12 Wednesday Nov 2014
Posted in Ramblings, Volunteerism
Tags
Stumbled across THIS PHOTO! After recently having a babe, I’d love to get into those red pants again.
Susan Finfer, Gigi Edwards and I at the Women’s Fund of Central Texas’ Power of the Purse
06 Monday Oct 2014
Posted in Family
Tags
I hadn’t posted here in awhile…initial shock, anxiety then excitement! We had another baby boy! Everyone’s in love….
05 Wednesday Feb 2014
Tags
activities, Austin, Austin Texas, children, helping others, kids, little helping hands, Marissa Vogel, volunteer
Hmmmm…the little guy in the batman shirt looks VERY familiar!!!
The kids are the future building blocks of our society and that is why it is very important for us to offer life lessons and fond memories which will be beneficial for them throughout their lives. We should teach and show them things that will help them be responsible and caring citizens of the world.
The question is how can that be done?
Well, there are various ways of doing so and one of the ways is to indulge a kid in the aspect of volunteerism. This way they will learn the need to help others. Most of the time, through hard work it’s nice to see the look on a child’s face when they begin to understand the benefits of assisting someone in need.
It takes the attention off of “ME-ME-ME!” and their little minds go into overdrive with curiosity on every detail of the task at hand. They feel good about helping someone else. That’s why my family’s so grateful for all Marissa Vogel and staff at Little Helping Hands have continuously provided for the Austin community. Little Helping Hands is a great way to get the entire family involved.
Interested?
Learn more here: http://littlehelpinghands.org/volunteer/
23 Thursday Jan 2014
Tags
activity, american, americanninjawarrior, Austin Texas, children, concentration, focus, food free activity, foodallergy, gohring, kid, kungfu, martial arts, martialarts, master, master gohring, ninja, self-defense, warrior
Last summer, the kid began kung-fu sessions with Master Gohring. I was a little skeptical about whether he’d like it or not…if he’d cooperate. But, I was surprised when he came out bustling with joy. Later that week, he declared himself a “Lil’ Dragon” as he hung from a tree at Green Gate Farm. I appreciate that although there were so many kids of similar age, Master Gohring and Instructor Hunter’s ability to give equal attention to all of them. The best part is despite the fact that the directions were sometimes hard to understand (or follow for a then 4 year old ENERGIZER BUNNY)… the master and instructor would reiterate the rules in such a manner that made it fun, and doable.
The art of Kung Fu helps with focus and concentration in your kid. My little lovejoy has expressed to me that they were taught about focusing with their eyes, mind and body. They were tough to speak in a way which shows utmost respect for the teacher. Not only that but, also two of the major techniques were taught to the kids. The techniques are that of paying attention and bowing.
My kid even loved it more because now he pretends to be a Ninja which I find helps tremendously. He sits quietly sometimes at home which initially shocked me – but, he later announced that he’s “being a Ninja!”
Kung-Fu is not only good for the aspect of self defense. It also helps to enhance the factor of confidence in young kids.
Last but, not least – it’s a FOOD FREE ACTIVITY!!! (Anyone who knows me KNOWS most of his extra-curricular activities are.)
19 Thursday Dec 2013
Posted in Austin Adventures
Tags
Austin, Austin Children's Museum, Austin Texas, Children's museum, climber, color shadows, kitchen lab, Museum, spark shop, Sun Connor, sun in austin, Thinkery
There is a famous saying that all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. Not sure about your kids, but our kiddo needs LOTS of play time. Now when it comes to that, we sometimes have trouble deciding where to take him. I mean…he loves bouncy houses, but there are so many children’s venues here in Austin. We try to introduce him to a wide variety of places – indoor and outdoor. Over the summer, I read about the children’s museum, The Thinkery re-opening near Mueller Park. Last week, after much anticipation, my son finally explored their backyard. He’s been eyeing the climber for weeks now!
The Thinkery is a great place, possibly the best place where a kiddo can surely have a lot of fun and use their imaginations. The Thinkery provides lots of indoor activities like the light lab, spark shop, and kitchen lab to name a few. Kids always love to learn new things and The Thinkery is the perfect place for it!
13 Friday Dec 2013
Posted in Austin Adventures
Did I ever mention my LOVE for anything basketball?!??! Well, I do. It’s one of my fav sports besides volleyball. Since moving to Austin, I’ve only had the opportunity to see an actual game when visiting family and friends in New Orleans.
I’m embarrassed to admit this, but – I was unaware of the Austin Toros basketball team. Not sure how that got past me, but anytime basketball was brought up here, I’d immediately think ‘San Antonio Spurs’. D’oh!
Nevertheless, we received several tickets to attend Austin Toros’ first game of the season. I was excited! Not to mention, this was the kid’s first REAL basketball game. He’s “played” with other children at YMCA, but at that age their just learning the concept.
He loved it! I think his favorite moments were the slam dunks and the Capital City dancer performances! Hilarious!
