Not Just a Working Mom

Wordless Wednesday - Rain

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:01:00 +0000

I Resolve to Drink More in 2010

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Like a lot of bloggers posting in the new year, I too have eliminated resolutions from my vocabulary. However, I ~~want~~ need to do something to improve my life in this start of this new millennium. I really wanted to jump on the bandwagon saying goodbye to the awfulness that was 09 and hello new start. I have to admit, though, that 2009 was great for me in many ways. I had my first summer off in 20 years, in fact, spent a huge amount of time with the kids, going days sometimes without yelling. I spent a wonderful summer without going overboard on spending, and even managed to snag a job right when my severance pay ran out.

The last month of the year, though, was so sucky even Mexico made me cranky, and that is just wrong. I felt so out of control when it came to solving my most pressing problems. Weighing heavily was the lack of regular employment for either of us. Funnily, a friend called me "the most famous unemployed person [she] new." Us bloggers really get around don't we. There was the photo shoot by Joe Claus, an unemployed photographer did a photo spread called "Let Go-Photographs of talented people in Silicon Valley who’ve been dumped by local businesses"

I heard about this when I responded to another request by Patrick May, San Jose Mercury journalist, from another blogger, and got on his mailing list. He wrote an article on the photo shoot, and I got a lot of comments at school the next day. He sends the occasional request for his pinkslipped series, and he published a quote about holidays without a paycheck. The best was when I was interviewed for The California Report about COBRA at the subsidy, was called a "goddess" by a wonderful friend. Thank goodness they've extended the subsidy, since I still don't have benefits with my job.

So what's in store for 2010? I'm going to find the things I can control that makes me happy. Some people are giving up alcohol, I resolve to drink more in 2010. How will I accomplish this?

Planning regular mom's nights out, even if we end up with only two moms

Joined a co-ed soccer team who's main reason for existence is drinking beer after the games ("beer practices" when it rains)

Hand-made Kahlua and amaretto from a small Mexican distillery, party at my place.

In 2009 I switched to real food, started a few exercise programs and lost weight with a cleanse, 2010 is the year of feeding my emotional side.

Thinking of Others

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:52:00 +0000

I'm having a hard time getting motivated to post. I'm way behind on my Silicon Valley Moms blog obligation, yet I can't seem to get in the right state of mind to write something. A light-hearted post seems wrong in the face of my funk, not to mention the tragedy in Haiti. Writing how I've been feeling would just be too pitiful for public eyes. So I'm going to push my personal issues aside and talk here about how to help others and how I want to help.

Last week I got an email from the KIT list, a "keep in touch" email list started to "help great people find great jobs." The founder of the list asked everyone this week to do something each day to help someone else find a job, a "pay it forward" movement. What a great idea. I could use my blog and facebook and twitter to do something, even something little, right? Wrong. I can use the excuse that I was making sure "I put my own oxygen mask on" before helping others, for why I mostly helped myself instead this week, but the reality is I was just feeling sorry for myself. I set up a future lunch with someone working at a place I applied at a while ago, followed up about a potential contract at my current company, and poured over craigslist postings looking for jobs for my husband. Except that last part, this is the kind of stuff I should have been doing for the past 6 months, and yet that overdraft notice was what finally put the fire under my but.

Then this earthquake hit, and it was awful. Really awful. We had a few earthquakes here, remember? What a world of difference. Haitians were suffering tremendously from poverty before this earthquake, and now the devastation was incomprehensible. I hadn't even gotten it together enough to help pay it forward for job searchers. Before I did anything I got another KIT List email, essentially tapping into the Pay it Forward effort to helping the victims of Haiti.

It's time to focus others. Many people around the internet have posted how to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake, so follow those links or here's what I got from Sue at KIT List.

News reports say the best way to help the Haitian effort is through
monetary donations. Here are some links to trusted charities:

Text Donation:

SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
You can also give via phone at (888) 4-HELP-BAY or online.

American Red Cross - Disaster Relief Fund

Catholic Relief Services

A list of charities from a local San Francisco TV station site:

Avoid scams by checking the legitimacy of an organization at CharityNavigator

Tonight I gave while watching Project Runway with the Clever Girls Collective, who managed to get it matched by Silicon Valley Community Foundation. They gave to half to the Red Cross and half to Wyclef Jean's Yéle Haiti. Don't forget to see if your company will match.

And for those still looking for a job, that will have to come in my next post.

Are you ready for some Futsal!

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:15:00 +0000

Creative Soccer Instruction By Brian Pelton
2010 Winter Futsal Class Schedule

Coach Brian runs the K-2 soccer practice at Castro School. He has the top soccer coaching license in America, the second highest license in Brazil, and is one of only two people in America with a Futsal coaching license issued from the Brazilian Futsal Federation. His classes for Futsal and will have an emphasis on dribbling, shooting and playing games. Coach Brian uses age-appropriate exercises and futsal balls, as well as games that develop coordination and agility. Your child will have a great deal of fun while doing the part of futsal that is most fun: dribbling and scoring goals.
All classes will be at Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Ave., Sunnyvale

Futsal Classes
 Classes will be held Saturday mornings from 8 – 9:15am
 For players between 5 and 8 years old
 A minimum of eight players are required for the class to be confirmed.
 The cost will be week of class will be $15/week (limited number of scholarships available) or $120 for the 10 week clinic. Ask about siblings discount.
 Players must bring their own water, energy drinks and snacks. Please have your child wear tennis or futsal shoes and shinguards. Balls and other training equipment will be provided. No food or drink allowed in the gym, but can be consumed in the lobby
 Classes will run from Saturday, January 9th through March 13th in the Sunnyvale Community Center Gym.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 Creative Soccer Instruction Futsal Class Application Form
Parent’s Name _________________________ Child’s name __________________________ Age _________________
Child’s name _________________Age _________________
Address
Phone numbers: Home_________________Cell______________Work
Email address
Any medical conditions? _____________________________________
Emergency contact name/phone ____________________________________

Typical class schedule
15 min: Individual Futsal ball work
30 min: Coordination & shooting games
30 min: 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 Futsal games

Liability Waiver
I grant my child/children permission to attend a Creative Soccer Instruction (CSI) futsal class. I understand that soccer activities are strenuous and there is a potential risk of injury. As parent/guardian, I waive all claims of liability against Brian Pelton and CSI and any city where the camp is located. My child will participate in the camp using proper protective equipment and does so with my permission and at their own risk. In case of emergency, I hereby consent to medical examination and/or treatment for my child/children. Parent/Guardian signature ______________________________________________

Mail signed form with a $45 nonrefundable deposit** to:
Creative Soccer Instruction
c/o Brian Pelton
616 Manzanita Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Questions? Email Creative Soccer Instruction at pelotasdad@yahoo.com or call at 650.575.9383
** Credit may be applied to any other camp or towards private training sessions.

New Camera...Broken Camera

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:50:00 +0000

We finally got one of those new fangled SLR cameras, a Nikon D70 to be exact. I wanted to post some photos of my babies that we managed to get before it went kaput. I can't wait to try out some of Pioneer Woman's photography contests now that I've mastered her recipes (okay, that's not exactly true, but I've drooled over a lot of them and we both do seem to have a fondness for the fungi.)

From new nikon december 2009

Compare to this from the iPhone, ah, they are still darn cute

Pearls of Wisdom & National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:10:00 +0000

This January, besides the start of a new year and a new millennium, it is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Today a website is being launched by women's health advocates to "TAKE THE PEARL PLEDGE” to protect themselves and others from cervical cancer - just click the button on the left.

By taking the pledge, you promise to make your gynecologic appointment, tell five friends about the pledge, and wear your pearl. Wear your own, your moms or grandmas, or you can get one on the site.

I was fortunate to be able to participate in a conference call last month discussing ways to prevent cervical cancer and advice on woman's health in general, and what women can do to help themselves. We heard a moving story of a cervical cancer survivor, Michelle Whitlock, who told us her own personal and heartfelt story, and I swear I teared up when she talked about having a baby. She lost her fertility, but was able to save her eggs before having a radical hysterectomy so she had her baby with a surrogate. My fertility issues were nothing compared to what she went through, but even though I considered adoption, I wanted to be pregnant so badly and am so grateful to have had two healthy pregnancies and a wonderful doctor.

Dr. Marie Savard was also on the call, and she recommended to not only ensure your doctor does an HPV test along with the pap, but have them send you the full results for your records. My doctor did that without being asked, but many just leave a simple phone message saying everything is okay. The pap test is important, but a woman can have the HPV virus and have a normal pap test.There have been some changes in guidelines for gynecological health and these are the recommendations.

Girls and young women: Ask your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine, which protects against the two types of HPV (human papillomavirus) that cause the majority of cervical cancers. The vaccines are recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old, and are approved for girls and young women up to age 26. Even women who have been vaccinated will still need to be screened.

Women age 21 or older: Get the Pap test, which detects abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer.

Women age 30 or older: Get the Pap test and the HPV test together as part of routine cervical cancer screening. The HPV test detects the virus that causes cervical cancer, identifying those women at increased risk who will need to be monitored more closely.

Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer for woman, and timely and proper exams and the vaccine now available can prevent nearly all of these cases. Go take the pledge today.

Mexico Holiday Montage

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:12:00 +0000

I managed to get my kids to do a few things in Mexico out of their comfort zone with the simple promise of a peso. They are in a Spanish immersion school so I really wanted them to practice their Spanish, although unfortunately Puerto Vallarta is not exactly a hotbed of Mexican culture. My proudest moment was when Keegan asked the teller at the bank for some tape in perfect Espanol, although their rendition of Feliz Navidad with the mariachi band at a local ~~tourist trap~~ restaurant took a close second.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Favorites I wrote over at SV Moms blog

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:36:00 +0000

I often forget to highlight my posts from over on Silicon Valley Moms blog, where I've been contributing since nearly the beginning, July 2006 to be exact, when my kids were mere babies and my writing talent was in its infancy as well no doubt. I feel more pressure to pull out my best writing for that blog, this is more of a "I don't scrapbook, I blog" document of my mommy life. In honor of the end of a year, and the last year of a century, I present some of my favorite posts I've written. Added bonus (for me, at least) are some photos of my boys through the years.

My first published post featured a raging tantrum by my 3 1/2 year old not one of my favorites. However, the first one I actually wrote had a picture of underpants, documenting my son's obsession with underpants - Tag in Front from July 2006.

I really shouldn't pick two from the first two months, but can't help but share this ode to my awesome grandma - The Belly Dancing Grandma from August 2006.
It's so much fun to go back to these Deep Thoughts from my kids, and this one from Nov 2006 got quite a few funny comments.

This one needs no explanation...Confessions of a Working Mom from Jan 2007. It was nice to see I had great company.
Here's an apology to my neighbor I wrote in June of 2007, soon after we moved. Didn't feel so bad a few months later when I go to hear their R rated antics.
Seems I was in great company as I documented the top 10 reasons a three year old throws a tantrum, June 2007.
I had to confront some religious talk a bit earlier than I anticipated in Aug 2007, which sparked some comments.
I can't have a list without mentioning my dad, a very trusting guy who volunteers in EPA, and his experience in Nov 2007.

This is a mommy blog, so I wanted to make sure I included a post from Feb 2008 about Accidents and Brotherly Love.
I made sure to document my battles with food, but I'm happy to say their taste buds have expanded since April 2008.

I admitted I was just living through my cool kids here in June 2009

Do clothes really make the man?

Holiday Recap and Happy New Year

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:55:00 +0000

So one of my new years resolutions will be to start blogging more, every day perhaps, and in a more timely manner. How hard could that be (I'll let ya know later). This is all starting tomorrow, it's not even new years yet, thank goodness, since I've already ruined one pumpkin pie (oven set to broil gosh darnit), and made a Mexican version of these scrumptious things (note, even though carnitas are marinated in orange juice, they still will not work for an Asian type dish, and you should really use a bamboo steamer). Perhaps I'll start a Pioneer Woman and me blog, ala Julie and Julia, 365 days of ruining the recipes posted on her lovely blog. Tomorrow I'm attempting the Leftover Turkey Pot Pie, with my dad's leftover smoked turkey. A prepared Trader Joes foods blog might also be in the works, as in addition to the carnitas, I used their buttermilk biscuits and have frozen veggies and pie crust for said pot pie - scratch that idea.

Now that I've wished you all a Happy New Years (of if not, consider it done), it's back to the holiday recap. We all had two full weeks off, where we tried not to stress too much about the fact that our future employment prospects are a bit grim. Think this was my first unpaid holiday in about 15 years, yikes.

I tried to reintroduce Hanukkah, lighting the menorahs nearly every night and getting gifts for the kids for the first time in a few years. Having never had that Christmas morning feeling, I've been living that through my kids and ignoring this fun but frankly pretty low key holiday. I actually didn't get any gifts, so good think I'd finally bought myself the coat I've always wanted and some cute boots.

I brought these scrumptious things into the classroom, and gave each class a little lesson in Hanukkah.

This color-your-own ornament was one of their Hanukkah gifts. Not surprisingly, it's much easier to find little Christmas themed items than Hanukkah. I refused to spend $10 on a snow globe with a dreidel inside.

Sad as Pelota was after losing her brother, she got into the spirit with a jaunty holiday scarf.

We were very fortunate to get to spend the holidays in Mexico. This is something I did a number of times as a child, and it's not quite as fun when you're the parent. We did have a wonderful time, although I missed the snow we saw the last two Christmas's.

You can see the boys had tons of fun, hardly even complaining during the day long "Jungle tour" which was actually a bus trip to a restaurant, cliff diver and tequila distillery (why yes, there were free tastings).

I have to say, wearing a bikini did not turn me back into the flirty teenager that I remember. They actually had tequila volleyball every day at the pool, but without a co-hort to join in, or a husband that drinks, I just could not get in the spirit.

No worries, though, I had plenty to drink. The owner of their restaurant brought over a tequila slammer at the beginning of the meal, and finished us off with this Kahlua and Bailys concoction. Too bad I had to drink both.

The most fun we had was the Pirate cruise, and there you see our personal pirate, Choco - yum.

Happy New Year, everyone, from the Pachuka boys!

Lights, Music, Christmas

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:28:00 +0000

It's freezing here, really, the grass was even covered in frost this morning, much to the kids delight. That's okay, though, because I do love this time of year, at least for the lights if not the weather or the feeling I'm missing out on all sorts of holiday parties. Now that I'm a grown-up, I can decorate my place to my hearts delight, at least inside. I have to admit Christmas lights are still as magical to me as when I was a kid.

We still have never had Christmas lights on our house, so I live vicariously through my neighbors, and this new 'hood is a doozy. I've been taking different routes with our doggy at night, so I can see the latest in Christmas light creativity. Apologize for the poor iPhone quality, but check out those two characters above. Hi frosty! Hi Santa!

When I saw this house, I thought, "oh, they're Jewish."

Then I saw the same lights here. They're snowflakes, not stars of David.

This is our classy neighbors, all matching red and white, with a subtle little Santa in the yard.

Happy happy, joy joy

Christmas cactus anyone?

Say hi to this little guy, who's part of a piece de resistance, the musically coordinated light show on the corner. I stood through two or three songs when walking the dog.

Sometimes you just have to laugh

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:04:00 +0000

After a few months of failing to find a job in this tough market, I started on the path to becoming a teacher. Teachers, too, are getting hit in this economy, but high school math teachers seem to be always in demand. I've already realized I'm not cut out to be an elementary school teacher, but a huge shout-out to those who are. Last year Keegan had a truly awesome 1st grade teacher, who started out the year saying he wasn't "cute or artsy enough" to teach 1st grade (he'd moved from 2nd). Suffice it to say he did a bang-up job, even managing to learn a few things when he made his very own sock puppet bandero for market day.

Teachers don't just need patience and skills and creativity, though, what really gets them through the day I think is a sense of humor. Helps as a parent, too. Check this little ditty out. It was a in a book of Spanish nursery rhymes my son brought home in his kindergarten homework bag. He usually gets one book in Spanish, and even at the kindergarten level I usually can't understand most of it. This was translated, though, and we got a huge laugh. Was that wrong? I'm sure it sounds better in Spanish.

My younger son's kindergarten teacher is really a saint. She has an amazing amount of patience and an awesome sense of humor. She told me once she'd lined all the kids up to go to the cafeteria. The leader took it upon himself to march the rest of the kids down, forgetting they were supposed to wait for a teacher, or at least an adult, to accompany them. She was very proud. To date my son's been asked to stop throwing himself down on the carpet in his patented wrestling move, moved from the spot near the wall since he stopped paying attention when he leaned against the wall, and not to get sucked into hitting and spitting at your friends. Seems the boys love to play the "how hard can you hit me game?" and I was once warned that he just might mention that a little boy had pulled his pants down and several others followed suit. My friend was called to the principal once when her son had been caught competing for who could pee the farthest, so I'm feeling pretty good right about now.

My other son does not seem to posses the "boy" traits that keep kids from sitting still, so I asked my son what he did that drove his teacher crazy. "We tell the girls to hide all the erasers in their desks." He said when someones absent and his teacher can't find the erasers she'll usually find a stash in the absentee's desk. Erasers are a rare and valuable commodity in the classroom when I volunteer, and I remember the teacher pondering where on earth they all go each day.

It's book club time again at Silicon Valley Moms blog and this post was inspired by Phillip Done's second book, Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood. I reviewed this book here and if you're interested, his first book here. Those of us who live in the bay area got to hear him read from the book. I feel a special connection, since he started his teaching career in Sunnyvale, where I live, lives in Mountain View, where my kids go to school, and now teaches in Palo Alto, where my mom wants our kids to go. Maybe if I knew he'd be teaching them I'd jump on board. Little tip from Phillip about teacher gifts. In addition to telling your friends and neighbors (and blog readers) how much you love your teachers, give them a card thanking them.

Happy Thanksgiving

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:35:00 +0000

I kind of slacked on my gratitude posts and activities, and one day, someday, I may do the nablomepo thingy, but just not this year I guess. I did want to say what I am thankful for, since this year may end on a much better note than I imagined a few months ago.

It goes without saying, even though I'm saying it, that I am so thankful for my family. My two wonderful boys who make me laugh and smile so much. My husband who is such a great daddy and wonderful person. My parents who I know will always be there for us and who take my kids to garage sales even while complaining we have too much stuff. Here are a few other things I am so thankful for.

My health...I'm attempting to run/jog/walk three miles tomorrow having barely even used my Wii fit, and I'm grateful that at my advanced maternal age I know I can walk even if I can't run.

Our jobs...we are definitely underemployed, but that far beats unemployed.

The fact that I don't have to cook the whole thanksgiving dinner, but still get to make a few dishes. We're joining friends for the feast and I'm bringing green beans and an apple pie.

My first even toaster oven, is that too superficial?

The place I live, where we can go to the beach, the mountains or the city all within an hour of our place and get real, healthy food from a variety of sources, including or own garden.

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all, may your turkey or tofurkey be moist this year.

First Holiday Party of the Season

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:55:00 +0000

I sure hope I have a chance to dress up again before New Years rolls around, but I was very excited to see all my mommy (and daddy) blogging buddies at a Silicon Valley Moms blog holiday party. It was loads of fun and I'm talking about the goodies we left with over at my review blog. What was great was getting to see the lovely people I most get to read. A huge bonus was finally getting my Cluttercast junk mail planter - I thought I was doing Darryle a favor by offering to pick it up, not realizing how small and light it was. But I was so happy to get to meet her and take this photo with her. Promise to send photo once I have it planted, thinking herbs in the kitchen

We had to work in our corporate schmoozing along with our socializing, so it wasn't until the end that I dropped all my stuff and hung with some great chicks. Let's do it again soon.

Photo by Carla Duharte-Razua of babyjidesigns.com

Boo hoo to Ice Cream

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:48:00 +0000

Look at the artistic display of yumminess. Four little scoops of cookies at cream ice cream, a swirl of chocolate with sprinkles and just the tiniest squirts of whipped cream. All this at a Thai restaurant, brought with a flourish after we had declined dessert. Sweet, huh?

Not to my kids, it just made them cry. We happen to be near one of their favorite frozen yogurt places, and the world's meanest mommy, who had also forced them to do homework, eat chicken and broccoli and buy a used robot book instead of a brand spanking new $25 one, changed her mind about the yogurt when this arrived. I guess I deserved the mean looks.

I was mortified, having one bawling child who said he did like that kind of ice cream, just frozen yogurt better, and why did the guy bring it after we'd told him no dessert? Donovan tried to strike a deal, after proclaiming he did not like cookie ice cream. "I'll try it, but then you HAVE to get us frozen yogurt."

I told my husband, next week he gets to make all the dinners and tell the kids to do their homework. I'll take 'em to In 'n Out and play Guitar Hero.

Ghost Cake

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:09:00 +0000

I started back at work this week, and I'm sure my group is happy to have my marketing skills, not to mention I'm the only one who can provide an unlimited supply of small children stories. What they miss the most, though, is being the taste testers for all my baking experiments. My buddy loves her some red velvet cupcakes, and I used the new food blog search to find this recipe from Andreas Recipes. All the red velvet cake recipes seem to be similar, although I've made marscapone-whipped cream based frosting, cooked frosting (which is incredibly light due to the 15 minute beating time), and this one from Andrea which is simply butter, cream cheese, sour cream (I used full fat greek yogurt) and powdered sugar. Next up is a side to side taste test of the two frostings.

Isn't it a pretty color? This was 2 oz of Wilsons no-taste red food coloring. I put the whole jar in since I used extra cocoa. I like the addition of coffee instead of water to dissolve the cocoa and coloring. I also loved reading all the Red Velvet cake controversy. I also have it on good authority that Red Velvet since to be the choice for the most serious of cake wrecks.

Even with all the mixing I still ended up with this tie-dyed look, although the last two were perfect. Yes, I cooked two trays of ghosts, then one tray with two lonely ghosts.

Friendly, tasty ghosts.

Happy Halloween!!

The Obligatory Halloween Photos

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:11:00 +0000

Pretty darn scary, aren't they? We've got your battle ready ninja and bad dude Darth Maul.

And here's a grainy photo of Donovan showing off his pumpkin.

I am pretty darn proud of my first template attempt, note the skull there, with the face designed by Keegan (except the eyeballs, I added those) on the flip side. We made good use of the free Disney potato head pieces to add the piece de resistance. And it's hard to tell, but Brian's actually says "Boo!" and the O's are the eyes.

Wild Zones, Wild Zones

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:40:00 +0000

I think there's a song that goes like that, but anyway, yesterday we managed to fit a very cool adventure into our sports filled day. After two soccer games, I felt no need to rush to another outing before our later afternoon skateboard playdate, but really wanted to check out this Wild Zone set up in a somewhat nearby park. The co-founders of this awesome concept came to talk at a PTA meeting and I was enthralled with the idea. I like to think of my boys as nature loving creative adventurers, but frankly when we went camping they seem to enjoy a rousing game of UNO or soccer as much as building a fort or a hike through the woods.

After the meeting, where I heard things like "creative brain development occurs throughout your whole life, up to 90 years old" and "play to allow a complex brain to create itself" I didn't not want to pass up on this opportunity. (I've included more words of wisdom from various experts below). As an added bonus, the volunteers are teenagers and my kids, like most little kids, love hanging out with teens.

This free adventure is about 10 minutes from our house, so we had no excuse not to go. After a few missed turns, we arrived at the Ulistac Natural Area "Get off the Path and Play", said the giant sign as we made our way to the "wild zone."

Thankfully, my son quickly spotted a classmate of his. I knew Donovan would love this place, they had mud and water after all. Keegan can take up to 30 minutes to get comfortable with new people and places, and of course we only had 45 minutes to play.

A couple boys had already constructed a giant and beautiful tepee, with sticks and palm fronds, and "flowers to make the place pretty and smell good" in the boys own words. As I learned at the PTA meeting, the group brings in materials like bamboo, palm fronds, willow branches, flowers, and the kids make shelters or dens or forts, reclining chairs, or balance rocks to make a sculpture.

I went around and took pictures of some of the other creations, like this wall of palms.

Play is serious. Self-directed play in nature is vital for physical, mental and community health.

Another group of kids had made this structure. I should point out how much teamwork was going on here. Not only did little groups form to create these fabulous places, but the kids walked around helping one another. A few little girls stopped to admire the flowers and add some of their own.

This one reminded me of a Christmas tree. With some initiative and enough interest, you can have one of these set up at a local park. We were told if enough Castro kids showed up we might get one at our school, so I was glad to see so many of Keegan's and Donovan's school mates there.
Is he not the sweetest thing? He's the twin of the kid in the tie-dyed shirt.

People protect what they love, so they need to play in nature, grow to love
it, to want to protect it.

Funnily enough, the third kid in the background happens to also go to a Spanish Immersion school in San Jose, so the kids were practicing their Spanish.

Building the floor and patio.
Watching the kids carry around giant rocks, and my sons with huge sticks, I kept an observant eye. I had to learn early on to let my kids take risks, and to keep my heart in check. I know taking risks is important, but it was nice to hear what some "risk experts, ie. teenagers" had to say about the value of risks:
Decision making about actual rather than virtual reality
Gaining skills
Agility, balance, reflexes
Understanding limits
Risk deprivation leads to excess risk...lack of courage and confidence
Interesting and exciting
Appealing to kids
Trust and team building
It’s life!

Putting the Fun in Dysfunctional

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:09:00 +0000

When my whole family gets together, which is not that often these days, about the only thing we can agree on is nobody wants to sit next to our mom. She loves to talk, bless her heart. Thank goodness for grandpa and the grand kids. It's funny because even though she drives me a bit crazy, it didn't occur to me that my brother and sister would have the same attitude. My brother has always been closer to her, while I was most definitely daddy's little girl, so it was my little brother's attitude that surprised me more. Embarrassingly, I often still am, when I need money or a job, but my dad seems to think it's time to grow up, gosh darn it. My mom always has good intentions, but we can't help but hope it is not our kids, or our spouses, or ourselves, who's actions make them her current target of complaint. Is it wrong to be secretly thrilled to hear her go on about my niece and nephew drinking soda while my kids stick to milk and water? Who cares if the truth is she buys them all soda when they're out, like the spoiling grandma she is, even if she thinks she's stricter than her own kids? She manages to skirt around and take a very roundabout approach when it comes to criticizing the person she's actually talking to (Donovan is doing so much better than last year, we just give him anything he wants and he's stopped throwing fits.)

As strange as my mom can be, we had a pretty normal childhood, a pretty good one I have to say, although we both question why it is that two of her three kids can't seem to support themselves? Was there something they could have done? I like to think I am examining my childhood more not to blame my parents for anything, but to make sure I emulate the good and make changes as needed. My mom protected me from death, from illness, from most bad things. It was clear by my late teens and early twenties I had been over protected, and I'm glad my husband has chosen a more direct approach with our kids. When our neighbor died it took all my courage to walk over to console her widower. I then proceeded to hem and haw about how to tell the kids, approaching my husband with my dilemma. "Diane died" was his answer, after sitting the kids down. "Where is she? She's in the ground." Done, and done. We took them when we had to put our dog to sleep, which would freak my mom out to no end. It gave them closure, though, and while they may not exactly understand death (who does?) they feel comfortable talking about it.

We have a pretty functional family, with just enough crazy and disturbing anecdotes to create laughter and shock, but we are not even close to the league of the family in Jonathan Trooper's novel This is Where I Leave You. We've had divorce, infertility and an abortion, but have bypassed infidelity and punching each other or anyone else in the face. As I mention in my review over here, I'm a bit envious of their directness, their raw emotions that spill out during their seven days together. My mom may have had the Joy of Sex on her bookshelf, but none of us want to hear intimate details of each other's lives. I'd like to think I'm raising my kids to be somewhere in between.

This is part of the Silicon Valley Moms blog virtual book club. Head over there for more stories inspired by this captivating book. And full disclosure, I got a free copy of this book.

Ode to Pele, the Dog

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:17:00 +0000

I've been wanting to write a post about our doggie Pele ever since he caused a few of our neighbors to stop speaking to us. No, he did not poop on their lawn repeatedly, kill their flowers or bark incessantly all day. He simply stepped on a woman's lawn while I was out walking him, causing her to scream at me, which prompted my husband to have words with her. Pele was a wonderful dog and did not deserve the wrath of this mean old lady.

I say was because today the unthinkable happened. We had to put our beloved puppy to sleep. While Pele had been showing signs of sickness for a while, we found only a little more than a week ago that he had lung cancer. Thankfully he did not experience much pain, and we had at least a brief amount of time to cuddle and snuggle and say our good-byes.

Our dog we adopted within weeks of buying our first house, and it was the first dog for both of us. I still remember how nervous I was bringing this 2 month old puppy home by myself. I had never had a dog and this thing was tiny and fragile and totally dependent on me. Good training for my later babies. His white muzzle made him look like a grandpa most of his life, but it was only in the past year that our fierce protector showed any signs of age. For nearly 11 years Pele remained strong and healthy, willing to protect us with his life from the fiercest of squirrels. His quirks made him only more lovable, like his fear of stairs and how he be found hiding in the bathtub at the first sign of thunder or fireworks.

After a year we decided to adopt a friend for our faithful companion, since we were gone all day. (Of course then they both just slept all day until we got home). We managed to find the one person who told us a female dog would be submissive to our alpha male, but she could totally hold her own. She ended up playing much better with other dogs, had none of the fears of her bigger brother, and managed to chew her way through the drywall that Pele had left alone. True to her name, Pelota, she became Pele's best friend (also his namesake's best friend) and loving sister. She still plays like a puppy and is going to miss her buddy.

Except for stealing food, tripping them in a mad rush to run out the door and shoving his bottom in their faces for a scratch, Pele was amazing with the kids. We were honest with what was happening and they were sad and loving and strong and brave and curious and awesome as always.

One grandma was terrified of him and for one he was her favorite, and I like to think everyone who helped walk him saw his sweetness along with the protective barking. He was definitely daddy's doggie at heart and Brian is taking it hard.

I admit I've had my share of complaints about our puppies, but I really do see how wonderful they are for a family. Growing up with dogs helps prevent allergies in kids, forces you to get out and exercise, they protect their families at all costs, and, most importantly, they provide absolutely unconditional love. Pele showed that through and through.

My brother-in-law put in beautifully:

It's times like these that we realize how inadequate the word 'pet' really is. A pet is a fish, or a frog, something incapable of adding to our lives in the way a dog does. Someone who never holds a grudge because you forgot to
feed them on time, or scolded them, or had to punish them for what might now seem to be the most trivial of transgressions. We will never find a friend or family member that only wants to be in the same room with us to to be happy, and is always so excited to see us when we return home. Dogs don't spend less time with you so they can be somewhere else, with someone else. They don't cheat, lie, steal or hurt you. They just give, and love, without question or hesitation. With so many noble traits it makes me wonder why we consider ourselves their masters.

We love you Pele, may you catch finally catch a squirrel in the sky.

Cake Wrecks, the Movie!

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Okay, not really, although I'm I'm betting the success of Julie & Julia will turn all those "blog to book" stories into blog to movies. I did head on up to San Francisco to attend the book signing for one of my all time favorite blog's new book. Whew, did ya get all that. I'm sure you've heard of it, it's hilarious. Can I just say, how did I not know how awesome the Ferry Building was? That's going to be the kids' next field trip, but I digress.

First up, this is me and the author of the blog, Jen, I felt so tall around her, but she makes up for it in funny.

Here's my cupcake submission. Yes, she had a contest at every stop of the best "wreplica." This was "too small balloons" (which Jen wrote on my book inscription)

There were five entries here, five, I know... And I could not even make it into the top three. These were the top three, so guess it makes sense. Are these not awesome?

Go immediately to the blog to find the real deals, plus lots and lots..and lots of other funny cakes. The best was running into the winner (belly cake) and her daughter (spongebob cake) and commenting how none of us got a second glance walking down the streets of SF with a wacky cupcake in our hand.

It was a long drive, although great opportunity to get a lot farther in my curent book on tape, and I didn't even get to go to Blue Bottle coffee, but glad I went. And just for you, dear readers I bought an extra book, which I am giving away over on my review blog.

Gratitude, continued

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:55:00 +0000

I got a little behind here, but I did try to call someone I haven't spoken to in a really long time, which was the challenge from a few day's ago. My wonderfully eccentric grandma died many years ago, but her sister, my great aunt, is still alive. She lives in Florida and I would say falls into the dysfunctional family category. This woman's favorite thing to do was shop and eat at incredible restaurants, she was a blast to visit. I've heard she's pretty lonely out in Florida, and I'm going to try to get out and visit her with the kids. She's never met them, and I have not been out since a visit with my ex-husband when he was still my boyfriend.

The day 7 challenge was to take a picture of something that makes me feel grateful. I've posted several photos of my family, so today I tried to find something else. This first, which seems a bit shallow, is of the San Jose Earthquakes. I always imagined having some nights free once the boys were old enough to attend the games with their dad, and I didn't know if I'd ever see that day once the team moved to Houston. They started a new team, though, and this is the first year both kids go and cheer the team on with daddy. They have a blast, have been on the field a few times and know many of the players. Soccer itself makes me grateful as well, it gives my kids and husband a passion, keeps them active and it's just a great sport for kids. Someday I may even play again.

This next photo is of a bunch of kids from our school. I'm really grateful to have found this elementary school for the kids, with the truly awesome and caring teachers, great kids and close community. I guess it was worth the hours I spent in line that morning 3 years ago. We joined a small group of families for a camping trip to Mount Madonna, and while they didn't drink nearly as much coffee or wine as I 'm used to at my previous camping experiences, we still had a blast.

Day 5 Count My Blessings

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:14:00 +0000

It's day five of the gratitude challenge, made it this far. It is time to count my blessings. I've got a lot, really, and I try my best to appreciate them. I'll stick to 10 here, because it's late and I'm afraid I'll delve into the negative if I stay up much later.

1. No question my two boys are my greatest blessings, I am so lucky to have them.

2. Their wonderful dad and my loving husband would be next

3. We are very fortunate to have my mom and dad who are there for us and especially our kids whenever we need them, unless they decide to head off for a three week road trip to Tennessee.

4. Brian's mom lives farther away, but has also been a great blessing in my life, especially compared to my first MIL

5. The rest of my family, with all their foibles, with a special shout-out to cousin Jordan, a visitor from the lone star state every summer

6. We are lucky and grateful to have the basics, a house, food, clothes, and lots of extras including the luxury of being able to replace a lost pair of soccer shoes even in these hard times.

7. I love our school, the opportunity to volunteer, and the great community and teachers there. Not to mention all the friends my kids have made and the kick-ass soccer players.

8. I have to mention my friends who are not at the school. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like, but I know they are there for the special moments, or when I need support.

9. I'm certainly happy we get to live in the bay area, with it's awesome weather and multitude of activities.

10. Finally I'll mention this blog, the Internet, the opportunity to write, make virtual friends who turn into real life ones and visa versa.

Gratitude Day 4

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:09:00 +0000

One of the reasons I took on this challenge, besides needing to get out of my blogging block, was I find myself stressed and mad way more than I want to be. This leads to more eating, more drinking and yelling at the kids. I have stopped short at kicking the dogs, do I get credit for that?

Today's topic was something negative I am thankful for, and while I have plenty of negative right now, this was was easy for me. I am out of work, have been since February, and it has been awesome being with the kids, volunteering at school and being able to grocery shop in the middle of the day. I am very grateful that I could spend the summer with these guys.

From Donovan's preschool graduation

A birthday breakfast with my babies

And taking advantage of free bowling throughout the summer.

Gratitude Day 3...Thankful Today

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:23:00 +0000

It's day three, just barely, and today's topic is something I'm thankful for today. Today was a pretty good day, I got to sleep and I'm thankful to dad for taking the kids to school. Something I'm really thankful for is that Keegan has such great friends. We went to a birthday party after school, where they ran around finding clues to a mystery, who stole the cupcakes? Further proof you don't need a lot of money for an awesome party, just creativity, notepads and 10 energetic little boys. The birthday boy was one of his best buddies and they don't get to be in class together this year.

These friends also have great parents, and in fact the school has so many wonderful families where I'm making friends too. These photos are from a recent school camping trip where we all had a blast.

I feel very lucky to be at this school, where not only are the kids learning Spanish, but we get to be part of a friendly and diverse community.

Gratitude Day 2...the Alphabet

nicole.pelton@gmail.com (The Peltons) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Today's challenge is to use the alphabet to write down all those little things for which you are grateful. Here goes...

Apples, the fruit my son loves.
Brian, my loving husband, and bubbles in the bath
Cantaloupe, note the fruit theme
Donovan of course, my cuddly and super strong second born surprise baby
Eating, something I love too much
Froggies, tiny ones which used to over run my mom's office a few weeks a year
Giggles and guitar hero
Heidi, my sister
Jokes, both funny and not when told by my kids
Keegan, my first born and miracle baby
Loren, my brother
Motherhood
Napkins, for messy hands
Octopus, whether watching them at the aquarium or eating them fried
Puddles of water
Quick queen of quincy and her quacking quackeroo
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse - thank you Jack Johnson
Saturday and Sunday - no school! (Keegan helped me with these last two)
Trees, shady trees while we wait for Keegan to get out of school (Topubu and tortuga - the kids' contributions)
Underpants, cute little boy's underpants
Violet, the color and the flower
Wii
X, uh, the letter x is pretty cool
My yellow purse, it's big and reminds me of spring
Zebras, they have to coolest coloring