Jenga

Our son received a Jenga game over the holidays last year.  We played occasionally, maybe one game at a time.  We ended up putting it away because we weren't using it very much.

I broke it out the other day.  We've been playing maybe ten games at a time - he just loves it.  The game is a building game that includes a bit of strategy.  Perfect for him now that he is 5 1/2.

My son didn't want to go to school today

My son didn't want to go to school today.  A week ago he was hit and bullied by another child at school.

The New York Times and other news sources are reporting on the graphic details about what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School a year ago.  I am part of a brand new generation of mothers who have to face the following scenario: when their child doesn't want to go to school, and they look at you with big teary eyes, I wonder, "What if?"

It doesn't help when I was watching KTVU news last night for the weather, and they said they now have the live words of what was happening at the elementary school on December 14th.  It said to go on KTVU.com and look under national news, Sandy Hook.  Will I look?  No.   Does it bother me?  Yes.

A year ago, on December 14th, I was teaching.  I remember parents looking in the window, but I didn't officially know what happened until the recess break.  Teachers and administrators were shocked.

Today is a beautiful day, but in my heart I still feel sad about December 14, 2012.  Parents will never again feel completely safe when they drop their child off to school.  I wonder if there were any children that day at Sandy Hook who didn't want to go to school that morning?  My heart goes out to those parents.

Toy Rocket - waterproof and includes 2 astronauts

I got my son the Rocket from Green Toys at the Whole Foods Market in Lafayette, CA.  I like this Company, Green Toys, because the products are made from 100% recycled plastic.  As it says on the box, "This saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizes carbon footprint."  I like purchasing products from companies that are working with recycling products.  Also, the Green Toys Products meet all international toy safety standards, and contain no BPA, PVC, or phthalates.  They are even safe to use with real food, and dishwasher safe.  The 3-2-1 Blast Off Rocket has a detachable top capsule, two flip-down doors, and includes two astronauts.

Resources:

3-2-1 Blast Off!  Rocket
www.greentoys.com
Made In USA
100% curbside collected, recycled plastic
Green Toys Inc.
912 Cole Street, Suite 283
San Francisco, CA  94117
($24.99 at Whole Foods in Lafayette, CA in November 2013)

The Mommy Hook, perfect for connecting to strollers or shopping carts

I found the Mommy Hook when my son was younger, but I still use it sometimes now as he still likes to ride in his BOB sometimes.  It hooks to the Bob, other stroller, or even a shopping cart.  It fits almost all stroller handles and doesn't slide.   The mommy hook holds such things as diaper bags, shopping bags, camera bags, purses, toys, groceries, or athletic accessories.

Resources:

The Mommy Hook, stroller hanger
From CITI Kids in San Francisco, CA on Geary
www.momdadandbaby.com
Distributed by Keen
7404 W. Detroit Street Suite 100
Chandler, AZ  85226
888-376-4763
www.keendistribution.com

Classic Train Set, Lights and Sounds!

My son and I had visited the train museum in Sacramento, CA and we picked up the Classic Train Set.  It is fairly small and compact compared to other trains sets in box boxes.  I recommend it for a present, though this set is not big enough to fit around the tree.

Resources:

Wow Toyz
103 Panton Road
Vergennes, VT  05491 USA
www.wowtoyz.com
Item #WT-TR14
$14.99 at the CA State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA

Recommended Pajamas and Long Johns for children up to 6 years old- Under the Nile

My favorite pajamas and Long Johns for my 5 year old son are definitely Under the Nile Long Johns.  They are made of 100% handpicked organic Egyptian cotton, and are incredible soft!  I usually get them at  Whole Foods, but they can also be ordered online.  They sizes only go up to 6 years old, so soon I'll have to find another brand for him.  They are perfect for wearing under clothes on chilly days too!  A mom started the company and her story is on the company website.  I love these PJ's! They are even dyed with natural, "metal-free" colors and fair traded for the benefit of all the people producing their product.

Resources:

Under the Nile PJ's (Kids Long John's)- $32.00 online
100% handpicked Egyptian cotton
1-800-710-1264
underthenile.com

The Little Ice Rink, Alameda, CA

One of our traditions this time of year is going ice skating at the Little Ice Rink in Alameda, CA at South Shore Center.  This place is the most family friendly ice arena that I've found in the bay area, especially since they have these orange skating aides called, Bobby the Seal, that the children can hang onto while they skate.  It is a great way for little ones to both learn to skate and develop their skill and confidence.  We went there for the first time this season on Tuesday night.  My son actually skated from 8:00PM to 9:30PM.  Usually his bedtime is 8:00PM but he was having so much fun, and it is also Thanksgiving vacation, so why not!

We also had dinner at Panera Bread, which is also in the South Shore Center.  My son likes the kids macaroni and cheese, which comes with an organic yogurt.  He also likes the black cherry smoothie, which they make with organic Stoneyfield farms yogurt.  We almost went again last night but we were both too tired.

Resources:

The Little Ice Rink
at South Shore Center
Alameda, CA
November 8th-January 20th
(510) 629-1-ICE (1423)

Adults $15.00 Including skates, $10.00 if you bring your own skates

Children (up to 8 years old)  $10.00, including skates, $6.00 if you bring your own skates

Bobby the Seal- $5.00 (skating aide)