Christmas Revelations

This year, I'm really struggling with what to give my kids for Christmas. In prior years, I had no problem with getting them gifts. However, I've come to the realization that we don't need anything. My kids do not need the hottest toy that will eventually gather dust in their closets or the latest video game that will soon be sold back to GameStop. They are always appreciative of what they receive. But over time, the item that they just had to have will sooner than later find a home in the Goodwill pile. Do we really need more stuff?

Now before you write me off as being a Scrooge, hear me out. Because my primary love language is gift giving, I stress out over if they are getting enough presents. I try to stretch my dollars so that they feel like they had a full Christmas. Yet after much evaluation, the boys have Christmas at our house, then onto my side of the family, then round 3 at my in-law's house. That is 3 Christmas celebrations in one day! Do I need to wear the weight of providing a Christmas palooza when they are getting that at 2 other houses and then some?

Maybe instead of filling our tree with gifts, we should use that money toward taking them somewhere. I would rather give the kids a memorable experience than more stuff. Are the kids mature enough to process that as a gift or will they feel slighted? I'm not sure how to proceed. Someone please chime in.

On a side note, I'm learning to loosen the reins when it comes to Christmas decor. After 11 years of being a control freak and putting up the decor by myself, this is the first year that the whole family decorated the tree. This is also the first year that I've allowed the train set to be set up under the tree even if it doesn't go with the look of my tree. It still looks amazing. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?

It's a New Season

Last week marked the beginning of a new chapter in our family's life. My 3 year old, Gavin began his academic career. Yes, it was the first day of preschool. He had been ready to go to school. Armed with a new Thomas the Tank Engine backpack and school gear, he marched fearlessly into his classroom. He was a little apprehensive about us leaving, but adjusted quite nicely.  I'm the one having a hard time with this transition. My big boy is growing up!

As Gavin began school, I started a new part time job. I'm working with my husband as we launch a new ministry at our church. ONE is a ministry geared towards single adults. Our desire is to connect, grow, and love- both with God and each other. Check us out at http://onecapital.cc and spread the word!

A Lesson Learned

There's a lesson that I'm still trying to learn when it comes to little kids: they do not need a lot of expensive toys for Christmas. How many of us have emptied out Toys R Us thinking that the kids will love all that stuff? Then when all of the presents are opened, they just want to play in the empty boxes, not with the toys! This morning, Gavin raided my drawers and played with some shampoo bottles that I got from a hotel. After all the toys he received yesterday, he wanted to play with those? I'm confused.

Christmas in the Bunbury home was nothing short of fantastic. My favorite part was watching the kids' excitement as the day progressed. It's true: Christmas is way more fun with kids! I hope you had an exceptional holiday.

It's A Man's World

Being the mother of two boys, I am obviously outnumbered in my house. Here's the score: boys- 3, girls- 1. Don't get me wrong there are major perks that come with having boys such as no drama and no trace of princess junk in the house. If you're a mom of a male dominated house, maybe we should start some sort of support group. When we get together, we could braid each other's hair and use Easy Bake ovens. (Yeah, I now that I said that aloud, I don't like that idea either) Below are a couple signs that you may be in the same boat as me:

1. Your boys constantly ask you to smell their finger.
2. When you search for your keys in your bottomless purse, you end up with a fist full of Hotwheels.
3. The furniture in your living room is arranged in such a way to allow for wrestling.
4. You know which superheroes are DC and which ones are Marvel.
5. At least once a week, you step on a lego. (seriously, those things hurt!)
6. Everything is a competition, and I mean everything.
7. Your DVR if full with "Man Vs. Wild", "Ultimate Fighter", and "Spongebob Squarepants"
8. You hear the sweet serenade of belching at the dinner table.
9. When cleaning the bathroom, you have more of a mess around the toilet rather than inside the toilet.
10. Fart talk, fart talk, fart talk.

Maybe a support group is a good idea after all :)

Trick or Pumpkin Seed Treat!

I can't believe that Halloween is around the corner. Seriously, where has this year gone? We're planning to do some trick-or-treating then go to our church's Family Fun Fair. As far as costumes are concerned, I'm debating on what I should dress as: a mom or a mom. Read my last Halloween blog entry, "Truly Scary Halloween Costumes" for my point of view on the lack of costume options for women.

More than costumes and candy, for me, Halloween is all about roasting pumpkin seeds. It's that special once a year treat that can't be beat. Below is my favorite recipe for pumpkin seed perfection:

• 1 1/2c raw whole pumpkin seeds
• 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Seasoned salt
• Pepper
• 
  
• Preheat oven to 300 degrees 
• Toss seeds in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.

Happy Halloween! Btw, here's a sneak peak at the boys' costumes. I call them Captain Asia America.

A Bucket of Chicken and Laughs

Below is a recent exchange I had with my 3 year old son, Gavin:

Me: Gav, we're gonna have dinner at KFC and feast like kings!

Gavin: You're not a king!

Me: You're right. We will feast like kings and a queen?

Gavin: I don't want to be king!

Me: Well, who do want to be?

Gavin: (pause to think) A mayor!

Well, I guess it's settled. Vote Bunbury for Mayor 2041!!!

Your Majesty, will that be extra crispy, crispy, or grilled?

Bryce's Birthday Bash

Bryce's birthday party was an absolute success. He wanted something colorful and vibrant for his 10th birthday with light blue and apple green as the main colors. The result was a bold and happy look with a lot of pop. This party required a lot of diy projects in order to look personal and stay on budget. The baloons, streamers, plates, napkins, and table cloths were from Party City. I purchased the materials for the tissue pom poms and party favors from Target. The cupcake liners, cake pop supplies, and scrapbook paper came from Michaels.

The balloons and the rainbow polka dot tissue paper were my favorite elements of the party. The balloons were a major component to the design. I wanted as many baloons as possible over the tables for maximum impact. They definitely got the job done. I loved how the polka dot tissue paper broke up the sea of blue and green. It served as a great accent, adding more color.

Everyone loved the party. Each detail down to the cake pops was noticed and greatly appreciated. After all of the hard work, I was very pleased. Bryce and his friends had a great time and I enjoyed showering my son with a fun party. 

What To Give To A Teacher

Bryce started at a new school this year and I wanted to start off the year right. What better way to initiate a relationship with a teacher than with a gift? Now, it was time to decide on what to give. Hmmm, what is cute, low cost, and not the traditional red apple? Luckily, I found a tub of caramel corn at Safeway on special for $1 and used the paper bag and ribbon that was extra from the boys' birthday parties. I love the results and so did the teachers. 

My Son is Three!

Today marks the three year anniversary of Gavin's life. I cannot believe how fast time has flown. He should still be in diapers and I should still be frazzled as I attempt to interpret his different cries.

We celebrated his birthday on Saturaday by taking him to the Sonoma Train Town Railroad in Sonoma, California. For you Sacaramentans, it's like Funderland except larger and train themed. They feature a 20 minute train ride where you a dropped off at a tiny town complete with a church, jail, and petting zoo. Their rides selection catered to both the big and little kids. Check it out:

It's so fun that you're kids leave screaming because they don't want to leave. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAVIN!

A Day At Sunsplash!

I'm currently sitting in the "mom section" at Golfland Sunsplash as the kids go out and have a great time. While watching everyone's stuff, I'm reading and people watching.

I'm also figuring out a proper punishment for some girls who were giving my son and niece a hard time in the wave pool. Apparently, they were splashing them, on purpose, and following them around. When they rudely splashed the kids, Bryce told them, "Hey thanks, that felt really good!" Oh Bryce, where on Earth do you get that sarcastic sense of humor from? :) I don't take kindly to people messing with my family. If I find them, I'll either have a "come to Jesus meeting" with them or punch their moms in the face. I'm still working out the kinks in my plan.

As a reward to myself, I am eating what is arguably the largest milkshake in the world. Gotta love Sunsplash!

It's Splattering

Being a boy can be gross. Especially when it comes to peeing outdoors. On our way to Truckee, Ca, our 2 year old, Gavin announced that he had to go to the bathroom. He is newly potty trained. When he has to go, I make it happen...quickly. 

We pulled over onto a shoulder and the boys frantically rushed out of the car to pee. As I'm helping Gavin get over the stage fright of peeing on rocks, I feel something wet on my legs. As my older son was relieving himself, his pee was bouncing off the rocks and hitting my legs. WHY DID I WEAR SHORTS AND FLIP FLOPS? WHY DOES THIS SORT OF THING ONLY HAPPEN TO ME? WHY AM I YELLING? 

I was standing on a pile of large, jagged rocks so I couldn't exactly run. Not to mention, I was supporting Gavin in his endeavors. I was stuck. It seemed like the shower of pee would never end. As I frantically attempted to move away, Gavin's started to pee on my hand. Way gross. After that, I had to clean up Gavin, my car door, my hand, oh, and my leg. 

Always eventful in the house of Bunbury. Always eventful. 

Being a SAHM During the Summer

What a busy summer! Between vacations and everything else, summer is fun for the kids and exhausting for me. Trying to find activities that both a 2 year old and a 9 year old enjoy is tough . Mix that with having a tight budget, and I have quite a challenge. Below is a list of things to do when the interests are varied and money does not grow on trees:

1. Funderland, Sacramento. Funderland has great rides for both the little and big kids. Both of the boys had a fantastic time with rides that were their own speeds. There is no admission fee and coupons are readily available. Just make sure it's not 100 degrees when you go.

2. The local library. Okay, so I have not been to a library since college. It was not a place to leisurely read; the library was a place to cram for finals. As a parent, they provide opportunities for your child to fall in love with reading. I'm a little late to the party on this, but you can reserve books online, receive emails about upcoming books that are due, etc. Oh, and here's the obvious draw...free books!

They also have great events for the kids such as summer reading programs and story times. Once, Gav and I went to a story time at the EDH library. It was phenomenal! We had song time, stories, and crafts! (once again, for FREE!) This summer in EDH, the library will throw a pirate themed event, in the park, with a boat! Forget Borders, it's all about the library.

3. Swimming at the local pool. With two boys at home, it is nice to find activities that entertain and tire out the kiddos. Last summer, we frequented the Folsom Aquatic Center. For $150, we had an unlimited family pass for the whole summer. Not to mention, there are a lot of fun characters at the pool (check out my old blog entry, "Hot Fun in the Summertime")

Please post any summer fun ideas for the kiddies. I could use the help.

Warm and Strange, People, Warm and Strange...

I know I should have planned ahead for this better, but I am now potty training Gavin. His cousin, who is 2 months older, wears big boy undies and Gavin wants to join the club. Up until this point, he has been resistant to all things potty. Now that he is showing interest, I'm going to strike while the iron is hot. Here's a breakdown:

Day 1- With two accidents under his belt, Gavin was feeling really good about the big boy pants. He loved the adulation he received. When he would try to use the potty and nothing came out, he would say, "It's not working." (as if his private parts were a machine, I guess).

Day 2- No accidents yet, however, I am also making him go potty every hour. I was in a rush, this morning, to get out the door. After he did his business, I quickly grabbed his seat to clean it. When I grabbed it, the seat felt warm and strange. I look down and there's poop smeared across the seat. Guess where my hand was? Not a wonderful way to start the morning. Best part, it happened again.

I know it's best to potty train when you're at home, but I'm going out of town with the boys. I hope this change of setting doesn't mess up our little bit of progress. Wish me luck.

Love and Marriage...According To A 9 Year Old

Bryce (my 9 year old) and I have a lot of interesting conversations. Below is no exception:

Bryce: Mom, how old do you have to be in order to get married?

Me: Usually 18.

Bryce: Do people younger than 18 get married?

Me: Yes, but their parents have to sign a piece of paper saying that it's okay.

Bryce: So, you could actually get married at any age as long as your parents say it's okay?

Me: (Pause) Well, yes, I guess so.

Bryce: So, like a 4 year old could get married?

Me: Maybe, I don't know any parents who would sign off on that.

Bryce: If that's the case, I want to get married tomorrow.

Me: (shocked) To who? (Bryce tells me the girl's name. Sorry guys, I'm sworn to secrecy). Okay, well if you get married, you need to find a job so that you can support her.

Bryce: What? You mean I have to give her money? Oh man, I only have two bucks! 

Me: Of course, you have to support her. I think you should wait to get married.

Bryce: Ok, maybe 3 more days... No, wait I wanna get married now! But I would have to leave the house.

Me: Yeah, you would need to move out.

Bryce: (Moving both his hands like a scale and weighing his options) Let's see wife versus family. Hmmm... Family wins. No wait, wife. I can still visit, right?

Me: Of course, you can visit. What makes you able to handle marriage?

Bryce: (Long pause) I'm a young, handsome boy who likes to play video games, like Uncle. I'm a loving man and I would treat her good. Like at bake sale, I loaned her a dollar and I told her she looked pretty at the Spring Concert. One thing about being married is being generous to your girl, right?

Me: Yes, you must be generous. Well I guess that's a start. But still, how are you going to afford a house?

Bryce: I can work with Ms. Gregory selling snacks and I'll make lots of money to buy a house. Great idea! Okay, let's sign those papers...

Wow, Bryce. If only it was that simple.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Basketball season at my son's school is here! Bryce is playing and doing quite well. He made the first basket of the season for his team and I see marked improvement in him with each game.

I am not sure how it happens, but at each game, I morph into, "Annoying Sports Mom". I continually yell things like, "Go Bryce!", "Get under the basket!", and my personal favorite, "Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Look, I know we are at a game, not the library. Cheering is definitely allowed. However, I scream (and I mean scream).

I am positive that I irritate all of the parents around me. I know they sit there thinking, "Geez, why was my son placed on her son's team? Is the season over yet?"

My suspicions were confirmed when my father-in-law mentioned that every video clip he had of Bryce playing featured me screaming, at the top of my lungs. Great. When I held Bryce as a baby, I constantly wondered, "Hmmm..how can I both annoy others and embarass my son? Ah yes, be an overzealous fan at my son's future sports activities. It's almost too easy."

Of course I don't want to be this way, but I can't help it. If you have a scenario that turns you into, "Annoying Mom", please share. I'm hoping that I am not the only one who suffers from this.

Sharing is Caring

This morning, I fed Gavin, my 2 year old, oatmeal for breakfast. Some oatmeal got on the table so I picked it up and was about to eat it. The oatmeal looked a little different so I took a closer look. After careful inspection, I realized that it was one of Gavin's boogers. Thank God I didn't eat that.

That moment reminded me of a time that I was having breakfast with Bryce who was 3 or 4 at the time. We were sharing a glass of orange juice. I was drinking out of a straw and then something chunky shot up straw and into my mouth. I spit it out immediately. It turns out that Bryce was chewing up sausage and spitting it into our community cup. Nothing like a little sweet and savory drink to get the appetite going. Needless to say, we didn't share drinks for a while.

Happy Monday!