own blue-handled shovel.

I can still remember how great it felt to dig in the dirt and be in charge of the flowers. I remember laying in the sun after we had finished planting, laughing with my family and drinking lemonade. I also remember the pride I felt as the season went on, knowing that our garden was so beautiful and colorful because of me.

Hmm. Now it's less of a question of how to dig in the dirt with my boys but where? New Yorkers have precious little space to devote to making mud pies!

From Opera to Baseball!

So last weekend was about opera...and this weekend was the official start of our baseball season.

Yikes!

With 3 sports loving boys, our weekends are suddenly FILLED to the brim with:
- baseballs
- bats
- mitts
- snacks

Moving past my initial boredom as the games seem to drag indefinitely, I started noticing the elements of sportsmanship they were learning.

The team was genuinely proud on each others accomplishments, jumping up and down when someone "wacked" the ball or got an out. In fact, catching a ball for my 8 year old was a quite the surprise.

"WOW...look at that! I caught it." Of course, after marveling at his feat for a while, he then woke up to the reality that he needed to do something with it!

His teammate were yelling, "Henry, throw it to me! Throw it to me!" He slowly lobbed the ball to 2nd base. The runner started to (thankfully) slide too soon, stopping a good foot before the base. The second baseman miraculously stopped the ball and tagged the runner....OUT!!

Whew! Henry became a small giant! His teammates ran up to him and hugged him with excitement. Henry strutted around for a minute with pride and then got back to the business of baseball. After all, he and his teammates had a job to do, together!

When I'm Overtaken by my Superior Motherhood Gene!

On an impulse, I bought 3 tickets to see Madame Butterfly at the Met with my 2 boys. I was convinced that this would be GOOD for their soul, transform them into cultured, more well rounded beings. Or to borrow my husbands analysis…I was over taken by my “Superior Motherhood” gene!

A week before I started to prep them--or better yet, manage expectations. I said:
• You won’t understand a WORD they are singing
• It could be boring
• There won’t be many kids (if any!)
• Everyone dresses up
• It’ll be a late night

Yuk…even I began to question my reasoning. Then, I had to remind myself that when my mom took my brother and me to see Beverly Sills in Madame Butterfly as kids,we LOVED it.

So I marched ahead, well dressed boys in tow. I took them to dinner beforehand and plied them with Cokes and a huge slice of Chocolate Cake!

We entered Lincoln Center with all its glitter and glamour. They were in awe of the theater and immediately stood taller among all the adults. Some of the older, more seasoned folks looked apprehensive (Their body language screamed “Please don’t sit next to us!”). While the younger people smiled encouragingly…seaming to say, ”Good luck, with that!”

The first act opened and my boys were on the edge of their seats. Thanks to modern technology, they followed the story line on the big Jumbotron above the stage.

Ha! There were only a few yawns and many tears shed by both me and my youngest. The boys LOVED it, yelled BRAVO! and asked when we could see another one! I was both pleasantly surprised and delighted. Whew! I could now check that box off in their Must Experience Before Leave Home box…


And, I guess there is a good reason that Opera still manages to fill theaters. It reaches around us and touches our soul.

We are here! We are here

This is a brilliant MUST read post about a gross oversight in the new Horton Here's a Hoo movie...Thanks to Peter Sagal of NPR.

Click Here and Pass it on!

Engage and Be Happy

The Wall Street Journal just highlighted a recent study that said American were no happier today than they were 40 years ago.

Even in this age of enlightenment and our obsession with self-help and self improvement, this is not a tremendous surprise. What is surprising is the role television plays in determining our mood.

Americans spend between 15% and 17% of our waking hours watching TV. This need to "zone out" or relax actually is contributing to both our and our children's malaise. Activities that allow for us to mentally engaged like exercising or socializing are most likely to make us happier.


People are always shocked when I tell them we have no TV in our house. We simply opted out because we were tired of fighting over which bad program which child was allowed to watch. And yet, both my husband and I can HAPPILY say, it is NOT missed.

In fact, all of us are reading books more (one of the activities the WS Journal says leads to more happiness!) and interacting more with each other (another one).

Hmm. Who knows if our children will end up any happier, but it made me happy to think we may be on the right path!

What a glorious feeling

The boys and I decided to walk to school today, a la Charlie Chaplin style...feet spread out and an imaginary cane. Unbelievably hilarious! Random people started to change their walk and were cracking up.

So to continue in the spirit of rediscovering old movies. Here's a quick list one of readers, Amy put together for us.
Musicals first:
Meet Me in St. Louis
Singing in the Rain
On the Town
The Pirate
Kiss Me Kate
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

And the rest:
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Bringing Up Baby
Stagecoach
Some Like It Hot
It Happened One Night (ages 7+)
the Lady Eve (ages 8+)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 8+
National Velvet (ages 6+)

Let me know what some of your favorite classic movies are to watch with kids.

In Search of Silence?

Friday night is our family movie night. Although, my husband and I have been living a social expirament of NO TV for 6 months now, we've yet to toss out our computer!

So after Friday's dinner, we plop in front of our MacIntosh and watch a movie together. The family feature? Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid".

Not only is this flick in black and white but it is a SILENT movie. An hour and a half of silent drama and action. Even, I was doubtful of sucess. I was prepared for the boys to get restless 15 minutes in to it. But, guess what?

They not only did they sit without getting up-- we all laughed while happily immitating "the Tramp" and the Kid. Bottom line, this 1920's silent movie easily joins the rank of Ratatouille and School of Rock as Bodwell favorite movies. WE LOVED IT!

And what it taught my husband and I, is that kids today don't need all the added violence, action and hoopla thrown into todays movies. We live in an entertainment driven culture. It was unbelieveably refreshing to see my boys quietly engaged.

Simple works with kids. In my mind, whether it's a Lite Brite, tinker toys or a classic movie, we don't always need the latest and greatest. Often, the tried and true, old-fashioned things work better. Right, kids?

School Daze

Today, my 10 year old son's class celebrated the end of their American Indian study. They made a miniature Indian village showcasing a Longhouse, various gardens and fishing techniques. The finished model looked like it was borrowed from the Museum of National History! For us, the best part was watching the kids outline in great detail how the Indians planted, skinned animals and made clothes.

What was fascinating as a parent is to see how the teacher incorporated math, writing, science, literature and of course, social studies into this in depth study. Every kid seemed enthusiastic and engaged. I kept thinking back to my elementary school in Texas, where we were required to sit in our desk facing the teachers back as she wrote on the chalk board. I remember gazing out the window and day dreaming a lot!

I was thrilled to see the changes in the public school education and think our kids are going to be better off because of it.

What's your defination of a "Good Mom"?

I came across a very thought provoking article in one of favorite reads, New York Magazine.

In it, the writer did a random survey among friends asking them their definition of a "Good Mom" and "Good Dad". So before you read any further, pause and do your own definitions.

So, not too surprising, it is far easier for dads to stand up on the winners podium. All they need to do:
- show up for most of the kids important events (1st day of school, concerts, etc)
- change a handful of diapers
- be good providers
- be supportive to mom

Now for us...it's a lot more difficult to even qualify as pretty good moms. We think in order to be considered a good mom we need to be a modern day version of June Clever! We should:
- have our kids eat fruit for breakfast
- volunteer frequently at their schools
- schedule interesting after school activities
- have an organized scrapbook chronicling every moment
- be infinitely patient
- make a healthy (i.e.homemade) family dinners
- play educational games regularly with them
- make homemade cookies to put in their lunches
- AND SO ON
WOW. What does this tell us?

Mom are SO hard on themselves and wracked with guilt! I, for one, think I am a good mom. I rarely volunteer at school, have been known to forget their after school events and snack days, have my kids on the school lunch plan, started a scrapbook for each of my kids when they were born and then now throw everything else in a shoe box to sort out later.

My kids seem to be turning out fairly normal. They tell me they love me and seem relatively happy eating what ever dinner I can manage to throw together.

Of course, only their therapist will really know the truth!

Get Crafty with Kids

Last weekend was ridiculously cold...too cold to venture outside for any reason. So the boys and I hunkered down for an arts and craft day.

Wesley and I made these super cute Valentine's Day cards using construction paper and Vintage Valentines Stickers. No sooner said, then done...we had a pile of the most precious cards I've seen. We both were beaming with pride.

Me: "Ha! They are done in PLENTY of time to mail!" and Wesley: "Oooh, I can't wait to give them to ALL my friends...this one is for you mom!"

So the cold, wintery day, got a lot warmer!

Happy New Year

I am so happy it is 2008! I love the start of a New Year--Such promise and hope.

Although, I never have official New Year's resolutions. I do make mental notes of what I want to do better. Here's my short list:

1. Be more patient with my kids
2. Greet my husband with a kiss
3. Be more organized
   
4. BLOG more!

In fact, I struggle with number 3 every year. I often wonder if an organized mom is really possible? I marvel when I meet one (a rarity) and have been known to ask them for quick tips to help me in my quest. I realize that for any semblance of organization to occur, it has to be simple and fun for me.

In fact, I am a huge fan of our Birthday Books, Baby Journals & School Year's Memory Books.
for the sole reason that if I can manage to chronicle my children's life than anyone can!

And then, blogging! I find writing to be so therapeutic and talking to other parents with similar believes MOTIVATING. So why is it the things we love to do the most go by the wayside? Overseeing a small business at Christmas requires EVERYONE in our company to pull out all the stops. And I have to say, we did an amazing jobs fulfilling 99% of our orders and disappointing very few. Holiday sales exceeded our expectations and our vendors came through for us on almost all angles.

Yet, I for one am thrilled to be starting a NEW YEAR and looking forward to starting on my new resolutions!

It’s a Pirates Life for Me!

My boys love to dress up as pirates and set sail around our house. My youngest swashbuckler is often forced to walk the plank unless he completes some roguish deed. (Stealing cookies from the cookie jar!)

Our living room becomes a massive ship using couch cushions. Pirate booty is divided and hidden in secret boxes. Of course, the highlight of every adventure is the sword fights that break out to protect their jewels or ship. Each child is artfully armed with a makeshift sword that swings from their handmade belts.

So mom’s, if you fancy hosting aspiring young Jack Sparrows to pirate duels, check out our loot. Our bestselling pirate gear is on sale just in time for Christmas.

Things I am thankful for...

I woke up this morning (exhausted) and needed to remind myself of things I was thankful for:
1) That it is November and Thanksgiving is an EASY holiday!
2) My kids are old enough to get themselves dressed
3) That I can finish a cup of coffee if I drink fast and on the go
4) My husband and I both think it's funny that one of the boys ends up in our bed at 5 in the morning
5) That I have such great friends to share my trials and tribulations with and who help keep things in perspective
6) The Warm Biscuit Bedding Co continues to inspire and motivate

Happy November 1st!

Where have the Chores Gone?

I grew up in a household where my brother and I each had to do things around the house. (cook dinner, rake leaves, mow the lawn, set and clear the table, etc.) Eventually, our chores became daily habits.

Thinking about my grandfather growing up on the farm...breakfast couldn't have been made without the eggs or milk. Today, we have macaroni and cheese that magically appears from a box! No churning of butter...Most families today don't have as much WORK to do around the house (with vacuums, dishwasher's, etc) However, it's just as important today to have kids contribute. By all of us working together, we ensure our family runs properly.

So we have daily chores in our family. My oldest, sets the table and pours the water for dinner. Henry clears the dishes and fills the dishwasher. Wesley takes our the recycling. All of these are family habits that make our house run better. The lesson we want them to learn? Responsibility!

Rooting for the Home Team, Twice!

Of course, our household would be split down the middle in the New York Yankee vs Cleveland Indian series. (FYI, my husband and I also cancel each other's vote politically--he a Republican and I a Democrat)

Brad was born and raised in Cleveland, is a die-hard Indian fan...and I've been a Yankee fan since moving to New York over 20 years ago. I love pretty much everything about the Yankees...the history, the classic uniforms, their coach, Joe Torre, the players (both old and new).

My boys love baseball, especially playing it. Our entire family spends a lot of time at the fields. So now, it's up to our kids to choose their baseball team. Let's Go Yankee's! (And...Go Tribe...) In the end, we all win somehow.

Dinner with Mom

I’ve been having weekly breakfasts with two girlfriends for over 4 years now. We share mom advice, swap stories about our kids, careers, husbands, analyze life and basically support one another.

A few weeks ago, my friend Alison was enthusiastically recommended a new book, Dinner with Dad. In a nutshell, it’s about how a workaholic dad made a life altering decision to join his family for nightly dinners. Because of these dinners-- his perspective on life changed, it reconfirmed his belief in family and he altered his work habits.

For years, I’ve thought it would be next to IMPOSSIBLE for our family to have nightly dinners. As my husband travels 3 out of the 5 nights and while I’m in town, I work long days. In fact, I can barely make a grocery list, needless to say a meal made!

But this struck home, if this dad could do it, so could we!

So for the last two weeks, we’ve managed to sit around our family dining table a few times and share more than a simple meal. Our boys are learning how to put dishes on the table, pass the bread, and use a napkin! We’ve had a few false starts (whoops, no vegetables!), however all of us are committed to slowing down and taking time to listen to one another.

And now, I have another important meal to look forward to sharing! My kids have been helping me cook...and I've seen a big trend with kid's cooking--we've seen bigger interest with our kids aprons, cookbooks, stoves, and kitchen sets this year. I am super excited about our new custom stove and would love to know what you think.

The Long Walk to School

“Well kids, I walked 12 miles to school in the snow, rain,up mountains…barefoot…with 12 books on my back…carrying water on my head.”

OK. Slight exaggeration, however we all can remember hearing similar stories from our grandparents and parents about how much of a struggle it was to get to school.

In fact, my grandfather was one of 10 kids and grew up on a farm in Nebraska. Each child did chores BEFORE school--waking up on their own at the crack of dawn to run down to the chicken coop to get the eggs, milk cows, etc. In the evenings, homework was done with no extra encouragement from mom or dad. I would love for my kids to wake up on their own, do a load of laundry prior to making me breakfast!

I practically dress, spoon feed, coax and coddle my children to school. Each of my boys is immaculately dressed in new jeans with their own personalized backpack, pencil case and lunch sak. I am sure you'd agree that our life seems so easy in comparison!

Retelling the stories of the past help keep the ease of modern day life in perspective. And help remind us that we are very lucky.

Discovering Creatures in the Creek

As the mad dash to get ready for school moves into full swing, I find myself clinging to the last few lazy days of summer.

Our family spent the weekend upstate, watching the kids run in and out of a creek. Determined to catch a fish or a frog, they’d crouch in the water, quietly pointing to river sightings and testing various techniques. Outfitted with only one net (officially for butterflies) and no rod, the boys used cupped hands to try and capture their prey.

It was magical. It was simple. And it worked! They caught slimy minnows, freckled frogs and one squirmy fish. They were all proud of their finds and shouted up the hill to anyone who was listening.

“We got one! We got one! Look, mom, two hands!”

We were proud watching them. It seemed like heaven... spending a day in a local creek with nothing more than a bathing suit, your best friends and your imagination.

I hope your summer of 2007 was equally beautiful. Let us know if we can help your Back to School transition any easier! We can easily outfit your little learner with backpacks, lunch boxes and pencil cases...