Having two little girls, I do not quite understand the compelling nature of trucks and the fanatical fascination most little boys (and of course some little girls) have with big, shiny trucks. (Though I will never forget the first time my older daughter said “truck” and it sounded exactly like a certain 4-letter word). But over the past few years as I have watched my friends’ little boys grow from baby to big kid, I have seen just how trucks are a way of life. Whether it’s dump trucks, fire trucks, monster trucks, or trash trucks, those larger than life vehicles with 4+ wheels can occupy the attention of little boys for hours on end.

If you are and/or your kids can relate to this love of all-things-that-go-vroom, then I have the event for you! The 5^th annual Touch A Truck is a car show for kids (or the kid in you!), where kids will get to explore, honk, and sit shotgun in all sorts of cool vehicles ranging from the Wells Fargo Stage Coach to an honest to goodness Nascar. Other vehicles include motorcycles, drag racers, police-sheriff-border patrol vehicles, military armored vehicles, street rods, and, yes, the trash truck.

This unique event benefits childhood cancer research and is run by a volunteer organization that has raised over $100K for kids’ cancer research in the past four years. Melissa and Andy Mikulak began this event when their son Max lost his 4-year battle with cancer when he was only 7 years old. TAT is a celebration of his life and his love of all things that go, as well as a way for us to spread awareness about kids fighting cancer and make money for the good doctors who are working on finding worthwhile treatments for these kids.

Touch a Truck is not only about cars & trucks, it is also a family friendly festival featuring live music by youth performers, high school marching bands, fun activities and experiences, as well as over fifteen gourmet food trucks.

This year’s event is on June 8^th, 2013 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Qualcomm Stadium. Tickets are $10.00 per person (under 1 year old, FREE) and can be purchased online or at the venue on the day-of.

I am madly inspired by Melissa and Andy Mikulak’s drive to raise money for cancer research in the name of their little boy. The world could use more people like them. I hope to see you at this event!

The post Touch a Truck and Help Childhood Cancer Research appeared first on San Diego Mama.

If you’re in San Diego over Memorial Day weekend, be sure to schedule a trip to North County on Sunday, May 26^th for the 4^th Annual Vista Strawberry Festival in Downtown Vista. This fruitful event has everything from a Strawberry Festival Run (10K, 5K and Kids’ runs) for all you athletic types, and a Strawberry Idol singing completion for all you karaoke lovers, plus beer gardens, bands (including one of my faves, The B Side Players), carnival rides, and whole lot more.

The most popular event of the day is the Strawberry Pie Eating Contest, though you definitely don’t want to miss the Miss Strawberry Shortcake contest for your fill of cuteness.

For more details on all the fun, be sure to follow the festival on Facebook or check out their website.

The Schedule of Events:

7:05am – Strawberry 10K

8:05am – Strawberry 5K

9:30am – Strawberry Kids’ Runs

10:00am – Cupcake Wars Competition

12:00pm – Lil’ Miss Strawberry Shortcake Contest

1:00pm – Strawberry Pie Eating Contest

2:00pm – Magic Show

2:45pm – Surprise entertainment

3:00pm – Strawberry Costume Contest

2:30pm – Strawberry Idol Winners Demo

4:00pm – Awards Show for cooking, art and photography, etc.

In addition to all of these events, there are musical performances throughout the day on a variety of stages! You don’t want to miss this family-friendly, fruit-filled day!

The post 4th Annual Vista Strawberry Festival appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Photo by Daren Scott

Remember the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway?, from the 80’s, starring famous comedians like Drew Carrey and my boy Wayne Brady (who I got to meet when I was a contestant on Don’t Forget the Lyrcis!). I watched that show religiously when it first came out, mainly because it made me laugh hysterically, but also because I was (and still am) in awe of people who are that quick on their feet, and flippin’ hilarious to boot. Give me a script and I can be on any stage, but just whisper the word “Improv” and I break out into a wicked cold sweat.

If you’re not familiar with the format of this type of comedy performance, basically, there are a handful of comedians on stage at a time, a moderator who gives them a scenario, and then audience members call the shots, yelling out names, places, and situations that the performers have to act out with no prep time whatsoever. Inevitably zany antics ensue and the audience literally cries from laughing so hard.

Here in San Diego, we have our very own version of Whose Line is It Anyway with the National Comedy Theatre, which can boast of being the longest running show in San Diego. They perform on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00pm and 9:45pm at a cozy little theatre in Mission Hills (and a few other times throughout the month. Check the NCT website for the full schedule). A night out at one of the NCT’s shows is perfect for a date night, a girls’ night or any sort of special occasion, really.

TIP: Go for a pint and some fish ‘n’ chips at Shakespeare’s British Pub just next to the theatre before the show, and/or a cup of Gelato ice cream and a coffee drink after the show.

I’ve known about NCT for over twenty years, but what I just discovered is that NCT also provides improve classes and summer camps for adults, kids, and teens who want to hone their improv skills, or who just want to become a little quicker on their feet for life in the real world. NCT classes and camps are held at their facility at Liberty Station in Pt. Loma. For more info on the NCT summer sessions, check out their site.

INTERESTING FACT: Whose Line is it Anyway is coming back to TV this summer!

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YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

Musical Theatre Summer Camps in San Diego

You Oughta Be In Pictures – on how to break your kid into the entertainment business

Miso Harney For a Date Night

The post National Comedy Theatre Has San Diego Cracking Up appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Besides the pool and the size of the rooms, our favorite part of the stay was the three meals we had at Arterra, the restaurant located in the hotel lobby. The ambiance was somewhere in the middle between family dining and upscale fine dining, so you would feel at comfortable where you’re with your kids or out on a date. I loved the food and the service and can’t wait to go back!

Moms, for your chance to win a free stay at the Marriott Del Mar and a $50 gift card to Arterra, enter to win their Mom’s May Getaway contest on Facebook. Four winners will be chosen throughout the month.

For official contest rules you can click here.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary weekend stay at the Marriott Del Mar in return for this post. My opinions are my own.

The post Moms May Getaway Giveaway at the Marriott Del Mar appeared first on San Diego Mama.

We looked at other schools in our area, but ultimately, felt homeschool would be the best option for him.  As we looked into it, we realized it would be a good option for all of our kids.  Our second son did well in school, but sometimes learned things differently, and I spent quite a bit of time doing homework with him to try to teach him things he wasn’t learning in class.  If I was spending that much time working with him after he’d been at school all day – why not just spend that time with him during the day?

Great Artists Study: Monet’s Japanese Footbridge

I read a lot. I talked to people we knew who homeschooled. I visited a homeschool conference and looked at curricula.  And we took the plunge.  I am now finishing our second year of homeschooling, and we love it.  My kids love it.  I love it.  It’s working for us.

I’m not here to tell everyone that they should homeschool.  It may not be the best option for everyone.  But, I am here to say that if you feel like your current school isn’t fitting the needs of your child, do not be afraid to consider homeschooling as an option.  If you feel like you don’t get to see your child often enough because they are at school all day and doing tons of homework at night in addition to extracurricular activities, don’t be afraid to try homeschooling.  There are many, many, many reasons people choose to homeschool.  The number of students being homeschooled has grown 29 percent since 1998.  The community of homeschoolers is increasing year over year.

Building an ocean diorama together.

As we are starting to wrap up our second year of homeschooling, let me share with you what I love about homeschooling my 4 boys, ages 5, 6 1/2, 9 and 11.

1. I love spending time with my kids.  I get to be there when the lightbulb goes on with a concept they have worked so hard to understand.  I am there for every field trip.  I love learning with them.  We have been studying plants this year and after studying about the venus flytrap and pitcher plant, we happened to be walking around the San Diego Zoo and see an area with these plants.  My kids were jumping up and down thrilled to see these plants growing there.  It is such a treat to be an eye-witness to these connections and excitement for what they have learned.

Made cuneiform tablets

2. I love that we can tailor their education to their learning style.  We can speed up when they grasp something; we can slow down if they are struggling with a concept.  I have boys.  All boys.  Boys that seem to want to be in motion most of the time.  I love that they can move around while learning, listening, that we can do a lot of hands-on work that keeps their interest.  Or they can build with Legos while I am reading aloud to them or draw or whatever keeps their hands busy so they are better able to focus on what I am saying or reading.  You can’t beat all the one-on-one attention they get as well.

3. I can teach them of values and how to be people of good character.

4. There is no political agenda in our homeschool.  We talk about ideas and explore the whys and hows.  We study the Constitution and what freedom means.The state and federal governments are not mandating what we teach and are not pushing a certain agenda on my children.

Built their own shelter when studying nomads

5. I love that they interact daily with people of all ages.  They get to be with people they enjoy rather than those who share their birth year.  They also get to socialize (yes, they get plenty of socialization!) with those who share their passions.  My 5-year-old learns soooo much from listening to his older brothers and their lessons.

6. We explore ideas and focus on not what to think, but how to think for themselves.  How to ask questions and find answers.  They love to learn and they are learning how to learn about anything and everything they are interested in.  I want them to be individuals, not conformists.  I want them to dream and believe they can accomplish those dreams.

7. We make our own schedule.  We can sign up for classes or not sign up for classes.  We go to the beach after Labor Day during the week, when hardly anyone else is there.  We take lots of field trips and explore and discover.  When life gets too busy, we can take a day to just unwind and relax and have fun as a family. We can vacation when it works for us. They can take swim lessons during the day when other kids are in school and have the pool essentially to themselves!

6 1/2 year old making macaroni and cheese

8. I love watching my children interact with each other, create games together, use their wild imaginations together, and learn together.  I love seeing them also develop their own unique style, personalities, and interests.  I also love seeing them help take care of our home as they learn to cook and clean!

9. I appreciate that there are so many curricula and support systems to help in this journey.  San Diego has a great community of homeschooling families.  I can ask questions and get a variety of answers.  We can plan field trips together.  I recently started a co-op of families that will meet once a week and rotate moms teaching a variety of subjects, some of which I don’t have any experience in and wouldn’t know how to teach my children (ie photography, newspaper writing, etc.)  With so many options, it’s just a matter of finding what works for us and how we want travel on this journey.  There isn’t just one right way to homeschool.

10. On a fun note – we can stay in our pajamas half the day if we want to.  No uniforms or rushing out for supplies we just found out we needed. No staying up half the night working on a project. They mostly get the sleep they need.  We can stay up late looking at the stars or a meteor shower if we want because we don’t have to worry about getting up early the next day for school.  Play is important for kids! They need time to develop creative thinking and problem solving that happens through play.

Made rice bowls when studying Ancient China

Does this mean everything is easy?  NO!  I get comments such as, “Your kids must listen to you better than mine do.”  Not always, believe me!  “You must have a background in teaching.”  Nope.  But I have an education and I take my role as a parent teacher very seriously.  This is what I feel is best and I will make the sacrifices I need to spend time learning so I can teach them or researching curricula and ideas to help me teach them.  It has its challenges, just like parenting in general does.  But focusing on the long-term goal, knowing this is the right decision for us, and knowing the alternative – because we have been there – keeps us going.  Ultimately we love it.  We are happy.

If you think you might be interested in homeschooling, there are numerous ways to do it.  San Diego has a number of charter schools, some of which have a 2 or 3-day classroom schedule.  Or you can independently homeschool.  It’s easy in California.

Here are some charter schools in San Diego for home-based learning:

We hosted a Lego Engineering Class in our garage. It was awesome!

Dehesa Charter School

The Learning Choice

Julian Charter School

Innovations Academy

Classical Academy

I sometimes have doubts if I’m doing a good enough job.  It’s not always easy.  But our experience so far reminds me, that it is worth it.  I love homeschooling.  I love what it provides for our family.  I love my kids and seeing the positive results in their lives.  Public school will always be there.  If you want to try homeschooling, and it doesn’t work out, they can always go back.  But if you try it and find out you love it, you’ll be so glad you did.

The post Ten Reasons Why I Love Homeschooling My Kids appeared first on San Diego Mama.

This post is for expectant mothers who are planning on nursing their babies after delivery.

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I had an extremely hard time nursing both my daughters, which is probably not what you want to hear at this very precarious time of your life, however, I was able to work through the issues thanks to a few helpful items that I now swear by.

So, if you are planning on nursing (and if you’re not, I am not judging or condemning; my motto is “my breasts, my baby, my decision,” so do what’s best for you!), here are some of the items I would recommend that you have, just in case the breastfeeding doesn’t go as smoothly for you as it does for some.

Here are 5 Helpful Items to Have if You Plan on Breast Feeding Your Baby

• The phone number for a lactation consultant – Some babies latch on perfectly with no pain or fuss for either mom or baby, HOWEVER, that is not always the case. So, before you even go to the hospital, ask around to some of your trusted mom friends, or maybe even your OB/GYN, to see if any of them can refer a lactation consultant. If, after a few days, the nursing is not going right for ya, call someone for help. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. It is VERY normal to need help, and the sooner you get help, the better for everyone. Also, I had to go to 2-3 lactation consultants before I found one that really helped me so it wouldn’t hurt to get a few referrals.

• Soothies – I had EXTREME pain for the first 1-2 months of nursing both my daughters and the only thing that helped ease my pain were Soothies. They can be found in your nearest drug store but I would recommend having a pack at the ready before you even have your kid. They are round gel pads that you place over your nipples after your nurse. You can even leave them on until your next feeding.

• My Breast Friend – There are other nursing pillows out there, but the My Breast Friend was my favorite because a) It’s flat whereas some of the other pillows like the Boppy are curved and my baby would always slip off the side. (My Boppy came in extrememly useful as a pillow to sit on after giving birth though. No one warned me that my nether region was going to be so dang sore!). Another great selling point of the Breast Friend is that it straps around you so it won’t slip off. You can even walk around the house with it, and you’ll feel like a cigarette girl from the 50′s.

• Comfy Glider/Rocking Chair – 50% of your time will be spent in your rocker (though you’ll feel a little “off your rocker”), feeding, reading, rocking or even sleeping with your baby, so it’s worth spending some money on. I HIGHLY recommend the brand that I used which was a Dutalier (I called it a Doodle-eer for a long time til I realized it’s pronounced Do-tall-e-ay). But whatever brand you go with, be sure it’s comfy first and foremost, and that it reclines, glides, and swivels.

• Hooter Hider by Bebe Au Lait– Now here is where I got into BIG trouble a few weeks ago when I mentioned Hooter Hiders on a weekly Fox 5 parenting segment that I do. In many states it is your right to nurse in public (NIP), so please don’t think I’m trying to tell you not to feed your baby. I just personally liked to be discreet when I nursed my daughters, and quite frankly, I am grateful to other moms who are discreet as well. The Hooter Hider made it extremely easy to be discreet nursing in public (not to mention fashionable, you should see their adorable patterns). It is essentially a lightweight cloak that goes around your neck and covers the baby. The reason it is so wonderful is that there is a wire around the top that creates a window for you to see down to the baby and for the baby to see you. Plenty of air gets in so the baby can breathe and does not feel smothered in the slightest.

There are also a ton of websites, message boards, and support groups you can attend to help if you’re experiencing some difficulty with nursing. It’s an emotional and sensitive subject, so just know that there are women to help you online and IRL, along with the products above, no matter what you decide.

The post 5 Helpful Items If You Breast Feed Your Baby appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Photo courtesy of Allrecipes.com

18.25 oz package lemon cake mix
1/3 cup lemon yogurt or lemonade
1 egg
3 egg whites
1 cup water
2x 3 oz lemon-flavored gelatin mix, divided use
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 cup low-fat milk
3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
8 oz frozen light whipped topping, thawed
1 lemon, cut in half lengthwise and sliced thin

Preheat oven to 350 F and coat a 9×13 baking dish with oil spray.  Combine cake mix, lemon yogurt or lemonade, egg and egg whites and 1 cup of water to the bowl.  Beat on low-speed until moistened.  Then beat on high speed for 2 minutes.  Pour batter into prepared pan.  Bake about 30-40 minutes or until fork inserted in center comes out clean. Poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork.  Combine one package of gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water and stir to dissolve for about a minute.  Add 1 cup of cold water and stir another minute (gelatin should be dissolved).  Pour off some of the mixture until you have 1 1/4 cups left.  Slowly pour over the top of the cake.  Chill cake in refrigerator until needed.  In large mixing bowl, add milk, then vanilla pudding mix and remaining package of lemon gelatin and beat on low until powders are dissolved and the mixture is nicely blended and smooth.  Fold in light whipped topping and spread mixture over the cake.  Chill until ready to serve.

The post Recipe: Lemon Cooler Cream Cake appeared first on San Diego Mama.

White Chocolate Popcorn

Mix the popcorn with pretzels and m&m’s. Melt the white chocolate chips and almond bark in the microwave.  Pour over dry mixture and stir until well coated.  Pour out on a cookie sheet evenly and let cool.  Drizzle dark chocolate over mixture.  Serve when cooled.  Store covered if you have any left over!

The post White Chocolate Popcorn appeared first on San Diego Mama.

But, if you have never seen the movie, first of all, DO NOT LISTEN to the slanderous reviews. It is a phenomenal must-see movie. Secondly, I wanted to share a few things with you BEFORE you see it.

THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SEEING LES MISERABLES THE MOVIE:

1)   It’s a MUSICAL. Translation–all of the dialogue is sung. ALL. Of. It.

But don’t be turned off by that because it’s actually better than having an awkward leap from talking to singing like in the old school musicals. And this music is so inspired and so beautiful that you won’t mind. I promise.

2)   It is SAD. The translation of Les Misérables is THE MISERABLE ONES. The people are poor, with rotten teeth and open sores.

Also, death abounds, as in don’t get used to any one character because chances are they’’ll be dead at some point before the end. BUT, the the beauty of this show is that it’s all about finding light out of darkness.

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”

3)   There is a weak link – Russell Crowe. He’s bloated and glassy eyed, with little to no character development whatsoever. I wish he had spent less time off screen throwing karaoke parties and more time working on his character. He should have met up with Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segal for some tips. That being said, the rest of the performances are so good, you can get past it. Just know that going in and you won’t be disappointed.

And as my girl Jess tweeted:

So what are you waiting for? Put those trepidations aside and go see this movie. You won’t be sorry.

For a more in depth review, read Rachael’s take on this beloved show.

The post Three Things You Should Know Before Seeing Les Misérables. appeared first on San Diego Mama.

- Have a fun movie and dinner night.  We started doing this with our kids a few years ago and have done it each year since.  We choose a movie they haven’t watched before that we are excited to introduce to them and watch it while eating Chinese take-out.  Some of the movies we’ve watched are The Princess Bride, The Sandlot, and Hook.  We also like to make a simple caramel corn to munch on. (see recipe below)

- We like to decorate for our “party”.  Nothing too fancy.  Streamers, balloons, make some signs saying ‘Happy New Year’.

- Games are always fun to play.  We’ve done glow-in-the-dark limbo with music.  We turn out the lights and all wear glow bracelets and necklaces and put glow sticks on a broom or whatever we use for the limbo stick.  Mexican Train Dominoes, Uno, and there are plenty of Minute-to-Win It ideas online to play.

- Put together fun things to bring in the new year.  (We have usually celebrated at 9 pm for young kids to get to bed). We’ve cut up colored paper into confetti and put it in paper bags to pop and explode around the room.  We’ve bought Silly String to spray all over.  You can make a spin drum, noisemaker shakers,  or a paper noisemaker.  Toast to the new year with some sparkling cider!

- Put one some music and have a dance party to celebrate the new year!  Make it a great one!

On New Year’s Day, we take time to fill out a questionnaire about ourselves.  Favorite food, favorite color, favorite movie and book from this year, favorite place we went, favorite subject in school, etc.  After we have all completed our questionnaires, we pull out the previous year’s questionnaires and see what our answers were then.  We also make some goals individually and as a family of things we want to work on, new experiences we want to have, and things we want to learn.

Whatever you decide to do this New Year’s, I hope you have a great time celebrating and making special memories with your kids as you prepare for another year.  Happy New Year!

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda

1. Place the popped popcorn into a large brown paper bag. Set aside.

2. In a 2 quart casserole dish or other heat-proof glass dish, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt and vanilla. Heat for 3 minutes in the microwave, then take out and stir until well blended. Return to the microwave, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in the baking soda.

3. Pour syrup over the popcorn in the bag. Roll down the top once or twice to close the bag, and shake to coat the corn. Place bag into the microwave, and cook for 1 minute and 10 seconds. Remove, shake, flip the bag over, and return it to the microwave. Cook for another 1 minute and 10 seconds. Dump the popcorn out onto waxed paper, and let cool until coating is set. Store in an airtight container.

The post New Years As A Family! appeared first on San Diego Mama.