The Bubble (Binky) Give Up - 2.0

When John Henry was a pre-schooler and the time came for him to give up his beloved Mimi, we made it as fun as we possibly could.  It took us five days, and it's something that he still talks about to this day.  (The photo book we made probably has helped increase his memory of it.)

You can read the five blog posts about the first Binky Give Up starting here.

So now that it was Leo's turn we wanted to do something similar for him to help him say goodbye to his "Bubble."  We started out by looking over John Henry's book and by asking him if he was ready for about a month.  Finally it was time.

Day One:  Balloon to the Moon

The first binky had a ticket to ride on a bunch of mylar balloons.  

 First Leo drew a picture for the baby we were sending the binky too.  Then I wrote a note for him.

 Enjoying this particular Bubble one more time. . .

John Henry gave him some support as he prepared for the launch.

A little sad as he thought about letting go. . . 

 and then up, up, up and away!  Leo told me that it was going to the moon to a baby who lived there.  :)

Day Two:  Baby Chance needs a Binky!

Another picture, another note. . . this one to his cute baby cousin who lives in Utah.  He saw a picture of Chance on my computer and we noticed that he didn't have a binky.  I asked if he could have one of Leo's, Leo thought that would be OK.

John Henry was really cute and supportive the entire time.  He didn't want Leo to be too sad.

Into the box it goes.  He was a little surprised when he reopened the door and found nothing there.

A few days later his aunt Erin sent a picture of Chance with the binky.  Leo was mad and wanted it back.  He got over it pretty quickly, though.


Day Three:  The Binky Fairy

Probably the least painful day, because he didn't actually have to physically give it away, plus candy and new trucks always help.

The binky fairy came while he was at preschool, took a picture of what she was trading the binky for, with the binky, then left a note and some smarties in it's place.

Leo was getting more anxious each day - so this was a good break for him.

Day Four: Sail Away

Leo was most excited about this day- and getting to go to "the beach."

We went up to Henry Hagg Lake, about 10 miles from our house.

He wasn't even sad.  He was very excited to launch his Bubble Boat.

There were mostly smiles through it all.  He did suggest we go out in the water to get it, but when I told him no, he accepted it.

Day Five: Bubbles the Monkey

The last day- and the hardest. 

He was able to go to sleep the night before without his Bubble, but didn't make it through the entire night.  We could tell he was anxious, as we told him throughout the morning that today was the day he would put his last Bubble into an animal, like John Henry's Mimi Doggy.


He was very excited when we got there.

After much deliberation, he chose a monkey for his animal.

He filled him up with fluff.

And then in went the heart and the binky.

A good air bath, 

and a birth certificate. . .

here is the binky free Leo for the first time with Bubbles the Monkey.  

He held it together through most of the week, but finally couldn't hold it in any longer.  He melted down as we left the mall- and promptly fell asleep in the car.  He went to bed that night, and the two nights since without a problem and without asking for his Bubble.

You are so big, my sweet boy.  I am so proud of you.  This was so hard, but you were brave and you did it!

Rules for Being an Adult

One of the goals I had for this year was to come up with a set of 'rules' for myself.  Things that I want to focus on, that will make me a better person, that I should use to organize my life.

After several weeks of thought, consideration, and discussion with friends, here is what I came up with. 

What are you're "Rules for Being an Adult?"

Chalk it up to . . .

I've been painting a lot of chalk boards as of late, and having fun working on my chalkboard art.

I'm not a football fan, but I am a Seattalite at heart.  Had to support my city!

Some of you may know that I am dyslexic and Phoebe is a dyslexic advocate - working to get the appropriate resources into schools for her son and all dyslexic kids.  I cheer from 800 miles away and create zillions of PDFs for her.

My chalk art is improving - but I think I need to invest in a ruler. :)

Dicchotomy - Snow and Seeds

It doesn't snow often in Western Oregon - and I like it that way.  I grew up in Northern Utah and I've had my fill of cold and wet.

My boys on the other hand, think it's wonderful.

I did help build the fort though.  If it's going to dump snow on us, and strand us (the town we live in doesn't own a snow plow - so the roads don't get cleared) then I have to do SOMETHING to combat cabin fever!

However, I can only handle so much of the cold.

So, a little summer time prep seemed in order.  I got together with a couple of friends and we inventoried seeds -

Then places an order from my favorite seed site!

I've all ready picked up potting soil and just have to wait for the white stuff to clear so I can get our new (to us) green house up and functional.  As soon as the new seeds arrive it will be time to plant seeds!  I can't wait!

Stella - an "old soul" bench

A friend had this bench in her barn. She thought I could find her true colors.

She started out as an olive green.  You can still see it peeking out here and there.

I though a lovely lavender, some teal, a little blue and tan would help her look a little more inviting. 

I love the way she turned out.

__________________
Stella is for sale.  $70 - available in the greater Portland area.

Help for the Philippines

You may or may not know that I lived in the Philippines in my early twenties.  I speak Tagalog, and a part of my heart will always remain there.

Yesterday they were hit with one of the strongest Typhoons in recorded history, and only weeks after a major earthquake left devastation in parts of the country.

 source: CNN

Please, take some time tonight to give thanks for your warm, safe, dry homes.  Then, if you have the means, donate to one of the Humanitarian Aid organizations that will be helping the beautiful people of the Philippines recover from this massive storm.

I recommend the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund.

"One hundred percent of every dollar donated is used to help those in need without regard to race, religion, or ethnic origin."

The LDS Church has missionaries already in country who will work to help any and all people effected by this storm.  They are nearly always the first organization to respond in the wake of tragedy and natural disaster because of a strong network of leadership and volunteers.  You can read more about the Humanitarian Aid Fund here.

Maraming Salamat
(many thanks)