Tuesday Night

Q-tip loves his martial arts class and I am rather fond of it myself. I think the values and skills that are taught in each 45 minute session are totally worth it. And as previously mentioned its not a bad view either. You know, just saying. No I'm not talking about this particular view although it is rather cute. Q-tip looks so big in his uniform.

Practicing balance. This months life skill is honesty. The kids task for this activity was to stand on one foot as long as possible. If their foot touched the ground they were to be honest with themselves and go down into listening position. It didn't matter if the instructor didn't see their foot touch, it was all about honesty.

Q-tip did pretty well when he wasn't tottering around.

Yep, his foot touched and you could see how much he wanted to stay in but went down to listening position because that was being honest.

Practicing his jump kick. I volunteered to hold a bag for the kids and was blown away but some of the kids strength and abilities. I was afraid of being kicked by a few of them or losing my arm when their foot hit the bag. Little people can be VERY strong.



This is their new self defense move. They are to block and then push. Again I am glad they are learning this even if at this point in time they should not need to use it.



J took Q-tip to his next class but came home not as impressed as I am. He does believe it is good for Q-tip and that he has fun but is far from convinced that Q-tip needs any additional equipment. The investment (and yes it is quite the investment) may not be worth it if this is not an activity he chooses to commit to. I do not know if Q-tip will commit to martial arts although he is at an age where a commitment to at least one activity would be good.

Mr. Everything

That's what Q-tip named our turkey.
Q-tips brought home a school project this weekend that was for the whole family. The instructions were to create a turkey using mediums from around the house. I tried to find as many different items as possible, here is a list of items and responsibilities.

Dad: stamped body
S'mores: donated 6 pieces of dog food for the bum
Animal: cheerios feather and macaroni wings
Mom: sequence feet, circle punch bottom feathers, oatmeal head, brad eye, marker and glitter beak, string waddle, stamp, heart punch, glitter glue, paper, foam, and paper patchwork wings.
Q-tip: ribbon patchwork, bead, flower bead and oil pastel/ribbon wings

It was a fun project that we all had fun working together on. Q-tip overlooked the whole process and had input throughout. I think the turkey turned out brilliant and I hope it is considered unique and creative. That was the goal.

This Time Of Year

The curtains are still closed so the morning sun is being restricted. The windows have been shut to keep the the cool morning air out. And I am sitting by the fire with S'mores in my lap. It is a wonderful Sunday morning, the best in a while actually. The boys are even upstairs playing together peacefully. I am catching up on blogs and tweets, thinking about the upcoming holidays. Reflecting on previous ones. I'm not sure we will have a true winter but I know that as long as we remember what matters...family, friends, being together...this holiday season will be a wonderful one. I am longing to put up our Christmas tree, wrap presents, watch holiday specials with the boys. November is freaking brilliant!

In two weeks my little brother will be here in Vegas and the holiday will be in full swing. I just hope the time doesn't go by to quickly. Thanksgiving, birthdays, Christmas, oh my! I am ready, our guest room closet is full of presents for the boys and now just to wait. Hmmm I don't like to wait. Are you looking forward to and preparing for the holiday? Mentally and physically.

Sleep Over

S'mores is a lap dog and he loves to cuddle. He follows me around constantly which I find adorable up to the point I spin around and trip over him. Or he is whimpering outside the bathroom because I didn't let him in. He is another toddler in our house! To give myself some freedom and space I encourage the boys to play with him and cuddle him as much as possible. This usually consists of a quick lesson first but Q-tip comes around rather quickly. Animal on the other hand is better off just playing as he is not so good at the cuddle part. You kind of have to be able to sit still for this. Last weekend I promised Q-tip he could sleep on the couch with S'mores if he was good and for the most part that boy dotted all his i's and crossed all his t's. If only I had that much leverage all the time. Q-tip loves S'mores, can you tell?

Let's Play