Look at those two rays of sunshine! I am not sure if I have a touch of seasonal affective disorder, but my mood and energy are directly associated with the weather. More day by day than month by month. Even if the sunshine comes out mid-day, my energy and mood do a dramatic shift. We had a string of warm, sunny days last week and weekend, and we made the most of them.
Living my best life
Happy hour in the backyard with the boys
Cheers!
Mazen’s plants are sprouting!
Remember the garden kit he did a while back? We have two of the three flowers sprouting! We were also given two dogwood trees from Pippin Hill and planted those in the garden (until they can be moved to a permanent spot). I told Mazen they were “Brother Trees” – one for each of them. He is SO PLEASED with his tree!
Patio Work
Thomas is fixing some sunken spots in our patio. Birchie is always a big help!
Bubbles!
Nona dropped off her bubble machine for us and we’ve had a blast! It sure is nice not to have to blow each bubble by hand 
Porch Shenanigans
Grammie’s water table (we have this one) has been a hit on warmer days too. Those smocks I bought for Birch (here) he no longer wears to eat, but they’ve been great for keeping his outfit somewhat dry.
Also: this Tonka truck is the best gift we’ve ever gotten! Both kids LOVE it for riding/sitting in! (Note it came from our neighbors who have two girls so don’t forget the gals!)
Look at these sweet bros watching Peppa together <3
They aren’t always so sweet!! Ninja Mazen is pretty scary. Also, I put new batteries in the Mibro Robot and Mazen has been pranking us all week.
Home School
It’s going ok. Mazen gets an A+ in reading, art and P.E. and maybe a B- in most other subjects. (From me, I mean – he’s not getting graded from school since it’s basically pass/fail.) If you need help interpreting his list it says:
- P.E.
- Picture (art)
- Morning meeting (with his class)
- Reading
- Bill Nye (3 videos)
+ lots of playtime
I’ve been hearing rumors we might not go back to school in the fall. If this period at home has taught me one thing it’s to live in the present. The future is just too much to think about.
PS. My laptop is back from Apple repair and I have a brand new keyboard and I like it even more than the original one!! If you have a wonky Apple keyboard – get it fixed!
Renee VanReed says
Love both your gallery wall and the arrow art. Maybe a post about all the artwork/pictures hanging in your house? I would love that!
Kath Younger says
Oh that’s a fun idea!
Liz says
Does Mazen have a morning meeting with his class every day?! Schools here have been closed since March 13, but our district has only been doing a remote learning plan for the last three weeks. We have a 5 and 7 year old and I am already so over the “school at home” thing. Between watching the lessons and then helping both kids with their assignments, plus doing reading and sight words and stuff, it takes us several hours a day! They both also have a Zoom meeting with their classes on Mondays that last an hour each. It’s too much. I’m like you, I can’t think too much about the future anymore. There are rumors here that they also won’t go back in the fall, and if that happens I think we will all feel so sad!!
Kath Younger says
He has them twice a week for about 20 minutes. He’s not always excited to join in, but when he does his puts on his “nice” voice right away and listens well! It’s the presence of the teacher : )
Andrea says
How far apart are birch and mazen? They are so cute together, gives me a nice perspective if I ever try for another child in the future (currently my daughter is 4). Good job on the reading, PE and art, Mazen! Tell mama everyone has their strengths 😉
Kath Younger says
Thank you <3 They are 6 years apart and I am truly loving the gap
Kathy says
Chiming in as my two are 5.5 years apart and we LOVE the age difference. It has worked beautifully for our family.
Kath Younger says
Mazen can be so helpful yet they can still play. It’s the best!
Mary says
We have a 6 year gap also. It’s fabulous.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Mazen and Birch are so cute! I love how they get along so well! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Candy says
Lucky you on the bubble machine! If I have to blow one more bubble?
Kath Younger says
Hahaha. It’s AMAZING that a machine can do something so easily. Another example: blowing up a giant inflatable. I’ve done it by mouth way too many times when I should have just gone and bought one of those blower machines!
Kori says
I went on a walk after lunch at work yesterday, and I had the exact same thought about my mood and the weather! I bet we have some form of SAD but daily. 😉
Liz says
Yes, I’ve noticed the same thing regarding the weather. The difference for me is that whenever it used to rain or be cold or gross, we’d just pull on our shoes and head to the library, or a jumpy bounce place, or a friend’s. Now, I see the rain and think, “aaagh, I just can’t handle this anymore!” We are so fortunate to be going through this during the spring, though, and not in the dead of winter. Our time outside has absolutely kept me from going crazy (I have a 6, 4, and 1 year old).
Kath, this is my first comment but I’ve been reading for about two years and so appreciate your enthusiasm and great tips on doing life well. Thank you!
Kath Younger says
Absolutely agree about rain in quarantine and the timing of winter. We’ve been lucky not to have too many rainy days (compared to February at least!)
Paige says
Hi Kath, happy weekend!
I love seeing pics of your kiddos and what y’all are up to… your blog posts really brighten my day!
I am glad that you were able to get your keyboard fixed! My MAC Laptop has not worked since after w month after I bought it and that was years ago! It’s currently packed up in a box from when I moved. Anyways I’m interested in getting an Apple Watch newest edition and wanted to see if you recommended getting one over the net versus at the Apple Store?!?
I hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!
I had an appointment then canceled it due to the pandemic months ago but once things are lifted here abd I feel safe enough I planned on rescheduling. I’ve heard that it’s something easy to set up at home but I wasn’t sure. I’d love your input since you seemed to have success with your laptop .
Kath Younger says
Hi Paige! If your laptop is eligible for the keyboard replacement – definitely do it! It’s been night and day and was 100% free of cost to me. I hate to think of a brand new laptop sitting in a box! As for the watch, you can really get it anywhere! I’ve seen it a tiny bit on sale around black Friday, but only around $20 off, so if you do want the newest model the prices are probably about the same across the board. If you want the 4 (which is what I have) you can probably find some sales. I don’t think there’s a huge difference in the 4 and the 5 so you could go for the 4!
Mara says
Love that mug, what a beautiful color! I’m also struggling for a healthier me, I’ve even start running with SportMe run tracker app and I can say I’m on the right track now. Nutrition is an important part of my losing weight plan, and your blog posts are a true inspiration!