When my boys were little, I started a tradition of writing them each "birthday letters" on their birthdays. I love that they will always have annual literary "snapshots" of their personalities as they grow into young men. Today, I am sharing the letter I wrote to my middle son for his 14th birthday.
My sweet boy,
I can't believe that my crazy, curly-haired, spunky toddler has turned into a giant 14 year old (who now towers over his mother). As you head to high school, I hope that you continue to be the same sweet boy (with the sparkle in his eyes). Here are a few of the things that make you the most special 14 year old in the whole world
* Even though you are taller than me (just shy of 6 feet), you still like to sit on my lap during movie night. It's not the most comfortable for me, but I will never ask you to stop. 😀
* You have a huge heart and continue to be one of the most sensitive, empathetic people I know.
* You are soooo easy-going... until you come up against something you believe is not right. Then, you become super-stubborn. As a mother, it's not always easy to deal with, but I know it's a quality that will serve you well in life.
* You have a wonderful, positive attitude, a dry/mature sense of humour, and a fun spirit. You treat all people with kindness, and because of this, people love to be around you. You are a loyal brother, son, and friend.
* You enjoy being outside, and you really love playing basketball, golf, and hockey. You especially love being part of a team.
* You conquered another year living through a pandemic, and although you missed a bit of school and hockey, you took it all in stride. I think you actually enjoyed the extra downtime with your family.
You are strong-willed, helpful, "go with the flow", and kind-hearted. I'm so proud of the boy you are, and I look forward to seeing the man you will become. I love you to the moon and back!
Every year on my boys' birthdays, I write them a "birthday letter". My goal is to create an annual "written snapshot" that captures each boy's personality. I want my boys to know how much I love them, and how much a treasure EVERY year I get to be their mom. Today, I'm sharing the letter I wrote my youngest son today... on his 12th birthday.
My sweet "baby" boy,
As you turn 12, I realize that you are
almost a teenager, but as my youngest son, you will always be my baby
boy. 😀
I could never put into words how much
you mean to me, but here are a few of the reasons you are so special to me:
* You finished your second year as a goalie, and I'm so proud of how
far you have come. I'm proud of your skill improvement, but I am even more
proud of the way you have learned to handle the stress and adversity that
comes with the position. As a sensitive and competitive person, I know
being a goalie isn't always easy, but you are growing with every practice
and every game... and I'm super-proud of your effort.
* This is the second year that you are celebrating your birthday
during a pandemic, and I am impressed (again) by the resiliency you have shown. You wore a mask, you had a few weeks locked down in our house
without friends, you flipped from school -- to home school -- and back to
school again. You followed the rules, and you kept a positive attitude. In fact,
you seemed to enjoy the extra time at home with your family... especially
when we turned our house into "fake Florida".
* You tried "intensive French" at school this year, and you
did great. You faced your fears and anxiety around public speaking and
failure, and you thrived. You are really brave.
* You are extremely goofy and funny. Your quirky sense of humour
keeps us all laughing. I love that you aren't afraid to be silly.
* You love playing with your brothers, your cousins, and your friends. You
especially love being active -- always up for any game with a ball or a
puck.
* You love to quietly observe situations, you are a great judge of
character, and you ask insightful questions.
* Your favourite colour is green, you love hockey and golf, and your
favourite foods are multi grain crackers, all dressed Crispers, and Froot
Roll Ups.
* You give the best cuddles and foot rubs.
As you turn 12, I hope you know that you are a very special boy. I'm so proud
of the young man you are becoming, and I love you to the moon and back!
Organized sports, camps, scheduled vacations, and parent-organized playdates are great summer activities, but don't we all miss the slower, free-range summers of our childhoods?
The “lazy” days of summer provide the perfect opportunity for kids to assert their independence and engage in free play. Parents benefit from being able to take a break from planning and entertaining, and kids learn decision making skills, negotiating skills, how to build relationships, and how to use their imaginations and foster their creativity. An old-fashioned summer can be good for everyone’s physical and mental well-being.
Here are 50 “old school” 70s/80s summer ideas:
no schedule
neighbourhood
freedom
no electronics
play outside
spend time with cousins
swim
bike
play hide and seek until dusk
play flashlight tag
build forts
fish
dance in the rain in bathing suits
splash in puddles and plastic
pools
blow bubbles
make mud pies
read books outside
cloud watch
star gaze
hang out in someone’s shed / clubhouse
trade stickers
tent in the yard
catch fireflies
slip and slide in the backyard
roller skate
catch frogs
play old school lawn darts
play hop scotch
enjoy family meals
drink from
the hose
have watermelon seed spitting contests
eat boiled hot dogs
eat bologna or
PB&J sandwiches
make homemade ice cream and popsicles in plastic molds
make frozen
chocolate covered bananas
drink kool aid and tang
drink lemonade in Styrofoam cups
eat half
cooked cakes made in easy bake ovens
walk to the store and buy candy
eat rocket
popsicles
wash your hair with
shampoo in the lake (which totally counts as a bath)
have a bon fire
pick berries
learn jump rope rhymes
play with neighbourhood
kids
buy ice cream from a guy on a bike
play Red Rover
play Simon Says
listen to the radio on the back deck
play clapping games like “Miss Mary Mac”
parents holler when it's time to come home... when the street lights come on
Do any of these things remind you of your childhood? What would you add to my list?
This school year has been a bit different because of Covid, but our last day of school traditions are still going strong. The pandemic has definitely taught us to be adaptable and resilient. Here's a peak at our THREE favourite last day of school traditions... 2021 edition.
1) First, we always get ice cream on the last day of school. I don't have a picture for 2019, but here's a look at our ice cream trips from 2014 to 2021. Pretty cute, right? It's amazing how much my boys have grown up.
2020
2021
2) The boys always get a little gift. In the past it has been a book, but this year I thought I'd change it up a little. We always have a "gift card" day as part of our summer checklist (where we gather up all our gift cards, and venture out to spend them... all in one day). So this year, I purchased a few gift cards for my boys to take with them on our "gift card adventure" day. I think it's an inexpensive, practical and fun grading gift idea.
3) And, of course, my boys always run through a "finish line" on the last day of school. We started this tradition in 2012, and we've done it every year since. He's a peak at our first year...
And here's how it looked this year...
I think I'm going to need a bigger doorway soon! lol
How are you celebrating the end of the school year? Happy summer!!!
What is better than fun and festive summer decor?Answer:fun and festive summer decorON A BUDGET. Over the years, I have created some fantastic items using dollar store supplies and inexpensive finds, and today, I am sharing a few of my favourites.
Placemat Wreath - This is one of my favourite summer DIYs. It's a simple idea, but the result is super-cute. All you need is a dollar store pizza pan, a placemat, some nautical rope, and the instructions you can find here.
You can also try this cheery version. Find the full instructions for the HELLO SUNSHINE wreath here.
DIY Planter - I was inspired to make this planter when I saw a similar one selling online for $140. I gathered up some dollar store supplies and make this one for only $10. Check out both versions and the step-by-step instructions here.
Turquoise Grapevine Wreath - I made this wreath several years ago, but it's still one of my favourites. I love the bright colours and the simple design. You can find out how to make your own version here.
Don't we all have a list of things in our home that need attention? I've been looking at my dreary and faded back door patio door and light fixture for years, but it's never made it to the top of my "to do" list... until now. A couple weeks ago, my husband and I decided to tackle this little project, and I couldn't be happier with the result! Today, I'm sharing how I transformed my patio door and light fixture for just a few dollars, and I'm sharing my tips and tricks for doing it in your own space.
As you can see from this before picture, my light fixture was faded (and had turned a weird "pinkish" colour), and my doors were boring and dingy.
I started by tackling my light fixutre. I didn't want to get into removing my light fixture, dealing with wires, and worrying about getting spray paint on the glass... so, I decided to use exterior paint and an artist brush.
I used black exterior paint I had leftover from painting my front door a few years ago. Then, after a good cleaning and a quick sanding, I used an artist brush from the dollar store to paint the fixture.
I used a little painter's tape to protect my house, but I did everything else freehand (without tape).
Didn't it turn out great?
Then, I decided to tackle my door. I removed the hardware, and I taped all the areas I wanted to protect.
I used a combination of a brush and a foam roller. (FYI... I started with a dollar store roller, and didn't love the texture it was leaving on the door, so my husband went to the hardware store and got a higher quality version.)
I used a brush to do the edges, and smoothed it out with the roller. It worked really well. I ended up doing two coats to make sure I had good coverage.
After the paint on the door was dry, I removed the tape and replaced the hardware.
Doesn't it look great? In case you are wondering, we used was called Flirtatious.
I think paint is a wonderful, budget-friendly way to transform a space. Since I completed this project, I also painted 4 more exterior lights and the door going into my garage.
I'm in love with cheerful yellow colour. What do you think?
Every year my family puts together a summer checklist of 50 of our favourite summer activities, and we spend our vacation checking items off the list. When my kids were small, we had a lot of simple crafts and low effort activities on our list... but as my boys got older, we started adding more sophisticated adventures. Below, you will find a FREE printable version of our 2021 summer checklist, as well as some really helpful links.
To download our 2021 checklist:click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.
Then, check out the links below for more helpful hints, tutorials, recipes, and ideas.
10) Do an “at home” escape room or play a boardgame outside - You can use store-bought games, or you can make your own inexpensive outdoor games like we did here.
11) Eat donuts from a string (with no hands) - My boys have been enjoying this activity since they were little, and they still think it's hilarious. I don't think they'll ever let me leave this activity off our summer list!
12) Have a “one on one” date with mom (kid’s choice… under $20 and 2 hours) - It doesn't need to be fancy. It's really about the time spent together. A lunch date and a walk is a fantastic option.
13) Have a “one on one” date with dad (kid’s choice… under $20 and 2 hours) - Again... it doesn't need to be fancy... it's about the time spent together. My boys enjoy a trip to the driving range or a round of mini golf with their dad.
14) Make a craft (design a t-shirt, personalize a water bottle, or have a "paint night" - Crafts aren't just for young kids. The key is to provide older kids with more sophisticated craft materials. If you need inspiration, check out my top craft ideas for tweens and teens here.
15) Plant something and watch it grow - My boys and I planted a garden all there favourite fruit and vegetable snacks... but planting flowers is fun too. You can even make this adorable planter using the tutorial you can find here.
16) Get ice cream in PJs - Drive throughs are OK!
17) Play catch, basketball or street hockey
18) Make homemade ice cream or make milkshakes - This is a fun way to get older kids into the kitchen. They'll love all the recipes here.
19) Go for a bike ride - My boys learned to ride bikes at an early age, and it's still one of their favourite activities. Older kids will enjoy packing a lunch and going on a long ride... or experimenting with riding on rougher terrain.
20) Decorate a cake or bake cookies - Allowing older kids to experiment in the kitchen is fun... but it also helps teach them an important life skill. Check out some of my family's favourite recipes for sweet treats here.
21) Spend time at a cottage, beach or park
22) Do a science experiment - Science experiments are fun and educational... the perfect way to spend a rainy summer afternoon. Find OVER 15 science experiments here.
25) Have a "kids pick the meals" day - We make the rule that everyone needs to agree on each meal, so I don't go crazy in the kitchen. I also let the kids pick one meal out. Fun, right?
26) Play chocolate bar BINGO(like regular BINGO, but with chocolate bar prizes) - You can do it for your family, or you can invite some friends to join in the fun.
27) Play golf or mini golf
28) Learn a “trick shot” or magic trick - You should check out a few examples below.
30) Have a theme day("spend our gift cards" day is a fun one)
31) Camp at a campground, in the backyard or in the living room
32) Have a PJ day - We started PJ days whem my kids were small, but there really is no age limit. Who doesn't want to spend a rainy summer day in their PJs, watching movies, and eating popcorn?
37) Go on a scavenger hunt - A simple scavenger hunt is a great way to get the kids outside and running around. Check out the one I put together for my boys here.
38) Organize a drawer, closet or room - Kids can learn the joy of being able to find their favourite shirt... and what could be better than that? lol
39) Play with water balloons - Everyone loves a water balloon on a hot day. There really is no age limit on water balloon fun.
40) Do a good deed or raise money for charity - A good deed is it's own reward, and kids will love the feeling they get from doing something to help others. Yard sales and lemonade stands are great options, but kids can use whatever talents they have.
44) Write and mail a letter or postcard - Writing old fashioned letters is becoming a lost art, so it's a great activity for kids.
45) Visit at least 5 different ice cream stands - The last couple of years, we have done an "ice cream stand challenge", and it's been a lot of fun. Summer and ice cream are the perfect match.
46) Go stargazing - Lay a blanket on the ground, stare up at the sky, and try and find constellations and shooting stars. It's a simple activity... and the perfect way to spend a quiet summer evening.
47) Pick your own
48) Pick your own
49) Pick your own
50) HAVE ICE CREAM FOR SUPPER! - This is the way we celebrate the completion of our checklist every year... and it is always a lot of fun. You can find some of our favourite ice cream recipes here.
Creating and completing a summer checklist really is one of my favourite family traditions. Does your family have a summer checklist? Are you planning to print mine? If you feel like 50 items is a lot, you can just choose your 10 or 20 of your favourites. Have fun!
♥ Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)
You might also be interested in the summer DIY decor ideas here.
