Movie at the Mall

I'm always on the hunt for free activities we can either do during the day or at night/weekends as a family.  Our local mall puts on several different activities throughout the year including showing family movies on their Promenade.  Their first movie of the season was Big Hero 6, one of The Lime's favorites, so I knew we had to go.

After dinner, I popped two batches of popcorn, packed some Skittles and M&Ms, grabbed a few bottles of water, and we were on our way to a fun-filled evening.  Although the movie didn't start until it got dark (8:45ish), we got there shortly after 7:30 to ensure we got seats.  That left lots of time for Doodlebug to walk around and try out every available chair there was, as well as flirt with the ladies, and The Lime to dance to the music.

(Story behind the dancing video - The Lime loves to show us his awesome dance moves and, like me, can't sit still when he hears the perfect song to dance to.  This particular song is from Big Hero 6 and he just couldn't sit still.  As you can see, he danced his little heart out but the second a boy came walking by, The Lime quickly sat down like nothing happened.  I love him so much and get a good chuckle out of this every time I watch it.)

When we got there, each chair had a fan on it, which we used immediately because it was dang hot! Right before the movie started, they passed out glow necklaces for everyone to wear. Super simple but The Lime thought it was pretty cool. Doodlebug didn't really know what to think. He was beginning to wind down and needed to get ready for bed.

While we've rented Big Hero 6 several times, I've never sat down and watched the entire thing, just parts here and there. This outing allowed me to watch the whole movie and it's such a cute one! Now I understand why The Lime loves it so much.

We didn't get home until well after 10:00 and everyone slept in on Saturday morning until after 8:30. It was a fun time had by all and we look forward to doing it again soon.

Swim Lessons

We went swimming on Memorial Day for the first time this year.  It didn't take long for The Lime to get re-accustomed to the water.  LaVor suggested we sign him up for swim lessons but I had already checked, and all of the classes he'd be eligible for had waiting lists.

I was talking to my sister a couple of weeks ago and telling her the story.  She mentioned my niece was starting lessons the following week and there was one more opening in her class.  I signed The Lime up that night and we were rarin' to go.  When we told The Lime he'd be taking lessons, he freaked out!  "I'll learn when I'm older!" he screamed.  We told him he couldn't be 15 years old and be in the Guppies class.  This was something Mommy and Daddy decided and he was doing it whether he liked it or not.

Surprise, surprise!  He loved it.  He had a great, supportive teacher and had no trouble at all jumping right in (literally and figuratively) and doing what he was supposed to.  His teacher came up to me on day 3 and said, "Um...so, [The Lime] is doing really well and is doing things that I haven't even taught yet."  And to think, the little stinker wanted to postpone this opportunity!

This past Monday, he was the only one that was at class and his teacher ended up being out as well.  He ended up with a substitute who gave him a private lesson.  Later that day, he confided in me that he was flirting with the girl sub the entire time.  Silly goose.

Today was their last class and they spent 2/3 of the time going off the diving board and down the slide.  The Lime was a little nervous about the diving board, and hesitantly walked to the tip of it, but jumped right in like a champ.  He was so proud of himself and I was proud of him, too!

I can't forget to mention the babies who were good sports about tagging along. Lots of snacks were munched on to keep them happy and satisfied for the half hour we were there.

The summer is still young and he's ready to move up to the next level. We'll see where this little fish takes us.

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 13

-Started walking on 6/5 and hasn't stopped since. Nothing cuter than hearing the little pitter-patter of feet.
-Is a water drinking machine. If you have a cup of water, he'll insist you share it with him.
-Loves throwing balls around, both left and right handed.
-Loves having his teeth brushed.
-If you fart in front of him, he'll laugh and then make a fart noise with his mouth.
-Says "Alla (hello)!" when he holds a phone.
-Eats everything we do and still nurses at least 4 times a day.
-Still only has 6 teeth.
-Has started biting The Lime when he gets mad or frustrated with him.
-Points and says "dis!" for everything.
-Loves to hang out in the kitchen while I cook. Usually gets nibbles of whatever I'm making.
-Loves watching and pointing to airplanes in the sky.
-Has started making "vroom" sounds when playing with toy cars.
-Clasps his hands when we say prayers.
-Has such a cute infectious laugh that can't help but bring a smile to your face.

I feel the same way about you walking, too, dude!

Get Off Your Phone!

We were at Costco today when The Lime had to use the bathroom. On our way out, we passed the break room for the employees and I caught a glimpse inside before the door shut. Every single person had their nose in their phone.

It's not uncommon to see people on their phones at church, especially since most people have their scriptures/hymns/lessons on their devices. But I'm a bit confused as to when Facebook became part of the church's curriculum.

As a protective mother, I'm appalled as to how many people drive with their eyes pointed at their laps. We know what you're doing. And since your eyes are on your phone, they're not on the road. I am on the road, with my precious boys, and you're putting us at risk as well as yourself. That angers me.

Please, put your phones down!

Who am I to talk about this topic and suggest to people what they do? I am pleased to say I don't have a phone that grasps me by my clothing and refuses to let go. I do have an iPad but I rarely take it out in public (only long car trips for The Lime and to Target for my coupons).

I hate (I know, strong word, but it's how I feel about this topic) that everyone always has their phone with them. Life will go on if someone doesn't get a hold of you right.this.second. It's called a message.

I hate that I have to listen to strangers' phone calls and FaceTime conversations in the grocery store.

I hate that social media is more important than playing with your kids.

I hate that finding the right song or replying to a text message or e-mail is more important than being safe.

I hate that society has become so dependent on this stupid rectangle that the world seems to be ending if it's lost or cracked or a signal isn't strong enough. Heaven forbid we have conversations face to face, or we don't check our "friends'" status every two minutes (really, who has 2,500 friends?), or we open an actual book to read, or we (like mentioned above) have to call someone back.

Even though I only use my phone to contact people, some of my most freeing moments are when I forget my phone at home. No temptation to be distracted (like deleting old texts or photos to free up storage space), no way to get a hold of me in real time (great way to teach someone patience). Just the ability to live in the moment and be able to focus on whatever's at hand.

Don't let your device bind you. Put it down.

The Tongue: Part 2

Three years ago, I wrote a post about The Lime's tongue and the constant sticking it out that he inherited from my Omi.

Last week was his last week of t-ball as well as his end of the season party.  They had a poster up with several action shots of each child.  At the end of the party, the team mom gave me a stack of photos and in almost all of them, his tongue was sticking out.  His coach even made a comment about the tongue.

I couldn't stop giggling as I went through them. It fascinates me how certain traits can skip generations and I love that he shares something quirky like ths with his great grandma.

On a related note, we can't believe t-ball is over. The Lime had so much fun participating this year and is already talking about next season. He improved in so many ways over the last four months. He's had a slight hindrance to his batting, and we have to remind him often that just because so-and-so bats a certain way doesn't mean we have to (we've been watching as much baseball as possible to show him that everyone bats different), but that's why we have eight months until baseball starts up again. We'll get lots of practice in between now and then.

Let It [Grow]

I've been growing my bangs out for almost a year (minus a slight trim in October). Someone at church yesterday said they hardly recognize me anymore without my bangs. I told them I don't recognize myself without bangs. I miss them all the time, until the wind blows, or it's raining, or I need to get ready quickly. Then I'm thankful for the change I've made.

If it isn't apparent, I won't be participating in the Avon Walk this year. I signed up, paid the registration fee, assumed Doodlebug would be a little less clingy, but he isn't. He's not as bad, that's for sure, but he still nurses often and and I've already done a walk where I pumped along the route...not doing that again. So, we'll shoot for next year.

In the meantime, I still feel the need to help those affected by cancer. I've always wanted to grow my hair out and donate it, but didn't have the patience to do so. Until now. I don't remember the last real haircut I got. I've trimmed it two or three times since we moved here (over two years) and I don't think my hair has been this long since I was in high school.

LaVor loves the length, and Doodlebug loves playing with (and pulling) it. I will admit, while it's a pain to wash and dry, I have loved the different styles I've figured out how to do.

 

I try and do something different each day, mainly because I get bored with ponytails.  Most of the time, I just start twisting or braiding, and then pin to my heart's desire.  Sometimes it works, sometimes I get frustrated and resort to the dreaded ponytail or bun.  

 

With summer just around the corner, I'm enjoying hairstyles where I don't have to sit under the hot hairdryer or use a scalding curling iron. The more I get my hair off my neck and out of my face, the happier (and cooler) I am.

(I promise I wear more than just black and gray...although it appears different.)

LaVor is nervous that when I cut it to donate it, I'll be left with short hair. So I'm trying to hold out and grow it a bit longer so I have a little big of length when the deed is done. We'll see how far I can push my limits.