Mommin' It Up since 2004!
Oh hi. Remember me? I’m the other cousin who used to write on here once in a while. I don’t know what my deal has been lately, but on most days I cannot think of anything to write about.
Today is no exception – drawing a total blank.
I’m in the midst of one of those stages where there’s 150 things going on at one time, and while nothing in particular is going poorly, it doesn’t seem like anything is quite right, either.
Evidently my meds need to be adjusted.
So, yeah. What’s up with you?
SCHOOL’S OUT! I can hardly believe it. And, happily, I am not feeling nearly as nervous about it as I was a couple of weeks ago. We have joined a pool, I’ve got Jonah’s therapy schedule set, I’ve come up with some rules and a schedule, and I’m going to have a sitter one morning a week. I think we’re going to have a very FUN summer! Now, on to how very proud I am of my school kids!
Sophie’s kindergarten graduation was May 24th. Now, before I attended Joshua’s kindergarten graduation three years ago, I was all, “Why do they have kindergarten graduation? That’s dumb.” Then I attended his, and I was like, “Ohhhh! They have it because it’s TOTALLY ADORABLE!” Sophie’s was no less adorable. I loved every minute! In addition to receiving their diplomas, the kindergartners sang three songs for us and played one on the handbells. It was awesome!
Sophie is excited about first grade, but she’s really going to miss her teacher, Miss Kelly. She was a great match for Sophie and I’m so glad she was in her class.
Here’s a pic Miss Kelly took of Sophie’s class – happily she will see most of them next year in first grade! She made some really special friends!
Lastly, I have to show you the *official* graduation portrait, which KILLS me. I mean, cue the UGLY CRY people! Look at my baby!
This past Friday, May 31st, was Joshua’s last day of 3rd grade. This was a really GREAT year for him!
Friday there was an awards ceremony for all the elementary grades. Sophie, Jonah, and I attended Joshua’s ceremony (Bobby was in Chicago for work. Sad face.) I was SO proud of Joshua for being chosen for the “Christian Citizenship” medal. It goes to one boy and one girl from each class. It makes my heart so happy that he was recognized for his sweet spirit and good character. (Naturally I walked around the rest of the day with a smirk on my face because my kid is so much holier than everyone else’s…that’s the proper reaction, right?)
This year was great for Joshua because he solidified a friendship with two awesome kiddos, Braden and Alex. They are great kids and we love having them around!
I wish I had gotten a pic with Joshua’s teacher, Mrs. Robertson. She was a great teacher for my sensitive boy! She is retiring this year so we will miss her at school, but thankfully she is a good friend of my mom’s so I know we will still see her.
Joshua really excelled in art this year at school as well. His poster was chosen from the entire elementary to be used to advertise the school’s Family Fun Fair and we were SO proud!
School’s out, and as excited as I am to see what the kids will accomplish in school next year, I am also excited for some summer fun! We’re kicking it off with a trip to The Beach waterpark today, even though the high is only 70…because Daddy took the day off work so we’re GOING!
Are your kids out of school yet? How are you kicking off summer?
Jonah’s very favorite book right now (it was one of Sophie’s also) is The Eye Book by Dr. Seuss (as his alter ego, Theo. LeSieg). I love to hear him “read” it (he has it memorized), especially the last couple of lines, “And so I say, ‘Hooray for Eyes! Hooray, hooray, hooray for eyes!” It is reedonkulously adorable. (As I’m sure you have no trouble imagining!)
But the truth is, of course, that eyes are obviously super-important. And I do say HOORAY! for them. I have worn glasses or contacts since the ripe old age of eight, and unfortunately have terrible vision – but it’s correctable, and I am so thankful for that! My husband has perfect vision and I’m hoping the kids catch his genetics on that, but I already know that Sophie is a tad nearsighted and will probably need glasses within two years. Bummer.
One thing I have literally given zero thought to until recently, though, is the way UV rays affect eye health. I seriously thought until last week when I sat in on a webinar provided by the Vision Council and the Motherhood.com that sunglasses were just for eye comfort. It never occurred to me that the sun UV rays could damage eyes! Oopsie. Let’s just say I was very ignorant on that point.
My husband has very light-sensitive eyes and always wears his sunglasses outside and when driving, no matter the weather. But I rarely wear mine, mostly because I forget! Then I get outside or in the car and wish I had them, but it’s too late. And though our kids each have a few pair, they rarely wear them – mostly because I had no idea how important it was and I never made them. Until now!
Because let me tell you, so you won’t be ignorant as I was, UV rays can seriously hurt your eyes! UV radiation is the cause of the following eye problems:
Dudes, they showed us some pretty unpleasant photos of UV-caused eye damage in the webinar. I do not want my or my kids’ eyes to ever have any of the above problems! (If you want to see these dangers AND read a really informative report for yourself, check out the Vision Council’s UV safety report here.)
So, guys? If they’re not already wearing them, it’s time to get your kids some sunglasses. The good news is, they don’t have to be expensive, they just have to offer UVA and UVB protection. If your family is like mine, and not super-great at keeping up with things, you might want to get a couple of inexpensive pair for the kiddos. I know we are going to buy some to just keep in the car – put ’em on in the car, take ’em back off in the car when we get home and leave them there. And I, of course, have resolved to be much better about wearing mine. Also, we are going to be spending a LOT of time at the pool this summer, and my big kids like to swim with goggles on, so I am looking to purchase goggles with UV protection as well. I didn’t even know they had those! Jonah won’t keep sunglasses on yet, but we do have some for him and I’m going to encourage him to wear them and keep trying consistently until he gets used to the idea.
Wondering what to look for when you buy your kiddos’ sunglasses? The Vision Council naturally had some great shopping tips for finding the right kids shades:
Top Priorities
Other Considerations
I talked to Joshua and Sophie about how important it is that we remember to wear our sunglasses outside and they are both pretty excited about it (at least for now!)
So, I’m interested to know – did you know how harmful UV radiation is to eyes, or were you in the dark (see what I did there??) like I was? Do your kids wear sunglasses? Why or why not?