Thanks for Grammy for watching little ones.

What can I say? I love the teachers the boys have. These are seasoned ladies who are experts in their field.I am taking notes for my own classroom (estimation jars, centers using plastic bottles, locks with numbers matching keys with equations). Tonight is the overview for the year and a preview of work done so far.

I am proud of Paul’s penmanship. Joe and I are strong believers in handwriting. Yes, he should type but he should also know how to form letters nicely.His classroom will have pen pals (so fun), a monthly author study, multiple field trips (some via city bus), and the grand finale will be a performance in a play. They have already started Reader’s Theater scripts.

Then there is our Henry.

His little smiley face thrilled to be at school with a backpack and a desk.There is a ton of exploring, manipulating, and general fun in his room.I am impressed with all that is being done in these classrooms. High five for public school.

It’s been so hot that we dragged the mattress into the kid’s room and had a family room with our one tiny swamp cooler. One week of that is about all I can handle but it is sort of fun.
When it is this hot, dinner becomes a challenge because I don’t want to stand at the stove or oven. Our little apartment holds all that heat when the air is still. Happily, Paul suggested making veggie sandwiches. He made them for us and pretended to be the guy working at Subway. Strange part is, that was Joe’s first job in high school and Paul is probably the only person who thinks that is awesome!the laundry is easy with boys in uniforms. It’s the smallest one who wants to wear crazy outfits (this is one of the last outfits my grandfather bought her that still fits-it’s Easter themed with a baby chick) and I love it.
We visited our favorite free train ride at Goat Hill Junction.These three are the perfect age to enjoy this train ride together. An overcast morning is perfect for a breeze and enjoying the open air.The days are full and the nights are short. But we are having fun as we go in different directions some days and meet back up at the dinner table to share what we have learned.

My kids are super into the Rosemary Wells series starring Max and Ruby. So when they picked up these vampire teeth in the dollar bin at Target I thought they were just getting into the Halloween spirit early.But then I saw the book and I knew right away they were imitating Max with all those colorful teeth. Although his were candy that gushed out jelly.
I love that they are make those connections.

This girl is watching our every move. She has these big eyes that just take in all info. for later use.

Here she is (rockin’ new pants I bought from Japan) showing off her openingand closing the drawer skills. That’s the napkin drawer. “Look momma, no hands!”

on Sundaywhen it’s 7:30 pm and 94 degrees out.

I am also fond of the name “Japangeles” for the area- is where we spent our Saturday afternoon into the evening.
Starting with the Japanese American Museum
featuring an exhibit on the Dodgers was the main reason we went.
As this exhibit closes, there is anticipation building over the upcoming celebration of Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary. We will surely be headed out there again, next month.
I actually (like any good field trip) learned new information
about the history of this local baseball team in regards to race and equality.
 Then we snacked on mochi ice cream

listened to the street performer
and meandered our way into a restaurant for sushi and ramen.
Although I didn’t capture it on film (no regrets for living in the moment instead of behind the lens). I will make it a point to acknowledge my children tried eel and squid at the shared table. I am proud of their risk taking and willingness to try something new. We have proudly fed them vegetarian meals but realize this is our choice. We want them to eventually decide for themselves if they want to eat meat. I strongly believe their choice should follow after learning or experiencing otherwise for themselves. What was their reaction? They loved the eel and Henry said the fried squid tasted like a worm. But there you have it, all three ate seafood last night.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

This is one area I am seeking advice, tips, and any other clues from my friends who have big families. Who manages the grocery shopping and meal planning? Around here it is a typical team effort, but it is still a challenge. Even after owning several cookbooks, joining a CSA box, having a farmer’s market a block away, and being a vegetarian since I was thirteen.

As I get older I have found I love a good taco, add a little cilantro and I am set. In this image I cooked black bean with zucchini, topped with a little cole slaw type salad (thanks to my friend Tina’s mom for the recipe) on a corn tortilla. This is my go-to meal for gluten free friends. My kids love when I set out the ingredients and make it family style. They will each eat two tacos (Henry had three).Any vegetarian house has to eat its share of pasta as well. We do wheat pasta with sauce or cheese. I love when I can fill a plate with salad and fruit and my kids are happy to eat up.We also have nights where the kids get to pick the meal. Paul loves a good tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. He wants this in his lunch but he doesn’t understand that a lunch box is better suited for non-heated items.
Other nights we have make your own pizza or a stir fry. My kids will eat veggies over noodles or rice most nights. Then there are nights where I go to Subway and am so grateful for the grace of the young girl making our sandwiches, as my children shout over me “peppers, spinach, avocado, and jalapenos.” I was in shock at the volume of their voices, while she was in shock that my kids would eat sandwiches with all those veggies. This week I had a 101 fever and my meal planning fell to the way side. But I am determined to get better. When the weather cools down I plan on busting out my crock pot and I have yet to make one “salad in a jar” for work (a recipe I found this summer). I wish Joe didn’t have class four nights a week, but I truly treasure sitting down with my family and eating food while talking.

The shade and breeze at El Dorado Park was all I needed today.
 An excellent way to beat the heat and wrap up our week.

We are taking the plunge this year to keep our boys active by joining team sports. I registered on-line and this past week, we took Henry out to get his ball, shoes, and shin guards.We agreed that Henry could play soccer and Paul could play baseball (luckily the seasons are opposite).
Today (while I taught at the college), everyone else went to the first practice and game. Paul and Olivine were the champs who hung out in our new, five dollar, folding chairs.
They stayed hydrated and gave me plenty of scoop on how much fun Henry had.The team colors are red, he has a uniform, and loves that he is number 14.We gave the boys a choice and are capitalizing on their strengths and interest. One thing I know about Henry: he likes to run and kick, so soccer is his game.