I love you too, sweetie!

I absolutely love this video!
He's not even 3 here yet. It was back when Barney ruled, not the Transformers and Power Rangers

Fall

I haven't blogged for so long! Life has been busy as we are trying to get used to the new schedule. Anthony seems to really like school. As for me, I think it's a bit too much for a 5 years old.

First of all, homework. Every day it takes us over 30 minutes to complete it. He gets 5 tasks daily! Honestly, I do not remember getting homework until I was in the 2nd grade. And we're talking about K! And the tasks do not make too much sense to me, either. Here  are some examples:

* Draw a picture of a rule you follow in the cafeteria
* Write what is the difference between you and your teacher (I like that they have to write!)
* Read a book and draw all the characters

and so on......

We do complete each task diligently, but I feel like reading to him would be much more useful. We do read a lot, he loves books

Another thing that I was a bit irritated about is the "warnings" that he brings from school every other day.
* Warning for not following instructions (the teacher asked to put a book on the shelf, he put it on the desk)
* Warning for being too active (c'mon now! It's a 5 y.o. boy!!!!)
* Warning for talking during class
I spoke to his teacher about those warnings, and she said everyone got those. Then what's the point?

Ok, you got it! I am one of those mommies who worry too much about their only child. But he's my SONshine, I can't but worry!

Boys gone handsome Part 2

Now that Anthony is in real school, I need to make sure he's dressed appropriately. They do not wear uniforms, but I wouldn't put a dinosaur shirt on him, since it'll probably become a distraction. For his school clothes I chose Hannah Andersson.Love this brand! Their cotton is still of very high quality (unlike Gap, which disappointed me so much lately), clothes are designed to spend a day in.

First and foremost, we bought a back pack and a lunch box. These were not my faves, but my husband and Anthony both voted on them, so I had to surrender:

The back pack is awesome! I love the padded adjustable straps and VERY light weight.  The lunch box is pretty roomy, can be attached to the back pack. It is insulated inside and has some outside pockets for snacks.
AND... these are pretty unique. You don't see them much in school.

I love Hannah's t-shirts. We are in Georgia, so the t-shirts are worn until November sometimes.
Stripes are usually my favorites. Look at this one!

Isn't that cute?

Hannah Andersson never disappoints me. But I am lucky to have a store nearby, as their shipping charges are pretty high (for those buying on-line)

What is your favorite brand that your SONshine wears to school?

Anthony goes to kindergarten

I can not believe my baby boy, my SONshine, the love of my life is a kindergartner now. He's riding a "real yellow bus" every morning to school. First couple of days were so hard for me! I came home from the bus stop and cried.

I wonder if every mom has this kind of emotions seeing her baby off to school for the first time. I really would love to hear from others!

I know you'll make your mommy very proud, Anthony! You're smart, kind and gentle. I couldn't wish for a better son than you!

Thank you, Lord, for my family, for my beautiful son and loving husband. I can't thank you enough!

Boys gone handsome ... Part 1

I want my SONshine to always look good. I mean, who doesn't, right? The truth is, though it's much easier with girls than boys.

Look and compare boys' and girls' clothing departments at any store and you'll see what I mean.

I had a little girl's mommy said to me once: "You're so lucky you have a boy! You don't have to care what to dress him in every day - just jeans and a t-shirt".

 Well, I can't agree with that. Anthony always looks sharp, no matter if he's going to Church, school or playground. I refuse to have "that's just a boy" attitude. I know, some moms are rolling their eyes at me right now. Oh, well. That is how I am

I buy a lot of clothes. Too much? I guess, you could say that. I sell it on Ebay after Anthony grows out of it. That is exactly how I han afford buying some higher-end clothes - I sell them after I use them!

My all-time favorite brand is Mini Boden. I just love their quality and wearability. Mini Boden t-shirts with appliques are always fun. Anthony absolutely loves them.

Another thing I buy from them all the time is their jersey baggies shorts. I buy them in all colors year after year.

I have to add, that I buy them at the end of the season for the next year 80% of the time, when they are deeply discounted. This way after I am done with them, I can get my money back after I re-sell them on Ebay. Like, last week I placed a huge order for next summer. Some shirts were discounted to $7, and shorts to $10!

Happy 5th Birthday!

My SONshine turned 5 yesterday. I can't believe how fast time flies. I thank our Lord every day for such a wonderful gift I have been given.

My little boy, I hope you know how much you're loved. I will never get tired of kissing your precious face. I will never have enough of your tight hugs. I will never love anyone more than I love you. My love to you grows with every new morning. Sometimes it's so intense that it hurts.  You make my life lighter brighter and happier. Thank you for being you! Thank you for showing me what MOM's love is.

It is SO HOT!

Weather, I mean.
I love heat. I love to feel hot sun rays on my skin. Summer is my favorite season, and here, in GA, it lasts at least 6 months.
What to do with my SONshine when it's so hot? We love water.
Unfortunately, our subdivision does not have a pool. So, we have to think of where to go to splash. The closest and the cheapest to us is downtown Norcross (little town we live in). It has a fountain where kids can splash for free.

The one thing I do not like about it is that it is so crowded. Big kids run around not paying much attention to the little ones.

We also have 2 mini aqua parks pretty close. You do have to pay to get in there, but it's not much for the county residents. This year we haven't been there yet, but here are some pictures from the previous years

1. Best Friend Park. It features an outdoor leisure pool with zero-depth entry, giant water slide and water play structures

2.  West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center. It features a zero-depth entry, two giant water slides, river channel, bubble bench, vortex, spray bar, and water play structures.

What I do not like about these parks is that they can close pretty unexpectedly (e.g. someone peed in the pool, or their radar shows that thunder is coming), and they do not refund you the money. It happened to us twice. Once we just got undressed and didn't even get a chance to get into the water, the second time we were there for about 15 minutes. That, to my mind is very unfair. But they were firm, and the money was not refunded.


Sometimes we would go to the river. The Chattahoochee River is 5 minutes from our house. Its fast water is very cold, though. That's the thing I do not like about it. It doesnt't bother my SONshine, though!

Lake Lanier is about 40 minutes drive from us. It's a lot of fun, too!

Spraygrounds are everywhere now! For just $1  you can spend there all day (we usually spend no more than 45 minutes there)