We have entered a new phase of boyhood/male-dom.
Eli draws on his foot, a common occurance. Today however, he is a little more artistic. After Hans writes, 'Hi' on the bottom of Eli's foot, Eli writes, 'To Mama,' and makes a smiley face with its tongue sticking out. He makes sure I see it and then he goes back to drawing.
"Papa, look at this," Eli says to Hans.
"What is it?"
Eli giggles, "Boobs!"
He has drawn two joined circles (like a sideways '8') with dots in their centers. Now both of them are laughing. Greaaaaaaaaat. There we go, age 7 and boobs are funny to the boy. Oh joy.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Build a Garden
Did you know our house, although "connected" to the city sewer (which we've been billed since we've moved in) has not one, but *two* septic tanks? How fun for us to discover! Our drain lines are completely backed up and it turns out we have a sump pump that pumps our waste from a 4" pipe to 2" pipe to a 1.5" pipe to the main city sewer line, *after* going through our *two* septic tanks.
I will say the waste water management crew for the city of Sedro-Woolley are fantastic. We've been fortunate here that city employees go above and beyond in their helpfulness with building codes for the garage (adjusting our building plans or signing off on not-quite-code construction) and now with the sewer. The waste-water crew brought out their city truck and sucked all the ick out of the drain lines before Hans had to work on them. They also sucked the scuzz out of the tanks some. They used their little camera attachment through the pipes to tell where everything was for the digging, so Hans (with me helping a little) knew exactly where to dig instead of randomly choosing spots in the yard until we found the mess.
So we dug a trench to reroute the sewage line around tank #1 and connect it directly to tank #2. Hans then replaced the pump with a working one and reconnected everything back to the city line. So fun (or not) to go 24 hours without being able to flush during my m.c. I am so thankful for my neighbors.
Even Pip got in the shoveling action by helping us fill in the trench once the pipe was put down. Her little spadefuls were quite helpful. With each one, she told us how she was helping "build a garden." "Abby, look! Abby! Abby! I help build a garden." Ooo-kaay, digging in the dirt = garden. She is such a cute, filthy helper.
I will say the waste water management crew for the city of Sedro-Woolley are fantastic. We've been fortunate here that city employees go above and beyond in their helpfulness with building codes for the garage (adjusting our building plans or signing off on not-quite-code construction) and now with the sewer. The waste-water crew brought out their city truck and sucked all the ick out of the drain lines before Hans had to work on them. They also sucked the scuzz out of the tanks some. They used their little camera attachment through the pipes to tell where everything was for the digging, so Hans (with me helping a little) knew exactly where to dig instead of randomly choosing spots in the yard until we found the mess.
Even Pip got in the shoveling action by helping us fill in the trench once the pipe was put down. Her little spadefuls were quite helpful. With each one, she told us how she was helping "build a garden." "Abby, look! Abby! Abby! I help build a garden." Ooo-kaay, digging in the dirt = garden. She is such a cute, filthy helper.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Dog
I've known we'd eventually get a dog. Hans and I discussed it exhaustively and yet, even though we know the timing is so very, very wrong, we are now the proud owners of a dog. I suppose my obsessive searching/researching didn't make waiting until we moved a real prospect. Seeing pictures of dogs needing homes through craigslist and various shelters gave me a better idea of what we were wanting in appearance and had me researching breeds.
Saturday morning had us checking out a dog who was just not right for us. She was adorable, but she didn't seem all that interested in us. The lady at the Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County mentioned later that she thought the kids just weren't into the puppy, but she doesn't know my kids. Besides, examining a dog in a busy parking lot at lunch time isn't the best way to get to know an animal, especially when it's a highly distractable puppy with no concept of its name and little to no training. I have enough training to do with Pip!
The kids were disappointed when I said I really didn't think the female was right for our family. Abby was so sure she was...but she's been sure with every dog we've checked out, not that there has been too many. When we were home, Mom starts checking out adopt-a-pet dogs. I show her the NOAH site I'd been regularly watching (NOAH is this great no-kill shelter not far from here in competition for a $100,000 grant and has to adopt out 1,000 animals or something between August 1 and October 31). Mom said she wanted to see one I thought looked interesting when I saw him the night before. When she saw his face, she started squealing how we needed to go meet him (she squawked even more when I confirmed the shelter was on her way back to PDX. Papa and I both were trying to get her to bring it down a notch or twenty).
So we went. It's hard to say 'no' to Mom when she squeaks like that. The dog, dubbed 'Bear', was at a Petco for an adoption event. By the time I walked into the store, Mom was already on the floor hugging the little boy. She was completely in love with him ages before the kids or I could even get close enough to see what he looked like in person. Papa took his picture to send Hans and I was already pretty sure he was coming home us. Papa finally looked at me and said, "If you don't get him, I will." That did it. 'Bear' licked cats, loved the kids and just leaned on Mom. I really couldn't ask for a much sweeter dog. Even if he is a boy, although the NOAH guy pointed out that since he's neutered, he's not really a boy anymore...
Saturday morning had us checking out a dog who was just not right for us. She was adorable, but she didn't seem all that interested in us. The lady at the Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County mentioned later that she thought the kids just weren't into the puppy, but she doesn't know my kids. Besides, examining a dog in a busy parking lot at lunch time isn't the best way to get to know an animal, especially when it's a highly distractable puppy with no concept of its name and little to no training. I have enough training to do with Pip!
The kids were disappointed when I said I really didn't think the female was right for our family. Abby was so sure she was...but she's been sure with every dog we've checked out, not that there has been too many. When we were home, Mom starts checking out adopt-a-pet dogs. I show her the NOAH site I'd been regularly watching (NOAH is this great no-kill shelter not far from here in competition for a $100,000 grant and has to adopt out 1,000 animals or something between August 1 and October 31). Mom said she wanted to see one I thought looked interesting when I saw him the night before. When she saw his face, she started squealing how we needed to go meet him (she squawked even more when I confirmed the shelter was on her way back to PDX. Papa and I both were trying to get her to bring it down a notch or twenty).
So we went. It's hard to say 'no' to Mom when she squeaks like that. The dog, dubbed 'Bear', was at a Petco for an adoption event. By the time I walked into the store, Mom was already on the floor hugging the little boy. She was completely in love with him ages before the kids or I could even get close enough to see what he looked like in person. Papa took his picture to send Hans and I was already pretty sure he was coming home us. Papa finally looked at me and said, "If you don't get him, I will." That did it. 'Bear' licked cats, loved the kids and just leaned on Mom. I really couldn't ask for a much sweeter dog. Even if he is a boy, although the NOAH guy pointed out that since he's neutered, he's not really a boy anymore...
'Bear' is now Harvey Tiberius Weber. He's a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon mix (or not a mix), about a year old. Did Oma just not know of this breed? I would have had one years ago if I had known about them.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Homework
I have two kids who do homework now. Both are sitting at the table doing their first official homework.
Eli is excited to work on his spelling homework and is supposed to write each spelling word three times. His page is numbered one to ten with three blank lines following each numeral. "Is this how you spell 'one'?" he asks. I look at his paper to see he has spelled W-O-N. I explain how yes, it does, but not the number. I double-check with him that he understands he is to copy his word list (on the blue paper) and write the words three times. He says he does. We erase W-O-N and I let him be. After a short bit, he asks, "Is this how you spell 'two'?" I look at his writing again to see he's written O-N-E three times following the number and has written T-O-W on the first line following the two. I point to his blue sheet again and confirm he knows the words listed are his spelling words. After numbering his spelling words so he can simply copy them over easier, I leave him be again. A few minutes later, he says he's done and I go to check his work. He's filled the lines with the number they correspond with (1. ___1___ ___1___ ___1___ ). Poor guy still doesn't get it! I calm him down, erase his page, and sit next to him to tell him each word to write. Fourth time's a charm, right? It'd be easier without Abby giggling.
Eli is excited to work on his spelling homework and is supposed to write each spelling word three times. His page is numbered one to ten with three blank lines following each numeral. "Is this how you spell 'one'?" he asks. I look at his paper to see he has spelled W-O-N. I explain how yes, it does, but not the number. I double-check with him that he understands he is to copy his word list (on the blue paper) and write the words three times. He says he does. We erase W-O-N and I let him be. After a short bit, he asks, "Is this how you spell 'two'?" I look at his writing again to see he's written O-N-E three times following the number and has written T-O-W on the first line following the two. I point to his blue sheet again and confirm he knows the words listed are his spelling words. After numbering his spelling words so he can simply copy them over easier, I leave him be again. A few minutes later, he says he's done and I go to check his work. He's filled the lines with the number they correspond with (1. ___1___ ___1___ ___1___ ). Poor guy still doesn't get it! I calm him down, erase his page, and sit next to him to tell him each word to write. Fourth time's a charm, right? It'd be easier without Abby giggling.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Kitty
We have a new kitty! Her name is Pip and she is a bit noisy and mischievous. She meows constantly...through every show, every activity, every room. Sometimes she snuggles with us and we get to pet her. Other times, she hits or bites or pounces, shrieking her meows. Our kitty Pip dislikes using the toilet as much as our Hazel! Kitty Pip sings, refuses to wear clothing, and even dances.
This new kitty of ours has made me miss our Abby turtle. Abby turtle was at least quiet, albeit incredibly slow climbing our stairs into our tiny, second-floor apartment. Fantastically slow. Insanely slow.
I love my girls.
This new kitty of ours has made me miss our Abby turtle. Abby turtle was at least quiet, albeit incredibly slow climbing our stairs into our tiny, second-floor apartment. Fantastically slow. Insanely slow.
I love my girls.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Everyone Needs A Hazel
Pip is sick. The past two nights have been pretty miserable with her waking up crying and screaming often in the night with a slightly croupy cough and itchy eye. We took her to the doctor yesterday since her eye continued to be weepy in case it was pink eye (the doctor gave us a prescription because of the three-day weekend, but was pretty sure it was just a virus that will pass).
So in our infinite wisdom as parents, we opted to try the "tylenol might help her feel better" approach since she seemed warm and was definitely aching and uncomfortable. Her response would make one think we were trying to poison her! Each dosing (of the chewable, sweet grape sugary variety) was a drag out fight with her screaming, spitting it out, growling at us and working herself into hysterics. I'm not exaggerating. Last night, we spent three hours trying to convince her to eat the dang thing. She had a fever and was beyond grumpy. Three hours of shrieks, screams, NOs and tears. We tried bribing her with a tic-tac if she ate it. Finally, I thought to give some to Abby (who also had a legitimate reason for medicine). I had Abby s-l-o-w-l-y eat the first of the two. Hazel intently studied her every expression, every movement she made to make sure it wasn't a trick. Only after determining Abby really did find the medicine okay to eat did she also eat hers. Pip even said it tasted good when she was done.
This morning, we had to start all over again with the tears and screaming. The dang medicine tastes like grape cotton candy. I just don't get it. No amount of bribery will work. She licks her finger and touches it to just keep tasting it, but won't eat it. Stubborn, stubborn twit. Finally after having a time out in her room for throwing it and her dish on the floor, she says she'll eat it...and she does...s-l-o-w-l-y...tiny broken piece by tiny broken crumb. So hope she's fine in a couple hours when it wears off so we don't have to go through this again.
So in our infinite wisdom as parents, we opted to try the "tylenol might help her feel better" approach since she seemed warm and was definitely aching and uncomfortable. Her response would make one think we were trying to poison her! Each dosing (of the chewable, sweet grape sugary variety) was a drag out fight with her screaming, spitting it out, growling at us and working herself into hysterics. I'm not exaggerating. Last night, we spent three hours trying to convince her to eat the dang thing. She had a fever and was beyond grumpy. Three hours of shrieks, screams, NOs and tears. We tried bribing her with a tic-tac if she ate it. Finally, I thought to give some to Abby (who also had a legitimate reason for medicine). I had Abby s-l-o-w-l-y eat the first of the two. Hazel intently studied her every expression, every movement she made to make sure it wasn't a trick. Only after determining Abby really did find the medicine okay to eat did she also eat hers. Pip even said it tasted good when she was done.
This morning, we had to start all over again with the tears and screaming. The dang medicine tastes like grape cotton candy. I just don't get it. No amount of bribery will work. She licks her finger and touches it to just keep tasting it, but won't eat it. Stubborn, stubborn twit. Finally after having a time out in her room for throwing it and her dish on the floor, she says she'll eat it...and she does...s-l-o-w-l-y...tiny broken piece by tiny broken crumb. So hope she's fine in a couple hours when it wears off so we don't have to go through this again.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Princesses
Disney princesses are prolific. They are on just about everything, from shirts to purses to cookies to underwear. Princesses are largely pink too. Pip is crazy about the color pink.
"I want this one, Mama." I turn and see Pip holding a can of Campbell's soup. "It's not on sale," I reply automatically. "It has princesses on it!" she tells me excitedly. Campbell's Disney Princesses Chicken Noodle Soup.
Today has been a more cooperative potty day. She proudly found herself a princess toddler toilet seat today at the store and suddenly, going potty on the toilet is a much more exciting task. "Okay kids, when we get home we're going to eat lunch and take naps," I tell the twits. Hazel pipes up, "No, I go bathroom and go potty on princess potty!" She's used her princess potty (successfully) three times already.
Subject change: We're unsure Eli's coughing is related to allergies or asthma because the doctor prescribed both medications at once just to get the coughing to stop, so we really don't know which stopped the issue. We're stopping the puffer and are just using the allergy medicine now. We'll see if he resumes coughing without the puffer or not. We're keeping the allergist appointment in October. We also get to pick random times to spend a couple of minutes to listen to Eli breathing in the night to try and determine if he has apnea. He sure snores a lot, anyway.
First day of school tomorrow!! The kids are also excited. Now if I could just get the youngest two out of my clean laundry piles...
"I want this one, Mama." I turn and see Pip holding a can of Campbell's soup. "It's not on sale," I reply automatically. "It has princesses on it!" she tells me excitedly. Campbell's Disney Princesses Chicken Noodle Soup.
Today has been a more cooperative potty day. She proudly found herself a princess toddler toilet seat today at the store and suddenly, going potty on the toilet is a much more exciting task. "Okay kids, when we get home we're going to eat lunch and take naps," I tell the twits. Hazel pipes up, "No, I go bathroom and go potty on princess potty!" She's used her princess potty (successfully) three times already.
Subject change: We're unsure Eli's coughing is related to allergies or asthma because the doctor prescribed both medications at once just to get the coughing to stop, so we really don't know which stopped the issue. We're stopping the puffer and are just using the allergy medicine now. We'll see if he resumes coughing without the puffer or not. We're keeping the allergist appointment in October. We also get to pick random times to spend a couple of minutes to listen to Eli breathing in the night to try and determine if he has apnea. He sure snores a lot, anyway.
First day of school tomorrow!! The kids are also excited. Now if I could just get the youngest two out of my clean laundry piles...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Potty Report & Eli
Our last library visit resulted in Elmo's Potty Time DVD which we were subjected to over and over since Pip decided that was the only thing she wanted to watch. She viewed it so many times, she even began singing along with the songs. I took this as a sign she really is interested in using the toilet. Maybe she actually is. All I've really discovered these past few weeks is Pip likes to sing, she is interested in discussing everyone else's use of the toilet, and still she refuses to use it herself unless *she* thought of it first (after being reminded of the candy reward). Her new favorite book is one called I Have To Go. She calls it "Potty Time with Grover" and must have it with her to read in bed every nap- or bedtime.
Eli is currently using allergy meds and an asthma inhaler as an attempt to diagnose whether he has cough-variant asthma or not. We have an allergist appointment at the end of October. I am hopeful we'll have some clue of what to do with my grumpy, tired boy before then though.
Today is one week until the first day of school! I love this time of year.
Eli is currently using allergy meds and an asthma inhaler as an attempt to diagnose whether he has cough-variant asthma or not. We have an allergist appointment at the end of October. I am hopeful we'll have some clue of what to do with my grumpy, tired boy before then though.
Today is one week until the first day of school! I love this time of year.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Pip & the Potty
"Di-burr!" Pip shrieks. Shrieks. I'm not kidding. Then she throws her big-girl underpants (pull-ups with princesses on them) across the room.
It's time for Pip to lose the diapers. I'm ready. I know she's ready, despite the constant protests. Even the candy bribery and the special Elmo or "Abby-Abby" underpants does not seem to sway her stubbornness when it comes to using the toilet.
"Hazel, do you want to go potty?"
"No."
"If you go potty on the toilet, you get a candy." She was with me when we bought the Skittles and watched me put them in the jar, explaining the entire time how she gets one when she gets pee in the potty. I think this is a part of parenting everyone hopes to forget, never wants to talk about, and wishes they didn't really have to do.
"Candy? Oh-kay, I go potty."
We race to the bathroom with me following her little naked behind running through the house. Three drops in the toilet and forty sheets of toilet paper later, she's done it! Yay! We go back to the kitchen for her one Skittle. "Okay, let's put your panties back on since you're a big girl."
"Nooo!" she shrieks again. "Di-burr!"
Arrgh...
It's time for Pip to lose the diapers. I'm ready. I know she's ready, despite the constant protests. Even the candy bribery and the special Elmo or "Abby-Abby" underpants does not seem to sway her stubbornness when it comes to using the toilet.
"Hazel, do you want to go potty?"
"No."
"If you go potty on the toilet, you get a candy." She was with me when we bought the Skittles and watched me put them in the jar, explaining the entire time how she gets one when she gets pee in the potty. I think this is a part of parenting everyone hopes to forget, never wants to talk about, and wishes they didn't really have to do.
"Candy? Oh-kay, I go potty."
We race to the bathroom with me following her little naked behind running through the house. Three drops in the toilet and forty sheets of toilet paper later, she's done it! Yay! We go back to the kitchen for her one Skittle. "Okay, let's put your panties back on since you're a big girl."
"Nooo!" she shrieks again. "Di-burr!"
Arrgh...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Backyard Camping
We're heading to Portland on Wednesday. The kids and I were talking about where we're all going to sleep since those Dean girls have taken over Mom's house and I mentioned sleeping in the tent at Uncle Alec's and Auntie Meta's house. Abby started in with her 'poor me' repertoire about never getting to go camping so I suggested we put up the tent in our backyard or--better yet--why not spend the night in the playhouse? The kids were all over that idea and chose to spend the next three hours before bedtime preparing for their big night. Even Hazel got into the excitement and took her blanket and pillow out there to snuggle with her siblings.
Bed time comes and goes. I wanted to get Miss Hazel into her bed, but she stomped past us dragging her blanket and pillow again, hurrying in case we dared stop her. All the children are outside, calling us on the phone every ten minutes to ask the time and when will the stars come out? We finally put the kibosh on Pip hanging outside anymore...she was too tired having avoided her nap yet again and was such a grumpy, grumpy girl. I tucked her into her bed and she kept asking, "Mom, when I-li come-ing?" I leave her reading.
We checked on the children shortly after 10 and Eli was too tired to stargaze and Abby was busy trying to convince him to join her as she adjusted the blanket on the lawn. We left them to their adventure and went to bed. 11:41. Abby opens our bedroom door. Turns out, my little lambs were scared out there on their own. The last time their father slept out there with them. Hans went out to rescue them and bring them to their own beds. Made for a late night. I'm so glad they're not too big for me yet.
Bed time comes and goes. I wanted to get Miss Hazel into her bed, but she stomped past us dragging her blanket and pillow again, hurrying in case we dared stop her. All the children are outside, calling us on the phone every ten minutes to ask the time and when will the stars come out? We finally put the kibosh on Pip hanging outside anymore...she was too tired having avoided her nap yet again and was such a grumpy, grumpy girl. I tucked her into her bed and she kept asking, "Mom, when I-li come-ing?" I leave her reading.
We checked on the children shortly after 10 and Eli was too tired to stargaze and Abby was busy trying to convince him to join her as she adjusted the blanket on the lawn. We left them to their adventure and went to bed. 11:41. Abby opens our bedroom door. Turns out, my little lambs were scared out there on their own. The last time their father slept out there with them. Hans went out to rescue them and bring them to their own beds. Made for a late night. I'm so glad they're not too big for me yet.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Pip
Trying to potty train Pip has been a bit of a challenge. She's aware of what's going on with her body, but she has little to no interest in using the toilet. We've decided to be a little more pushy and get her out of diapers, so this morning I got her in a pull-up and spent time talking to her about using the toilet. "Do you want to pee on the potty?" I ask her again. "No...no potty," she says and then runs to the bathoom and bring me her potty. So proud, she sits down and works to pee. I just shake my head. All that hard work and she didn't even pull down her underpants. Good thing she's cute.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Origami Foxes
I'm just writing now. Forget sounding fancy or smooth in what I'm writing...I just want to get the gist down so I don't forget. In re-reading previous posts, I've already discovered many entries I had forgotten and that's just sad. The three lovelies are growing and maturing so quickly. They'll be moving away before I know it.
Eli spent Wednesday and Thursday folding and folding many origami foxes, plotting how he could sell them for 25 cents each. He waited in the yard in the rain on Thursday, holding the bag of foxes and his small, quickly wilting, difficult-to-read sign. After twenty minutes or so, soaking wet, he came inside discouraged.
Hans is going to teach him to make origami cranes now. Wonder how much Eli can make selling those.
Eli spent Wednesday and Thursday folding and folding many origami foxes, plotting how he could sell them for 25 cents each. He waited in the yard in the rain on Thursday, holding the bag of foxes and his small, quickly wilting, difficult-to-read sign. After twenty minutes or so, soaking wet, he came inside discouraged.
Yesterday morning, he had Abby's help. He set up a small table in the front yard and displayed his array of foxes across it. Holding a brighter sign, he stood behind the table, watching every vehicle as it passed. Finally, one man stopped at the end of Cougar Lane and got out to ask Eli what he was selling. He bought four. Four origami foxes which have a slightly disturbing similarity to something I won't mention as I don't want Mom to complain about my TMI again. Eli sold out by noon yesterday and earned $7.00. Poor Steve, who was here to help Hans work in the garage, was even compelled to purchase a fox. Eli saw Steve getting into his car to leave and Eli walked over and pressed his sign on the window. He sold one to Miss Suzy, our mail lady, and one to the son of the grumpy dog-hater across the street.
Hans is going to teach him to make origami cranes now. Wonder how much Eli can make selling those.Friday, June 11, 2010
I should write more often...
Wow.
Today is Abby's 9th birthday. She opened her card from Aunt Steenie & thought it said "I hope year 191 is the best..." instead of noticing the box around the number 9...
Tonight we head to our Spring Encamporee with Girl Scouts. Should be interesting...especially since we're leaving early (tomorrow night) to drive to Portland so we can participate in the Great Pig Roast on Sunday.
Eli & I talked about girls. With a little smirk, he mentioned Hailey. She likes him & he likes her. But she's not his girlfriend because that's not allowed in Kindy, his teacher said so. They aren't the right age for that, you know.
My little Pip just spends her time asking for 'nack' & 'pop'. I get fussed at if I tell her that no, she does not get any more fruities or cannot have another lollipop. She's moved on to 'toast' & 'mallows' too. Never dull with her.
So much to do to ready for camp & so little time left to do it in since I'd much rather do anything else.
Today is Abby's 9th birthday. She opened her card from Aunt Steenie & thought it said "I hope year 191 is the best..." instead of noticing the box around the number 9...
Tonight we head to our Spring Encamporee with Girl Scouts. Should be interesting...especially since we're leaving early (tomorrow night) to drive to Portland so we can participate in the Great Pig Roast on Sunday.
Eli & I talked about girls. With a little smirk, he mentioned Hailey. She likes him & he likes her. But she's not his girlfriend because that's not allowed in Kindy, his teacher said so. They aren't the right age for that, you know.
My little Pip just spends her time asking for 'nack' & 'pop'. I get fussed at if I tell her that no, she does not get any more fruities or cannot have another lollipop. She's moved on to 'toast' & 'mallows' too. Never dull with her.
So much to do to ready for camp & so little time left to do it in since I'd much rather do anything else.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
MOPS & Hazel, but mostly MOPS
Hazel danced her way to her class today at MOPS, telling her teacher to "look at me!" Such a happy girl today! I am hopeful this means we've reached another milestone. She cheerfully waved her goodbye to me, smiling about the Elmo show her teacher was preparing for her. She's the only girl in her class and she makes quite an impression.
My activities are much more fun when my children are happy with whatever arrangements are made for them. I appreciate having time to be an adult, to be asked my opinion, to be challenged to meet the goals I've shared with these women that are important to me. Their encouragement and understanding is priceless. We're all dealing with young children. We all know what it is to be frustrated in our relationships, sleep deprived, and at our wit's end with discipline. We hurt with each other, cheer with each other, and accept each other for where we are at in our lives without judgment.
Jean is a mentor mom at my MOPS and has been there since I began participating. She phoned this morning because she wanted to commiserate with me about our home burglary as she too had experienced the violation when her children were small. She told me of coming home in the winter with her husband and baby, only to have the door fall in when her husband tried unlocking it. He disappeared into the house to investigate and did not return quickly. She could hear rustling and feared for his safety. After calling for him, she found him at their bedroom trying to help a tiny, frightened sparrow exit. She said they both were so distracted by the bird, the completely forgot the bird could only have come in through the door with whoever had broken it down. After successfully rescuing the bird, Jean phoned her mother to tell her. She was a little thrown when her mom asked her if she had phoned the police. Jean and her husband had completely forgotten. She views the bird as a reminder from God that He's always watching and caring for His children and that good can come from anything.
I am so thankful for MOPS.
My activities are much more fun when my children are happy with whatever arrangements are made for them. I appreciate having time to be an adult, to be asked my opinion, to be challenged to meet the goals I've shared with these women that are important to me. Their encouragement and understanding is priceless. We're all dealing with young children. We all know what it is to be frustrated in our relationships, sleep deprived, and at our wit's end with discipline. We hurt with each other, cheer with each other, and accept each other for where we are at in our lives without judgment.
Jean is a mentor mom at my MOPS and has been there since I began participating. She phoned this morning because she wanted to commiserate with me about our home burglary as she too had experienced the violation when her children were small. She told me of coming home in the winter with her husband and baby, only to have the door fall in when her husband tried unlocking it. He disappeared into the house to investigate and did not return quickly. She could hear rustling and feared for his safety. After calling for him, she found him at their bedroom trying to help a tiny, frightened sparrow exit. She said they both were so distracted by the bird, the completely forgot the bird could only have come in through the door with whoever had broken it down. After successfully rescuing the bird, Jean phoned her mother to tell her. She was a little thrown when her mom asked her if she had phoned the police. Jean and her husband had completely forgotten. She views the bird as a reminder from God that He's always watching and caring for His children and that good can come from anything.
I am so thankful for MOPS.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
We're in Trouble
We are so in for it with the little pip. She spent most of yesterday speaking gibberish at us with great seriousness, regaling us with stories she had to think earnestly about to be sure she imparted all the information. "Dee-diddle-dee da Mama oline. Bye, loadda dee li doo! Dab a doob a doot doo teedle doot. Bye Mama!"
Ordinarily when Hans comes home, she yells his name over and over as she runs to hug him. Yesterday, he walked in and said "hi" to her and she wouldn't even look at him. She sat on the sofa with her book open on her lap, eyes staring at the pages. Hans and I both tried soliciting a "hello" from her for her beloved Papa. She refused to make eye contact and continued to stare at her book. Finally, without moving her head or changing her expression, her eyes glance up at her father. Little twit.
She refuses any other acknowledgement for another ten minutes. When Hans touched her dee, she marched away, snatching it too her chest while yelling, "Is mine!"
This youngest opinionated business...the non-stop talking and lecturing...ooohh boy. We're in trouble.
Ordinarily when Hans comes home, she yells his name over and over as she runs to hug him. Yesterday, he walked in and said "hi" to her and she wouldn't even look at him. She sat on the sofa with her book open on her lap, eyes staring at the pages. Hans and I both tried soliciting a "hello" from her for her beloved Papa. She refused to make eye contact and continued to stare at her book. Finally, without moving her head or changing her expression, her eyes glance up at her father. Little twit.
She refuses any other acknowledgement for another ten minutes. When Hans touched her dee, she marched away, snatching it too her chest while yelling, "Is mine!"
This youngest opinionated business...the non-stop talking and lecturing...ooohh boy. We're in trouble.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Another Night
Home alone again tonight. I've already locked up, put the kids to bed, loaded the dishwasher and processed laundry. Now I get to sit here and have a silent night (provided my lovelies sleep without a hitch tonight). Since I prefer to have a silent night with the hubs, this kinda sucks.
Today was a good day. Took a long, enjoyable walk on a beautiful day with a good girlfriend, discussing my new favorite song, Home, and just how hippie dippy I am in relation to my button-up shirt husband who grew up listening to Kenny Rogers and John Denver. The windows were replaced at lunchtime by a towering 7-foot, trying-too-hard-to-be-sympathetic man, who professionally demonstrated great strength (sarcasm!) as he quickly and embarrassingly easily snapped the new sashes into place. My much healthier children have successfully annoyed each other without injury and I even witnessed them following directions without too many requests.
So here I sit, typing away, thinking about things best left unsaid, wishing for things that will never be, and being thankful for all that is. Still wish I wasn't alone.
Today was a good day. Took a long, enjoyable walk on a beautiful day with a good girlfriend, discussing my new favorite song, Home, and just how hippie dippy I am in relation to my button-up shirt husband who grew up listening to Kenny Rogers and John Denver. The windows were replaced at lunchtime by a towering 7-foot, trying-too-hard-to-be-sympathetic man, who professionally demonstrated great strength (sarcasm!) as he quickly and embarrassingly easily snapped the new sashes into place. My much healthier children have successfully annoyed each other without injury and I even witnessed them following directions without too many requests.
So here I sit, typing away, thinking about things best left unsaid, wishing for things that will never be, and being thankful for all that is. Still wish I wasn't alone.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Enunciation
Eli just informed me that Sergio is the only kid in his class who doesn't like him. When I asked why, he tells me that Sergio always wants to sit where he is and will come over saying, "I can't fit. I can't fit." This was said in a whiny, snotty voice. I asked Eli if that's how he acts at school (the voice was accompanied by that irritating head wiggle too). He became indignant because no, he doesn't act like that. Sergio is not even a good enunciator and it's a good thing the teacher knows his (Sergio's) name because Eli wouldn't even know it otherwise.
What have I done? I am a bit particular about proper enunciation myself...not sure it's such a good thing if my child disparages others for poor speech though.
What have I done? I am a bit particular about proper enunciation myself...not sure it's such a good thing if my child disparages others for poor speech though.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Really?
After checking to see the time is past 9 AM, I pick up my phone and dial my mother. This is almost a daily ritual. As the call goes to the answering service for the second time this morning, I find myself unsettled at her non-answer. She's my mother! She should answer! Moms have to answer when their kids call!
I've been having many realizations now that I'm a mom which provide much better understanding of my own mom.
I've been having many realizations now that I'm a mom which provide much better understanding of my own mom.
- Mom wasn't nuts when she told the guy behind the counter that she wanted to kiss him after he carded her. It's really nice to feel young and vibrant, especially when kids make you feel old and completely fried.
- Mom was/is much smarter than she was given credit. It's hard making your brain work for homework at the end of the day. Moms really do work all day with tedious, nit-pick details of their husband's and children's needs and schedules. Kid A needs specific report file for the essay worth 40% of the grade, Kid B has practice from 4-6PM so I need to leave at 3:15 to pick them up, Kid C needs new shoes...what size again?..., Kid D...where's Kid D? Does everyone have a lunch packed? Where's Kid B's homework? Is that shirt getting too small? Where are their coats? AAAAUUUGHHH!! A Mom's internal monologue alone is exhausting. Especially when she is trying to maintain a clean home, healthy meals, happy kids and a fulfilling marriage. Does it really matter if her brain does not want to deal with 7x8=? after doubling the dinner recipe and scrambling to vacuum since the hubby surprised her with extra dinner guests?
- Being able to close the bathroom door and have actual privacy with no one talking to you or whining your name makes an almost perfect treasure-worthy moment.
- Children helping clean the house without crying or complaining is one of the best gifts. It ranks right up there with handmade cards and drawings. Cleaning as a surprise may rank as the number one favorite gift tied with following directions the first time they are stated.
- Crying at the dinner table or crying over leftovers is completely acceptable behavior. Little moments appear with great clarity on occasion magnifying the passage of time and how the former babies have grown and are not necessarily able to make a specific family meal all together.
- "Because I said so," is a valid reason for doing chores. Why should Mom have to come up with a more specific answer? (see #2)
- Moms are allowed to have activities that are just their own with no tag-along kids or husbands demanding attention.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Two
Oh to be 2. The arguments I resolve these days are plentiful. Most revolve around our 2 year-old princess whose shrieking mines and noes are enough to make any one's head explode. "What is her problem today?" I ask a bewildered, laughing boy again lying on the floor after being shoved and screeched at by a little miss. Seems she does not want her brother on the edge of the bed with her and the oldest, sweetly readying to read a story to the obnoxious twit. She's lying next to her sister, yelling if we move her to the middle of the bed to see the story better and make room for her unfortunate bother denied room on his bed by a half-pint. I ask if Eli can be in the middle and her grinning "peas" allows her brother admittance. What to do with this demanding, opinionated pipsqueak? At least this phase too shall pass...
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