Tea Time for Two!

Simone and I found a few hours this weekend to do another Mommy and Simi Time at a tea room.  I have recently started wearing heels again when I go out for dinner and knew that this occasion would be no exception.  To let Simone feel extra special this outing, I let her wear her little high heels too!

Her feet are finally as long as the shoe!  Time has flown!

Gingerly stepping down the stairs ...

Simone knew that I was letting her wear the heels since we would be on our feet for a short time.  She has seen other girls wear heels at her school and urges me to let her.  Sure I don't want her to grow up too quickly, but I also don't want her to get bunions in the midst of her growth!  

We tried going to a local tea room but they are on vacation for 2 weeks.  We went farther out, but it was worth it!

The host offered Simone a hat and boa!

Simone got the Princess Tea and I got the regular High Tea.  Simone has had herbal tea before and was interested in trying it again.  Their peach tea however smelled oddly pungent and she was not impressed.  Simone did like the soup they gave for their first course.

Don't let her frown fool you - she was just suspicious of soup she had never had before

I thought Simone would prefer their chicken and wild rice soup rather than their tomato basil so she got the smaller version of the former while I got the adult portion of the latter.  I ended up loving my tomato basil that I almost forgot to offer her some.  I had a bit left and when she refused my offer, I happily slurped the rest up.  Victorian Grace's soups were so savory!  While we waited for the rest of our food, we snapped photos.

Simone's food came first and she was so excited to eat her teddy bear grilled cheese sandwich, PB & J donut, chicken nuggets and teeny tiny cupcake.

I unfortunately didn't take pictures of my food but it was deliiiicious!  I later asked Simone what she liked about her experience and I thought that for sure she would mention her cupcake or my truffle bar that we split.  Here's what she professed.

"My favorite part of tea was taking pictures"

Simi Mia

My little Simone and I are starting to jive in our musical tastes.  She used to come home from school humming the tunes to "Call Me Maybe" and "Gangnam Style,"  songs that made me cringe.  Yesterday she sang, "Mamma mia, ... hmm  hmm hmmm ..."  She didn't know the words but could do the melody.  After getting the song stuck in my head I started singing it out loud:

"Mamma Mia.  Here I go again.
My, My.  How can I resist you."

But that was all I knew.  So we've looked it up and I'm excited to say we might have an ABBA playlist pretty soon!

Alone Time vs. Family Time

As a stay-at-home mom, I sometimes need a break from the family.  At least I thought I did.  When the kids were younger and we were living in California, Michael used to take care of the kids at night and I would go to a cafe or I would go out with girlfriends.  This progressed to my going out by myself in the middle of the day, when I could actually enjoy the daylight without two kids hanging onto me.

The time alone was refreshing ... to a degree.  I remember missing the children just a little bit, but enjoying my time off.  When I would return, however, I felt the need to have even more alone time.  I don't know if this meant that I needed more alone time in general or if it was maybe futile at that time of the kids' development to "sever the tether."  The kids at the time were going to need me and clamor for my attention so any homecoming was going to be difficult.

Here in Tampa I recently needed alone time but the only time available was at night - when I was too tired to travel to a measly Starbucks cafe or to even try a new sushi place.  One weekend Michael asked what I wanted to do and I declared that I wanted to go to Clearwater Beach and dine at an establishment right on the water or on the sand in hopes of experiencing the laziness I sense in the song "Margaritaville."    Well Michael delivered and we enjoyed it immensely.

The view as one approaches Clearwater  Beach.

Lazy shopping available!!!

Ask Michael and ye shall receive!

Michael took us to the restaurant Frenchy's that sat right on the sand with a view of volleyball players and sunbathers.  Oh yeah ... and the water, clouds and horizon.  A plus about our table was that we plopped the kids over the guardrail to let them play while we waited for our food.  

"I'm not hungry!" means I'm more interested in playing.

After brunch, we played in the sand and surf for a while.  I realized that the kids were not experienced with waves because they didn't brace themselves as the rushing water crashed into them.  These weren't big waves at all;  they couldn't have been taller than 1 foot.  But in comparison to what they usually see at Snug Harbor, the waves here were gigantic. 

We didn't stay long, not because of the dark clouds clustering above us, but because Michael and I were tired of hanging out in the sun.  The kids, however, could have stayed there all day!

For the rest of the weekend, we did no work on the bus, we lounged around the house, napped, and ate & drank well.  This made me so happy and content!  I didn't want to be away from the family anymore.  I realized that I need some relaxation time - period.  Alone time definitely affords the relaxation I need, but so does lax family time.  I spend so much time with the family cleaning, washing, and disciplining. These are not a few of my favorite things and can thus easily associate the family with these unpleasant chores.  When I relax with them I'm able to associate positives with being around the family.  

Don't get me wrong.  I still need alone time.  I just now know that it is not the only answer to leisure.

Max's Debut

For one of Max's art class, he created a little bear and he performed in a little play starring as, "Baby Bear."

I wonder if he's been bitten by the theater bug.

Mommy, Interrupted

I have been taking Spanish lessons for a few months and they're conducted on Skype with a teacher in Texas.  Michael and I used to take these lessons in the evening but, due to our teacher's schedule changes, I now have to take lessons on weekday mornings. 

When our lessons were in the evening, the kids were asleep, or nearly so, and our lesson could go on peacefully and continuously.  When I have my morning lessons, the kids are awake and very eager to bother us with the slightest concern.  They have learned over a few sessions that they are not to open the door to the office unless someone is hurt.  If Michael and I are both home, it's easier to take care of the kids because whoever is not taking the lesson can leave to address the issue.  But if it's just me, I have to excuse myself a couple times.

Before my lesson starts I review the rules with the kids.  It's actually just one rule.  Don't interrupt Mommy. On the second morning that I had to take a lesson so early, I was interviewing the kids:

Me:  Mommy is going to take a lesson now.  You just watch TV and take care of yourselves. 
Max & Simone:  Ok, Mommy. (half-distracted because a cartoon was already on the screen)
Me:  Ok, if the show is over, what do you do?
Max:  Interrupt you?
Me:  Noooo!!!!  That's exactly what you don't do!  Just keep playing until I come out.
Max: (with a mischievous grin) Oh. 

Unfortunately, Max always needs to interrupt me because nature calls.  Yes, I still wipe his bum-bum after he goes #2.  Since my classes are during his breakfast, they are also during his bowel movement.  Sometimes - no probably every time I have a class with Maestra Patricia - she hears, "MOOOOOMMMMY!  I'm done!"  I excuse myself and come back after washing my hands from the dirty deed.

All in all, this is a great venue for learning a language.  Imagine if I had to go to a local college with my kids in tow.  In the middle of a lecture Max would announce he is ready to get his butt wiped.

Laundry Helpers

The kids love to help me with chores, but it's a process that usually takes longer because I have to teach them how to do things.  One thing they do, however, that is a positive and efficient help is when they help with the laundry.

I know the picture above does not look like an improvement, but it is.  Simone and Max sort their clothes into piles.  Max shirts here, Simone skirts there, Max pants here, Simone dresses there.  It really speeds up the process!!

Simone's First Day of 1st Grade

On Monday, Simone's school invited all students to meet their teachers for the new school year.  Simone was a little excited and was curious to see what Ms. Whitley would be like.

When we got to the school Simone started feeling nervous.  She clung to me and stayed quiet.  Once in the classroom, she tugged me close to her and whispered in my ear, "I'm more nervous than I thought I would be."  She was also disappointed that none of her old classmates she liked were in her present class.  I, on the other hand was excited for her to be with a teacher who had previously been teaching 4th grade!  I hope this gives Simone more challenge.  Max was also excited to see Simone's classroom because lounging on a shelf was a stuffed Pluto dog from his favorite show "Mickey's Club House: Road Rally."  Max asked to have it and wailed when I said he couldn't.  He insisted, "Yes, I can!"  Waaahhhh!!!  We left the meeting with Max crying, "Pluuuttoooo!"

The night before school was calm and I finally got my act together and got Simone to bed on time at 7:30pm.  The two kids were still hyped up, however, so I allowed them to sleep in the big bed until they fell asleep.  Part of getting back to the school year routine is for me to get to bed on time.  If I don't get up early enough, the kids get rushed with their breakfast and everyone is frazzled.  Max isn't going to school yet, but he always accompanies his big sister for drop-off and pick-up.

Simone was much more relaxed this year compared to last year's experience.

Simone is actually smiling on her first day.

Max is ready too

Simone wanted to take a picture with all her supplies.

Simone was very brave and never teared up.  She did want me to stay longer than we did.  I'd say we were with her for about 15 minutes.  I introduced her to her new classmate Emiylah who sits across Simone.  They were both nervous and ignored each other.

Max was super brave, approached Simone's teacher and asked,  "Can I have Pluto?"  And to my surprise, she gave it to him!!!  I assured Ms. Whitley that it wasn't necessary and she responded with, "Girl!  Do you know how many stuffed animals I have in that back cupboard?!"  As she was getting Pluto, Max turned to me and said, "I told you she would give it to me!"  I had to admit I was wrong and Max was doubly happy!

We left Simone as the Principal started her welcome speech.  Simone did not object but also was not joyous.  She started to work on her "All About Me" sheet that Ms. Whitley gave the students.  I miss her already!

Max on the other hand has his mind on his new friend Pluto.  I'm sure, however, that he will be asking to pick up Simone earlier than scheduled.