Bark in the Park

Today we attended the "Bark in the Park" event at the Chesapeake City Park in Greenbrier. It was so much fun!! We walked in and there were dogs EVERYWHERE! Big dogs, small dogs, giant dogs, tiny dogs....dogs, dogs, dogs! The Chesapeake Humane Society hosted this awesome event! 

 There were vendors set up all up and down the sidewalk. Vendors that sell doggie items, doggie treats, leashes, even someone who did caricatures of dogs. Anything dog related you can find at "Bark in the Park."

 Here is another shot of all the vendors....and a cute doggie enjoying the shopping! 

 They even had corn hole that was dog themed! 

 Maggie all decked out ready for a fun day! 

It was soooooo hot!! The weather was beautiful last week and all of a sudden summer came back to visit and it was like 92 degrees. This poor dog was taking a load off in the shade while his owner signed him up with "Ident-A-Dog." The Chesapeake Sheriff's department was out giving tags to dogs AND kids in case of an emergency. We signed Tucker up and Maggie! They took their picture and took Maggie's fingerprints right there. It was really neat. Then they gave us all the paper work so if anything happens we have all of their info right on hand. It's a cool program! 

These are the tags they gave Tucker and they gave us a FREE leash!

While we waited to get Tucker's tags we guessed how many kibbles were in the jar. I haven't heard anything, so I guess we didn't win. Oh-well! What a cute idea though. 

We stopped at a booth and saw this adorable dog hanging out with his mom! How hilarious is this little pouch? That dog looked as comfortable as can be! The vendor was called "Hazel's Handywork" and the sold these cool "dog-on bags." Check out their website- thedogonbag.com. 

We stopped at a little water hose station so Maggie and Tucker could cool off. The hoses were really cool! And they sprayed just a mist so you didn't get soaked. 

As you can see, Maggie really liked the water pit stop. 

And we had a little visitor at the water hose stop. This tortoise was there with his owner. He was friendly and getting lots of attention just walking along. Very cute! 

This is my wonderful family getting ready to leave. We had a blast at "Bark in the Park" and will be back next year!

When we got home everyone crashed and took naps. And Tucker laid on the tile the rest of the afternoon cooling off from our warm, fun adventure! 

The Secret of Mom Wisdom

Before I had Maggie I was nervous about having kids. I was nervous that I wouldn't know what I was doing and that I didn't have enough knowledge on the subject of "motherhood." I was afraid that I wouldn't know how to get out grass stains, know which food groups to feed my child, or think quick enough when there is a diaper explosion in the middle of the supermarket. And guess what.....I had not one single clue about what I was getting into with childbirth!

I'm just being honest, this "not knowing" totally overwhelmed me. I am all about education. I got my bachelors degree and took classes to learn subjects. But guess what friends, there isn't a college course that you can take on motherhood. There aren't enough blog posts in the world to prepare you for raising a child. There isn't a "secret" to being a successful parent. 

But I have hope to "hopefully" give you in this....with a LOT of prayer and a great support system, you can do this! You are and can be an awesome parent! And you don't even have to have all of the answers either!

Here are three things that help me when the doubt and worry start creeping in about my parenting skills:

1. You may not have all the answers....but your kids sure think you do.
Remember when the kids asked "Why?" for everything. I like to call it, "the questioning phase."

- "Johnny, clean up your toys." -"Why?"
- "Jayne, can you please eat your green beans?" - "Why?"
- "Hold my hand while we cross the street." -"UGH! Why?!"

And this is pretty much what you want to say, "Because I said so! Now be quiet and do what I say!" Don't lie...you know you want to sometimes. Yes, we do have the actual answers to these questions- "If you don't hold my hand...you could get hit by a car." But isn't it amazing that your child is looking at you for knowledge. Your child genuinely...most of the time...wants to know why because he or she knows that you know the answer. You are mom! You know it all. And guess what, they don't have to know that you don't really know everything.

2. It takes time and experience.
When William and I were trying to set up the pack n' play the first time, William and I just stared at each other holding a bunch of metal bars that didn't match. I was 8 months pregnant. I thought I was going to use this amazingly beautiful pack n' play every single day (ha- she used it like twice) and we had NO clue how to set the darn thing up. Though no words were spoken....I know we both were thinking, "Okay, this kid is coming home in a month....and we don't even know how to set up it's bed....seriously, how are we going to raise this poor child?"

This is no joke....I thought I had to "know" everything before Maggie ever even came home from the hospital. I quickly learned, however, that knowledge comes with experience. I have learned so much from my little one and she doesn't even realize it. So don't worry, just learn as you go.

3. Prayer and support
Prayer is going to get you through the times when doubt and worry try to overcome you. Some people like to call it "postpartum," some people like to call it hormones....whatever it is, we moms have an instinct to worry that we are somehow letting our kids down. I am completely speaking from experience on this one. But I pray a lot, a lot, a lot for my daughter and for William and I to have wisdom and discernment in the way we raise her and I know that God will get us through. He will give us the wisdom and grace we need to be the parents he wants us to be.

It's also really important to get a support system in family and/or friends that you can talk to or have around to help guide you as a parent. Our families live far away, so we have our church family to help us and I am telling you, I wouldn't have made it through my first year as a parent without them. My poor friends got so many, "Help! She's fussy and I think she has gas. What do I do?" calls. They got the phone calls that said, "Ummm...if you don't come over here and help me with the baby that I SWEAR has colic, I am going to be admitted into an insane asylum." And guess what, they came no questions asked. Family and friends are so important - you need a support system to walk you through the tough times and be there for the fun times, and the firsts, and the birthdays, and the ER visits. I don't know what we would do without our church family, seriously. Here are a few pictures of our awesome "Virginia" family:

My best friend, Abby and her daughter Payton love to play with Maggie. Even though Maggie is younger than Payton, she still loves playing with her! I honestly don't know what I would do without these girls!

The Porters are like our 2nd family. Literally. Colleen was in the room when Maggie was born and (she doesn't know it yet) but she's going to be there for the next one too:) Maggie calls them "Gigi" and "Pap Pap." They are family! We are so grateful for how we can always call them for anything....anytime! 

Kimberly watches Maggie the three days that I work at our church and I never, never, never worry about Maggie when she is with her. She is so helpful when I don't know why Maggie is fussy and always gives her so much love! I am so grateful to have her in Maggie's (and my) life. 

I can't find a picture of my friend Amber with Maggie....but Amber is my "nurse" friend who I call ALL THE TIME with questions. She is always so calm and helpful and keeps me from freaking out and taking Maggie to the ER every time she cries. She is my very own "nurse hotline." I love her! And her daughter is just a couple months older than Maggie and they love playing together. 

I don't have a picture of my friend Pattie either....but she has pretty much adopted Maggie as her niece and just loves on her all the time. She is constantly finding things to bring for Maggie and encouraging me when I don't know why in the world my child is doing the crazy things she does. She babysits Maggie when William and I need a date night and genuinely cares for Maggie- I just love that about her. 

My friend Kerri and her three sweet boys love Maggie like she is a part of their family. I watch her boys twice a week and when Maggie doesn't come with me they are very upset. I just love how much they love her! It is so sweet.

I have so many friends and of course our family that is always a huge help and support (and I can't name you all on here or this blog post will never end)! We just love all of you so much! We feel so blessed with how people have rallied around William and I and guided us, coached us, advised us, and loved us through the ups and the downs of parenthood.

Don't let the worry and doubt overcome you. You are doing a good job even when you feel like a failure. You are your child's whole world and he or she loves you no matter what!

Good luck on this journey we call "parenthood."

Weekend Events 10/4 - 10/6

Friday
Keva Block Exhibit at the Children's Museum in Portsmouth
Now through October 6th there is a block exhibit displayed at the Children's Museum in Portsmouth. There are thousands of wooden blocks sculpted into towers, buildings, furniture, bridges, and more! Regular admission applies.

Little Rockstars Preschool Music Class
This class for preschoolers happens every week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 AM and on Fridays at noon. It is $7 per adult & child and $5 per additional child. There are a lot of great reviews about this class- great energy for preschoolers- check it out!! It is at the Farmers Market in Virginia Beach.

Little Clickers Academy
Get your preschooler started early with learning those computer skills. This is a class that will take place every Friday for 6 weeks at the Joint Use TCC Library from 10-10:30 AM on Fridays.

Register by clicking here. 

Military Families- Movie Under the Stars
If you are a military family, enjoy a fun, outside movie at JEB Little Creek Fort Story in Virginia Beach. At 7PM they will be playing "Monsters University." Bring a blanket and chairs.

19th Annual Spooky Acres Haunted House
From 7-10 PM at the Chesapeake Square Mall there will be a haunted house event! This is a spooky haunted house that is fun....and scary all at the same time! Admission is $12. If you are a veteran, EMT, police, or fire fighter you receive FREE admission. 

Saturday
Home Depot Kids Workshop
At 9AM head over to your closest Home Depot for a FREE hands-on workshop. This is for ages 5-12. They will do some hands-on activities and learn about tool safety. Everyone get a FREE workshop apron! 

25th Annual AT &T Virginia Children's Festival 
This festival will be in Norfolk from 10 AM - 3 PM at Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk. It's $3 to get in per person.  It sounds like a lot of fun with tons of fun activities for the kids!! 

Hunt Club Farm Fall Festival
Hunt Club Farm is having it's annual Fall Harvest Fair every weekend until November 1st. Head out for the petting farm, pony rides, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a carnival! Weekdays they are open from 9 AM - 5PM. Weekends they are open from 10 AM - 10 PM with even more fun things going on like inflatables, games, pumpkin sales, and fun for the kids. You won't want to miss this! Head over to 2388 London Bridge Road in Virginia Beach. 

Prices are:
Children's Harvest Fair Wristband- $12 (weekends only)
Hayride & Petting Farm- $8 (weekdays and weekends)
Petting Farm Only- $4 (weekdays and weekends)
Pony Rides- $5 each (weekdays and weekends)
*Children under age 2 are free! 

Click here for more information. 

St. Mary's Home Fall Festival
Come support St. Mary's by doing the one-mile fundraiser walk ($10 entry) around the campus. There will be music, food, the Teeny Tiny Farm petting zoo will be there, and more. This will be from 10 AM - 2 PM at 6171 Kempsville Circle in Norfolk. 

Amazing Butterflies 
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center a fun butterfly maze for kids to go through. In this maze, they will learn the stages a caterpillar goes through in order to turn into a butterfly. This is a hands-on life size maze that is open from 9AM - 5PM. Regular admission prices apply.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum's "Dig into History"
Celebrate Virginia's Archaeology Month by learning about artifacts, playing games, and participating in an archaeological dig- searching for treasure! This will take place at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard  Museum at 10 AM.  

Elephant Appreciation Day at the Virginia Zoo
It's going to be an exciting day at the elephant habitat at the Virginia Zoo! From 11 AM - 1 PM check out the behind-the-scenes "open house" where you can meet Lisa and Cita (the elephants) and learn more about their habitat. No reservations are required. Regular admission applies.

Great Pumpkin Event at Michaels
With the purchase of a $5 purchase of a 9" pumpkin, your family can get into the Halloween spirit at Michaels from 1-3PM. You will be able to decorate your pumpkin however you choose- everything (besides the pumpkin) is supplied for you.

Sunday
Fan Day at Clearview Church
If you are looking for an awesome church, head over to Clearview Church at Salem Middle School (2380 Lynnhaven Pkwy) in Virginia Beach at 10AM. They will be starting a brand new sermon series called "God of the Underdogs" and there will be FREE lunch, inflatables and moonbounces for the kids, and lots more!

Bark in the Park
Chesapeake City Park is holding it's annual Bark in the Park! Bring your dog out to City Park on Greenbrier Pkwy. for a fun festival. There will be vendors, animal rescues, games, contests, and more! This will be going on from 12 - 5 PM.

Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast
I used to be in Girl Scouts!! If you have a daughter, definitely consider getting her involved in Girl Scouts! This Sunday, October 2nd at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach from 2-4 PM there will be a "hands on literacy event." There will be lots of activities and a chance to meet young authors and celebrities. There will also be prizes. All current girl scouts who wear their uniform or a Girl Scout T-shirt and bring a friend to register as a new Girl Scout will receive a free gift!

Martha Stewart Crafts Show IN Tell at Michaels
Head over toMichaels on Sunday to make charms for a necklace or bracelet from 1-3 PM.

Have a fun weekend!!

Fun, Festive, Crafty Classes at Michaels

I LOVE Michaels. I always joke with my husband that I need Bill Gates' credit card when I go in there because I could just go crazy! If you have never gone to one of their crafty classes, here is your chance! Here is a list of their October classes:

Great Pumpkin Event at Michaels - Oct. 5th
With the purchase of a $5 purchase of a 9" pumpkin, your family can get into the Halloween spirit at Michaels from 1-3PM. You will be able to decorate your pumpkin however you choose- everything (besides the pumpkin) is supplied for you.

Martha Stewart Crafts Show IN Tell at Michaels - Oct. 6th
Head over toMichaels on Sunday to make charms for a necklace or bracelet from 1-3 PM.

Wilton Spooky Cupcake Treats Show IN Tell - Oct. 12
My best friend, Abby, took a cake decorating class at Michaels and I am not kidding you- she makes AMAZING cakes!! Amazing!! From 10 AM - noon is your chance to get some tips on how to turn a simple treat into a festive Halloween surprise!

Bungee Bracelet Show IN Tell- Oct. 12
I have seen the bungee cord bracelets everywhere! This is the new craze! If you want to get on the bandwagon, go to Michaels from 1-3 PM for tips on how to make these cool bungee bracelets.

CYS HotFix Show IN Tell- Oct. 13th
Use Hot Fix and crystals to personalize Halloween projects from 1-3 PM.

Color Connect Earrings and Bead Landing Punch Show IN Tell- Oct. 19th
Learn how to make earrings, charms, and other jewelry from 1-3 PM.

Bead Gallery with Memory Wire Show IN Tell- Oct. 20th
Learn how to make a memory wire bracelet with different beads from 1-3 PM.

Martha Stewart Crafts Rhinestones Show IN Tell- Oct. 26th
Learn how to make a charm using rhinestones from 1-3PM.

Bead Gallery with Stretch Magic Show IN Tell- Oct. 27th
Create and personalize a bracelet using Bead Gallery beads and stretch magic from 1-3PM.

For more information about these classes and how to sign up, click here.

Have fun!

Park Fun!

Right now is the perfect time to play outside! The weather is B.E.A.U.tiful! I know we love the park. Maggie loves climbing, swinging, and sliding! So grab a hat and some sunscreen and head outdoors while you still can!

Here are some fun parks that we have visited:

Mount Trashmore (310 Edwin Dr. in Virginia Beach)
It has a big mountain that you can walk up and fly kites at the top with a beautiful view of the city of Virginia Beach and a pretty lake. It also has a walking trail and 2 playgrounds for the kids. It has a skate park and picnic areas to have lunch.

City View Park (2073 Kempsville Rd in Virginia Beach)
This is right on the border of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. My church has done picnics here and it is a great park! There is a picnic area right next to the playground. There are also basketball courts and a walking trail.

Oak Grove Park (409 Bryon Street in Chesapeake)
We LOVE this park. By far our favorite, mainly because it is closest to our house. We love walking the 1.5 mile trail around the lake (especially in the Fall) and there are lots of spots where you can stop and take in the view. There is also a picnic area and a playground for the kids.

Little Island Park (3820 S. Sandpiper Rd. in Virginia Beach)
This is on the beach at Sandbridge. You have to drive a little ways to get there but it is worth it! This park has a rock climbing wall and a great jungle gym for the kids.

Fun Forest (900 Greenbrier Pkwy. in Chesapeake
At the main Chesapeake City Park is a really fun playground for the kids called "Fun Forest." They just redid this whole playground and put in a great skate park. The thing I love about this park is that it is completely shaded!



Check out this link to get a list of all of the Chesapeake parks.

Check out this link to get a list of all of the Virginia Beach parks.