Stay- Deerhaven Inn- Pacific Grove, CA

The Deerhaven Inn in Pacific Grove is super comfortable for a dog friendly  adventure.  It is walking distance from Asilomar Beach, which is dog friendly.  There are lots of dog friendly restourants in nearby Carmel.

Ashkenaz- all ages welcome, 12 and under free

All ages are welcome to Askenaz in Berkeley!  Tonight is Bandworks camp show, mostly teenagers performing.  There is a Latinkids dance team ages 5-14, on Thursday’s.  There is also a Danceversity camp from July 29- August 16, see danceversity.com or Bandworks.com.

Making eating fun! Fred, Food Face plate

My son has had the Fred Food Face for years.  It makes it fun to eat!  This is a great gift too!

“Here’s a chance for junior to play with his food and exercise his creativity at the same time!  Go ahead- give Food Face a mashed potato mullet or a Mac-and- cheese mustache.  But why stop there?  Between bites, try out some stylin broccoli sideburns with a dashing baked bean beret.  It’s deliciously fun!  Food Face is 8.5” diameter and crafted from hotel quality, food-safe, high-fire ceramics.  Wouldn’t you have loved this when you were a kid?  “

Fred
Www.fredandfriends.com

Eat- kids eat free at Macaroni Grill, El Cerrito

Kids eat free st Macaroni Grill every Monday and Tuesday!

Romano’s Macaroni Grill
8000 El Cerrito
el Cerrito, CA. 94530
(510) 524-9336

Science Center Museum- near USC

The Science Center Museum near USC in Southern California has a new exhibit, “Dogs,” and my son and I recently visited it!  I think this exhibit is best for children 12 and under.  My son said he learned about how dogs started from wolves, and how wolves and dogs have similar social systems.  My son says, “It is all pretty cool!”  We go annually and enjoy catching the new exhibits!

Best bakery in Oakland, CA, Sweet Bar Bakery

We love Sweet Bar Bakery!  They have gluten options!

Books: Make Music! By Norma Jean Haynes

The book, Make Music is a kid’s guide to creating rhythm, playing with sound, and conducting and composing  music.

By Norma Jean Haynes,

Ann Sayre Wiseman,

And John Langstaff

Tantrum French Children’s store in Cole Valley, SF

My son and I recently went to Zazie French Bistro in Cole Valley Of San Francisco.  Afterwards, we strolled down the street and discovered Tantrum children’s store!  He got a cute journal and some markers.  It would be a great place to pick up a gift!

Eat out- French Cafe in Cole Valley Of SF

The Zazie is is great place to have brunch with your child and teach them a little French, or practice the French they already know!  They serve brunch until 2pm.  It is super sweet and cozy!

Schools-Fusion Academy- Walnut Creek, CA-

I have two friend whose high school students now go to Fusion Academy.  The instruction is all individualized.  There are at least two, if not more locations, one in San Francisco, one in Walnut Creek.

Bath- Pacha Soap Company- Froth bombs

The Easter bunny got my son some Froth Laveder bubble bath bombs!  I have seen them since at Whole Foods.  They smell great!

Food- favorite fast dinner, Annie’s Mac and cheese

My son’s favorite fast prepared dinner is definitely Annie’s organic Mac and cheese!  It is so easy to make!  He also likes the frozen cheese pizza with extra cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top!

Snacks- Barbara’s Cheese Puffs- gluten free

For a salty snack, my son really likes Barbara’s Cheese Puffs.  The snack is gluten free and contains real aged  cheddar and blue cheese.  It contains no hydrogenated oils and it contains 0 trans fat per serving.  Plus, it is baked, not fried!

Achieve Tahoe, Adaptive Skii Program, Squaw

A friend of mine’s son is part of the Achieve Program at Alpine and Squaw Valleyin North Lake Tahoe.  The child has autism and did a whole day adaptive  lesson.    The lessons are very reasonably priced and parents skiinfree when skiing with their child.  I highly recommend this program for families with a child with cognitive delays and an IEP.

Apple Store in Emeryville, CA has classes for children!

What is Godly Play?

My son has been part of the Godly Play program since he was a little tyke! What is Godly Play? Godly Play is a unique method of religious instruction that allows for a great deal of self-discovery by both children and teachers. The over-arching goal of Godly Play is to teach children how to “come close to God all by myself.” The co-teachers provide guidance, and are models of adults who deeply love the stories and the God who is present therein, and are co-travelers on the lifelong journey of faith. This approach was carefully developed based on solid Montessori principles- they respond to the child’s request to “help me do it by myself.” This puts the teacher in the role of a spiritual supporter or guide who fully accepts that each child has his or her own relationship with God already. The teaching that takes place is multi-modal and multi-sensory. The materials consist of water, sand, wood booths, cloth, candles. It is beautifully simple storytelling. There is no preaching or judgement. There are no movies, dittoes, or preaching as part of the program. During a class meeting children gather together to hear one of The Godly Play stories. The children then have the Opportunity to respond to the stories through art and the opportunity to work with the story materials. This program is appropriate for most families with either one or two religions. The children are not taught what to believe or think. My son likes the fact that no movies or videos are shown. There aren’t even handouts. Most children children really like Godly Play. Where my son does Godly Play they have a simple regular or gluten free matzah snack with water. I highly recommend Godly Play!

Music- child friendly concert sat., March 9

This Saturday, March 9th, there is a child friendly concert at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA. Saturday, March 9th patchwork series: Your song, my song doors: 10:30am, show 11:00am $10. Advances $12. door The freight.org Berkeley, CA

Food- Stix Eatery in Concord/ CA. Lao/ Thai

My family loves Stix Eatery in Concord, CA. It is a Lao/ Thai family run casual restaurant. It is not a chain. My mom loves the curry chicken. I brought her takeout food from here earlier as she isn’t feeling well today. Stix (925)849-4698 1847 A Willow Pass Road Concord, CA Www.stixeats.com

Favorite lunch spot at Fisherman’s wharf- Boudin

My son’s favorite lunch spot at fisherman’s wharf in San Francisco is Boudin. They have huge shaped bread in teddy bears, etc. we like to get a bottle of pellegrino water. In the winter, there is an outdoor seated area with a view of the water. In the background, if you sit outside, you’ll usually hear loud music. There is a sourdough bread museum. Www.boudinbakery.com 800-992-1849

Museum of 3D- San Francisco, CA

There is a new museum in San Francisco. The Museum of 3D Illusion is a place where you definitely want to bring your phone or camera! It is located in Fisherman’s wharf and is appropriate for all ages. It is filled with paintings on walls, perfect for photos. This museum will be super fun for groups and people who like to post in Facebook! A special offer right now is 20% off for students, military, seniors, and groups of adults. This would be a fun place to take a holiday photo, family photo, or group photo!

Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, CA $1.00 show

The Grand LAke Theater in Oakland, CA is having $1.00 popcorn and $1.00 show during the teacher strike to show solidarity and support!

Oakland museum of California free to all children during the Oakland teacher strike!

My son and I love the Oakland Museum in Oakland, CA. It is free to all Children during the Oakland, CA teaching strike, which started today! Each Friday night the museum is open in the evening with a band, programs, exhibits open, and food trucks on the street!

Happy President’s Day at John Muir House

The John Muir House is located in Martinez, CA. We celebrated President’s Day at this beautiful spot in the Alhambra Valley in Martinez, CA. My son loves the bell tower, and enjoyed ringing the bell in the hour. The John Muir House is open 7 days a week, rain or shine! There are several pictures both in the house and visitor center of John Muir with President Roosevelt.

The Octopus Salon

The Octopus salon is a great place to bring children during the day. There are books, food, and events. The octopus lounge 2102 Webster Street At 22nd Street Uptown Oakland 19th Street bart (510) 844-4120 Oaklandoctopus

Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum Of Art

The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum Of Art is free. It is closed Mondays. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday Noon- 6 pm Thursday noon to 9 pm Saturday and Sunday 11am -5pm Mondays closed (Check websites for holiday closures) (530)752-8500 254 Old Davis Rd. Davis, CA Events: The website is full of exhibits and activities! These are a few things that looked interesting to me! Every Saturday and Sunday February 2- May 5 Participatory activities every weekend between Feb.2 and May 5. Thursday, Feb. 21st 5:30-9:00 pm Celebrate the arrival of the Xicanx Futurity -open mic night -create prints and buttons -activities by docents Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 “Decolonizing Healing: Everyday Rituals and Remedies 3:30-5pm The focus will be on everyday rituals and remedies rooted in curanderismo and herbalism. Susy Zepeda, Assistant Professor, Chicana/o studies and co-curator of Xizang Futurity is in dialogue with Lola Venado, The Botanical folk herbalist; kitchen witch, energy worker, writer, and community gatherer.

Aerospace Museum of California, McClellan, CA

The Aerospace Museum Of California reminds me of my dad! When he was in the navy, he worked on airplanes. Every Saturday and Sunday, they have flight simulators from 11-3. From February 16-24th there is 1/2 off admission. Aerospace Museum of California 3200 Freedom Park Drive McClellan, CA. 95652 (916) 643-3192 Museum hours: Tuesday- Sunday 10 AM- 4PM Closed Mondays (See website for additional closed holidays)

Oakland teacher strike- what to do with children

I am starting a series on my blog this week if activities to do with your children if there is a school closure, professional development day, or strike! There is so much to do in the Bay Area!!!

Grandm’s Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Grandma’s Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Prep: 30 minutes plus chilling Bake: 10 minutes a batch plus cooling Makes: 4 dozen Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 3 oz. cream Cheese, softened 1 cup Sugar 1 large egg yolk, room temperature 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. Almond extract 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/4 tsp. Baking soda 1/8 tsp. Ground nutmeg Icing 3 1/4 cups of confectioners’ Sugar 1/3 cup of water 4 tsp. Meringue powder Associated colors of liquid Food coloring Directions: 1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Bear in egg yolk and extracts. Combine the flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until easy to handle. 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. Thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/2 inch cookie cutters. 3. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees until edges begin to brown, 8-10 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. 4. For the icing, on a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, water, and meringue powder; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high until soft peaks form, 4 minutes. Cover the icing with damp paper towels or plastic wrap between uses. 5. Working quickly, spread or pipe the icing over cookies; let dry at room temperature for several hours or until firm. Use small new paintbrushes or toothpicks and food coloring to make designs on the cookies. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container. Note: Meringue powder is available from Wilton Industries. Visit Wilton.com or call 800-794-5866. 1 cookie is 116 calories, 5 g of fat (3 g of sat. Fat), 16 mg of cholesterol, 66 mg of sodium, 18 g carb. (13 g sugars, 0 g fiber), 1 g pro.

How do you know when you love or are loved.

1. You know because you decide. You don’t feel love. You do it! It’s an act, not a feeling. In marriage vows, it traditionally says, in sickness or in health.” That is an example of love being an act. This is why the movie The Notebook is such a great example of love. The main character didn’t leave and he didn’t give up. Someone who really loves you won’t just abandon you or leave you. 2. You know because you do the act of loving. For example, someone who really loves you will invest, exert the effort into making the relationship work. They won’t just worry about whether they are happy, they will act in ways to make the partner and family happy. (To be continued...)

Baby Moon Bedtime Bath Oil- sleepy baby

The Baby Moon Bedtime Bath Oil was the best Bath oil for my son when he was little. If is gently scented with lavender, tangerine, and other dreamy essential oils. This Oil can be used for baby massage or added to baby’s bath. Handcrafted in Healdsburg, Wisconsin by Queen Bee’s earthly delights llc. Www.babymoon.biz 608-524-9742

Adventure Playground in Berkeley, CA

My son and I are at Adventure Playground in Berkeley, CA. The Adventure Playground was created in 1979. It is a unique outdoor facility where staff encourage children to use hammers, nails, saws, paint, and recycled items to build creatively. The Playground is free to the general public. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times. School year hours: Saturday and Sundays, 11-4 p.m. Summer hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays 11 a.m. -5 p.m. weekends City of Berkeley Berkeley Marina Next to Shorebird Nature Center 160 University Avenue Berkeley, CA

Bullying prevention websites

Here are four websites with information about bullying and how to prevent it: Stop bullying.gov Pacerkidsagainstbullying.org Pacer.org Character.org- bullying prevention

I pray on this Sunday to stop school bullying.

When I was at church today, I prayed to stop school bullying. My son is in elementary school and he hates going. Why? The biggest reason, I believe, is that he is bullied! I saw a website early this morning, called stopbulkying.org. I will be writing more about this topic.