Month: October 2019

Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm Patch 2019
Clayton Valley Farm Welcomes Mia for her 2nd Pumpkin Patch this Year!
About Clayton Valley Farm & Christmas Trees

Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm & Christmas Trees has been in the business since 1980’s. It is a family owned farm situated in 1060 Pine Ln, Clayton, California. It started as a U-Pick Vegetable in 1980 and has grown into a pumpkin farm hosting some kids activities such as field trip tours and pumpkin patch during fall and halloween season.

Open to public from October 1st- 31st, the farm welcomes visitors in the morning at 9:00 a.m until dusk at 7:30 p.m.

Things to Know Before Your Visit at Clayton Valley Farm

General admission and parking are free. Except for the kids play area which is paid per child (adults are free)

Pets are not allowed.

Cards such as credit or debit cards are accepted for purchase.

Varieties of pumpkins in different sizes and colors will welcome you upon entrance.

There’s a gift shop where you can purchase different halloween decors and displays.

There are also photo stands like “face in the hole” boards for pictorials.
Kids Pumpkin Patch Activities

The farm is truly a fun place for young children since there are lots of activities that they will surely enjoy such as the train ride, feeding animal farms, hay maze or straw tunnels and posing their best smiles in photo stand boards! But one downfall is that some of these activities are paid except for the “face in the hole” boards.

1. Feeding Farm Animals
One exciting activity that Mia surely loved at this place was feeding and petting these farm animals (goats, pig and chickens). They were caged and fenced well so it’s more convenient for kids. We just grabbed some leaves on the ground to feed the goats and watched other people feed other animals.

2. Train Ride

Enjoy a train ride for $4/person but free to infants from 12 months under. It operates from 3 p.m until dusk during weekdays and from 9 a.m until dusk during weekends.

It goes around the farm, in the garden, past the animals and into a tunnel. Mia really loved it as it made sound every time it passes through the field of pumpkins.

3. “Face in the Hole” Photo Stands
These photo stands were perfect for kids photoshoot! The colors were bright and the images looked pretty cute! Mia is still small so she asked her Papi to carry her up to the holes so she could be like other kids who were all set with their faces looking out for some pictures.

4. Hay Maze Tunnel
The hay tunnel was great for bigger kids. They were playing and running around inside and out the tunnel chasing each other. Mia went to experience it as well but it was so dusty. We went couple of times since our little one enjoyed the company of other kids.

5. Water Pumps with Tubes & Rubber Ducks

The farm has 2 different parts, the upper area where you can see the gift shop and the pumpkins (free no admission) and the lower area where you can find large play areas for more kids activities(paid). To enjoy this activity you have to pay for every child, adults were free. Admission fee for both play area was worth $15 for every child.

Although you’ll spent some dollars here, it was a great idea to enjoy pumpkin patch with the whole family.

6. Ball Return Game

An extra fun for little boys was this ball return game inside the paid area. We decided not to go inside since most of the activities here were all for bigger kids.

7. Others
There were more activities inside the paid area which kids surely loved such as:

Bean Pools

Large hay maze tunnels

Ball Launchers and Foam Blocks
8. Gift Shop/Halloween Decor Shop
Colorful gift shop full of halloween decors and fall pumpkin displays. This is also the place where you can purchase tickets to play in the large play areas.

Prices here aren’t that cheap even for pumpkins but we saw a lot of kids enjoy this place and families who were there celebrating pumpkin patch.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience, Mia enjoyed every moment we spent there. The farm was well organized from the parking to the fun areas. The staff were welcoming and helpful. There were good varieties of pumpkins too and we really liked the gift shop, little Mia was stoked with different halloween decors!

Have you been in Clayton or visited this place? Where did you celebrate pumpkin patch this year?
October 28, 2019
2nd Pumpkin Patch in Larry’s Produce: Fall 2019
2nd PUMPKIN PATCH IN LARRY’S PRODUCE

Mia’s first pumpkin patch last year was a fun experience for all of us that’s why we decided to make it as part of our family culture and an annual tradition. She had seen giant pumpkins for the first time and played in the stacks of hay and corn kernels at Larry’s Produce in Fairfield.

We are so happy to bring her there once again this year for her 2nd pumpkin patch, this time with other kids from Nurse Family Partnership!

Stacks of Hay and Pumpkins at Larry’s Produce, Suisun Valley Rd. Fairfield

ABOUT LARRY’S PRODUCE

Owned by Larry and Lisa Balestra, Larry’s Produce is known to be one of the best sources of fresh fruits and vegetable in Suisun Valley. One refreshing getaway located in Fairfield California with varieties of fresh options at an affordable price! It’s a local favorite for a wholesome family pumpkin patch experience!

The farm is open almost seven months in a year from June to December and welcomes customers from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 pm daily.

We were invited by Nurse Family Partnership to Pumpkin Patch this year, they set-up a place exclusive for the family who are enrolled in the program. They have a little activity area for kids to do some art work with the pumpkins and a food stand for every family to share with.

It was nice to see other families who were with their little kids having fun and enjoying each other’s company.

Indeed it was a perfect day! The farm has the perfect vibe for pumpkin patch with all the varieties of pumpkins in different sizes and colors. We all had fun especially our sweet dearie, Mia had a blast! She played with other little kids and enjoyed every activity with them.

Things to Know Before Your Visit at Larry’s Produce
- Remember to bring cash since they only accept cash no cards. (But they have atm machine available too for your convenience)
- Customer’s can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm so if you want to do this don’t forget your shoes.
- They provide shopping carts and wheelbarrows but it’s always advisable to bring your own bags.
- There are food trucks and food stands too available in certain times.
- Parking might be a bit busy during weekends so come early.
Kids Pumpkin Patch Activities

Activities were the same as last year except for the pyramid of hay with pumpkins display right at the center of the farm. This year they have different arrangements, it was pretty easy for kids to play and run around and for parents to take pictures of their little ones.

1. Giant Pyramid of Hay and Pumpkins

How cool is this pyramid?! It was for sure the center of attraction of the farm, the main spot for everyone’s perfect pumpkin photoshoot! Mia stood happily and full of excitement as she waved her hands for pictures, she was so amazed by its height and the pumpkins sitting on top of it.

This was absolutely a great idea since it captures the interest of more families to come back again for the next pumpkin patch!

2. Ride in An Old Farm Tractors

These old farm rides were only for displays, each was designed for pumpkin patch. We’re not really sure if they’re still working but they have stacks of hay and pumpkin displays perfect for kids pictorials!

The Nurse Partnership arranged a tractor ride for all the families who attended the activity, it went around the corn field and all the way back to the pumpkin farm. We seated at the first seat next to the driver and as we moved along Mia pointed out the big wheels of the tractor and says “wow” as it made it sound.

3. Run Around the Corn Maze

This was one of the places that families love at Larry’s farm, a perfect place to chase their little one in the corn maze! Mia didn’t have the chance to play here last year since she was very young at that time but this year she had fun!

At first she was hesitant but when her Papi (Dad) pretended to be a dinosaur and chased her in the maze, she runs as fast as she could. It was a fun play time in the corn field!

4. Corn Kernel Play Area

Another favorite spot for little kids is the corn kernel area where you can find small play tractors. Most of the little ones from nurse family partnership stayed here longer than any other activities. Kids loved swimming on top of the grains and hide their little toes and legs underneath, just what Mia did.

Each of the little ones took turns to play and ride in the small tractors. Mia waited for her turn and when she took her chance she didn’t want to let go of it until she saw the slide!

5. Climb the Hay and Slide on a Big Tube

This slide was not as slippery as an ordinary slide, it was a customized slide made from a big tube on top of hay stacks. Kids climbed the hay to reach the top and slid down to the corn kernel area.

Since our sweet dearie is so fascinated with slides at this age, this was her most favorite out of all the activities. After she had gone once, she asked for more!

6. Colors of Different Types of Pumpkins

Another

We visited 2 farms this year for Mia’s Pumpkin Patch, here at Larry’s and at Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm and Christmas Trees. I made two separate posts for each since we had a lot of pictures! But I would really recommend Larry’s Produce than the other since they have a lot fresh options in an affordable price and most of their activities are free!

This year was another wholesome family pumpkin patch experience at Larry’s Produce! This place never disappoints us, we’ll surely visit again next year!

Do you have the same tradition like us? If so where did you celebrate pumpkin patch this year?
October 20, 2019
3 Simple Ways You Can Do To Relieve Stress During Pregnancy
Another change is coming in your life thus affecting everything from your body to your environment. When you’re pregnant, all these changes seemed to be very overwhelming and it’s normal to feel a little stressed out once in awhile.

Here are some of the ways you can do to help relieve stress during pregnancy.

1. Pause and Meditate

Pause a moment and have self alone time. Think about all the life stressors you’re experiencing in the past months or years. I know it’s a heavy task but through this, you can start finding ways and solutions on what to do in a more calmly and relaxed manner.

Have you had experienced one of these life stressors?
[icon_box icon_position=”left”]

Previous pregnancy

Arguments with someone

Unemployment

Health Issues

Marriage

Loss of a family member

Financial problems

Issues with in-laws

Divorce

Occasions like Holiday Season

[/icon_box]
[icon_box icon_position=”left”]

Mortgage or loans

New family members

New environment

Change in your living condition

Issues with your partner/husband/wife

Family gatherings

Law violations

Great personal success

Work responsibility

Children

[/icon_box]
There are more life stressors not listed here that you might have experienced. I know its exhausting, it’s okay to take a break, pause and take your time to relax and rest.

Focus on yourself and your growing baby. When you’re rested and relaxed, your way of thinking is much better.

2. Understanding Your Emotions

Ask yourself what are the things that make you happy, sad, angry, worried or troubled? These emotions doesn’t only affect you but also your baby.

I made myself a list last year about my emotions and how I cope with it everyday. You can try this method and I hope it can help you the way it helped me relieve my stress during pregnancy.

What are the things that makes me happy?

Above all that I could think of, I’m at my happiest when we traveland eat out with the whole family.

Ways I do to feel happier?

I take a lot of photos and videos about our trip and write about it.

How it affects baby when I’m happy?

I remembered before that every time I felt so much happiness, my baby just can’t stop moving around my tummy. She felt very strong and seemed to be happy too.

What are the things that makes me sad?

felt sadness every time I had arguments with my husband and misunderstanding with other family members.

Ways I do to feel less sad?

I would talk to them and open up my emotions, this way we try to understand each other’s point of view.

How it affects baby when I’m sad?

When I’m sad I don’t really eat, I tend to forget about my hunger and that was definitely a big mistake.

What are the things that makes me angry?

When I was pregnant I was very sensitive, little things that seemed wrong to me was a big issue. One of those was whenever I felt treated different and unfairly.

Ways I do to feel less angry?

Most of the time, I walk away, take a deep breath and cry my anger out.

How it affects baby when I’m angry?

Anger is a very heavy emotion, it’s exhausting for you and your baby. Whenever I’m angry before, my bump hardens and I couldn’t breath well. And after I cried all my anger out I felt all worn out so does my baby inside me.

What are the things that makes me worried or troubled?

I feel worried whenever my husband is away and he has to travel to another country without us. I also feel troubled whenever I don’t talk to my Mom (who is in the Philippines) for long.

Ways I do to feel less worried?

Whenever I feel worried, I always try to communicate with the people around me like my friends and other members of the family.

How it affects baby when I’m worried?

I get very emotional when I’m worried and it’s not good for baby too. Just like anger, it’s a heavy emotion and exhausting feeling.

Be honest of how you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to share it to someone especially to your partner. Talking to someone who can listen and understand your emotions will surely help you feel better. Finding support that you need will be easier if you know how to open up your mind and your emotions.

Remember, laughter is always the best medicine so laugh more often, it takes away stress and helps improve your mood and temperament.

[spacer height=”70″]

3. Discover More Source of Energy

Whatever life stressors you are experiencing right now, these things surely takes away your energy and make you feel drained. There’s a lot of things that could happen when you feel stressed such as:
[icon_box icon_position=”left”]

Difficulty in sleeping

Shortness of breath

Aches and pains

Feeling weak

Fatigue or dizziness

Forgetting things

Worry

[/icon_box]
[icon_box icon_position=”left”]

Smoking

Breaking something

Make trouble or make a fight

Cry

Hurt someone

Walk away

Get angry

[/icon_box]
There are ways to find more energy in simple things. Little things can make a big difference if you could free yourself from stress. Here is a list of activities you might want to try.
[icon_box icon_position=”left”]

Chat with friends

Go for a walk

Meditate

Take a bubble bath

Dance or Sing

Watch a movie

Have a date night

[/icon_box]
[icon_box icon_position=”left”]

Get a massage

Pray or go somewhere spiritual

Treat yourself a spa

Get a manicure

Take a deep breath and slowly

Go to a relaxing beautiful calm place

Go shopping

[/icon_box]
You might think of more that you can add on the list! Share it with me in the comments below!

Remember Mommies, be strong for your baby, take good care of yourself as you are taking care of another strong baby inside you. You can do this!
October 11, 2019
How Can You be The Best Parent For Your Toddler

Your responsible parenting is the most essential part of your child’s growth and development. We all want to be the best parents for our toddler but how?

Toddler stage is the most challenging yet most exciting stage for parents. At this stage, baby begins to explore the world and take risks while learning.

Here are some of the tips and advice you can do with your family including baby.

These are very helpful among first time parents, like us at first we struggled on what to do but these simple ways made a big impact on our parenting journey towards our toddler.

We hope it can do the same for you and your family as well.

Knowing your Child

Think about this, if your child as a toddler can write you a letter what would he/she say to you? Would he/she ask more of “Why’s?” or no questions at all just gratitude and “I love you’s”.

Through this ask yourself, how well do you know your child?

Remember how many times have you had fun time together, what are his/her favorite game to play with you, what are his/her favorite food, how do you take care of him/her and more importantly what are the ways you do to keep him/her safe and healthy.

Being a Parent

Being a Mom or a Dad to a growing toddler is not easy, you should have the patience, kindness and other good qualities like fun, playful, calm, thoughtful, loving, flexible and consistent.

Among all of these qualities, which are you best at?

You might have some other good qualities which you might discover along the way of your parenting journey. You’ll know that you’re showing good once you see your little one is growing happy and healthy.

As what the famous saying goes, “As kids grow, they might forget what you said but won’t forget how you made them feel”. Toddlers like your child are observant and what they see and hear from you, they do!

So be a good model for him/her, be the best reflection of how you want him/her to be when they grow into an adult.

Looking Back…

It’s also good to look back on your parenting journey, what have you learned so far being a mom or a dad. Looking back will make you realize your capabilities to be the best parent you can be.

As a first time mommy, I could say that so far my parenting journey is a smooth sailing learning. I learn almost everyday with my toddler.

I never thought I could have so much patience and extend it way beyond limits.

I never thought I could take care of a new human being and raise her well into a joyful blessed kid.

I never thought teaching is one of the skills I would be passionate about since I want my baby to learn as much as possible and as young as she is.

Like us, these kind of realizations will motivate and inspire you to do more than what you have done before for your child.

Thinking Ahead…

It’s about your dreams for your child, how do you see him/her in the future. Spend more time with your child and explore new ways on how to develop his/her skills and abilities.

It is essential for you to spend more quality time with your growing child since this is the stage where he/she begins to form the foundation of his/her learnings as well as building his/her character.

Know your Family Strength

Like individuals, all families have strengths. These are the things that you do well as a family. The power of working together to be happy and healthy in good and bad times. Do you know what your family strengths are?

As parents, we build this strengths for our family whether it’s about health, safety, life plans for the future, relationships or involvement in the community.

Build a Strong Family Ties

A strong family ties means providing love and comfort within all the members of the family. This is how you communicate and build your relationship towards one another.

It also means support of each members in any life’s circumstances.

Strong ties begins in communication, how well do you communicate when someone is frustrated or upset.

Indeed, listening is the key to understanding. Listen in full attention about each stories and understand their emotions.

Do some new bonding activities that your family will surely enjoy especially your little one. This helps to keep your family happy.

Create and Nurture Family Culture

Creating family customs and nurturing special cultural practices such as traits are good for your toddler. These special customs are learned by your child from older family members and this helps build your toddler’s character.

It would also be nice if your child learns about the history of your family. This helps them understand their roots and be proud of it.

October 2, 2019