a Fun Filled Weekend, thanks to our local library

Those of you who know me well or who have known me for a while know that I am an ardent supporter of my local library. This support began back when Davon who is now officially a teenager was a toddler and we began to regularly attend "Family Storytime" on Thursdays at Oxon Hill Library. Now several librarians and staff and one way-too-long renovation later, I am keeping the tradition rolling with the new crew of mine. We are regulars and I definitely keep the circulation going (and since I don't always return my borrowings on time I keep the fines going too). As a matter of fact, when school was in session, instead of using the "books in a bag" from Drew's kindergarten teacher, we just used what we borrowed weekly. Dylan demands that I read a daily "bed night" story (although we've been slacking a bit this summer). But with those books, the books read during our weekly visits to story time and the books that Drew was actually able to read himself, we logged nearly 500 books read between August 2008 and June 2009. Not bad, huh? And Dylan was able to be awarded "Eager Reader" awards almost every quarter this past school year. They both were regularly awarded Pizza Hut Book It awards and Drew even got a free ticket to Six Flags from all of our reading. Also as a part of our regularity at storytime, we participate in the annual summer reading program (SRP) and usually luck out and get some pretty good prizes for participating. With the theme Be Creative, this year was no exception and the little ones and I totally took advantage this past weekend.

On Saturday, thanks to the SRP, Drew, Dylan, Dominic and I headed up to Bethesda to see "Lyle the Crocodile" at the Imagination Stage which is celebrating 30 years in the Washington area. The production was wonderful and admission for Drew and Dylan were my favorite four letter word - FREE! And Nic's ticket was discounted since he just required a 'lap ticket.' So for less than $20 we had a wonderful afternoon at the theater. I had often heard of programs at this venue but never ventured up that way before. Not because I didn't want to, but just because I hadn't gotten around to it (which reminds me I need to make my way up to Glen Echo park too for the Adventure Theater and the Puppet company).

cast from the play in action

Lyle the Crocodile, based on the 1962 children's book by Bernard Waber, tells the adventures of a New York city dwelling croc in the house on 88th Street with the Primm family and their neighbors. Although the story is based in the 50s (I think), the production was still timely with a brief homage to Beyonce and her famous "Single Ladies" video. Nic is a HUGE fan of Mrs. Sean Carter . . . he always wants you to pull up the video on youtube and he knows how to rotate his wrist to it. We had one intermission and the boys got to meet some of the actors after the production - they met Mrs. Primm, Ms. Nitpicker, and Lyle himself. If you get a chance to support this production through August 9th (or any of the future ones) I highly recommend the trip. Check them out at http://www.imaginationstage.org/.

Check the website for a video clip from the play. They also have classes and camps to offer which I think is great. Kids should be exposed to the arts early in life to have a healthy appreciation of the arts. Definitely children's theater at its best. We will have to be sure to make another trip around the beltway to enjoy this wonderful (albeit cold) venue.

the boys in our seats, warming up in the really cold theater, pre-show

This play was about an hour and a half long (including intermission) but they offer snacks (during the 15 minute intermission) and also have a snack bar where you can eat afterwards and order a panini (my choice), grilled cheese (Drew's choice), chicken fingers (Dylan's choice) or a pretty sizable fruit cup (Nic's choice) which were kinda pricey but since we got the discounted tickets I just accepted that as part of our experience. And hanging around after the performance, we got a chance to meet and greet with other cast members in their street clothes - the actor who played Hector P Valenti 'star of stage and screen' and his real life family (he has a beautiful newborn baby) and the actress who portrayed Mrs. Primm - and we saw other cast members - Mr. Primm and one of the actors who played various roles (a mover, a policeman, a fireman, a crocodile inmate, etc.) as well as Lyle himself.

Drew & Dylan with 'Lyle'

Then on Sunday evening we headed out to Louisville - no, not in Kentucky, but in not too far Bowie, Maryland, for Summer Reading night as the Bowie Baysox (AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles or for you non baseball folk - a local minor league team) hosted the Reading Phillies. The boys enjoy this cheap entertainment and while I'm not a huge fan of baseball, I don't mind it too much because the boys like it and it doesn't put a huge dent in my pocket. For this trip, Davon even came home from hanging with his dad to hang out at the ballpark. The game included our usual faves of Drew and Dylan making random friends, post-game fireworks and the kids running the bases. We got there when we were in about the third inning but it's minor league and we don't really care about promptness. We even ran into Mrs. Quarles who used to work in the Children's section at the Oxon Hill branch and remembered me and Davon. She now works in public relations at the Hyattsville headquarters. It was really good to see her in her 'Sneaks' the cat shirt hosting the PG County Library booth, giving away stickers, pencils, highlighters and of course bookmarks. It was a pleasant surprise having this little reunion. And for a Robinson family first, Nic ran the bases (with mommy and much slower than his older brothers except Davon - he was on camera duty). Overall, a great end to a great weekend, all thanks to our local library.

Dylan and his new friend Ben

Nic was more into Ben's older sister

some brotherly love down with some other "friends" and Louie, the Baysox mascot, in the background

Mommy and Nic rounding third and heading home

post game and post running of the bases FIREWORKS!

Check your local area, you may be sitting on a goldmine of free and cheap family friendly activities. For all the flak the DC area gets, you can't beat the plethora of cheap (and oftentimes FREE - did I mention that's my favorite four letter word?) activities. I'm going to have to do a blog just on the wealth of offerings in this area.

Nic and his "dude" - life is full of surprises

Last week, we were pleasantly surprised by one of the regulars at storytime. Wait, let me give you some background. The Oxon Hill library has held "family storytime" on Thursdays at 7 for as long as I can remember living on this side of town. In fact, I used to take Davon from the time he was 2 years old until the library closed for renovations. And now with the new crew of little people, storytime has become a part of our weekly routine. We rarely miss and have met some wonderful people at this weekly event.

Case in point, Miss Alivia and her mommy. Alivia is about 4 years old and is one of the cutest little people you would want to see. She brings her "baby" almost every week and Nic has been completely fascinated with her doll. He always wants to take it from her and play with it. Well, we were so completely unprepared for a wonderful gift from Alivia and her mom . . . Nic now has his own "dude" and he hasn't put him down since Alivia gave him to her. And he is the cutest (well, fifth cutest to me) thing. I love that he's a brown dude and has clothes. He's a product of the Build a Bear folk and you can shop for a "friend" for a special little one in your life by going to http://www.friends2bmade.com/

So this is a shout out to Alivia and her mom as well as a testament to the fact that you never know what the impact you have on others is. Be mindful of that and live like you could never have too many friends in life. You never know . . . you might be pleasantly surprised as your friend list could rapidly expand.

NOTE: I just found out the company is closing this part of its holdings so if you want to get your special little one a "friend" you need to get busy ASAP. According to the service rep I spoke with (because I placed an order), the stores are closing and the remaining inventory will be available online mid August so you may have some luck but options will be limited.

I know . . . it took me long enough

I've been fighting the blog bug for way too long but I figure I need to go ahead and put my thoughts down and get the ball rolling. There's so much to say but I have to start somewhere, right?

I've been checking out the blogs of friends of mine and have been coveting them secretly for months. I had a bit of practice doing the websites for Drew's sports teams (www.thccpeeweebball.shutterfly.com and www.thccpeeweeflag.shutterfly.com) and kept saying to myself . . . do the blog . . . do the blog. But parenting and life always seemed to get in my way. I mean if you had to choose between playing or hanging out with your kids or sitting in front of a computer, really which one would win out . . . (I know that may depend on what kind of day you're having). But honestly, we stay so busy with activities and fun stuff that I have been BSing about doing the blog.

So why the name? Well, we had a teenage neighbor from North Carolina who took to our family this past year and her pet name for me was Momma Chelle so this is kind of a tribute to her. Sherese moved back down south with her mom and to go to college but she was the inspiration for the title. She's the baby girl I never had and we love her to pieces so this is a good way to say thanks!

So why the blog? Well, why not? Lord knows with four boys I definitely have a lot going on and a lot on my mind. And for those of you who know me and know me well you know I always have a lot to say so this seemed as good an idea as any. Besides, this site is not blocked at work so I can post stuff while I'm working my 9 to 5 (on my lunch break of course) and that definitely is an added plus.

Besides, this technology allows me to have a permanent memento of my life and an easy way for me to share it with people I care about (and those who care about me and the boys).

Anyway, this is my foray into this medium. I hope it's not too boring and brings a smile or chuckle your way. I know despite the stress sometimes, I sure am enjoying my so called life.

Until next time . . . love, peace and hair grease!