Summer Fun Ideas Found on Pinterest

Summer is HERE!!  A time of late bedtimes and no alarm clocks....total carefree living!  Days of shorts, swimsuits and flip flops. 

What happens when the weather doesn't cooperate?  We have been on vacation for 13 days and we've only had one pretty day so far.  If this keeps up, we are going to have a L-O-N-G summer!!

13 Days Down....74 More To Go.....

So what can you do to keep the kids entertained without spending too much money?  (Not to mention so they don't kill each other...or me killing them!)

I have been wanting to create flubber with the kids....I think they would like it and it's definitely a "boy" activity.  Since boys really like messy and fun things, it's right up our alley.  (oohh....bowling...that's another idea for another day)

Of course I went to the "almighty Pinterest" for ideas.  Now let's see if I can get off of it long enough to actually DO some of these things!!


Do you have any ideas that will keep these kids from killing each other??

Alexis

Summer Trends with The Children's Place

SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!!  (Did I sound too excited about that?)  I LOVE summer!  No set schedule, lazy days & nights, pools, beaches, ice pops, etc.  Everything about summer is just awesome!

All school year, my kids wear a uniform.  Summer fashion is a must in our house.  The kids can dress themselves and express their own fashion sense (or lack there of).  I like to keep mix and match pieces in their wardrobe so that it's a no brainer with items that go together.  This is especially essential with "Little Ricky" because he tends to put things together that just don't go!

That's why I love shopping at The Children's Place for their fashion needs.  All of the items are able to mix nicely so that I don't have to cringe at their outfit choices.  I would love for the boys to wear the layered look.  You know, a graphic t with a plaid button down and a jean jacket on top.  How cute would they be?  So trendy.  



In the world of boys, their biggest contribution to the fashion world is mesh shorts and a team t-shirt.  Fun. 

My favorite piece at The Children's Place is the elastic waist shorts.  They are so versatile and are really roomy for the boys.  The wide variety of graphic t's come in all the latest trends that the boys want. 

Did I mention the price?  That's another reason why I love The Children's Place.  I can get them great clothing for a great price.  Their sales are out of this world.  Jeans can be as cheap as $10 and sometimes you can get t-shirts for as low as $2.  






The Children's Place has the cutest accessories for boys too.  I mean, who doesn't love a mini fedora and some aviator glasses?  How do I get my kids to wear them?




What fashion trends are you most looking forward to for summer?  Will you shop at The Children's Place for all your summer kids' clothing needs? 



*Disclaimer:  Although I was provided compensation for this post, all opinions are, of course, my own.

 
Alexis

Holiday Traditions ~ A "Hand" Painted Tree Skirt

The countdown to Christmas keeps getting shorter and shorter....I'm trying not to freak out about how much I still have to do...

This tradition is one of the top ones on my holiday list each year.  Our tree skirt.  I know many people just have a regular beautiful tree skirt around their tree, but mine means a little more.  Our skirt has the boys' handprints from each Christmas.  

I started the tradition in 2005 when "Little Ricky" was only 10 months old.  He was so little...  And in 2006, "The Nag" was only 3 months old...it was really hard to keep his hand still.  

Now they are so big and getting bigger by the minute.  **sniff, sniff**

I add the handprint to the skirt each year and write their names and the date. 

I can't take complete credit for this...I stole this idea from some room moms that I had 11 years ago and combined it with an idea from my husband's cousin.   I absolutely love it and love to see how much the kids have grown.

Maybe when the boys are older with a family of their own, I will cut the skirt apart and give each of them their own hands.  But for now, it's our family memories and a tradition that we look forward to each year.


Alexis

Fear of Losing the Magic

Christmas is upon us!  It really is the most wonderful time of the year!  It's a time of wonder, a time of faith, a time of love, and a time of magic.

I am lucky enough to witness the wonder and magic of this time of year through the eyes of my little guys.  It is so amazing to watch their faces light up when we decorate the house and send letters to Santa.  I love how they tip toe through the house in the early morning each day looking for Pebbles the Elf's new hiding place.  Don't get me started on how my heart warms when Christmas morning finally comes and they come bounding into my room screaming that Santa came and there are presents under the tree...

But the magic for them is quickly coming to an end.  I am continually slapped in the face with the fact that my little guys aren't so little anymore and before I know it, the magic won't hold true for them any longer. 

I'm holding on to the small window of time that I still have with kids who believe in the magic.  

If you have kids who have lost the magic, how did you deal with the loss?  Or did you keep it alive somehow? 


Alexis

My Baby is 6!

Six years old.  I can't believe my baby is 6 years old.  I feel old now.

This past weekend we had a bowling party in honor of the most adorable 6 year old.  What a blast!

The birthday boy!

I found retro bowling invitations, cupcake toppers and goodie bag foldovers at Anders Ruff Custom Designs.  They were just what I imagined when "The Nag" told me that he wanted a bowling party.  



 
 















I then took that color theme into our sweets.  I contacted family friend Nancy from Nancily's Cupcake Shack here in Miami to make bowling inspired cake pops and cookies. YUMMERS!!  The cake pops were gone before I was even able to tell the kids which were chocolate and which were vanilla.  I almost got my finger bitten trying to grab one for myself!  The cookies were part of the kids' goodie bags.  

Check out the bowling ball smash cake...TOO CUTE!

This picture SOOO doesn't do them justice!

We had such a great time bowling, eating, dancing and just getting together.  I really hope that "The Nag" also had a great time.  

I'm utterly EXHAUSTED now after all the planning and from the party itself.  So happy that we had the day off on Monday!!

Happy Birthday to my baby!!

Who knows what "Little Ricky" will want....but I know I can count on Anders Ruff & Nancily's Cupcake Shack to help me out!!



Alexis

"Little Ricky" ~ Political Candidate

In our school, like many, we have a Student Government.  The student government is a way to engage students in learning about democracy and leadership.  This long instituted activity in schools helps to share the students' ideas, interests, and concerns with teachers and school administrators.

"Little Ricky" has been talking about running for class representative since 1st grade (a whole year).  He asks questions like, "how do I get it?" "what do I do?"  

This is the magic year; the year that he can run for student representative for Room 11.   Oh boy....

He has written his speech.  We have been practicing so he can look like a professional.  

Can you read the 2nd Grade spelling?

As I have been preparing him to run for representative, I have also been preparing him for failure.  The important lesson of losing gracefully and showing "good sportsmanship" by clapping for his friends and congratulating them.

This is the first time that he is going to get chosen for something.  At this age, in sports they are put on the team as long as you sign them up, they are in the club as long as you sign them up.  This will be his first experience with a true winning or losing situation.  

As a mom, I am dying.  I can only anticipate what will happen and hope to cushion the blow either way.  I don't want to see him fail.  I don't want to see him truly sad.  I know it's part of growing up, and this is only the first of MANY times that he will experience triumph and heartbreak.  But my "mommy" instinct wants to protect him from the world.  

Why is this "mommy" stuff so hard?



Alexis

Fall Fashions From The Children's Place

My boys are getting older and they are voicing their own fashion sense (or lack thereof).  Now when I shop for the latest looks in children's wear, they are right there behind me making their own choices.

I like shopping at The Children's Place because I can be sure that the boys get what they need for the change of weather.  The prices are so great, that "Little Ricky" and "The Nag" can get some of the items that they want as well.

"The Nag" loves his superheroes!

"Little Ricky" thinks he's a gamer!

$10 on sale, how can you go wrong?

The jeans at The Children's Place are a must buy as well.  They always fit perfectly and they are well priced.  Not to mention that when they are on sale, they are so CHEAP!  

It all matches...LOVE IT!

Did you know you can get your kids their backpacks and lunchboxes too?  They are so roomy and durable...just what every mom wants.  They also come in cool patterns...just what every kid wants.  

I love the layered looks that are all the rage for the fall fashion season!  Preppy is what I like...kind of a sloppy tailored look.  SO CUTE!

 

And if you are already looking for your child's Halloween costume, check out the selection at The Children's Place.  Yes, they have those too!!

Aaarrr you ready for Halloween yet?

What outfits would you put together for your little ones at The Children's Place?




***Disclaimer:  Although I was compensated, all opinions belong to my boys and myself. ***


Alexis

No More Babies

So we are in the first week of school.  
A time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and new classrooms.

"Little Ricky" started 2nd grade this week.  2nd grade!  
My baby is no longer a baby. 
He was so ready to begin his new year.  Ready to show what he knows and prove that he is a big kid.  (Not to mention, to prove to his little brother that he knows all about 1st grade...)

"The Nag" was a little more jittery.  Even though he knew everyone going in, first grade was a bit more of a challenge for him.  He was also very excited, but more nervous of what to expect.

Picking them up after the first day, they were full of stories about what they did and which of their friends showed up in the same class.  ("The Nag" was also so wiped out he fell asleep in the car on the way home.)

So, as the new school year started, I too was nervous for my little guys, but I also felt sadness that they are no longer babies, but big kids ready to take on a new school year.

How was the new start to your school year?
 

Alexis

Look Mom, We're On TV!!

There's no denying, my kids love watching TV.  They are constantly reciting lines from their shows and from movies.  That's why when we were asked to film a Back to School segment for our local Fox news channel, I said yes.

The boys were beyond excited (and I'll admit so was I).  

We arrived at the downtown Miami Staples store where we would be filming and got a chance to look for some of the new back to school items that were on sale.  Of course the boys were enticed by the personal tablets and gladly demonstrated how to play games on them.  

 
















Then it was show time.

"The Nag" got shy and said he didn't want to talk.  "Little Ricky" was eager to prove that he was big.   

After the speaking part, we had to walk around the store and "shop."  The boys were such naturals and loved doing multiple takes with some actions.  When they were done, they would yell "and scene...." or "CUT!"  They keep me on my toes! 

Check out our finished product:



WSVN-TV -




Next stop, our own reality show....Keeping Up With The Prietos!
 

Alexis

Operation Organization ~ The Playroom

The playroom is my nemesis!!  It is a never ending battle.  It's ALWAYS MESSY!!

I try and teach the kids to clean it up, telling them that they should clean things up after they play.  But somehow that place is always a mess!!

The toys used to be in our living room where we would spend most of our time, but when the boys became school aged, I moved it upstairs.   Out of sight, out of mind, right?  NOPE!  Somehow the mess trickles into the hallway...and even into my bed!!

So, I headed to our local IKEA store to outfit the playroom with neat bins and buckets to keep the mess at least contained. 

It's clean!! (For now!!)

Do we really need all these weapons? Boys....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm still hunting for something to keep the swords and guns in.  Maybe an umbrella holder...

Check out our neat study area for when school starts.

The big playsets...what to do....

Love these cardboard boxes for projects in the works!

I would love to have one of those "catalog" playrooms where everything is neatly stored away with labels, but I have to realize, those playrooms are never PLAYED in... 

What are some more ideas for playroom organization?

Alexis

Whistling Dixie

So "Little Ricky" has been working hard on learning how to whistle.  We had a talk about how to do it.  It's not just putting your lips together, but that your teeth and tongue have to also work.   He couldn't figure it out.  For days he worked hard on getting the sound out.  


Then one day......pheeeew.....  It was faint, but a sound definitely escaped his little puckered lips.  Pheeeeew!  Another one.  PHEEEWWW!  


Now that little bugger is "Whistling Dixie" all over!!


At first it was really cute.  Now it's all I hear.


Pheeew pheew pheeeew as he builds with his Legos.


Pheeew pheew pheeeew while he's watching tv.


Pheeew pheew pheeeew at the movie theater.


Pheeew pheew pheeeew even while he's in bed and supposed to be going to sleep.


That darn sound is now in my head and I too am making the pheeew pheew pheeeew sound.  


Ugh.  Now I have to teach him how to sing songs while whistling so at least it's an enjoyable sound!  Wish me luck!





Alexis

"Little Ricky" the Invincible Kid

I've taught my kids how to brush their teeth, how to take a shower alone, how to read and how to share.  I always stress the importance of the dangers in the kitchen and how families are forever.  Each of these lessons have been picked up by the boys and they are ever growing.  


The fact is that some lessons need to be experienced in order to stick.  



Here's a lesson that is hard to teach.
"Little Ricky" thinks he is invincible. 


When we are getting out of the car in a parking lot, he jumps out and starts walking.  I scream to him and explain that we have to hold hands to be safe.  He tells me, "Mom, there aren't any cars coming."  I explain to him that sometimes cars speed in parking lots and come out of nowhere.  But it doesn't get through to him.


When we are shopping in stores, "Little Ricky" tends to wander away.  You have no idea how many times I have turned to get something from the frozen case at BJs and then he's gone.  I panic and so does "The Nag" because he doesn't like losing his brother.  I sound like a crazy person screaming his name in the store.  I explain to him that there are scary people out there who want to take cute little kids and if anyone ever did that to him, I would be so sad.  He tells me, "Mommy, I will scream your name and you will find me."  He still doesn't get it.



These lessons are not the kind that I would rather him learn from experience.  You know what I mean?  


So my question is, how do I make these life lessons stick without him learning by actually having something happen to him?



Alexis

A Beautiful Saturday

The weather in South Florida is amaze-balls right now!  This is my favorite time while living here....breezy and 70s!  Aaahhhh!!!  (Sorry if that made anyone jealous...)


We were looking for anything to do outside.....so we took out the Play-Doh.


Doesn't everyone love Play-Doh?  Or is it just me?  I could really just squish it in my hands for hours!


So we spent our afternoon in the backyard, making things with Play-Doh, and enjoying the warmest weather in the United States. 

"The Nag's" face

Even my husband got in on the act.

A shark

And of course, boys will be boys....

And being the only girl in the house, I had to represent!

The Exhausted Mom

How does your family like to use Play-Doh?  

Alexis

Busier Than Ever!

I like to keep my boys active.  They play baseball, do karate, and my oldest is currently in CCD.


Before this wasn't a bad thing, they were in the same karate class, and whatever other sport they chose, I would be sure to have them either in the same group or at least on the same day.  But now they are older. 


The current spread of their ages has me in a million places at once!  My oldest just moved up in age class in karate, which means that now instead of 30 minutes in my day, I'm there for an hour and a half!  And baseball is the same thing....we have t-ball for one and U7 for the other.  This means 2 different coaches, 2 different practices, 2 different games, 2 different parks and MANY days! 

View from the app on my phone.

Thank goodness for my Cozi calendar!  I can have everyone's activities with the time and places in all one place.  I have my calendar on my computer and especially on my phone.  This way when my memory fails, my Cozi doesn't!

Cozi also has a "To Do" list and a "Shopping" tab.  This way I can keep my lists in one helpful place.  My favorite part is when I mark something off of my To Do list or shopping list, it actually crosses the item out with a line.  That's the very reason why I love lists so much...the gratification of the crossing out!


Do you use Cozi calendar?  If so, what's your favorite part?




Alexis

Pebbles...Our Family Elf

Does your family have an "Elf on the Shelf?"  How come I never thought of this?  I could be making millions!!  What a behavior modification tool!!!  All I have to say is, "Pebbles is watching you" and my kids fall in line like soldiers!


For those who aren't aware of this magical little tool, Elf on the Shelf is a book written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell.  Along with the book, comes an adorable little elf.  Each elf looks differently, so you have to choose one that will be part of your family.



HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
The kit comes with an elf doll and a book. The book explains that Santa has sent an elf to watch over the children and the elf reports back to Santa each night. The kids get to decide the name for the elf together - this is a tough decision! You read through the book with your child, it explains all the rules, then each night you move the elf to a new spot. One of the rules is that the children cannot touch him - this is a great rule because although he's a sturdy doll, I think he might get loved too much too quickly if they were allowed! The author was so thoughtful to think of all these helpful rules.

Rules:
* The children cannot touch the elf or he will lose his magic
* The elf can listen to what the children tell him, but cannot talk back, that's Santa's law.
* The elf flies back to the North Pole each night and tells Santa what he has seen - when he comes back he goes to a new spot in the house.

The kids start searching for the elf immediately when they wake up! Knowing Santa is watching has definitely motivated them to be a behave a bit better! This cute little tradition makes the Christmas season more fun. It's a very special tradition in our house.


 

Our elf, Pebbles (don't know why that's his name...) leaves notes from time to time around the house, along with some type of mess or mischief.

"The Nag" was EXTREMELY naggy one night and got in trouble.     Pebbles was watching!!

You never know where Pebbles will turn up next!

For more ideas for your family elf, visit Blossom Bunkhouse.  Here you can find 101 ideas for your Elf on the Shelf.  

You can also visit the official Elf on the Shelf website!




Alexis