What have we been up to?

With Richard busy so much of the time, the kids and I are forced to find hobbies other than obsessing over how great he is.

Naomi has explored the possibility of becoming a makeup artist. While I am complimented that she wants to mimic how I put on my makeup, I am somewhat insulted that this is her interpretation, it is pretty accurate though


In October Levi joined the Little Dragons karate class. Richy also did karate as a child, so they are able to work on moves together. Levi is working very hard and it is showing!



Levi's karate teacher's only concern is that he bows for too long (I think it is cute).


I want to instill in my children a desire to compete with themselves, and not to simply be better than others (huge pet peeve of mine). Although Levi does Karate in a group setting, it is still an individual activity. He loves Karate, he skips his way into class and and smiles ear to ear for days afterward.



Naomi is taking a toddler gymnastics class.

Naomi's nature is to physically work harder than I am comfortable with. I remember reading a long time ago about how babies learn to crawl. It is just as much about the physical component as it is a lesson on teaching themselves to self motivate. So if Naomi feels the need to push herself, I will let her within a safe range. This last week she took a 5 hour nap after class!



I have a hard time keeping up with this little gymnast!

When I am not taking kids to activities or failing to create the perfect vegan recipe, I like to watch documentaries on US Presidents. Recently I watched one on President Truman, but when I started having nightmares about atomic bombs and weapon testing in North Korea , I decided it is time explore other interests of mine.

I built Naomi this bench, which she calls a "tiny bed".


I surprised Richard and give our room a facelift.

Before


After


Our bedroom gets a LOT of sun, I love waking up to the sun. We spent so many years waking up in dreary gray Oregon, this is a welcome change. For the record I love Oregon.

Levi experienced his first school valentines day party, which meant I experienced a sugar high little boy, and it was worth it. Levi and I made him a v-day shirt. The goal was for him to be a walking valentine.



Naomi was not so into it.


Richard was away all day studying for a test, so these two were my valentines.



That night I put the kids to bed and I made Richy and I a late valentines day dinner. I barricaded half of our table with plants and candles so our 6 seater table felt like a date for two. It worked!

Now on to find other things to busy ourselves with.