After his school day was over today, instead of making a beeline to the iPad to see all the new apps I had told him about, he decided to go to his work table and draw an "awesome vehicle". To say he's a car enthusiast would be an understatement. His drawing became "blueprints" and now, he's building the "model" of his vehicle before building the actual thing. He announced that he would need a "lot of metal". :) I think learning in a home environment and enjoying more real-time entertainment (we live at children's theatre lately), he's less crazy about getting screen time. I'll take it. Even if it's temporary.
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Raising a strong-willed child ain't no crystal stair. I imagine spanking some fear ino him might work to get him under control, but hitting just isn't a natural reaction for me so I don't do it. It's not deeper than that. Also, I'm sure I dont want a kid who governs himself based on fear. Now that I'm homeschooling Zack, I spend a lot more time googling for articles on how to manage. He is five now. I keep hearing that is a magical, transformative year for children. I'm seeing glimmers of him maturing, but we have about three quarters of a year left to see some magic and transformation.
I ran across this great one by Dr. Laura Markham on how to raise a self-disciplined child called Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child. It's very informative and affirming to me. I particularly like what she says about obedience:
"Strong-willed kids feel their integrity is compromised if they're forced to submit to a parent's will. And, really, you don't WANT to raise an obedient child. Morality is doing what's right, no matter what you're told. Obedience is doing what you're told, no matter what's right.
Of course you want your child to do what you say. But not because he is obedient, meaning he always does what someone bigger tells him. No, you want him to do what you say because he trusts YOU, because you are the parent and have his best interests at heart. You want to raise a child who has self-discipline, takes responsibility, and is considerate -- and most important, has the discernment to figure out when to trust and be influenced by someone else."
Ephesians 6:1 was the first bible verse I memorized and it was read to me ceremoniously before I received a beating of love for being disobedient. Whether that is responsible for me being as close as you're gonna find to a "good girl" my whole childhood, or whether that's just who I am naturally, I'll never know. But I do know I felt then and now that that was some twisted stuff. I do know that I was and am loved beyond measure though, because of the words and everyday actions more that the hitting. Coming from a culture that sees corporal punishment as a natural and necessary and even biblically required part of parenting, articles like these, about positive outcomes of positive parenting, help assuage the guilt I have over not being a parent who spanks my kid. Yes, guilt. Spare the rod, spoil the child is not just a saying in my world. It is believed that discipline is synonymous with hitting, and if you don't hit your child, you don't love them. That message is such a part of my fiber that I do feel a bit of guilt. Don't I love my child? Does he know how much I love him? Will he resent me for not hitting him one day? My heart knows that it's the boundaries and discipline and loving treatment that convey how much I care, but because of where I'm from, my brain has questions. I digress.
It's week two of homeschooling! My son goes to Spanish Immersion school twice a week and is home the other three days. He still has soccer, swimming and piano and this is how things will be until second grade. By then, hopefully, we'll both be ready for him to move on to another full-time school environment. We're doing pretty good right now. Now that he can read his own books, I use losing bedtime reading time as leverage for good behavior and it's like his Super-Stubborn Boy kryptonite. I think he's starting to learn that it's a lot easier to just embrace his boundaries and enjoy his freedom-when he gets it. Today was the first day that we haven't clashed. Spending so much time together with so much to accomplish everyday, I think we're both learning how awesome our days can be when we practice patience and mutual respect.
My adventures in homeschooling continue. We have another weekend of Austin theatre fun, and Monday, we're back to it.
*This post and photos appeared originally on my other spot, Do512family.com.*
Wake Up Your Weird is not just a puppet show, it is a puppet experience. Emmy Award Nominated "Sesame Street" Performer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph brings a powerful show that addressed bullying and self-esteem to Scottish Rite Theatre for several shows during May 10-12. Click here to buy your ticket and use Discount Code: WUYW2 to get $2 off.
The star of this show is a unique, imaginative sock puppet who is blissfully pleased with herself and her doll-making abilities until she is "finally" invited to a doll party with her perfect girl neighbor and told that she and her doll are all wrong. The beauty of the show is everything that happens next.
Through various forms of puppetry, and with live and recorded music and even some video, the audience is treated to a colorful internal battle of a child who knows in her blissful heart that she is awesome, although her brain, poisoned by hurtful words, struggles to allow her to continue to believe it. This show teaches a great lesson about how to maintain pride in ones self and how to understand and appreciate differences in others--even bullies. For a kids puppet show, I was surprised that there are some extremely poignant and heartfelt moments in this show. Also, there is no shortage of weirdness. Ever seen a brain in a puppet show? No?
After the show, the veil is lifted literally and figuratively and kids get to ask questions about the production and get to see the people behind the lights and puppets and music. Wake Up Your Weird is a completely awesome theatrical experience.
As usual at Scottish Rite Theatre, kids get to sit together on the floor, front center, and react and interact with the show together with their peers. Parents take in the show from theatre seats behind them and are in for a fun time as well--some jokes fly over the kids heads and hit us spot on.
Listen, if you have a kid who sho'nuff marches to their own personal marching band (I know I do), bring them to see this show. I was fortunate enough to see this show once, and will return this weekend to share this experience with my son.
Here is a youtube video to show you a bit of what you can expect:
Get your tickets--don't forget to use the discount code WUYW2. Then get to the Scottish Rite Theatre this weekend! When your friends tell you about it, you'll wish you were there.
Brain Blast Academy of Science & Art: Home of The Robots. Originally my son chose "Bones" (skeleton) as our mascot, but I helped him move away from that one and he chose robots instead. He told me how the robot should look and I sketched him.
This happened a few days ago, but obviously I've been a little busy. My son has been in Montessori since he was 18 months old. Now that he's five he'll be schooled at home, going to a Spanish Immersion program twice a week until he's ready for second grade. It's only been three days and already we are having happier days. It will be a while before we catch a rhythm and fall into a real routine. These first few days have been great. Today we painted watercolor pictures and he he used brown and black almost exclusively and said his was a picture of a "zombie sun and zombies". He also asked to study "bones and meat" (meat =muscle). Ever since he saw the chart of the skeletal, muscular and nervous system at a specialists office when he was one and a half, he's been interested in what's going un under our skin. Human Anatomy. He learned about zombies from an older kid at school around Halloween and ever since he saw Micheal Jackson zombie-out on a clip from Thriller, when we were flipping channels one day, he's been all about zombies. I'm not making a big deal about the bones and the zombie thing yet, but I'm making mental notes. This particularly deep interest is not half as fun as his incredibly deep interest in cars. He has a superfluous amount of happiness and exuberance all the time. If he were more low key and didn't smile 98% of the day, I'd be concerned. Anyways...
I'm trying not to obsess too much over creating his school room, but it's impossible for me not to obsess over designing a new space in my house! I'm contemplating whether to share my Homeschooling journey here or start a separate blog space. I'm pretty sure I'll create a separate space.
It's World Immunization Week! This week, organizations and champions for global immunity are spreading the word about the importance of perseverance in the fight to prevent deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases. This week also marks the birthday week of Shot@Life, a United Nations Foundation organization on a mission to end vaccine preventable deaths in developing countries.
Some of us are not old enough to remember when polio, mumps and measles plagued the United States. Vaccines played a primary role in eradicating those diseases here. Developing countries are still trying to play catch up. In this country, we have the luxury of choice when it comes to vaccinating our children. The alternative for us is not death. Mothers in developing countries, unfortunately, do not have this luxury. While efforts are underway to improve clean water and food sources in developing countries, achieving them are a distant hope for most of them. In the meantime, organizations like Shot@Life are working to deliver vaccines to children in developing countries and are saving lives every day, literally giving them a shot at life.
I am a Shot@Life Champion. However, this post is not about me. Today I'm shining the spotlight on a fellow Champion Blogger, Yolanda Gordon, who shares with us about her time as a Shot@Life Champion and why she has a passion for this cause.
Q: How did you hear about Shot@Life?
Last Spring I attended Mom Congress for Parenting Magazine in Washington, D.C .and the wonderful ladies from Shot@Life were there.
Q: Why did you get involved?
I am a parent to two children who suffer from Autism. Many in our community believe that vaccines cause Autism. I am not one of those parents who shares that belief. I would rather have a child with Autism any day than no child at all. I feel that it is socially important that children receive necessary vaccinations as a matter of personal health and public safety. No parent should have to bury a child.
Q: What have you done over the past year to help spread the word about Shot@Life and the importance of expanding access to global vaccines?
Over the past year, I have written about Shot@Life on my blog. Also, two of my closest friends and I planned a successful Shot@Life event. I have also spread awareness to individuals who do not believe in vaccinations in the U.S. and shared why I feel that it is important for children in developing countries to receive vaccines.
Q: What’s your favorite birthday tradition?
My favorite birthday tradition is cooking my children's favorite foods, which is a rare treat because they always high-calorie.
Q: What milestones did you experience with Shot@Life during their first year?
I am proud to have worked with Shot@Life over the past year including representing Shot@Life at the Results International Conference. The most significant milestone I participated in was being selected as a delegate and attending the Champions Summit in Washington, D.C. earlier this year in February.
Q: Anything you wish to add?
It is an honor and a privilege to work with Shot@Life and to rally for moms and children in developing countries. As a parent advocate, I feel that it is my job to ensure that not only my children have a shot at becoming productive members of society, but that children around the world have a shot too. With productive members of any society, the economy is stronger and the country has a work force that can help that country thrive. Every strong society starts with children who grow up to become who they are meant to be as adults. That is the cornerstone of my advocacy.
Earlier today, I was at the doctor's office with my son. Nothing serious, but he will be out of school a couple of days. I'm having a moment.
When my five year old son is not feeling well and climbs into my lap and hugs his cheek into his favorite spot on my bosom--right in between the cushy parts so his ear rests flat on my chest--I feel my power as a mom. He asks me to rock him and I do. Just like I did when he was new. And I feel an energy pass between us. I cannot explain exactly what it feels like. Moms know it. In that place, I feel the most capable. Nobody can touch my skills when I'm mothering in the cut--that place you can't map a route to, but when you're there with your child you both know it. As my chin rests on his head and as we rock, I know that the sound of my heartbeat, my warmth and the way my chest rises and falls with every breath is like a balm on his every physical, mental and emotional boo-boo. It is sacred. Mother and child, in a sacred space reminiscent of our beginning. He will never know the comfort of my womb again and I will never be as sure that I can protect him from anything that could possibly bring him harm. But we get as close as we can to that place, in the cut, as we rock. It's like a balm. It doesn't fix anything. Not really. Still, we stay like that until we both feel like it's safe enough to let go.
Seventeen years together--12 in holy matrimony. In case you missed it, THIS is STILL what it feels like to be with someone for this lone. Bliss, blisters and all. We keepin' it movin'. Love and light, y'all. Love and light.
This afternoon I saw the preview for The Great Gatsby. My son witnessed my excitement and watched me text my sister. Running, he followed me in to my bookshelf to find my copy of the Fitzgerald classic with all the underlined sections and circled words with the definitions scribbled beside them. On page 46 of the paperback is where I learned that "bona-fide" means genuine. Feeding off my excitement, my son asked if he could read it too. He is five. I explained to him how I first read this book in high school and fell in love with the story. How I often refer to Gatsby in conversations and think of the character more often than that. Gatsby's life and especially his end is so tragic. He essentially dies in the pursuit of wealth that he never truly enjoyed, to impress and a woman who would never truly be his. I didn't say all that to my son though. I explained to him how it feels to read a book and to see it in your head so clearly that when you see it with your eyes, like I did on the Gatsby preview, you know it instantly. I looked up from where I was standing in the kitchen and knew those images were Gatsby before I even knew what the trailer was for. My son was so excited that he asked me if there was a movie for How to Eat Fried Worms
. We're reading my old copy from childhood now. After a quick IMBD search on my iPhone, I answered yes. He said, "I cannot WAIT to SEE IT!"
Questions:
How much do I love that I'm passing on my enthusiasm for reading on to my son?
How much do I love that Leonardo DiCaprio is Jay Gatsby?
How much do I love that Jay Z is producing the soundtrack?
Does Jay Z see any similarities between himself and Mr. Gatsby? Rags to some-would-say-shadily gained new-riches? Lavish parties? King of New York? Entertaining the people and whatnot?
Am I the only one who even cares about the irony of him being involved with the project?
How much do I love that Beyonce and Andree 3000 have collaborated again and the new song is on this movie soundtrack?
How much do I love that Baz Lurhman is the director?
Answers to all of the above:
smh
I haven't been this excited about a beautiful book to film since Memoirs of a Geisha.
Design Essentials Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- I knew nothing of this brand before I found it on the shelf at Sally's. I needed a moisturizer that I could use on my son's mini-fro and on my long, natural hair. I didn't want it to be oily or greasy and it had to be safe for my five year old. This stuff is not cheap, but it performs, and it smells like heaven. I might check out their deep conditioner.
Essie Nail Polish Laquer in Lapis of Luxury- I saw this color on a girl who was working at a bouncy house I took my son to. I complimented her on the color and she told me who it was by. I left there and went straight to Walgreens for it. In my opinion, it's a perfect year-round color.
The House Girl: A Novel
- I'm halfway through this book and it's not like anything I've ever read. The stories of two black women--a slave and a high-powered attorney on the partner track--are juxtaposed one against the other, flowing back and forth in time between them (think the film, Sliding Doors with Gwenyth Paltrow). One is literally a slave, the other is ironically "enslaved" by the career path she's chosen. When I finally finish this novel, I will review it. Just know that I like! This book made this list because the cover is so pretty!
HOBO International Lauren Vintage Clutch
- I must have blogged about this clutch before. I have had it for many years, I use it every day as my wallet. It's awesomesauce. It's huge, but fits inside all my bags and when I want to pretend to be sophisticated, I carry it as a clutch.
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara
- This is my favorite mascara. One swipe and my lashes literally grown in front of my eyes. My lashes are like falsies, like baby doll lashes. I don't wear it everyday, because I'm a stay at home mom and I want to save it for when I actually have to be at social events or around people--I want to make every blink count!
Oh my word. I missed the Disney excitement growing up. Never been into the princesses. But dammit if I'm not excited about the stuff my boy likes. First Cars, now Planes! What is Disney/Pixar stock like these days, because I might as well get something out of this. Happily spending my dollars. I'm going to show this to my son tonight. He is going to flip. Then I'll have to put up with him asking everyday if it's out yet. So, I kinda have a decision to make. To show or not to show. As genuinely excited as I am, I'm sure I will show it. We'll both just have to count down opening day together. First there was Disney Cars, now Planes! Oy!
Spring done sprung, which means most Summer Camp schedules are up online and filling up fast. It's never too early to get those summer camps locked in, folks. Especially in Austin.
After a stint in wait-list purgatory, a lucky contest win and hearing a tip from a good friend, I got Zack into three awesome camps last summer (Austin Children's Museum (Dino-Mania), Zach Scott Theater (Story Drama) and The Ivy School (Spanish immersion). I watched their websites like a hawk this year as soon as the weather warmed up because I did not want my boy left out in the cold. I could leave him enrolled in his school over the summer, but every kid needs a break. Yes, I am a stay-at-home mom, so my son doesn't NEED summer camps, per se, but I love the ongoing enrichment that these experiences add to his life. Whether or not I have my own selfish reasons for having him otherwise occupied during the summer days is neither here nor there. *ahem*
Most folks don't have reminders in their phones to check websites for summer camps, and even if they did, keeping track of the over 1200...over 1200... Austin area summer camps in impossible--for a mere parent. But the Rebeccas of Camp Sloop have got you covered.
Two Rebeccas, both Austin moms and business women, have created a NEW and FREE online database that helps families find the right Texas camp for their kids. These ladies are well-versed about Austin family-friendly activities and the Texas camp landscape.
Choosing the right camp for your child’s developmental and special needs
Navigating the exhaustive camp search
Finding the best camp option for your children, considering geographic location, price, activities, track record and where their friends are going
Determining which camp is/is not a match for your child
Reasons to start planning NOW!
About the Rebbecas:
Rebecca D’Amico is president and co-creator of Camp Sloop. D’Amico is always trying to make things go smoother, faster, and easier for parents. She started her first business when she was just 8 years old, and she now runs Nannies from the Heart, which helps parents find suitable nannies. She lives in Austin with her husband/business partner, Rob, and their two children.
Rebecca Cole is vice-president and co-creator of Camp Sloop. Cole founded Nurture My Child in 2008 to help families with their childcare search and founded Nurture Training in 2009 to partner with child educators and parents. She lives in Austin with her husband, Mike, and their two children.
These Austin mamas know their stuff and have made your job so much easier. And did I mention this service is free? Get over to Camp Sloop and get to gettin'. Happy Summer Camp Hunting!
Am I alone? Are you an early summer camp spot grabber too?
I love humans. We win. We're totally the only ones who can do this. Well, except birds are pretty cool too. And butterflies. But for the most part, humans win.
Clear Scalp Hair Therapy Hair & Scalp Ultra Shea Hair Shampoo & Conditioner- I have kinky, natural hair and I keep it in twists for long periods of time. This shampoo leaves my scalp squeaky clean with no sign of build-up or residue. And the conditioner makes my hair slippery soft after the first rinse. I use it once a month and it's pure love! [I received products from this line to use and review. As usual, I give honest reviews.] Youtube review coming soon!
My son recently turned five. I suggested a dinosaur theme, which he quickly turned into a dinosaur/dragon theme. He explained that since it was going to be a dance party, that dinosaurs and dragons are friends and should dance together. Thus, it was so. We decided that he would be a dragon and his guests would be dinosaurs. Once that was that, I went into party planning mode and had a blast sorting out the details. I selected Book People for the party because of their awesome pricing, perfect space and most importantly Staci Gray, an awesome local child performer who comes with the package. We love Staci Gray. Here's a link to a video of my guys singing her famous bubble song after we saw her for the first time last year. I have o figure out how to get that from Facebook onto Youtube. Anyway, the party was perfect! Before I share a few pictures, details, and a short video, I have to share my favorite cell phone pic from the party of mini MaternalNag (way too cool for school) and mini me (if cornball had a flag, I'd be proudly wavin' it).
I call this one "Zack was totally a dragon at his party and Amsden was not impressed."
In my head I complain a lot more than I do out loud. Out loud, I definitely complain more than I should about my time as a parent. My son was born with a neural tube defect that had him in spinal surgery at six months of age. He was three before he finally started to eat solid foods, but his food texture aversion is still a major thorn in my side. On top of that, he has severe food allergies and environmental allergies and food sensitivities, eczema, asthma and all that comes with that. I'm fortunate to be a stay at home mom because keeping my son alive and comfortable is seriously a full time job. He's a brilliant student academically, but I have shed many tears over his classroom behavior and all the effort and intervention it is taking to address it. He's been in an amazing Montessori school since eighteen months of age. He is five. By now, you're probably feeling a bit sorry for me, but save it. All my first world woes separate me from mothers in developing countries and it's not only because we are worlds apart. It's because my child is five.
When my child was born, I had the choice to vaccinate him or not. Regardless of my choice, he wasn't going to leave the hospital with a 1 in 5 chance of living to see his fifth birthday at the threat of death by a vaccine-preventable disease. I sympathize with mothers in developing countries who don't have the luxury of choice. They simply do not have access to simple vaccinations that would protect their child from death by pneumonia and diarrhea (the two biggest killers of children under five, accounting for more than one-third of childhood deaths worldwide) and other vaccine-preventable diseases. One child dies every 20 seconds from a disease that could be prevented with a vaccine, because one in five children lack access to the life-saving immunizations that keep children healthy. Lately, at the end of my complaints regarding tending to my son's needs, I own up to the fact that I know it could be worse, and at the end of it all I'm grateful for life.
2013 Shot@Life Summit
Last fall, I was honored to receive the news that I had been selected as a Champion for the 2013 United Nation Foundation's Shot@Life campaign. Many of you know I have been a member of Mocha Moms, Inc. since before I had my son. I have served on the executive board of the Austin chapter for three years, currently as President. Mocha Moms, Inc. joins other organizations such as American Academy of Pediatrics, Unicef, World Health Organization and others in a partnership with Shot@Life to help eradicate vaccine-preventable illnesses in developing countries. I was apprehensive about accepting the post, because as a mom in Austin, I'm no stranger to the anit-vaccine movement. I was concerned about how effective such a campaign could be in my community. However, it didn't take me very long to understand that my purpose as a Champion for Shot@Life is not to convert folks. Rather, my purpose is to appeal to those of us who understand and believe that the diseases that have long been eradicated in the United States due to vaccines must also be eradicated in developing countries, and it is within our power to affect it.
In February, at the 2013 Shot@Life Summit in Washington D.C., which I along with 99 other delegates attended, Dr. Meg Fisher of the Americam Academy of Pediatrics gave a talk on vaccines and the sicknesses they prevent. She said,
"Vaccines in the U.S. are the public health success of the century, and we want to bring those same successes to other parts of the world."
We understand that there are many moving parts and paths to eradicating diseases, including access to clean drinking water. There are efforts underway to provide access to clean drinking water, but realistically, in many slums throughout the world, clean drinking water is a distant hope. Vaccines save lives, in the meantime, today.
The bottom line is that vaccines work. This year marks two consecutive years of India being polio-free thanks to lifesaving vaccinations provided by organizations like Shot@Life. India must remain polio free for two more years before it can officially be declared eradicated in that country. We are THIS close. In order for India to remain polio free and to make every continent free of vaccine-preventable diseases, continued U.S. government funding, donations and advocacy are imperitive.
What Can You Do To Help?
Write or Email Your Member of Congress asking them to continue to support funding of Global Health initiatives including Vaccnes for immunization. Shot@Life has a form on their website to help you do just that. Click HERE.
Sign a pledge if you're till not sure how you can help, but know you want to. Go to shotatlife.org/join, leave your email address and zip code and add your voice to a growing group of individuals who care.
Donate to Shot@Life. Here’s how your donation helps:
$5 protects a child from polio and measles for his
lifetime.
$5 protects a child from polio and measles for his
lifetime.
$15 pays for vaccines to protect a child from the two most
deadly diseases — pneumonia and diarrhea.
$20 gives a child a lifetime of immunity to protect her
from pneumonia, diarrhea, polio and measles.
$60 protects three children from these four diseases.
Your donation help save lives!
Help me reach and surpass my fundraising goal as a new Shot@Life Champion.
Become a Champion for Shot@Life. Complete the form on their website and be sure to tell them you heard about it from HomegirlBlog in Austin. If you live in Austin, let me know and we can join forces. As a Champion, you will have access to all the resources, support and funding you will need to amplify the message of Shot@Life. Click HERE.
Please donate, join my team and share the link to this post with your friends and family and let's do some good!
Thank you supporting this cause.
Check back for updates on local Austin Shot@Life events.
Kite Festival. I couldn't get the kite up. I deserve a cookie for trying though. Knowing good and well I don't know nothin' 'bout flyin' no kites! But we made lots of bubbles. And Zack found a dirt hill to become one with. So it was fun. Also, I'm sure I killed my clutch when I got stuck on a hill and there was a truck behind me and I tried that hand-break thing I've seen my husband do a few times. I have managed to avoid hills all 11 years I've driven a stick, which is a feat in Austin, but I know where they are and I avoid them. Except that one time.
One time, I parked on a hill and came out to see my car sandwiched in between two cars. I called my husband, who was at work at the top of the hill, but he was going into a meeting. He tried to talk me through the hand-break thing, which only got me closer to the front bumper of the car behind me. I was this close to asking a table of people who were eating outside the restaurant I was parked next to if anyone drove a stick and could move my car for me, when the owner of the car behind me came out with their food and left. I digress.
Yesterday, I was trying to avoid traffic exiting the festival and got stuck on a hill. Something definitely burned. Zack stated the obvious, and summed up the whole day "We really need dad here." So first order of business when my husband is back in town--make-up kite flying with our son. Second, assess the damage I did to my car. Something is definitely not right.
I took a few pictures with my iPhone 4s. Take a look after the jump.
Recently, I posted a book review for Don Tate's children's book, "It Jes Happened". I loaned it to a friend to see if she wanted to share it with her son. She hadn't talked to him yet about slavery, and wanted to be sure the book was appropriate for her boy. They both love it. So we were talking about the book over (a very noisy) phone. And this jes happened...
Her: *sounding surprised and concerned* My son is really into Don.
Me: Really? That's interesting. Zack started asking about God and spiritual things from a very young age. I like to encourage him to explore and think about the questions, so that when he's older, hopefully he will remain inquisitive about spiritual things and come to his beliefs purely, rather than just digesting what is spoon-fed to him. You, know? I think...blah blah blah...and also...blah blah blah...a funny thing happened...blah blah blah... and so on.
Her: Um. I think you misunderstood me. I said he's really into Don, not God.
Me: *laughs hysterically* Well, Don is a great artist.
When I thought I heard her say "god", and even when I began pontificating, I was trying to recall if Bill Traylor had mentioned talking to God in the book or something, because there was no reason I could think of why she would throw that into our conversation about this book. I assumed he must have, and I must have forgotten. Welp. Y'all know what they say about making assumptions. The funny thing is, I rarely discuss spirituality. I must have really wanted to talk about it today.
My kindergartener was about to brush his teeth before school last Friday. He was holding an Obama refrigerator magnet in his hand, because he does random things like swipe refrigerator magnets off the fridge en route to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He stood in front of the sink and read it:
"Ba-rack O-ba-ma 44th Pre-si-dent Of The U-ni-ted States Of A-mer-i-ca."
Then, right there at the bathroom sink, we had the conversation of conversations.
Zack: 44th? But wasn't he the first President?
Me: He's your first president. But The United States has been around for a long time, and there were 43 presidents before him. He is the first president that looks like you.
Zack: Because he has brown skin? And hair like me?
Me: Yes.
Zack: All the other presidents had white skin?
Me: Yes.
Zack: But then Martin Luther King, Jr. went to the White House and told all the people that it wasn't fair and it doesn't matter what color your skin is, that everybody can be everything?
Me: Yes, Zack! That's exactly what happened.
After he finished brushing his teeth, and I made sure his dad, who was putting his shoes on just outside the door had overheard us, we danced around to our made-up song that goes, "My president is brown like meeeeeee, and got hair like meeeeeee." Repeat.
How's that for a way for a little black, American boy to start his day?
On Valentine's Day, I let my son a skip school for a day downtown at the theatre.
It was a first-time experience for us both. What it actually is, is difficult to put into words, but since this is a blog, I will try...
The performers use dance along with interactive visual and audio technology to allow the journey from egg to butterfly to unfold.
The two female dancers are like fairies! They dance over and quietly pluck participants from the audience to interact with the "stage" and seamlessly move the story right along. My son got to jump and dance along with caterpillar spots that moved with him on the floor and I...yes, I...got to become moving streaks of color and light, creating the color that would be the butterfly's wings. My friend who went with me told me I became an eight year old again dancing around using my wrists to move streaks of color along the floor and walls.
It was awesome.
I highly recommend this show. Be prepared to take off your shoes and to be entertained in a way that I'm sure you've never imagined.
It's a techy daydream.
Here are some pics and a bit of video I took with my iPhone 4S to give you an idea of what to expect:
Pictures, video, showtimes & ticket info after the jump...
I spent six hours at the park with my son and some friends, shared a steak with my son at a stop on the way home, bathed my son, put him in bed, bathed myself, put myself in bed, woke up and watched Beyonce's halftime show via a Twitter link on my iPhone and went back to sleep. I heard the football game was good, but did not see a second of it snd it was glorious. My hubby hosted a watch party for at risk youth with the chirch on the east side. Some days I complain about his charity work. Not yesterday though. My day was full of four year old cheeks, silence and sleep. It was perfect.
Bill Traylor is an ex-slave who, after growing up on a plantation and working alongside sharecropping parents, found himself homeless. In his 80's, he began to draw his memories of growing up on a plantation and his life along the way. He ended up with a massive collection of drawings on scraps of paper, cardboard boxes--anything he could get his hands on to draw. Ultimately the right person took notice of Traylor's work and facilitied Traylor's position among America's most important artists.
My first time learning about him was when my good e-buddy, fellow Austinite and local artist, Don Tate announced that he was publishing his first book as an author instead of an award-winning illustrator. I figured the art in the book would be that of Bill Traylor, but the brilliant R. Gregory Christie had that honor. I am so grateful for this book and the impression it has made on my four year old son. Zack was fascinated that Bill Traylor was a real person. After reading this book, Zack wanted to read even more books about "real people that are dead but were alive in books". So now my four year old is looking for the chilcren's biographies when we visit the bookstore--just in time for Black History month! How cool is that?! The realness of the book is even more special to Zack since he shook Don's hand at the Texas Book Festival last year and got his copy of the book signed.
My son is no artist, but after our first two reads of 'It Jes Happened', which occurred one immediately after the other, my son announced that he would "draw all the pictures from the memories I saved up deep inside myself", as was said repeatedly about Bill Traylor in the book.
This book is a gem. The author is a hero. We are excited to see what he writes next. Learn more about this book and the author here.
My son turns five next month. The big 5.0. I've been planning his birthday party since after Thanksgiving. My life is essentially what happens in between events. I like throwing parties and entertaining, so I'm kind of always planning something. This year, while I have the pleasure of planning my son's biggest birthday party ever, I'm also planning a gift of atonement. This year will mark the fifth year that I have had the cookie sheet that my friend brought over to keep the baked chicken juices from spilling onto her car seat en route to my house after we brought Zack home from the hospital.
I have had her cookie sheet for five years. And I have used it. I didn't plan to have it this long, it just happened. See, what had happened was, I washed it and set it aside to return to her when I was back on my feet and out with the baby. I'm one if those girls who stays in for six weeks with my baby after birth because that's what my mama, her mama, and all the mamas before her said to do. Six weeks is a long time to remember to return something to somebody. Plus when I did try to return it, she was out of the country. She ended up being out of the country for several months at a time over the years to follow and I just moved on with life. Am I a terrible person? A thief even?
Every time I use her cookie sheet and wash it I feel a bit guilty and tell myself I will take her a new one the next time I see her, but I always forget. Until I see her, and then I remember, and feel guilty for not saying anything. This has gone on for five years! This year, I'm doing away with going to guilt-ridden play-dates and eating guilt-ridden cookies and biscuits.
As I wrap Zachary's birthday present, I will also wrap one for my friend--a new cookie sheet, oven mitts and baking utensils from Target or Crate & Barrel, with a card attached that will read, "Sorry! I can't believe it's been five years!"
Five years! I wonder if she even remembers. lol
What's the longest you ever kept something that was SO not supposed to be kept?
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DISCLOSURE
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. We're reading my old copy from childhood now. After a quick IMBD search on my iPhone, I answered yes. He said, "I cannot WAIT to SEE IT!"
- I knew nothing of this brand before I found it on the shelf at Sally's. I needed a moisturizer that I could use on my son's mini-fro and on my long, natural hair. I didn't want it to be oily or greasy and it had to be safe for my five year old. This stuff is not cheap, but it performs, and it smells like heaven. I might check out their deep conditioner.
- I saw this color on a girl who was working at a bouncy house I took my son to. I complimented her on the color and she told me who it was by. I left there and went straight to Walgreens for it. In my opinion, it's a perfect year-round color. 
- I'm halfway through this book and it's not like anything I've ever read. The stories of two black women--a slave and a high-powered attorney on the partner track--are juxtaposed one against the other, flowing back and forth in time between them (think the film, Sliding Doors with Gwenyth Paltrow). One is literally a slave, the other is ironically "enslaved" by the career path she's chosen. When I finally finish this novel, I will review it. Just know that I like! This book made this list because the cover is so pretty!
- I must have blogged about this clutch before. I have had it for many years, I use it every day as my wallet. It's awesomesauce. It's huge, but fits inside all my bags and when I want to pretend to be sophisticated, I carry it as a clutch. 
- This is my favorite mascara. One swipe and my lashes literally grown in front of my eyes. My lashes are like falsies, like baby doll lashes. I don't wear it everyday, because I'm a stay at home mom and I want to save it for when I actually have to be at social events or around people--I want to make every blink count! 
