PSA - Get those Graduation Books out!

A few years ago when my youngest was in Kindergarten I was browsing on Pinterest and saw the idea of having teachers sign the same book each year and then give the book to them at graduation.

Well it's the best idea except two tiny things.....

1. You have to keep the book hidden for 12-13 years!
2. You have to ask the teachers to sign each year.

And last but not least:

3. If you have more than 1 child you have to do it for (all of) them too!

So.....that brings me to my PSA today.  If you have one of those books for your sweet kids then pull them out and have the teacher sign in ASAP.  You want to make sure they have enough time, I'd suggest 3-4 weeks before the last day of school since they already have SO MUCH going on at the end of the year.

In the beginning I was able to send the book in my daughter's backpack with a note but now that she's older I had to coordinate with her teacher by retrieving it from their office mailbox.

If you haven't started this tradition yet I recommend the classic "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr Suess.  Or the one I bought our youngest, "The Wonderful Things You Will Be" by Emily Winfield Martin.


 

A couple tips to make this a success:

1. Make sure your book is hardback, they'll hold up better over the next 13 years.

2. Keep the book in an envelope such as a used Priority Mail envelope (or two).  This will work when they're younger (can go back and forth in a backpack), but once they get older and wiser you'll have to get more sneaky.

3. If 13 years of tracking down teachers seems overwhelming make a smaller goal, perhaps just elementary school.  I'm leaning more towards finishing up our books for 8th grade graduation. :)

Now I need to get started on the end of the year teacher's gifts, we only have 3 more days of school!!  Woot woot!

Talking to Kids about Alzheimer's

My father had a long journey with Alzheimer's that spanned over 14 years. When my Dad started showing symptoms I was a young adult living in another state, focused on my own life, madly in love and planning my wedding.  It took me awhile to take my Mom's updates seriously and to recognize the symptoms.  

The first time I acknowledged the reality that my Dad was changing was during a visit when he kept repeating the same conversation over and over.  He also read newspaper articles and headlines (out loud) repeatedly.  And most alarming at a family function I overheard him talking and realized that he had forgotten that I was there even though I was standing just a few feet from him.  At this point I was newly pregnant with my first baby.

By the time my baby girl was born Dad was clearly confused.  He didn't know where he was or what we were doing, but he was (mostly) content.  He was also a fantastic grandfather.  

My parents came out to help after my daughter was born and he would hold her, love on her, tell me how beautiful she was and remember her name.  

As she grew he celebrated her milestones along with us, rejoicing over her walking, eating foods and generally being an adorable baby.  By the time she turned 3 he was asking over and over when she'd be starting kindergarten since she was so advanced.

When my oldest was little he would read to her for hours.  Repeating the same favorite book over and over didn't bother him in the slightest since he didn't remember that he'd just read it.  They would talk and read in the backseat of my car happily, he thought she was marvelous.

I didn't talk much to my oldest about her grandfather's disease at this point, since she didn't know anything was different or out of the ordinary.

By the time I was pregnant with my second daughter my Dad had slipped quite a bit more.  Multiple times a day he would see my big belly during visits and ask when I was due.  He was sweet and excited for me but becoming increasingly less patient with my 3 year old since he was regressing in his emotional maturity at this point and starting to match hers.

He would get angry with my oldest and had a hard time sharing or dealing with her typical 3 year old behavior.  As a result we had to move Dad to the front seat to keep her safe and make sure she always had mom or grandma with her when grandpa was there.  This was a really tough transition for me and also for my daughter.  She started to realize that sometimes grandpa would react "funny" or "scary" and didn't know why. 

I purchased a couple books around this time to help explain his illness to her.  For the most part they were pretty wordy and advanced so I had to simplify it for her.  It's also tricky because every Alzheimer's journey is different.  Some symptoms are similar but we couldn't relate exactly with the stories in the books.

Still My Grandpa
What's Happening to Grandpa

In time I found that just talking about his disease was easier.  We would talk ahead of a visit (we saw them about 4x a year), during the visit and after the visit.  But I kept the books around so they could grab them for me to read (or read to themselves) whenever they wanted.

How I explained Alzheimer's:

Using developmentally appropriate words I explained that grandpa's brain isn't working well anymore.  That he has an illness that is progressing and parts of grandpa keep going away.  I gave examples of brain-parts that no longer work as the deficits kept progressing such as: his patient part, the part that tells his tummy he's full/just eaten, the part that takes turns, the part that says please and thank you.  Later I had to explain that the part that tells him it's time to use the potty or go to sleep (this was easier to explain as her little sister was potty training around the same time).

I told her that he was slowly going backwards in his brain, that he was getting younger while she was getting older.  

These simple explanations seemed to satisfy my oldest, and later my youngest.

Focus on Strengths:

At the same time we were talking about what wasn't working with my Dad I also highlighted what he could still do.  To focus on his strengths!  What he still tolerated/appreciated: hugs, a picture, reading to him, watching a show he likes, taking a walk on the beach, etc.

I also pointed out what my kids did that Dad loved.  How he lit up when they talked to him.  How he hugged back.  How he smiled whenever they came close.  How he remembered my youngest daughter's middle name (which was amazing!).

Talk about the Past:

Since my Dad was not able to tell them stories about his childhood or mine I filled in the blanks for him.  I told my kids about what Dad used to be like (and I still do!).  Showed them photos, videos, slides and especially highlighted the good memories as well as my Dad's character qualities/personality.

Reassure and Answer Questions:

During our regular conversations about Dad I found that their most pressing concerns were about me.  They needed to hear that I wouldn't get Alzheimer's and leave them.  So I made sure to tell them over and over that scientists are working really hard on a cure right now and that although it will be too late for grandpa it will be in time for me if I was to get the illness.  This seemed to satisfy them.

I had our family participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer's and pointed out all of the people coming together to raise money for a cure.

Remember to:

• Allow your kids to ask questions freely (or not, don't push the topic if they are not ready).
• Have time before, during and after visits to discuss what they see and feel.
• Be honest, if you don't have answers let them know that.
• Reassure them and point out what they are doing well.
• If your kids aren't big on talking try using art.  Ask them to draw how they feel, or draw the grandparent, visits, etc.
• Let them know that it is hard for you too.  Share your feelings so they know they're not alone.  Don't hide all of your pain or they won't learn that it is normal.
• Take LOTS of photos of your kids with their grandparent.  You can look back on these photos together to remember, reinforce their relationship and to fill in gaps once grandpa is gone.
• Reach out for help if you need it from a professional counselor or support group.

If you have a parent or loved one with dementia I highly recommend the book "The 36-Hour Day".  This book was very helpful for me to understand what was happening to my Dad, what would be coming and ways to make our relationship (and his relationship with my kids) go more smoothly.









For more on Alzheimers:

Recordable Books Treasured Memories
Goodbye Dad
Visiting Memory Care/Nursing Homes with Kids
Gift Ideas for Loved Ones with Dementia

Downton Abbey Sighting!

Downton Abbey may be a fictional show but it was filmed at a real English Castle, Highclere Castle.  This lovely estate has been the backdrop for quite a few British films and also hosts special events and even overnight guest!

I happened to recognize the lovely estate while watching a film with my girls last night.  So if you have missed seeing Downton Abbey check out the movie Back to the Secret Garden on Netflix.  Made in 2000 this (made for TV) children's film is based on the classic The Secret Garden but takes place in the 1940s when Mary and Colin are adults and there are new children living at Misselthwaite Manor (orphans).  The secret garden still needs help and love and fortunately there is a new character (Lizzie) to save the day.

There are no familiar actors from the Downton Abbey show but there is a "Lady Mary" that owns the estate, so that's close!

It was a cute, clean and sweet film.  My girls enjoyed it (the 9yo more than the 5 yo), especially my oldest who had just finished reading the novel (again).  They were able to learn a few British words and phrases.  And we had opportunities to talk about what makes a good friend (just wait, there is a jealous mean girl in the story).

So make a cup of tea, get some biscuits and gather your kids on the couch for a movie this weekend!

Fisher Price Friday - Marvin's Invention: A Story Book

We're back to school here in Arizona so in the spirit of learning I have another Fisher Price Little People Book to share with you.  It is Marvin's Invention by Dina Anastasio published in 1987 by Marvel Books.

This fun little book is full of familiar Little People faces including Timmy, Penny, baby (with a hat) and of course Lucky (the dog).  Cousin Marvin looks familiar too, he resembles the little brown hair/glasses wearing girl from the Little People School #2550.  Perhaps that's his sister. :)

The story is about cousin Marvin coming for a visit and the havoc he caused while creating an invention in their home.  He takes pieces and parts from all over their home in order to create his super cool bubble blowing, music making, rolling robot.

Usually the Fisher Price books throw in a few familiar old toys within the pages.  This book did not have as many but I did notice the Baby's First Blocks #414.

Another familiar FP toy shown in the book on a few pages is a Puffalump toy.  We haven't collected any of these in our family but they were soft, stuffed, feather-light dolls or animals made of parachute-type materials.  They were introduced in the 1980s and came in a variety of sizes.  

They are shown in the book as toys on Timmy's bed and characters in the movie the family watched (seen driving the car in the page above).

Of course the book ends on a happy note with the family seeing all the missing objects on the invention Marvin made.  And although they take everything back Marvin does not mind and goes back to creating.

This particular book is a hit at my house because both of my girls are constantly "inventing" usually by taking things from our recycling bin or from around the house.  They can absolutely relate with this little guy.

For more Fisher Price Books Check Out:

Fisher Price Activity Book Things To Make

Timmy's Birthday Party and Sticker Story Book

Shape Books:

Meet Penny and Meet Timmy

Meet Baby

Meet Lucky

Hardcover Story Books:

Care and Share a Book About Manners

Listen and Look a Safety Book

Activity Books:

Friday Farm Time Fun A Story to Color (activity book)

Sending my baby to Kindergarten

Yesterday was the first day of school for our girls.  It was my youngest daughter's first day of full day Kindergarten.  She *just* turned 5 so this was a harder transition for her (or maybe me!!) than when her big sister started half day Kindergarten at almost 6 yrs old.

Like with my oldest I planned ahead to help all of us with the transition.  I talked about school for MONTHS ahead and brought it into daily conversations.  We also visited the school in the summer and went to Meet the Teacher night.  

Last weekend I rearranged their closets so both girls could reach their own clothes (my youngest used to have hers up high) and made sure they had enough school appropriate outfits.  This can be a challenge here in HOT HOT AZ as they're back to school even though it's still 100+ degrees outside.  They aren't allowed to wear thin strapped tops or dresses which is well, pretty much all they wear in this weather!

The night before school started we had a special dinner with sparkling grape juice toasts, picked out first day dresses, read 4 books about starting school and I gave my youngest a special matching necklace.  I did the same with my oldest when she started K.  She wears a necklace and I wear a matching one so that when we miss each other we can touch our necklaces and remember that the other person is missing us/thinking of us. Basically it's a cute and easy transition object (remember I used to be a therapist....using my skills people, using my skills).

1. We Like Kindergarten - A little Golden Book from the 60s.  Honestly it isn't very relevant for school today as those little kids had nap time, juice and cookies and clay play...but still a fun book.
2. The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing - This book was my favorite and I will admit to crying at the end.  Sigh.  Highly recommend!  
3. Teachers are for Reading Stories by Harriet Ziefert.  We have a few books from this series (cousins, mommies, daddies, etc) and my girls loved the lift-the-flaps aspect of it.
4. Last but not least: Katy's First Day a vintage 1970's "Tell-A-Tale" book.  I LOVE these tiny little vintage hardback books and have collected dozens for my kids.  This sweet story is about a reluctant kindergarten girl who starts out not participating in the school day but ends up loving it!  It's the cutest.  Here is another copy on Etsy.

She loved her necklace and I made sure to add an initial for my oldest to my necklace so she knew I was missing her too!  They are both birds and mine has an extra pearl added.  I purchased them from an Etsy shop rememberZEN.  

The morning of school I snuck little love notes into their lunch boxes and pennies in their pockets (as a mommy surprise).  We got to school early and I walked both of them to class.  

The Kindergarten teacher had the kids sit down in the reading circle and she read "The Night Before Kindergarten".  I mentioned that book above, it is one of the books I read the night before so I knew what to expect.  Basically the book is about a first day and how the kids were fine but the parents were surprisingly emotional and teary.  In the book the teacher reads a book and then the kids give their parents hugs and send them on their way.  

Well that was exactly what my daughter's teacher did which was both humorous and emotional.  And oh yes, I did cry as she gave me that last goodbye hug and a cheery "by mom, see you later".  

She was totally fine but I was a wreck.  It's a big transition for both of us as I no longer have any littles at home!  Boo hoo.  

They both had a great first day and I'm easing into my new normal...will keep you posted. :)

For more first day of school tips check out my oldest's Kindergarten transition back in 2013. 

Fisher Price Friday - What's In My Pockets? A Surprise Cloth Book

Today I have a book to share, but this one is special.  What's in My Pockets #179 a Surprise Cloth Book for Girls was made from 1972-1974. This colorful cloth book has more than just sweet pictures; each page has an activity to practice zippers, velcro, snaps, etc. And if that wasn't enough excitement it comes with eight plastic coins to place in each of the pockets. 

 There were two versions of What's in my Pockets, this "girl" version and a boy version. The boy version is also cloth and came out a year before the girl version.

The eight coins have lithographs on each one showing a different object. They are red, yellow, blue and green. 

The coins pictured include: 

Red - Green Ribbon
Yellow - Doll
Red - Green Comb
Green - Ring
Blue - Hankie (so cute and pink w/lace)
Yellow - Key w/chain

There are two more coins that I haven't found yet but am still on the hunt for.  I am missing the ice cream cone (blue) and one with 3 coins (green).

The backs of the coins have the FP logo stamped inside with a texture around the letters and a raised rim. They are unlike any of the other much thicker Fisher Price coins that came with toys like the Cash Register.

The book is made of a heavy duty yet soft cotton material. The fabric is colorfast which is clearly working quite well as the colors are vivid despite its 40+ years! It is also listed as washable although I haven't been brave enough to give that a try! The front cover recommends that it is "FOR GIRLS Ages 2-6". 

Both of my girls have loved playing with these books although I continue to be reluctant to let my youngest play with them unless I'm close by.  The coins are super easy to get misplaced (trust me I keep finding them in odd places around my house) and man oh man they are hard to replace.  I've been looking for my 2 missing coins online for years and still haven't found them (for a price I'm willing to pay).

Now back to the book, it has 10 pages total with 8 of them having text written on them. 

PATCH POCKET

My patch pocket is just a patch

To make a handy pocket.

It can be used for many things

From hankies to a locket.

BUTTON POCKET

The pockets on my raincoat

Are made in a special way

To keep my treasures nice and dry

When out on a rainy day.

ZIPPER POCKET

When I stand upon my head

And throw myself about

The zipper keeps my pocket shut

Stops things from falling out.

SLASH POCKET

A place to keep my favorite toy

My comb and velvet bands

It's big enough to do all that

And warm my chilly hands.

This is my

STICKY POCKET

It sticks so nice and tight.

Can you tell me what is in it

Find out if you are right.

Check out the velcro on the little "purse".  Ours looks brand new!

This is my SNAP POCKET

It makes a happy, snappy sound

When you discover what it holds,

Tell me what you've found.

I can see it in the morning,

I can see it at bedtime too.

If my HIP POCKET

was in the front,

I could look in there with you.

(I love love this page, it's my favorite.  How cute is the little girl with her outfit and funny words?  I am also partial to hip/back pockets since my husband proposed by slipping an engagement ring into my back pocket).

I have a SECRET POCKET

For things I like to hide

Can you find my secret pocket

And what it has inside?

Here are the two What's in my Pockets? books.  For a closer look at What's in my POCKETS? A Surprise cloth book for boys #178 go here.

Fisher Price Friday - Listen and Look a Safety Book

Happy Friday!  It's been awhile since I shared a Fisher-Price Little People book so here we go.  Today it's Listen and Look A Safety Book published in 1986 by FP/Quaker Oats/Marvel Books.  Written by Rita Golden Gelman and Illustrated by Cathy Beylon this medium sized board book was one of two Hardcover instructional books.

This book is particularly lovely because it has familiar FPLP characters, animals and even vehicles.  You'll see Lucky the dog, familiar children (Timmy & Penny), Circus Train animals and even a couple surprise toys like the tub toy on the shelf in the photo above.

The book is instructional telling kids how to stay safe but only putting food in their mouths, not climbing into refrigerators, looking before you cross the street, not climbing up high, watching where you walk, saying NO to strangers and wearing appropriate weather clothing.  All great current life lessons (although the refrigerator seems a bit outdated).

These illustrations are my favorite, check out all the familiar toys/figures.  The car, farm animals and even the wagon.  So fun!

For more Fisher Price Activity Books Check Out:

Fisher Price Activity Book Things To Make

Timmy's Birthday Party and Sticker Story Book

Shape Books:

Meet Penny and Meet Timmy

Meet Baby

Meet Lucky

Hardcover Story Books:

Care and Share a Book About Manners

Activity Books:

Friday Farm Time Fun A Story to Color (activity book)

Tasty Molasses Cake Recipe from the Kitchen House

A few weeks ago I read The Kitchen House: A Novel by Kathleen Grissom.  The novel is set on a large plantation decades before the Civil War in Virginia.  It has a unique view following Lavinia, a young Irish orphan girl as she moves from the kitchen house to the big house.  Amazon describes it as a "heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deep-buried secrets, and familial bonds."

This book was difficult to put down and when I finally finished I wasn't ready for it to end so I went on to read the author interview and then study group questions in the back of the book.  In the author interview this Molasses Cake recipe was introduced.  The recipe (created by the author) was a modern adaption of a cake that would have been made in the pre Civil War time.  The minute I saw it I had to have it.  So....that very afternoon I baked this cake!  

My kids were confused as to why it looked like chocolate but tasted quite different, ha!  I am a huge fan of molasses cookies but still found this cake to be a bit lacking on its own.  I whipped up a quick and easy cream cheese frosting to make it even better (just cream cheese and cane sugar blended).

It was quite tasty, especially alongside a cup of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice coffee.  Ahhhhh, bring on fall already!! (Still in the 90's -100's here in Phoenix this week, boo!)  So get the Kitchen House on your kindle and whip up some cake.  Let me know what you think!

Tasty Molasses Cake

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup molasses
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
2 dashes ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease an 8 inch square baking pan.  In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar.  Beat in the egg.  In a separate bowl combine the milk and the molasses.  In another bowl combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.  Add each of these alternately to the butter mixture, beating well between additions.  Bake for approximately 45 min or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Fisher Price Friday - A Visit to the Firehouse

I'm back for Fisher Price Friday with an adorable little board book to share with you.  A Visit to the Firehouse is a Little People Books board book from 1986.

It's a funny little book about the Little People family and their trip to the local Firehouse.  

Naturally a few shennanigans ensue while they are there.

Including the kids going along to a fire call while their parents stay behind at the station!  Crazy times in the Fisher Price world.

There is another Look and Play Book in this series called "Who Said Moo"?  I don't have this one yet, but I'm on the lookout!

Unlike my other Little People Books this board book is teeny-tiny.  It's a perfect size for a toddler to hold.

My little 3 (almost 4 year old!) loves this book and I hope you can find one to love too.

If your kids love Firetrucks, Firemen and Fire Stations check out these sets:

Fire Station #928

Play Family Fire Engine #720

Fire Truck #2361

Fire Truck #124

Other Fisher Price Books:

Meet Lucky

Meet Penny

Meet Timmy

Meet Baby

also

Care and Share, A Book About Manners

and

Mini Block Board Books

Enjoy and happy reading!