Monday, November 21, 2011

I Was Just Thinking Mom...Dad...

Zachary is in a stage where he thinks really hard about the facts and has some great ideas as a result!

Scott is transferring to another division at Southwest Research. I'm thrilled that he won't have random days/nights where he has to go in at strange hours so they can work round the clock to get testing done. He's also excited about the new projects he will get to work on. It likely will involve space!! I know he's excited. Upon hearing this information Zachary had a thought. There is a series on Netflix about space.  Zachary and Scott enjoy watching it together sometimes and in fact Zachary chooses it for his 30 minute morning show sometimes. So when Scott was telling Zachary about the things he might get to work on Zachary said, "Daddy you should watch more of the space show.  You might need to know that stuff".  Scott thought about it and in all honesty said, "You are probably right. I may very well need to know some of the information on those shows".

Zachary has also been very interested in sports lately.  He really wants to try baseball and then soccer. We were watching Sunday football on FOX this past Sunday.  We are excited when a soccer game comes on and Zachary is interested in seeing the game.  He asks a lot of questions.  He does mention that he is a little afraid to play because he might get hit by other players or collide with them.  We explain about the rules and talk about the gear they wear to protect themselves. And then I say, "yeah I really like soccer. I wish I could play on a team right now but there isn't one convenient at this time".  Zachary says, "that's ok. You can be on my baseball team".

The last of the clever words I have to share happened today. The kids and I were going into HEB. I was holding Zachary's hand to cross the street of course. I let go on the sidewalk so he could see if there were any "car carts". As soon as I dropped his hand he said, "My hand fell because of gravity. It was just pulling it down".

Love to see and listen to the things kids learn :)

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Daily Laughs

Zachary's daily experiences and happenings have given me a couple of stories to post about today.  Thinking about them remind me of how much he is learning each day.

A couple of weeks ago I was serving lunch one weekday.  We have learning place mats; one with the ASL alphabet, one with the periodic table, one with musical instruments, and another with the presidents.  Zachary was studying the one in front of him which happened to be the presidents. Zachary knows very well that we live in San Antonio.  He also knows that one of his very good friends moved to the place called Washington.  Zachary looked up and asked me, "Where is San Antonio on here?".  I looked at his place mat and then said, "Well, that place mat has the presidents on there.  It doesn't have the cities or states".  He said, I know but where is San Antonio on here?"  I repeated myself again and finally he said, "Washington is on here, so where is San Antonio?".  I got it. "Oh I see I said.  That is George Washington.  That's his name and the place Meredith lives was named after him.  We didn't have a president named San Antonio.  :)

A couple of nights ago Scott and I were admiring a coloring page that was on Zachary's wall. I hadn't put it up and neither had Scott.  "Zachary did you put this up?" Scott asked.  He answered yes.  I remembered that he had asked me for tape earlier that day and said so.  We both were admiring that he had figured out how to put it up.  Somehow Zachary ended up telling us that the tape didn't work so well.  "So what did you use?" we asked.  "I used a gluestick".  ohhhh. I remembered that he had been trying to put glue on it that day too. I had not seen him actually glue the paper to anything so that was where it had ended up.  "You glued this??" "yes". I tried to pull it off a bit. It was stuck stuck stuck.  Oh wow.  Needless to say, we were both proud of him for using great problem solving skills.  We did though, explain to him that there are other ways to hang things on the wall and that glue doesn't end up working out so well in the end. :)


Thursday, October 27, 2011

My 4 Year Old Photographer


Zachary has taken an interest in the camera as most children do, however he's also taken an interest in still life pictures.  He takes his time finding lovely images he feels are worthy of photographing and remembering.  He's becoming more experienced at capturing the light in just the right way and displaying a unique angle to the world around him. I took the liberty of captioning his photographs. I hoped to assist in displaying the inspirational perspective of life captured in this unique work of art.

One Consistency in a 4 Year Old's Life

Don't Look Down on Yourself


Be bright but don't look into the bright.

What Can You Build in Your Future?


The entrance to a New Journey.

Green and Life Enhancing Transportation

Remember to Organize Your Life and Your Garage

Before You Open an Unknown Door Look Through the Window

Remember Your Special Cup which Holds the Substance of Sustenance. 

Numbers You'll Never Leave Home Without

A Dream put to rest and set aside for the future.

The Early Mode of Transportation

A New Perspective on Leaves

Paint the Town Brown or Paint Your Table Autumn

What's on Your Artistic Table?

Take a Rest and Have Ice Cream in Bed

Matter Outside and Inside your Body



Have Variety in Your Life and in the Colors of Your Wardrobe


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Library Halloween!

The blog entries have been few and far between since our trip to Washington and the loss of Sofia.  I'm extremely behind on exciting events, ideas, and pictures. We attended two weddings since August, had a trip to Richland, WA and have put up a great club house in the backyard.  Before I catch up though I have to post about our Costume Parade to the library today.

The library had a costume parade with extra exploration activities today.  Zachary dressed as Buzz Lightyear which he had been asking for, for quite a while.  Adelyn wore a Halloween shirt which was my back up plan knowing that she wouldn't want to wear the adorable dog costume I got last year a few days after Halloween for $3. She looked cute anyway.

We unfortunately missed the story about a monster and the name of the face parts.  We began with the station to make the Monster face on a stick that went with the story.  There were other entertaining activities for the kids that were very simple.  They had a blast hitting a balloon tied to a string which was tied to the ceiling. They also went fishing for bats and organized pumpkins by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.

The last thing was the exciting costume parade where they got to collect candy at different points in the library. We all brought candy to share in the mix. Many of the librarians were considerate and noticed that Adelyn did not need any of the jawbreaker type candies.  I personally don't care to buy anything like that to hand out at home or anywhere.

We had a fun time with our friends Denise, Nana, and Isabella!  We still miss our favorite librarian Yanira!  But we know she's making other kids smile in a new library.  Here's our experience below.

Watching the pumpkin balloons fly around.

Fishing for bats!  

Adelyn's turn


Playing with puppets

Hitting the balloons!

Pumpkin puzzle line up

Working together!

Littlest Pet Shop and Buzz Lightyear

Nana and Zachary

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Learning Animal Sounds

Here is a link of Adelyn learning about what bears say. She has elephant down great also! We'll have to get one of that animal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU5hr1-rEnk

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Dear Sofia...Snowfia,

One day during the summer before we could drive, we wanted to learn a vocal duet that you had.  It was an arrangement of The Wind Beneath My Wings.  You had it and since we couldn't come to each other you taught it to me over the phone.  We were so proud of ourselves and we had a great time singing it that day and there after.  I cherish that day and of course many more great times we had.  You played a big part in my life.  You gave me strength, encouragement, laughter, joy, appreciation for the things around me, knowledge, music, and much more. This week has been hard knowing that you are gone from the earth and that I do not have any more chances to make more memories with you.  So I re-wrote the duet to fit you.  It helped with the grieving and I'm glad I have something to sing to you. Your life and journey was so inspirational in so many ways. I will always cherish our friendship.  The piece goes like this.

The Wind Beneath My Wings- Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar
For Sofia V. Mendez

I know you felt cold in a shadow.
But then you felt sunlight on your face.
You always had a natural shine.
But smiled and encouraged from behind.

You searched through life to find your calling.
You inspired us all and gave us strength.
Beautiful face and angel voice.
You followed your dream and made your choice.

Chorus
Did you ever know that you're my hero
So much of what I'd like to be.
I can fly higher than an eagle.
You helped form the wind beneath my wings.

Your gusto for life and your compassion
Put hope and joy in our hearts.
So full of love and full of truth.
I wouldn't be the same without you.

Chorus

Second Chorus
Did I ever tell you you're my hero
You helped me decide who to be.
I can fly higher because you loved me.
You helped form the wind beneath my wings.


So maybe I'll record it sometime and give it to your parents. I'm sure they want to know everything about you.  You were so loved by so many people.  Your example inspires us to follow our dreams and persevere.
love,
Eng a ling

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Sofia Victoria Mendez- January 2 1984 to October 1, 2011 and beyond because you are always 


living in our hearts and of course in heaven. 




Thursday, 10/6, 4:00-9:00 PM - Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe, TX.

Friday, 10/7, 5:00-8:00 PM - Community Baptist Church, 8909 Cochran's Crossing Dr., The



 Woodlands, TX 77381


A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 10/8, 10:00am at Community Baptist Church at the


 address mentioned above








Sofia V. Mendez I haven't seen you in a few years, but you have always been a dear friend to me.
Hearing of you passing away has of course made me miss you so much. I have endless 
memories with you from junior high, high school, and even a few in college too. You were the one 
to tell me about my career, music therapy. I know you are with our friends Kristen Cote and Zack Homrighaus shining down on us. I miss you.






Can't get past the fact that I will never see you again. And I can't stop looking at all of the 
photos. I 
regret so much that it had been so long since we caught up. I wish this were a dream.




Dear Sofia, I remember the summer before our freshman year before we could drive. We really
wanted to learn the arrangement of the wind beneath my wings duet that you had so you taught it
to me on the phone. I know I'll cry every time I hear that now, but it's worth the memory. Love you 
friend.

We Love Music!

Mommy took the video sideways!! This thing called a recorder is fun!

I love to dance and be silly! 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My Favorite Activity


This is what I like to do anytime I can run into the bathroom when it's open. I see everyone else doing it and it feels good on my teeth.







Just talking to my toothbrush.


Here I'm brushing my teeth...a few times.

Adelyn Sophia's 17th Month

Am I cute or what? Mommy says I am. She might be a little biased but she doesn't think so.


Daddy really likes this picture.


Morning is a great time to be outside!

I really like these bead things. They say I will probably like Madi Gras.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Bedtime Routine

My children have both gotten into the habbit of reading books before falling asleep. I'm loving it of course. Zachary takes about 25 books to bed well....give or take a few. Adelyn selects about 5. I kind of have to monitor to make sure she doesn't rip the pages of the soft page ones. Some of those are her favorites. She's in the phase right now where she doesn't want me to leave the room until she falls asleep (but not for nap time...who knows why....) so I sit in the rocking chair until she does. I've learned over time to let go of things I need to do and just enjoy the moments watching them read their books. In addition to reading, Adelyn also likes to rearrange her stuffed animals over and over. I don't remember Zachary doing that at her age but she sure enjoys it :) Maybe some night I'll get a picture to add to the post.

Saturday, September 03, 2011

A Boy Version of Doll House

Dollhouse is a favorite game at our house. Of course each kid has their own version. Here is the Zachary version.




Friday, September 02, 2011

Kids Favorites

Just for us to remember years down the road, I thought I would include a favorites post of our children's favorite things at this time.

Zachary's Favorite:

  • Color- blue, second favorite is pink
  • Food- Pizza, berries, celery, carrots, popcorn and PBJ
  • Pretend game- House, doll house, camping, acting out disney movies
  • Books- Berenstain Bears
  • Show- Busytown, Caillou, Curious George
  • Songs- Here Comes Science by They Might Be Giants, Here Come the 123s, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Veggie Tales, Polar Express
  • Songs to sing to Adelyn- Itsy Bitsy Spider, Do You Know the Colors of the Rainbow (because he knows she likes these, ah so sweet)
  • Toys- Cars, dollhouse stuff, duplos
Adelyn's Favorite
  • Color-unsure
  • Food- it changes often but currently blueberries, pizza, peanut butter, yogurt chicken nuggets, brocolli
  • Books- Sesame Street, I'm a Helper, My First Signs, The Wheels on the Bus, Is Your Mama a Llama. Used to be Blue Hat Green Hat and Itsy Bitsy Spider
  • Toy- slide, ball, dolls, books
  • Activity- brushing teeth, sliding, unloading the dishwasher, helping with laundry by bringing me anything she sees.
  • Songs- Old MacDonald, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Do You Know the Colors of the Rainbow, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD, Pat-a-cake Songs CD, Greg and Steve
The kids have grown so much inside and out this summer. It's amazing to think that their development has improved in the few months of summer.

At the beginning of the summer Zachary was telling me things like, when I asked him how the movie was, he said "It was fantastic!". He told my aunt the something was mysterical and he uses the word rediculous a lot.

While visiting my family in Louisiana he asked my grandmother why she had a hole in her neck.....uh, yeah...While driving back from Louisiana he told me to drive on the grass because we were in bumper to bumper traffic going down to one lane. Well he didn't know all the rules so it's a good idea if you're in a hurry! When we arrived at home both kids were ecstatic to see their daddy. I hadn't seen Adelyn ever smile so big. And when we walked in the house Zachary said, "I remember this place Mom!" Well I guess three weeks is a long time to be away :) He also told me that night that I smelled like baking soda. Kind of ironic.

We have been playing a lot of dollhouse, camping, and house this summer. He loves it. I've been using stuffed animals to get him to do things and teach him things like piano. It's amazing how differently he responds to an animal talking to him. A funny story about dollhouse is that one day we were playing and Zachary made his character play hockey on the roof. And then the mom, me, was suppose to go play with him. I then said, after they were done playing, let's go jump on the bed and Zachary made his character say, that's too dangerous". Ha.

He's also been practicing three letter words this past couple of months and he's learning to figure out putting the sounds together on his own. I'm so excited!! He's also in love with the Berenstain Bears now. He saved his money for 4 weeks and bought himself The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist.

Adelyn of course has changed a lot this summer. She has been saying Moo and oof oof (woof) since June. She pants like a dog whenever she sees one also. She has frequenly changed her mind about which foods are her favorites. She may have devoured grapes one day but the next she refuses them. At 16 months she figured out how to slide down the stairs on her tummy. Now at almost 18 months she tries to hold on to the posts and step down. She definitely needs some help though.

When Scott comes home there are now two little runners who dash for the garage door. "Dada, Dada, Dada" Adelyn repeats over and over. We've also been flying her to bed just like Zachary. Sometimes she puts her arms out in front of her. She tries to do gymnastics by herself. The other day when we stopped at Brenda's house on the way to the woodlands (Aug 22) she tried to jump off the arm of her couch. She also does the down dog but with her head too. And she loves it when I flip her around.

Adelyn loves to bring us stuff. Anything on the ground. She loves to help me with laundry so when she sees me in the laundry room she brings me any piece of clothing she can find. ah, melts my heart. She also is fascinated with the dishwasher and helps me with that also. I frantically try to grab all of the glass stuff before she does. Makes things go quicker :)

The other day I dropped something I was carrying and knew it but didn' stop to pick it up. Adelyn was reading herself a book in the rocker in their room. She put the book down, got off of it and brought me the object. So sweet! And then returned to her spot. It was sometime before Aug 15.

This week she has been carrying baby dolls around a lot more. In June we got her a tiny one from Target which she loved probably b/c it was perfect for her size. She now carries more of the other ones in the house, feeds them a bottle, and brushes their hair. They grow so fast!

This morning Zachary told Sandy he couldn't come watch a show with him because he didn't have a butt to sit on.

That's it for the Miller children update :)


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Rare day of Rain one July


Playing in the rain on this rare day in July of 2011! It poured and we were not going to miss out on all of the fun. We don't need rain coats in San Antonio, TX. If it rains the excitement throws the rain coat out of the picture!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Important to Brush Teeth!


Adelyn has watched her big brother brush his teeth every day and now she's interested her self. I find her often going into their bathroom, placing the stool where she wants it, climbing onto it, opening the toothbrush drawer and pulling out her and Zachary's toothbrushes. She selects three types of toothpaste although she just lays them on top of the counter. Sometimes she brings all of it to me or takes it to sit down at the little blue table. I'm sure it's because she watches us and it also feels good on her gums!

I've tried to get pictures but since she's also fascinated with the camera she puts it down when I put the camera up. :)

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Summer Reading


Zachary participated in the Library Summer Reading program. I thought it might be fun for him to look back and see what he read this summer so I'm going to list the books he read here on the blog. Adelyn did not complete her summer reading. She's still into the repetition of her favorite books and is not always interested in new stuff yet.

Zachary age 4
1. The Healthy Wolf
2. Berenstain Bears Bad Habit
3. The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear
4. The Berenstain Bears New Baby
5. The Berenstain Bears Afraid of the Dark
6. If the Dinosaurs Came Back
7. Come Back Ameila Bedeila
8. The Berenstain Bears Double Dare
9. Amelia Bedeila
10. Own
11. The Berestain Bears and the Big Race
12. The Berestain Bears and the Sitter
13. Book Book Book
14. Arthur Goes to Camp
15. Curious George Takes a Job

Other new ones
The Berestain Bears Go to the Doctor
Wobble the Witch Cat
The Sun and the Wind Fable
The Berestain Bears Too Much Vacation

Obviously we've found a favorite series!


Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Woodlands Children's Museum

We went to The Woodlands Children's Museum back in June. It was a little place but it had everything we needed to have fun. Zachary even met another boy his age named Zachary!


Playing in the water and fishin


Preparing the firetruck

Riding in the firetruck

Diggin in the construction area


Taking care of the house

Workin in the kitchen

Purchasing groceries

Picking out groceries

Imagining on stage

Playing on stage

Trying out a truck

Book Series on Behavior

I'm posting a series of books and link to the author's website on the totschool blog.


The author is Joy Berry.

You can also see some of the other online resources we discovered this summer!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Ideas for Children When a Parent Travels Away

One of my parenting magazines had some suggestions for making a parent's temporary departure easier.

1. Count Down the Days- Make a tear-away calendar or something similar so they have something to help understand when the parent is coming home.

2. Look at the Lovely- Take along a stuffed animal or toy and photograph it doing cool things like flying or sightseeing.

3. Record your voice- Use the computer or smart phone to record a message, video, or story for bedtime.

4. Video Chat- Skype or gmail!

5. Start a Virtual Diary- familydetails.com has a free website for the family to write day to day activities, upload pictures and texts.

6. Create Together- If a parent is gone for a long time create a picture together. Start out with a single line on a page and mail it back and forth, adding one line or shape until you have a piece of art.



Here is an example of number 2

Mouse traveled with Daddy on his business trip.


Mouse went to the pool.

Mouse sleeps in.