How Do You Teach a 6-Year-Old to Love in Action?

Posted in Children's books, Kanan news, The Hemsath Life by Theresa

About a year ago, my oldest son was 6-years-old and struggling with the typical issues 6-year-olds struggle with: selfishness, boasting, being rude…just a me-first attitude, really. I remember telling him that what he was doing was not showing love. He immediately defended himself–” I love you all, Mom!”

That when I realized, I hadn’t really showed him what loving in action looked like. I just said he needed to love.

That’s when I went to the only source I trust for truth and teaching– the bible. I found that famous scripture in 1 Corinthians.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable, and does not count up wrongdoing. It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (ESV 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7)

So I read it to him.

“What is patient, Mom?”

” Patient means we wait for what we want without whining, crying, or screaming. Jesus is patient with us when we make mistakes. He waits for us to do the right thing without acting unloving.”

“What is counting up wrongdoing mean?”

I realized then, that I needed to come up with a way to explain it to him. So I went on Amazon to look for books on the topic. Nothing but silly stories out there with rhymes and such that never really explained it.

That was when I knew I just needed to write the book myself. So I did. I started writing it that summer. Even started the illustrations. And I used those to help teach my son how to love like Jesus. So I wrote the book. Its called How to Love Like Jesus: A Guide for Children and Their Parents.

It has been a year, and I’m finally back in that book. I’ve revised it. I’ve finished the illustrations (pretty much) in Photoshop, and I”m almost ready to venture into the self-publication stage. But the added beauty to it is–I’ve written 2 more and co-written another 2 more with my friend Kelly. So there is much more to come. And I’ve got a few ideas for even more when I’m ready for the second and third wave of writing. This summer has been a turbo-charged writing session, but I’m excited about where it might go. For my kids. And for others.

I will definitely be thanking my son Kanan for being the inspiration for my first book. And my hope and prayer is that there are other children and parents out there who could use this book too.

What do you find your kids need help in understanding? What books do you use? What books are not out there and need to be written?

5Aug2014

My Wild and Crazy Hair

Posted in About Me by Theresa

When I was a child, I had pretty, semi-wavy hair. My bangs laid down nicely. There were some soft waves or rings that would form at the very ends, and it could grow long.

Then one day I hit puberty. And everything changed. Literally, over night.

I went to bed the summer between my 7th and 8th grade year with my normal wavy, ruly locks. And I woke up with stretch marks all over my rear-end, and out of control, course, electro-magnetically shocked hair. I have a picture of it somewhere hidden in a childhood photo album. I was playing barbie dolls with my 6 year-old niece, Katie, at the time. I’m smiling a big smile with my braces. And my hair is absolutely nuts.

I didn’t know what to do with it. I think I tried gel at first. That’s what my mom and sister used with their tight ringlets. Didn’t work for me. I did the mouse and Aqua-Net thing for a couple of years (1993-1995). That kept it tame, but crunchy. Then my junior year I discovered the flat iron and then added hair dye. My hair my senior year in high school was fried.

Over my 20’s I discovered jojoba oil. That has been a God-send. When I didn’t have kids, I did flat iron my hair a few times a week and then on off days, just used jojoba oil. Now it seems like jojoba oil is all I use. Between kids, late nights working my second and third jobs as a Mompreneur and a husband who likes to shower together often (can’t do the shower-cap thing in front of hubby) my hair just needs to work well from air drying.

Normally I wear it long. Not super long. Never have been able to do that. My course hair breaks after a certain length. But recently I’ve been doing that fun angled bob thing, although wearing a longer version, right around shoulder length.

Today, I finally got my second hair cut since I switched the style. Thank God. It was out of control! But I did get my hair dresser to straighten it while I was there. Just a good blow dry with a flat iron finish. So hopefully Hubby can be happy with a few showers on his own, while I work on making sure this hair style lasts. After that though, jojoba oil will have to suffice. She must have cut half my hair off just with the thinning shears, so that should help. It looked like she picked up a large rodent when she grabbed my hair off the floor and threw it in the trash.

The issue is–I’m pregnant. And when I’m pregnant atleast, none of my hair falls out. You know how normally, when you shower or comb your hair, strands of hair come out? Not when I’m pregnant. So within a few months, I have this mop of hair so stinkin’ thick, I can barely see my scalp. I remember getting my hair highlighted one year when I was pregnant and the lady who did my hair, was so stressed because she kept having to pull out more and more foils as my hair just wouldn’t stop. I think she ran late for her next appointment.

I remember complaining about my hair one day to an old friend from high school. I was so humbled when she looked at me and told me to get over it because she has the opposite problem and already needed to use Nioxin to keep her hair. “At least you have hair, Theresa.”

Yikes.

Yeah, I felt bad.

At least in a few months, approximately 2 months after the baby will be born, all the hair that didn’t come out while pregnant, will all come out at the same time. Then I just might start needing to use Nioxin too. I remember the first time that happened, I had recently given birth to my first, and I was sitting at the bottom of the bathtub with the water running over my head, pulling the strands of hair off my head in clumps like the mean girl on The Craft who got cursed by Naomi Campbell.

Each consecutive pregnancy has gone the same way.

28Jul2014

Finishing up the Manuscript for my First Children’s Book

Posted in About Me, Children's books by Theresa

initial sketch of a photo to put on the first page or two of my children’s book on love.

I thought I was done with the illustrations for my first children’s book How to Love Like Jesus: A Guide for Children and Their Parents, but as I was formatting the manuscript to send off to self-publishing company that designs layouts, I realized I still had a few extra that I added in last minute in order to keep consistent with having an illustration for each section of the book.

This process takes a while! First I draw the pictures in black ink, then I have to scan them, then I need to import them into Adobe Photoshop. From there I have to color them and add necessary changes.

what the scan looks like at first in Photoshop

Once I get my groove going, I can get a few done in a day. I was able to scan and digitally color almost all of the illustrations for this first book in two working days. But now I’ve got these 4 extra. Whaaaa!

No really, I enjoy coloring them. Its just that I’m so excited about getting a quote and a dummy copy out to have my friends’ kids preview, I don’t want to wait.

But patience. I need patience. Which is actually a form of love according to the bible and of which I talk about in the book. If I am going to love this book, I need to love it. Not rush through just to get it done. And I imagine if I want my readers to love the book, they’d appreciate the details.

What it begins to look like as I color them.

With just 2 weeks left of summer vacation, I am realizing, I should have allocated the entire summer to working on these books, not just the month of July. Looks like I will be continuing to work on them through the school year. But hey–if I can get just one children’s book out there and test it out on Amazon and work on developing my marketing skills through that one, maybe by the time I get the other 4 finished, I will be a pro with a big enough following. 🙂 We shall see what God has planned. 🙂

24Jul2014

Exciting Times!

Posted in About Me, Pregnancy Update, Random, The Hemsath Life by Theresa

25 weeks along here carrying #4

Alas, I blog again, having wished I have been better at blogging since I used to be and loved it. Will this be it? Will I finally get back into it? I sure am hoping so. A lot is happening and I want to share so much.

1. I am pregnant with our 4th child. Its a girl. A vasectomy baby. God is good though—he will have his way and he knows how to give good gifts to his children. This will be our only daughter and a sweet little refreshment in our testosterone-filled house. We are naming her Scotland Amalia-Leme. I’m 26 weeks as of tomorrow. She is due November 1st.

2. We bought our first house!!!! Built in 1965. Great starter home. Lots of property. Lots of fun project opportunities. 🙂 The kids love it. 🙂 Thank you Lord!

3. I started a resume writing business last year right around Thanksgiving and it has taken off. It is helping provide us a little extra cash to help pay for Owen’s teeth (lost two of them in a crazy golfing accident), a bigger car for our growing family, and house needs.

4. I was recently hired by Sound of Your Voice Memoirs to be an interviewer and writer. I have my first client and am really loving the process. Sure hoping this job can grow and eventually open the doors to allow me to work from home full-time.

5. I have taken the plunge and am writing the first drafts of a few christian children’s books! 3 I am doing on my own. 2 I am co-writing with a friend of mine. And I’ve already come up with another book I want to write, but will put that one on the backburner for the next set of books. In the mean time, I’ve got the first drafts complete, and the illustrations starting. Once those are finished, I’ll venture into learning how to use InDesign and designing the layouts. Then market market market! Marketing is half the job. Writing is the easy part. So we have a long way to go. But I am very excited about this. I’ve been praying that God really use me in these books to speak to kids about real ways they can apply Jesus to their lives. I’ll share more in a different blog.

With all this, I’d like to write more about all the transitions and emotions and thoughts as I go a long this exciting journey. I will be changing the name of this blog and planning to write in it more and work at actually building a following. So for those of you who are reading this, please follow this blog. I’m pretty sure there is an icon at the top right area where you can sign up. I promise, I can be funny, insightful, and honest. And if you have a blog, please comment with a link so I can check yours out too. I love mommy blogs and of course, love blogs that inspire! 🙂

Going to be attempting to find a blog address similar to theentrepreneurialwife.com. We shall see!

7Dec2013

Wisdom from Grandma on Life

Posted in About Me, More Theresa's Thoughts, Random, The Hemsath Life by Theresa

My Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Lowell

My Grandma’s birthday was this Thursday. I wasn’t able to visit her for the day, but wanted to call her to wish her a Happy Birthday and catch up. She lives in a nursing home with my Grandpa, who needs a lot of help due to his health issues. Grandma on the other hand is there simply because she is his wife and she goes where he goes. She is still healthy as ever, vibrant, and joyous. I admire her so much and her steadfast love she has for my Grandfather. So I asked her the question I have asked myself lately and others when we talk about age: how old do you feel? I find the question interesting because I know my answer and I love hearing the answer of others. I find that each one of us emotionally feels younger, typically finding ourselves surprised when looking in the mirror and seeing this person with more wrinkles and less hair than the one we feel. The body ages much faster than the spirit I think. I myself feel 25 when I am actually 34. When I talk to my other family or friends who are older than me, I hear answers that are often 10 to 20 years younger than where they really are. So I don’t always expect to feel 25. At some point, my spirit will age and I’ll be 50 saying that I feel 35. I like this. I find it beautiful and fascinating. My grandma’s answer caught me by surprise. But it blessed me more than anything else I expected her to say. In her thick, Colombian accent she said to me these words:

“I don’t feel like an age anymore. I feel more like a place. I’m at the top of a mountain looking at my life and my family’s life as they really are, no longer the way I used to. Up here, it is clear. There is no more stress or bitterness or worry. It is like I can see for the first time. I look down and see my whole life and yours and our family’s. And what I see is how blessed I am and how blessed you are. It is a very free feeling, darling. I tell you, my biggest regret is rushing through life so much and not stopping to enjoy each moment. I know this time in your life is very busy with work and all the kids. But experience it. Be there in the moment. There will be a time in the future where you remember this busy time and miss it. And you can believe me because my blinders have been taken off. I know. I can see at the top of the mountain what you may not see. You are very blessed. I am very blessed. I am happy to be 75. It is easy to see everything here.”

The Hills with their some of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her words. I felt it was true wisdom. I came home and told Owen what she told me. He told me I should blog about it and I agreed. I don’t want to forget her words and I believe others should hear it too. Today, in the midst of the sick, crying baby and the 2-year-old who dumped the fish food all over the carpet, and the 6-year-old running around like a crazy man around the house with the neighbor kid, Owen and I walked up to each other in the kitchen, gave each other that knowing smile that said, without words—oh look at us and our crazy little life right now, and we hugged a long time, and kissed each other. It is a beautiful Christmas season, this year. And while I look forward to 2014 and all that God will bring, I will enjoy each day of this December. And I pray you do as well.

17Sep2013

How to Make a Spirulina Drink That Actually Tastes Good

Posted in Health, Random, Recipes by Theresa

spirulina powder, mint-flavored chlorophyll, a 20-oz cup of water with a straw, and a stevia sweetener.

I’m always researching information related to health and wellness and trying to incorporate my newest findings into my repertoire of diet and supplementing. On one such quest, I discovered the super food, Spirulina. An algae turned into powder and bottled up in the vitamin section of your nearby health food store, this super food is packed with vitamins and trace minerals, with testimonials claiming that it boosts immunity, fights free radicals, helps digestion, and supports cardiovascular health. I decided to try it out, especially after hearing about its high amount of iron and calcium. By little boys don’t really care for milk or any milk-alternative and don’t really care for meat—so I’m always looking for ways to increase their iron and calcium.

Well, when I bought the powder and brought it home, I excitedly scooped out a teaspoon of powder and dumped it into my cup then poured my water into it and stirred. When I took the first sip, I gagged. This was disgusting. It truly tasted like pond scum, no way around it. I began to drink quickly, fighting off my reflex to gag. When I finally finished the last muddy sip, I recovered by the sink, dry heaving, and praying I could keep it all down. Thankfully after a few deep breaths and some fresh water to take the taste from my mouth, I was able to regain my composure and jump onto the internet to find some recipes that would help the taste. I could NOT do that again!

The recipes, I found, however, just didn’t meet my needs. Almost all of them either required a juicer or a blender and involved incorporating fruit and other veggies to mask the flavor.

I don’t have time for this.

I want a quick drink that I can chug down and be done with. I don’t want to cut up or wash fruit and I certainly don’t want to pull out my juicer or Vitamix blender. Those are great. But I don’t have time to make this a daily routine, and I do want spirulina to be a daily supplement.

Tonight, I figured out a way to make a quick spirulina drink that actually didn’t make me gag. It actually tasted good! I’m so excited about it that I had to share it with those out there also looking.

1 tsp of spirulina powder (I use Nutrex Hawaii Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Powder, 16-Ounce Bottle) or Maju Spirulina
20 oz of water
1 tablespoon of mint flavored chlorophyll (I useLiquid Chlorophyll (100mg) 16 fl.oz) or you can try a drop or two of mint essential oil like NOW Foods Peppermint Oil, 1 ounce
1/2 packet of Stevia (I normally use Truvia Natural Sweetener, Spoonable, 9.8 Ounce Jar).
a large cup with a straw.

I first put the powder into my cup, then added the water, then topped that off with the mint-flavored chlorophyll and the stevia sweetener. Then I mixed it thoroughly with the straw until all was blended and ready do drink.

It tasted great! It was mildly sweet and earthy with a touch of mint.

Like more recipes and articles like this? Check out more from Theresa at her new blog, http://mamaguts.com

16Jul2013

Blessed Summer Moments week 4 and 5

Posted in About Me, The Hemsath Life by Theresa

Birthday Party on the beach for our one-year-old friend, Gianni

As always, summer is just flying by. I had planned a schedule that I was going to follow. I had lofty goals of home-school-like morning sessions, and personal goals like working out daily, reading a novel, blogging once a week….nope. But, it is not because I am at home sitting around and being mopey. I mean sure, keeping up a house with two babies and a very active 6-year-old, and a hubby who likes to eat and then leave his dishes can sure add up and take time, but we have been doing stuff. Sea World trips, a day trip to Corona Del Mar (amazingly beautiful beach! Wow!), the Orange County Swap Meet, day trips to our own beaches in Oceanside, swimming in the inflatable pool in our back yard, family trips to the park, pizza dinners at Wings, Pizza and Things, a family reunion in Mission Viejo, fellowship group once a week, barbeques at friend’s houses, birthday parties on the beach, and even a “Gender Reveal” party (My very first one. Great idea!).

My babies had a play date with baby Kloe

Today I actually had planned a down day to hang out the house because I’m just exhausted being out all the time. Of course, given we were home and so that made time to get the oil changed and squeeze in a trip to the grocery store so again, no down time.

But throughout these busy days, there have been some little treasurable moments I must record.

recreation of the pyramid we did in 1995 with all the cousins. We are missing a few here.

Jameson– He learned the word “people” one day and the next day “lost”…..While at the family reunion, I changed his diaper in the bathroom and he told me all out the “Pepo” outside and how much he likes his cousin Peyton. Then he said, “Peyton is my people. He is MY Peyton.” Then on the way home, he dropped his flip-flop on the floor of the car and cried out, “I lost it. Oh no my flip-flop! I lost it!”

Now for the new generations of cousins to do a pyramid. The third cousins (the chidren of the cousins).

Now for the new generations of cousins to do a pyramid. The third cousins (the children of the cousins).

Benjamin– He learned how to walk finally. He took his first steps on the 4th of July at the Davis’s barbecue. My friend, Carmen Gonzales got to witness it with me. Since then, he has gradually increased his steps. I’ve seen him now take as much as 9 steps before falling. And he is so proud of himself. He gets this adorable look on his face when he makes eye contact with me while he is walking. His eyes twinkle and his little lips purse with a hint of a smirk.

Kanan and Jameson, snuggling on the couch.

Kanan—He has grown up so much. He has become so much more helpful. I have been working hard at pouring into him scripture that teaches him how to love like Jesus. It actually inspired me to write a children’s book on it which has also taken up some of my nights as I am both writing and illustrating it. But with those talks, we talk about helping his brothers, helping me, using positive, encouraging words with his siblings, and showing compassion when they cry. Today—while frustrated at Walmart, waiting for our car to get its oil changed, I watched Kanan doing something to Benjamin and there was water on his hands. I immediately suspected trouble. “What are you doing, Kanan?” I asked in a tone that suggested, he was in trouble. “I’m washing the boogers off his face,” he said with a genuine, loving smile. Ugh! I was so moved. A year ago, that would have never happened. Kanan would never care to touch something as icky as boogers.

Jameson and Benjamin, playing with Dad (My Owen)

Owen– Even though he has been working like crazy, I’ve been able to have some blessed moments with him. When we got back from Utah, I got to watch him win an award from the Mayor of Oceanside for best business of the month. The man who introduced him, spoke so highly of Owen and the business–basically saying that Owen and his business, was the future. It was so awesome to see my husband valued and praised in front of so many because I know that he deserves it. That man works hard! I also have been able to hang out with him in his office while he worked and I worked on my book. The day before yesterday, he even washed my car for me.

So now I have four weeks left, counting this week. I will continue to try to soak up every minute with joy before I return to work on August 9th. We start with tomorrow–little Benjamin’s first birthday. We will celebrate this weekend. Can’t wait to put a little party hat on his chubby head.

29Jun2013

Blessed Moments: weeks 2 and 3

Posted in Random, The Hemsath Life by Theresa

Julie, me, and Dez at the wedding

Had so much fun and adventure the last two weeks, I haven’t had time to write about it.We went to Amanda and Alex’s wedding and had a great time there with our friends. Owen and I got to dress up and have some much needed adult time.

Then took off to Utah that afternoon with the kids. The trip out wasn’t too bad. The kids watched movies and slept a little bit. We got to Mesquite, Nevada and stayed in our usual hotel, The Virgin River, and then drove up the rest of the way to South Jordan, Utah.

Grandma Susie, holding Benjamin at the Park

Blessed moments included the whole family sleeping down stairs in the basement on different beds all lined up together. It was fun. Should have taken a picture. Owen’s parents OK and Susie gave the kids their birthday presents. They LOVED them. Although funny thing is, most of them enjoyed playing with eachother’s toys rather than their own. Jameson did get an Elmo baby that he just loved. He slept with him every night. When he went to bed, he’d push the baby Elmo’s chest and it would say, “Elmo’s sleep.” So cute.

Owen and I also got presents. Two 100-dollar Visa gift cards! So excited. I havent’ gone shopping for myself with 100 dollars to do as I please in a long time. It felt great! I got a pair of jeans, a pair of sweet Nike’s from the outlets, a shirt, a dress, and a pair of sandals. Yep. It was awesome. 🙂

Other than shopping, that week we tried to stay active. We went to the splash pads, the resevoir, and a water park to stay cool on hot days. At the resevoir, our friend from Oceanside, Desiree Maciewski and her kids actually met up with us. They happened to be in the Salt Lake area as well, visiting family. It was super nice to hang out with her in a different environment. Such a beautiful family.

Back at the family house, the kids rode their skooters a lot outside on the street–it was a gorgeous and safe neighborhood with friendly neighbors and lots of kids.

One day we took the kids to this really neat trampeline place. It was in a business park and the entire place was filled with trampelines so that you could jump from one trampeline to the next. There was tarzan ropes and basketball hoops high on the walls and of course, balls to throw into them. There were even some neat foam pits. The kids had an absolute blast. Even Benjamin wanted to jump!

boys with their Grandma Great

We did get to spend some time with the family. We went with OK and Suzie, Arza and Rainey to a beautiful park in Salt Lake. It was huge. Sort of the Salt Lake equivelant to Central Park. We had a picnic and threw the football around a bunch. Owen’s sister Holly and her family came over often. Kanan and Jameson loved that. They played often with Bell and Gavin. Sometimes with Spencer too when Spencer was in the mood. Often times, big Spence likes to hang out with the adults. Owen’s sister Lindsay came over one night and made a delicious stirfry for everyone. OK made an awesome speggetti and sausage one night as well. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see OK and Susie and as much as we’d liked because they had to work and then sadly, Susie’s dad died and so they left for the funeral about two days before we had to leave.

OK, cooking up dinner

We did however, meet up with OK again in St.George on our way back down to Cali. He took us to dinner at a great buffet restaurant. I had prime rib and it was divine. 🙂

We have been back for a couple of days and have just enjoyed spending time together. Jameson is back on his skooter again and his bicycle—much needed after a 12-hour drive. I got a SlipandSlide on sale at Kohls for the boys. They are loving it! I also got to visit my friend Carmen a couple of days ago and help her pack. She and her family are moving and are very excited to have their own place after 6 months or so living with family. Kanan got to color, play legos, and watch shows with his favorite buddy, Kameron while we were there. Last night, I skipped fellowship group to go to a Vigil for a colleague who tragically and unexpededly passed away last Sunday. While a vigil wouldn’t typically be considered a “blessed” moment, I was very moved by how much the students loved him. So many great stories were shared. He lived a short, 52 years, but made a huge impact on the lives of his family members and students while he was here. In many ways, that is what life is about. I pray he knew the Lord and is with him now.

17Jun2013

Blessed Moments: week one of summer vacation

Posted in About Me, Random, The Hemsath Life by Theresa

Family minus K in Big Bear

This summer, I’m going to blog about the blessed moments I enjoy week by week.It often feels like summer just flys on by and I often wonder where the time went and whether I experienced all that I wanted to experience while there. This summer I have eight blessed weeks to spend with my husband, my boys, my friends, and my family. Those eight weeks have to charge me up for Fall before I can get recharged during winter break for round two in the spring. I want to savor every blessed moment. What’s a better way than blogging about it, right?So my summer kind of started this last weekend because I did have to report to work on Monday, but was allowed to use that time how I wanted and so I used it to organize my classroom for the Fall (something I usually do at the end of my summer break, but still during break.) So this first week of Summer’s blessed moments will start the weekend of June 8/9.

Big Bear Crew

Friday, June 7th- Sunday, June 9th: Drove up to Big Bear with my hubby and two of our sons (Kanan stayed with his dad for this week’s rotation) and met up with my brother, his wife, and their friends for a relaxing weekend in a huge cabin in Big Bear. We cooked dinners together, played pool and pingpong, went shopping (I got a gorgeous yellow infinity scarf and a cute creme colored summer top), the boys went fishing, took naps, chatted…it was awesome. A wonderful way to kick off my break by forcing me to just be still. At home on a usual weekend, I’m running around trying to get everything I can’t get done in the work week done—ie laundry, house work, meal prep,etc. I felt like I really grew closer to my brother and his wife, and fell absolutelyl in love with their friends. Just good people.

Buddies—Jameson and Peyton

And as an added blessing, our son Jameson, who is 2, and my brother’s son Peyton, who is almost 3, had an absolute blast together! They were two peas. It was so sweet. I grew up close with my cousins and really want that same experience for my kids and their cousins. This was such a moment. 🙂 I also got to take a break from my coffee boycott and enjoy coffee all weekend, with that yummy vanilla cremer.

Oh and bittersweet moment here, but needs to be noted–Benjamin decided this weekend in Big Bear that he didn’t care for breastfeeding anymore. He decided to tell me by biting me in a final session before absolutely refusing any other session thereafter! The rest of this week will be marked with my own withdrawals from the special moments as well as physically havign to adjust (He cut me off cold turkey! My body is freaking out!) And third–feeling excited about the multivitamin I have been wanting to take but haven’t been able to because it has all these herbs in it that could affect Benny Boo, the juice detox now in my near future, and the DHEA I have been wanting to take to get my adrenals back in gear (I’ve been depleted for too long and have blood work to prove it. Can’t wait to see the results–energy, better mood, and a whole bunch of other positive effects that I have missed because they are so shot (Thanks to career, coffee, and kids…haha).

Monday, June 10th— Got to spend the whole day organizing my classroom for the Fall. Last year, I didn’t get a chance because I had just had Benjamin, so I started the Fall late and completely unorganized. This followed me the rest of the year. Not this Fall. I am organized, baby! And in a new room, which will be installed with a Smartboard and a class set of Chromebooks! See ya later, paper!

Loving Captain Underpants—Kanan and I

Tuesday, June 11th—1)Took a three hour nap on the couch in the afternoon while the babies napped. 2)Took both babies individually out for a bikeride. They loved sitting in the Weeride seat (sits in front, between rider’s legs) and were all smiles for the ride. 3)Went shopping with my hubbies and the babies—groceries, a fishing pole for owen, a tricycle for JJ, and a helmet for Benjamin (who looked adorable in it, btw).

Wednesday, June 12th— 1)Went to Kanan’s last day of school family picnic and watched him run around with his friends as Jameson followed, while I chatted with another mom named Amery, who moved her from South Africa. 2)Filmed a commercial for a local Party Supplier with my hubby at the studio. 3) Read the first 2 chapters of Captain Underpants (the first book) with Kanan as the babies napped.

JJ and Kanan stopping their skooter session so Mom could take a picture. JJ was so excited!

Thursday, June 13th— 1) Went to the Oceanside Farmer’s market and sampled yummy foods with the boys. Then watched them skooter around together. Jameson was so happy and excited. It was the first time I really saw Jameson as a little boy and not a baby. So precious. He is so good on his skooter too for just getting it–a real natural. Who would think he is just barely two years old? Kanan of course, is a natural. 2) played with Benjamin while JJ napped and witnesed Benjamin get the wooden rings onto the stick for the first time (What is that toy called?). 3)Enjoyed great fellowship and bible study with our fellowship group that night–heard awesome news too. Our friends, the Davis’s, finally sold their business.

Friday, June 14th–Took the boys to Grandma Linda’s to go swimming and visit a little. I love being able to see them on a whim. JJ loved the water but was afraid to go past the steps with just his life jacket on. But he had a blast on the steps and Kanan had a good time dog paddling around the pool. Today, Benjamin also said “Dada” AND “Mama” for the first time! He said “Dada” when excited to be home with Owen in the living room. And he said “Mama” when he was upset about being put down and wanted me to pick him back up.

14Jun2013

Free Stuff To Do With The Kids This Summer in North County San Diego and San Diego

Posted in Random, The Hemsath Life by Theresa

Saturday/ Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Every Sunday from June 23^th –August 18^th. Heritage Park concert 4-6 (Oceanside)

Every Saturday and Sunday @ Mira Mesa Lanes, kids bowl free from 11AM-5PM (2 sessions. must register)

Every Saturday and Sunday @Kearney Mesa Bowl, kids bowl free from 9AM-6PM. (2 sessions. must register)

June 16^th–La Jolla Cove 2-4pm concert

Saturday June 15 Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos. Festival of Rock and Blues

Saturday June 15—Tamarack Beach Fest

Saturday June 15—8pm-midnight Café 101 cars show.

Saturday June 29^th—Oside 125^th anniversary parade 10am-12pm, concert @ 5pm, movie (Bring it On)@5pm in ampatheater.

Saturday July 27^th—Christamas in July 3-8pm Carlsbad State Beach

June 24-25

Grunion Run on any Oceanside beach (Fish all over the sand!).

Every Monday-Thurs @ Kearny Mesa Bowl 9am-4pm, kids bowl free. (must register)

Every Mon-Friday at Mira Mesa Lanes from 3pm-5pm, kids bowl free (2 sessions. must register)

Every Tuesday Free museums in Balboa Park in S.D. (Each week is different. See * below)

July 2—10AM–Vista library: Dr. Seus readings.

July 9—10Am—vista library: see rare animals

July 16—10AM—Vista Library: magic and animal show

July 30—10AM—Vista Library: puppet show

July 30—11 AM—S.M library: infant massage class

Aug 6^th—10AM Vista Library: see animals

Aug 6^th—11AM San Marcos Library: Intro baby ballet

Every Wednesday 1030AM—Mission Branch Library in Oside—story time for ages 0-2

Every Wednesday 4pm-8pm Downtown Vista Farmer’s Market

Every Wednesday 1-5pm Carlsbad Village Farmer’s Market

July 3^rd—915PM @ Corazon Park: Fireworks

First Wednesday of the month for July and August—stargaze with Telescopes at Fleet Science Center in S.D at Dusk

July 10^th—10AM Vista Library: child craft

July 17^th—1030AM S.M Library: story time

July 17^th—2pm S.M library: make paper airplanes.

July 24^th—Vista Library @10AM: summer craft

July 31^st—S.M Library: tumbling for toddlers. Must register before.

Aug 7^th—S.M Library @ 930AM: toddler music skills

Every Thursday 9AM-1PM Farmers Market in downtown Oside.

Every Thursday 2-9pm Sunset Market in Downtown Oceanside

Every other week (June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug 8 and 22)

@2:30pm San Marcos Library—Read with a dog (for beginning or struggling readers. Builds confidence

1030Am—Mission Branch library in Oside—story time for ages 2-6. Every Friday-Sunday @Kearny Mesa Bowl 9am-5pm, kids bowl free.(2 sessions. must register)

June 14-15 Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos. Festival of Rock and Blues.

June 28, July 5, July 12—Jazz concert at Stagecoach park in Carlsbad 6-8pm (swing, jazz)

July 19—Del Oro Park in Oside 5-9pm Concert and Family Fun

July 19 and 26, August 2 @ Poinsettia Park in Carlsbad: Jazz concerts. Various Jazz, R&B bands.

Aug 9, 16, and 23—Calvera hills Park in Carlsbad 6-8pm: Jazz concerts (afro pop, soul, big band swing)

June 14-15 Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos. Festival of Rock and Blues

June 15—Tamarack Beach Fest

June 15—8pm-midnight Café 101 cars show.

June 29^th—Oside 125^th anniversary parade 10am-12pm, concert @ 5pm, movie (Bring it On)@5pm in ampatheater.

July 27^th—Christamas in July 3-8pm Carlsbad State Beach

*Here are the different Museums that are free. They take turns every week. First week of month–Ruben Planet Science Center, S.D Model R.R Museum, S.D Natural History Museum. Week 2–Museum of Photographic Arts., S.D History Center Week 3—S.D Art Institute, S.D Museum of Art, S.D Museum of Man, S.D Air/Space Museum, Japanese friendship garden. Week 4—S.D Automotive museum

Quite Time Info: Websites for your kids to do fun learning activities—builds reading, math, and other skills and perhaps might give you some sanity time when you need a quiet house:

www.Starfall.com

www.More.starfall.com

http://Inklesstales.com

www.Kneebouncers.com

http://Mightybook.com

http://Rif.org

http://Pbskids.org