A day in the life of a Victorian rancher child

No this is not a history report but just a recap of a fun field trip I went on with my daughters class. I have to say this field trip was more fun than any of the trips I went on as a kid. Fourteen parents and a teacher with two park rangers and a class of 30 forth grade students spent a full day at the John Muir house in Martinez CA. The children came in historical costumes ranch children would have worn when John Muir was alive.

Between 9a.m. and 5 p.m. the children when through hour long stations. They made adobe bricks by walking in mud and straw then filling up a mold with the the mud and leaving the bricks in the sun to dry. The kids were so funny screaming its cold.The boys did not stay in long leaving the girls to get really muddy.

The kids then learned to do embroidery. I was surprised at the boys liked it so much. I think we will be doing some of this at home. I remember liking to stitch with my Grandmother and Mom when I was small.

They made candles . I was surprised just how easy that was. I'm thinking a family art project for the Lutz Posse in the next few weeks.

I think they threw in some painted crafts to kill time. I'm not convinced this was a very historical daily event.

They were giving a chance to play some Victorian games like croquet and hitting a wheel with a stick while running along side it.

The children had cooking stations where they all contributed to all the food they ate. A stew, a apple cobbler, lemon aide with lemons the children picked off the tree there at the monument. Then they all lined up with their pie tins they used as plates at together on the ranch. I didn't see one child refuse to eat. Very impressive.

To end the day after all the hard work, games and crafts we took a hike up to the top of Mount Wanda.

Children's Book Giveaway

Here it goes...our first giveaway. I thought carefully about ways I could give back selecting this giveaway. What better way than to share my love of books with a meet the author, promote their book and giveaway a copy  to a lucky person.

 Rain-drop and Peek-a-boo: A Very Bunny Documentary by Sheryl Marie
This book is a beautifully illustrated and captivating  story of two bunny sisters that will dazzle your children and quickly become a favorite in your child's home library.


*note to other authors with books they'd like to promote. Send me an e-mail. I may not be your target demographic but lots of Mom's read and I'd be happy to help out.
pinkradish@yahoo.com

Rain-drop and Peek-a-boo: A Very Bunny Documentary

by Sheryl Marie
http://www.bysherylmarie.com/

This rhyming “read to me” picture book is about my two little bunny rabbits and their crazy behaviors. It is composed of true stories, complimented by artwork that will capture any child’s imagination. Fun shapes, bright colors and fancy borders accent each page. A child can count the carrots at the bottom of each story page. This book also touches upon (ever so slightly) the responsibility of caring for such a special pet with an excerpt called “Hair Raising Thoughts About Raising Little Hares”.
 



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I just entered to win a copy of Rain-drop and Peek-a-boo: A Very Bunny Documentary and you can too blendedfamilyof5.blogspot.com
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This book is sold at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble On-line. I have a link on my left side bar as well.

Thinking about an Easter Bunny for your kids

Easter is in a few weeks. Some kids may have the pressure on you to get them cute lovable cuddly little Easter bunny. Please take a moment to think through what this addition to your family could mean.

This is a great read about Easter Bunny Abandonment. Written by a local children's book author and lover of rabbits.  Check it out.

Date Night

Yes a Mom and Dad with five kids can still date. Last night we went to Sacramento to celebrate War's BFFs birthday. It's just over an hour from where we live in the East Bay.

I got to tell you I love date night. I love getting ready. Taking a long hot shower, blow drying my hair, putting on make up and putting on clothes I probably wouldn't wear to the park or the clean the bathroom in. I love the look on my husbands face when he tells me how good I look. I love that I look good. May sound a little vain however I do a lot of jeans and t-shirt make-up free days. It's fun. Not forgetting to mention my husband it hot when he goes out. I love being the one on his arm.

The second part I love about date night is my kids love our babysitter. I do too. She is the most wonderful person anyone could have stay with their kids and she have become one of my best friends to boot.  My kids love her so much if I tell them to soon she's coming over I hear about it all week. Is she coming today? What time is she coming? Can we go to her house? The questions keep coming. When she gets here my kids wont even let me talk to her. They are pushing me out the door with both hands. I have to remind them to kiss and hug me. There is not a better feeling as a parent than knowing the person your kids are with loves them and they love her. I have the worlds best babysitter.



These are my kids with my babysitter from last night.





The last part about date night I love. We usually go out with other couples. I love seeing our friends. I love adult conversation. I love to hear what everyone's doing. I love to eat. Last night was sushi. I know I'm dieting and I budgeted my calories. I have a killer Zebra roll. Nothing beats the flavor of BBQ eel, tempura shrimp,mango sauce and roe. 

Over all date night as usual was a sucess and I can't wait for the next one.