Resolutions, most are meant to be forgotten. Some make you feel bad for not keeping them.
Watch and learn...we are making it happen this year...
Live this year like it is your last.
In loving memory of the lives we lost too soon this year.
Have patience, but expect none in return.
This one is for you G-gers.
Tell someone that you love them everyday.
13 years and counting.
Avoid page 27.
Avoid injury.
Reread your favorite book.
Maybe you missed something meaningful the first time. Maybe you didn't. Just do it.
Learn to count to 10.
This helps with the practice of patience.
Make a dance mix and have a dance party with your kids. (Teach them how to move like Jagger)
Just have some friggin' fun!
Take care of yourself.
You can't take care of everyone else when you are down for the count.
Take a mental health day.
Make people learn how important you are. So what if there are dirty socks...leave them...someone will pick them up...or trip on them and then wish that they had...let'm learn.
Sweat the wars, not the battles.
This one is for you Jax.
Play Barbies with your wee one.
No one plays pretend like Mommy...lemme show you Bean!
Remember how you learned, and how long it took you. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were manners...it'll happen...and you'll be surprised, but it. will. happen.
Happy New Year~
Peace out 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Good Choices and Bad Choices
Odin is learning to think for himself these days. The thing with him though is that you cannot ask him open-ended questions just yet. You cannot ask him what he wants for dinner; you must instead ask him which he would like for dinner? Choice A or Choice B?
Justin and I have recently learned that we can influence these decisions to benefit us, though Odin feels like he made the choice and so he happily goes along with what he chose. I don't know if it's because he always likes picking the last thing that he hears or if it's because he has the memory span of a goldfish. Either way it works.
Odin always picks the 2nd thing you list. It doesn't matter if you offer 2, 3, 6, or even 10 choices, it is always the second choice.
Odin, do you want a time out or apologize?
Apologize.
Odin, do you want to eat candy or zombie brains for dessert?
Zombie Brains.
Odin, do you want to apologize or a time out?
Time out.
Odin, do you want candy or corn?
Corn.
Always works, always.
I am, however, that one day this equation will fail me, but until then...let the parent inspired choices continue!!!
Justin and I have recently learned that we can influence these decisions to benefit us, though Odin feels like he made the choice and so he happily goes along with what he chose. I don't know if it's because he always likes picking the last thing that he hears or if it's because he has the memory span of a goldfish. Either way it works.
Odin always picks the 2nd thing you list. It doesn't matter if you offer 2, 3, 6, or even 10 choices, it is always the second choice.
Odin, do you want a time out or apologize?
Apologize.
Odin, do you want to eat candy or zombie brains for dessert?
Zombie Brains.
Odin, do you want to apologize or a time out?
Time out.
Odin, do you want candy or corn?
Corn.
Always works, always.
I am, however, that one day this equation will fail me, but until then...let the parent inspired choices continue!!!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Somber Thoughts
Been away for a bit, I needed a cyber break. We received word yesterday that a dear friend's daughter lost her battle with Cancer. It makes you think about everything you have and how much more we could appreciate the everyday battles. I cannot imagine what my friend is going through right now. I read her Obituary online today, and I had no idea how such a tiny person could touch so many people.
Like so many people, I met Hayley through her Mom's Facebook page. I watched her turn into a vivacious little girl. She was a beautiful cheerleader, a big cheeser, and a wonderful big sister. I watched her fight her cancer with grace and laughter. There wasn't a picture that I can remember in the last 2 years of her fight that she wasn't smiling. She showed amazing courage through the toughest fight of her life.
I do believe that there is a special place for her in the great beyond as much as I believe that her strength and courage will be remembered by all those that she touched. The world lost a fierce little girl, but it gained an example. No matter how tough things got for Ms. Hayley, she never stopped smiling, she never stopped loving.
I miss you Hayley Kudro. I wish I could be as strong as you are.
Like so many people, I met Hayley through her Mom's Facebook page. I watched her turn into a vivacious little girl. She was a beautiful cheerleader, a big cheeser, and a wonderful big sister. I watched her fight her cancer with grace and laughter. There wasn't a picture that I can remember in the last 2 years of her fight that she wasn't smiling. She showed amazing courage through the toughest fight of her life.
I do believe that there is a special place for her in the great beyond as much as I believe that her strength and courage will be remembered by all those that she touched. The world lost a fierce little girl, but it gained an example. No matter how tough things got for Ms. Hayley, she never stopped smiling, she never stopped loving.
I miss you Hayley Kudro. I wish I could be as strong as you are.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve, HOA Style
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Every creature was stirring, even that dern mouse.
The stockings were hung on the wall by Command,
In hopes that St Nicholas would soon make a stand...
The children were nestled all snug on the couch,
While visions of video games were mumbled through their mouths.
And mamma with her wine, and I in a haze,
Had just settled down to assemble a 4th bike craze.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains and broke through the glass.
The moon on the breast of the new-glazed frost
Gave the lustre of Vegas with how much the lights cost.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a purple tow truck, and the driver without fear.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment twasn't St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So down the rad the coursers they flew,
With the truck full of cars, but not mine, whew!
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the ground
The prancing and pawing of each little link.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the road the HOA President came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all glamoured with Glitter & GOLD
A bundle of fines he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how sour!
His cheeks were a blazen, his nose rotten with power!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he cackled, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right cranky old oaf,
And I laughed when I saw him, because of how he spoke!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the boxes, then turned like a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, twas my fine last that he chose!
He pointed at the grass, to his team gave a whistle,
And forward they all flew, with a ruler, straight like a missle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Every creature was stirring, even that dern mouse.
The stockings were hung on the wall by Command,
In hopes that St Nicholas would soon make a stand...
The children were nestled all snug on the couch,
While visions of video games were mumbled through their mouths.
And mamma with her wine, and I in a haze,
Had just settled down to assemble a 4th bike craze.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains and broke through the glass.
The moon on the breast of the new-glazed frost
Gave the lustre of Vegas with how much the lights cost.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a purple tow truck, and the driver without fear.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment twasn't St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So down the rad the coursers they flew,
With the truck full of cars, but not mine, whew!
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the ground
The prancing and pawing of each little link.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the road the HOA President came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all glamoured with Glitter & GOLD
A bundle of fines he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how sour!
His cheeks were a blazen, his nose rotten with power!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he cackled, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right cranky old oaf,
And I laughed when I saw him, because of how he spoke!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the boxes, then turned like a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, twas my fine last that he chose!
He pointed at the grass, to his team gave a whistle,
And forward they all flew, with a ruler, straight like a missle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Thursday, December 22, 2011
It's Been a Long Few Days
The past few days have been a personal struggle for me and many others in my circle. You don't really appreciate what you have until you realize that you could lose it. In the past few days we have had 1 piece of terrible news after another piece. It's almost been bad enough to make me want to curl up in a knot and never go back outside.
We are just a few days past what could have been Lenneth's first birthday, one of my best girl friends from high school is dealing with a terminally ill child that is Brenna's age, and another girl friend from high school lost her mom. These are all extraordinarily difficult things to deal with and have left me in a less than chipper mood to suit the season.
So please excuse the very brief post, but I need to hugs my kids and call my parents.
We are just a few days past what could have been Lenneth's first birthday, one of my best girl friends from high school is dealing with a terminally ill child that is Brenna's age, and another girl friend from high school lost her mom. These are all extraordinarily difficult things to deal with and have left me in a less than chipper mood to suit the season.
So please excuse the very brief post, but I need to hugs my kids and call my parents.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Keeping the Oldies Alive
Folks,
I have 4 words for you.
Gunnar.
Imitating.
Monty.
Python.
It was the most high-larious thing that I have ever seen.
We were in Target because I needed to even out some presents for the upcoming holiday season, and I turn around and Gunnar is taking a step and then raising his other knee. I asked what by chance he thought he was doing and he said I am practicing my Silly Walk for the man on TV...as he brings his knees together, folds his ankels in and starts waddling down the aisle with his hands flapping by his hips. And he was so serious and straight-faced. Again it was the most High-larious thing I have ever seen...and I've seen some things.
We came home soon after to which I bragged to Justin about our little shopping adventure. He was very proud of his son. Justin has been introducing all of the kids to the Monty Python as of late via the Netflix...it's nice to see that Gunnar was paying attention.
I have 4 words for you.
Gunnar.
Imitating.
Monty.
Python.
It was the most high-larious thing that I have ever seen.
We were in Target because I needed to even out some presents for the upcoming holiday season, and I turn around and Gunnar is taking a step and then raising his other knee. I asked what by chance he thought he was doing and he said I am practicing my Silly Walk for the man on TV...as he brings his knees together, folds his ankels in and starts waddling down the aisle with his hands flapping by his hips. And he was so serious and straight-faced. Again it was the most High-larious thing I have ever seen...and I've seen some things.
We came home soon after to which I bragged to Justin about our little shopping adventure. He was very proud of his son. Justin has been introducing all of the kids to the Monty Python as of late via the Netflix...it's nice to see that Gunnar was paying attention.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The thing with having BOYS close together...
We have 3 boys and 1 girl. Our beautiful daughter is 7. Our sons are 9,4, and 3. Now the 9 and the 7 are no picnic...don't get me wrong, the the 4 and 3 are terrible together.
They are both at that age where experimenting is key to learning so there is a constant cause and effect domino scenario going on in the house.
If I take this away from Gigi (4) what will happen to me (3)
Take the object away, Gigi hits Odin, Odin screams, Gigi slaps a hand over Odin's mouth to silence him, Odin licks Gigi's hand, Gigi screams, Odin hits Gigi, Gigi punches Odin in the belly, Odin yells...Mommy or Daddy (whoever is closer) steps in and separates.
If I spill Odin's drink what will happen?
Drink spills, tantrum ensues over spilled milk, Mommy or Daddy cleans up the milk, they go to pour more to find that there is not enough milk to cook dinner AND pour another cup for chocolate milk, decide dinner is more important...besides there is juice and water, full blown tantrum ensues, another drink is spilled.
The fights are a bit more entertaining, though one sided because of the size difference (around 20 lbs in the weight class).
They both know how to throw a punch
They both have learned how to evade each other's punches
The explanations of why they are fighting have become more imaginative
They are just separated enough in age that they don't enjoy doing the same things, but they want each other to do the same things
Gigi wants to play Bey Blades, but all Odin can do is say "Bey Blade, let it w(r)ip!"
Odin wants to play with his trains, but all Gigi wants to do is stack the tracks.
In both scenarios a fight ensues.
However, there are some positives...
I don't really have to pack up Gunnar's clothes because Odin will be wearing them the next season.
They really make having a dull moment impossible.
They tucker each other out.
They are close enough to learn from each other.
Don't get me wrong, if I had it all to do over again...knowing what I know, I still wouldn't change a thing, I just wish they could get along a bit better.
They are both at that age where experimenting is key to learning so there is a constant cause and effect domino scenario going on in the house.
If I take this away from Gigi (4) what will happen to me (3)
Take the object away, Gigi hits Odin, Odin screams, Gigi slaps a hand over Odin's mouth to silence him, Odin licks Gigi's hand, Gigi screams, Odin hits Gigi, Gigi punches Odin in the belly, Odin yells...Mommy or Daddy (whoever is closer) steps in and separates.
If I spill Odin's drink what will happen?
Drink spills, tantrum ensues over spilled milk, Mommy or Daddy cleans up the milk, they go to pour more to find that there is not enough milk to cook dinner AND pour another cup for chocolate milk, decide dinner is more important...besides there is juice and water, full blown tantrum ensues, another drink is spilled.
The fights are a bit more entertaining, though one sided because of the size difference (around 20 lbs in the weight class).
They both know how to throw a punch
They both have learned how to evade each other's punches
The explanations of why they are fighting have become more imaginative
They are just separated enough in age that they don't enjoy doing the same things, but they want each other to do the same things
Gigi wants to play Bey Blades, but all Odin can do is say "Bey Blade, let it w(r)ip!"
Odin wants to play with his trains, but all Gigi wants to do is stack the tracks.
In both scenarios a fight ensues.
However, there are some positives...
I don't really have to pack up Gunnar's clothes because Odin will be wearing them the next season.
They really make having a dull moment impossible.
They tucker each other out.
They are close enough to learn from each other.
Don't get me wrong, if I had it all to do over again...knowing what I know, I still wouldn't change a thing, I just wish they could get along a bit better.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Get in bed...Crap...are you ok?
Gunnar is busy perfecting the art of procrastinating upstairs. I can't even begin to count the number of times I have yelled up the stairs at the 3 older ones since they went up at 9:15...it's 9:49. Gunnar has come down to "pee" twice, tripped while "laying in bed" twice, and bit his tongue while "snoring."
As I was coming up with something witty to write about today, I heard a thud. So naturally, I assumed that someone was upstairs screwing around or jumping on the bed, I didn't even get up, I just shouted.
"Get in bed, close you ey...."
"I'm ok"
"What Happened"
"I went pee in your room."
"Well get in bed"
"I Can't"
"Why the bloody H not?!"
"I slipped in my pee, I missed the potty."
Face Palm.
As I was coming up with something witty to write about today, I heard a thud. So naturally, I assumed that someone was upstairs screwing around or jumping on the bed, I didn't even get up, I just shouted.
"Get in bed, close you ey...."
"I'm ok"
"What Happened"
"I went pee in your room."
"Well get in bed"
"I Can't"
"Why the bloody H not?!"
"I slipped in my pee, I missed the potty."
Face Palm.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Can I have a clip on for my nose....please?!
Potty Training. Or, as we call it...rearrange your life so you are no further than 10 feet from a potty suitable for me, parent training.
The GREAT THINGS we look to the distant future for:
Diaper Free Shopping Carts (First time in 10 years...eeeep)
No longer wondering what they ate as we hunch down on the floor trying to wipe a bum that is red with a rash because no one told Mommy that O pooped, least of all O.
Independence from the who died in your pants question.
No more Blow Outs!
Diaper Leak Free Nights!
Financial Independence from Pampers. Hahahahahahaha.....I really should have bought stock in Proctor and Gamble when we had the chance...that would have paid for itself.
The AWFUL THINGS facing us soon:
No you cannot pee in your pants...there is no diaper to catch it.
Buying stock in Febreeze (who manufactures this)
No you cannot Poop in your pants either.
The "Oh I forgot to use the potty" statement.
Wet hips.
Puddles inside public places.
The Drip from the bottom of grocery cart.
Laundry, from what should have been a diaper blow out, but you were wearing big kid pants, so that makes it 10 times worse.
Long car rides. Nuf said.
The NOT SO TERRIBLE, BUT STILL BAD THINGS in the not so distant future:
Sorting out the underwear of 4 males, 3 who wear character pants
The potty rush in line at the grocery store
Losing my baby, my last baby to big boy status =( ~ =) I am inbetween here...
Fact is this has been a long time coming. I am not really sure what I am going to do with all the extra time that I would normally have been changing a diaper...let along the extra 20-40 bucks a week saved on not buying diapers. I know they grow up fast, but I can't be out of this stage fast enough!
The GREAT THINGS we look to the distant future for:
Diaper Free Shopping Carts (First time in 10 years...eeeep)
No longer wondering what they ate as we hunch down on the floor trying to wipe a bum that is red with a rash because no one told Mommy that O pooped, least of all O.
Independence from the who died in your pants question.
No more Blow Outs!
Diaper Leak Free Nights!
Financial Independence from Pampers. Hahahahahahaha.....I really should have bought stock in Proctor and Gamble when we had the chance...that would have paid for itself.
The AWFUL THINGS facing us soon:
No you cannot pee in your pants...there is no diaper to catch it.
Buying stock in Febreeze (who manufactures this)
No you cannot Poop in your pants either.
The "Oh I forgot to use the potty" statement.
Wet hips.
Puddles inside public places.
The Drip from the bottom of grocery cart.
Laundry, from what should have been a diaper blow out, but you were wearing big kid pants, so that makes it 10 times worse.
Long car rides. Nuf said.
The NOT SO TERRIBLE, BUT STILL BAD THINGS in the not so distant future:
Sorting out the underwear of 4 males, 3 who wear character pants
The potty rush in line at the grocery store
Losing my baby, my last baby to big boy status =( ~ =) I am inbetween here...
Fact is this has been a long time coming. I am not really sure what I am going to do with all the extra time that I would normally have been changing a diaper...let along the extra 20-40 bucks a week saved on not buying diapers. I know they grow up fast, but I can't be out of this stage fast enough!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The dreaded phone call
Every weekend, my parents grant me a bit of peace and take 2-3 kids to their house for the weekend.
Every weekend, my parents and kids take the same route to and from our house to theirs and their house to ours.
Every weekend, my mom texts me when they reach Bealeton.
This weekend was no different. It was Odin's Birthday, and so my mom asked me if I was sure that I wanted her to take the kids. I said yes, because it would give Odin some alone time with Mommy and Daddy for his special birthday.
On Sunday, my mom texted me to say that they were passing through Bealeton, this is my cue to go downstairs and start to wake up a bit. Mom texted me at 10:15.
Samn called Justin's phone at 10:31, because I left mine upstairs and didn't hear it ring. Mom and Dad have been in an accident. Jaxom hit is head. They are being taken to Fauquier Hospital.
I feel my knees start to buckle, I turn on the GPS, Justin get's dressed, I put Odin in the car, I wait for Justin (he always takes forever) I facebook for good vibes (mostly because all I can think of is the worst). We are off. Gosh Darn IT!!! (BTW that is not really what I said) Why can't I ever remember to fill the gas. I don't want to stop for gas. Half way there, we have to stop for gas.
We get to the hospital about an hour later, that is outside of my seizure radius...who's looking though right? Where are my kids? Please where are they? Are they ok? Yes, I'm Mom. Why is his head taped to the carseat?
Hey guys! (Plaster smile, Hide the fear) How are you feeling?
The nurse answers for them. Pegasis is being discharged, that must be Gigi's name for the day. Good News...he's a true tank, not a scratch, strained muscle, nothing wrong with him. Brenna, we are worried about Brenna's belly, she has some fluid in there, it could be nothing, it could be blood, it could be bile we are going to have to take her for more testing. Jaxom, well he's in a bit worse shape, we are waiting for CT so we can get a clearer picture of his brain.
The rest is not nearly as entertaining, nor should it be published here as it entails the use of bedpans.
Long story short:
Gunnar : Built for this type of thing...not a mark on him. Despite being extra cuddly for the past few days, he is fine.
Brenna : Has some fluid around her belly, but she went back to school yesterday, they had a car safety demonstration in her honor. She loved it as she was the center of attention.
Jaxom : Truly is a bit worse for ware. He has a fractured sinus, free floating snot between his skull and skin and a nasty concussion. He too returned to school for a bit today, but since he can't do much, he was able to keep to himself for the most part.
Mom : A nasty bump on the head, a seatbelt burn, and she no longer has a yearning for a small car.
Dad : A strained back, few burns from the airbag, and out right soreness.
Me : A sense of terror, fear, lucky.
The police said they were lucky that my dad slammed on the brakes and they were in a big truck, if either of those things hadn't been in the equation, this could have ended a lot differently.
So love what you have today, because who knows what tomorrow brings.
Every weekend, my parents and kids take the same route to and from our house to theirs and their house to ours.
Every weekend, my mom texts me when they reach Bealeton.
This weekend was no different. It was Odin's Birthday, and so my mom asked me if I was sure that I wanted her to take the kids. I said yes, because it would give Odin some alone time with Mommy and Daddy for his special birthday.
On Sunday, my mom texted me to say that they were passing through Bealeton, this is my cue to go downstairs and start to wake up a bit. Mom texted me at 10:15.
Samn called Justin's phone at 10:31, because I left mine upstairs and didn't hear it ring. Mom and Dad have been in an accident. Jaxom hit is head. They are being taken to Fauquier Hospital.
I feel my knees start to buckle, I turn on the GPS, Justin get's dressed, I put Odin in the car, I wait for Justin (he always takes forever) I facebook for good vibes (mostly because all I can think of is the worst). We are off. Gosh Darn IT!!! (BTW that is not really what I said) Why can't I ever remember to fill the gas. I don't want to stop for gas. Half way there, we have to stop for gas.
We get to the hospital about an hour later, that is outside of my seizure radius...who's looking though right? Where are my kids? Please where are they? Are they ok? Yes, I'm Mom. Why is his head taped to the carseat?
Hey guys! (Plaster smile, Hide the fear) How are you feeling?
The nurse answers for them. Pegasis is being discharged, that must be Gigi's name for the day. Good News...he's a true tank, not a scratch, strained muscle, nothing wrong with him. Brenna, we are worried about Brenna's belly, she has some fluid in there, it could be nothing, it could be blood, it could be bile we are going to have to take her for more testing. Jaxom, well he's in a bit worse shape, we are waiting for CT so we can get a clearer picture of his brain.
The rest is not nearly as entertaining, nor should it be published here as it entails the use of bedpans.
Long story short:
Gunnar : Built for this type of thing...not a mark on him. Despite being extra cuddly for the past few days, he is fine.
Brenna : Has some fluid around her belly, but she went back to school yesterday, they had a car safety demonstration in her honor. She loved it as she was the center of attention.
Jaxom : Truly is a bit worse for ware. He has a fractured sinus, free floating snot between his skull and skin and a nasty concussion. He too returned to school for a bit today, but since he can't do much, he was able to keep to himself for the most part.
Mom : A nasty bump on the head, a seatbelt burn, and she no longer has a yearning for a small car.
Dad : A strained back, few burns from the airbag, and out right soreness.
Me : A sense of terror, fear, lucky.
The police said they were lucky that my dad slammed on the brakes and they were in a big truck, if either of those things hadn't been in the equation, this could have ended a lot differently.
So love what you have today, because who knows what tomorrow brings.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
All the Good One Day can Bring
The best things that happened on Odin's Birthday :
He made it to 3! If you had asked me 3 years ago if this day would come, I wouldn't have been so sure. I am so excited to see what this year has to hold for us.
Gunnar COMPLIMENTED me.
"Mommy, I can't look at you!"
"Why not G-ger's?"
"Because your beauty is blinding."
I don't know where he heard that one, but he can keep it. Not to worry though, it will probably get lost in my big chickenbutt, because his next compliment was that I am a chickenbutt.
Odin used the big boy potty all day. We bought him big kid pants and he didn't foul a single pair. We took him to Target today, and he asked to go use the big potty twice.
While Brenna didn't find the humor in Justin telling her to stop rolling her head because the house was shaking, my dad certainly did.
Finally,
Jaxom didn't whine from the moment he got off the bus until he left for his Nanna's house.
All in all it was a great cyber free day!
We ate a bit of cake, it was chocolate with sprinkles mixed in the batter as well as each layer of frosting. Odin got a kick out of it. I had also premade some Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cupcake Cookies for breakfast, mostly because they are super filling. 1 lasts for hours...before you know it, it's 3 in the afternoon and your still not hungry.
Odin unwrapped his gifts. We got him the Riddler for his and Gigi's Batman cave, as well as, several shirts since he was born off season from the others. He also received some new pants, a monster hat and mittens, and a Thomas the Train and railroad tracks. Thank goodness the train doesn't talk or whistle, because he have already replaced the batteries twice from it just going round and round in circles for hours.
To top it all off, he got some alone time with us because Mom took the other 3 for the weekend. We woke up this morning and had some breakfast, went shopping, and then we found out that Daddy's (Justin's) Presents are going to arrive really early, and since they are huge, and probably won't come in unmarked packaging...it will be an early Christmas for him.
3 is scary though...all of them have had the same 1's and 2's but 3 seems to be when they truly develop their personality's in our family...so let's see what we have in store!
He made it to 3! If you had asked me 3 years ago if this day would come, I wouldn't have been so sure. I am so excited to see what this year has to hold for us.
Gunnar COMPLIMENTED me.
"Mommy, I can't look at you!"
"Why not G-ger's?"
"Because your beauty is blinding."
I don't know where he heard that one, but he can keep it. Not to worry though, it will probably get lost in my big chickenbutt, because his next compliment was that I am a chickenbutt.
Odin used the big boy potty all day. We bought him big kid pants and he didn't foul a single pair. We took him to Target today, and he asked to go use the big potty twice.
While Brenna didn't find the humor in Justin telling her to stop rolling her head because the house was shaking, my dad certainly did.
Finally,
Jaxom didn't whine from the moment he got off the bus until he left for his Nanna's house.
All in all it was a great cyber free day!
We ate a bit of cake, it was chocolate with sprinkles mixed in the batter as well as each layer of frosting. Odin got a kick out of it. I had also premade some Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cupcake Cookies for breakfast, mostly because they are super filling. 1 lasts for hours...before you know it, it's 3 in the afternoon and your still not hungry.
Odin unwrapped his gifts. We got him the Riddler for his and Gigi's Batman cave, as well as, several shirts since he was born off season from the others. He also received some new pants, a monster hat and mittens, and a Thomas the Train and railroad tracks. Thank goodness the train doesn't talk or whistle, because he have already replaced the batteries twice from it just going round and round in circles for hours.
To top it all off, he got some alone time with us because Mom took the other 3 for the weekend. We woke up this morning and had some breakfast, went shopping, and then we found out that Daddy's (Justin's) Presents are going to arrive really early, and since they are huge, and probably won't come in unmarked packaging...it will be an early Christmas for him.
3 is scary though...all of them have had the same 1's and 2's but 3 seems to be when they truly develop their personality's in our family...so let's see what we have in store!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
3 Years
3 years ago tomorrow, my baby was born. Childbirth was nothing new to me...it had happened 3 times before, and having the aversion to tardiness that I do, my body delivered a preemie for the 4th time. I remember a lot about the morning that he was born. I remember being sent home from the hospital that evening, and even though the contractions were getting stronger and closer together, I wasn't going back to be admitted again so I waited. I waited until I couldn't bear the pain anymore. We left for the hospital at 4:52 am. I remember the nurse looking at me with a surprised look saying, "There's going to be a bay for you today!" I remember getting hooked up to the monitors, and wanting nothing more than to go to sleep or at the very least get some drugs, but there was no time I was 6cm and my water was ready to rupture. At 5:07 am my water broke, same as the woman next door...the race was on.
5:16 am I was ready to push. This delivery was a bit different, I remember screaming at my not so favorite OB in the practice that something didn't feel right, I remember cursing, I remember reaching for my husbands hand, but only getting his wrist (smartest move he claims to have ever made). I couldn't figure out why it hurt so bad, and this was my 4th NATURAL childbirth. He arrived face up, forehead first, there was no cone...just face...
At 5:26 am I saw him for the first time, only I remember thinking he didn't look like a Thor Saren, so Justin and I fell back on our 2nd choice, and it fit. At 5:26 am on December 2, 2008, we named our 4 lb. 13 oz. baby boy Odin Grey. He was cleaned and swaddled, and he was placed in my arms for the first time.
I remember looking into his beautiful slate blue eyes and falling in love with this baby, who from how much it hurt, I could have sworn would have weighed more.
He didn't cry, he tried to nurse, but he was new to this so we just stared at each other while Justin called everyone, and then called to check on the other 3 who were still asleep at home. For an hour we stared.
At a bit past 6 am the nursery team came into take him to get cleaned up and have a once over. They told me that we would get settled in and they would have him to me within the hour.
At 8 I started getting nervous. I begged Justin to go check, the Post partum nurse came in but never came back with an update, she just told me to rest that someone would be in shortly, or the last time she said that she would check again, but she didn't come back.
At 11:56 the NICU doctor came in, without my baby boy. She sat on the bed, and she told me what happened. They were taking his blood for newborn testing, he was in the warmer, he was kicking and crying like normal. Then, she said, he started to grunt, and then he turned blue, and then he stopped breathing. I'm not sure what was said after that, because I used up the rest of my energy sobbing. What had happened to my baby. Why wasn't he breathing? Was it something that I had done? Was he going to make it through the day? What was I going to tell the kids?
I was allowed to go see him at 1:30 that afternoon, I am still not sure if it was because they were ready for the sobbing mom, or because they just needed me to stop pestering them. He was on a warmer table, nothing but a diaper on, an oxygen hood over his head. I couldn't stand up. I knew it was ok to touch him, but I was terrified, so I stared.
I don't remember Justin taking me back to my room, but he did. I don't remember getting into the hospital bed, but I did.
After 6 hours, I went back. On my own steam this time, and it drained me. I went to his bed, where the second shift doctor explained to me that he had stopped breathing again so they needed to put him on CPAP and Surfactant to keep his lungs inflated and air flowing. I sat down and all I could do was cry. It wasn't a my hormones are all out of whack cry, it was a cry of terror. I was overwhelmed with emotion and uncertainty. At this point Justin was in the room hacking with a terrible cold, so he wasn't allowed back in the NICU until he was well for 48 hours, how was I going to explain all this to him? Was he ever going to hold his son? What was going to happen? The doctors weren't giving us much hope because they couldn't figure out what was wrong or why this was happening to him. They were pumping him full of antibiotics because there was a tiny spot of something in his lungs on his X-ray, but they didn't think what ever it was should have effected him that much. We were just going to have to wait and see.
Leaving him that time was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. But I had to do it. I wasn't any good to him thinking of the worse, I wasn't helping him rest by sobbing, and I certainly wasn't winning any popularity contests with the nurses. It was the longest walk of my life from the NICU to my room, and this time I remember every agonizing step.
I set my alarm for every hour on the hour so as not to miss any updates, the doctors will not wake you for an update. I pumped every 3rd hour, I had to think that eventually he was going to need to eat, he was going to make it through this and when he did, he would need my milk. It kept me distracted.
At 7am the nurses were optimistic since he had made it through the night. Clear headed I could see everything that he was attached to. The tube down his throat to help him breathe. The IV in his tiny little arm, and the one is his teeny little foot. The 3 leads that monitored his heart and his individual breaths. The little foot glowing for the line that measured the oxygen in his blood. The mask over his eyes to induce rest. I asked for an update, but after 3 hours and not seeing the doctor, I realized no news is good news in times like this, so I kissed his hand for the first time and told him I loved him. I needed to eat so I went back to the quiet room to order lunch and get some rest.
I went back every 2 hours that day. I set my alarm to wake every hour on the hour again that night. I went home the next day. I had only 1 visitor, my mom, but I think she got tired of the crying and she had to back to work. 4th babies are nothing new, and no one knows how to comfort a mom that is leaving without her baby, it was probably better that way.
I had done the NICU experience before, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult with the 3 others at home. It was truly exhausting, going back every 3 hours, waking every 2 at night to pump, agonizing to be away when Justin had to go back to work.
After 3 days, they took him off the Surfactant. At 5 he was off the ventilator all together, the worst was behind us. His Aunt Beki was the first person other than me to hold him when we snuck her into the NICU on the 6th night.
On day 14 he came home. New terrors came with that, what if something went wrong in the middle of the night? There would be no monitors to catch it. What if one of the kids got him sick? What would happen then? I was a barrel of nerves his first week home, more so than I was with any of the other 3.
Fast forward to today and we have had 3 years that we didn't think we would have when he was just a few hours old. There have been lasting effects from everything that saved his life. He is deaf in one ear because he lacks the proper structure for his nerve to function because of the combination of antibiotics. His teeth are weaker from the Surfactant that penetrates down in the gums, so he will forever have to be weary of getting his in the mouth. He has a bit of a developmental delay from the combination of being born early and lack of oxygen, but he is quickly compensating for the delay, and we are hoping that at his check up it will not longer be a huge issue.
I may not always express how much I truly care about and love my kids as I vent about everything they do, but I am thankful for every day that I have had with each and every one of them. So as I complete this blog, I want to remind everyone that I truly believe that my "Obie Ray" deserves all the attention in the world on his birthday because every single one of them is special to us because he came so close to only having the origional. I will be stepping off and out of the digital realm for the 2nd of December to celebrate and give thanks. I will let you all know how it went on Saturday!
Goodnight and good wishes.
5:16 am I was ready to push. This delivery was a bit different, I remember screaming at my not so favorite OB in the practice that something didn't feel right, I remember cursing, I remember reaching for my husbands hand, but only getting his wrist (smartest move he claims to have ever made). I couldn't figure out why it hurt so bad, and this was my 4th NATURAL childbirth. He arrived face up, forehead first, there was no cone...just face...
At 5:26 am I saw him for the first time, only I remember thinking he didn't look like a Thor Saren, so Justin and I fell back on our 2nd choice, and it fit. At 5:26 am on December 2, 2008, we named our 4 lb. 13 oz. baby boy Odin Grey. He was cleaned and swaddled, and he was placed in my arms for the first time.
I remember looking into his beautiful slate blue eyes and falling in love with this baby, who from how much it hurt, I could have sworn would have weighed more.
He didn't cry, he tried to nurse, but he was new to this so we just stared at each other while Justin called everyone, and then called to check on the other 3 who were still asleep at home. For an hour we stared.
At a bit past 6 am the nursery team came into take him to get cleaned up and have a once over. They told me that we would get settled in and they would have him to me within the hour.
At 8 I started getting nervous. I begged Justin to go check, the Post partum nurse came in but never came back with an update, she just told me to rest that someone would be in shortly, or the last time she said that she would check again, but she didn't come back.
At 11:56 the NICU doctor came in, without my baby boy. She sat on the bed, and she told me what happened. They were taking his blood for newborn testing, he was in the warmer, he was kicking and crying like normal. Then, she said, he started to grunt, and then he turned blue, and then he stopped breathing. I'm not sure what was said after that, because I used up the rest of my energy sobbing. What had happened to my baby. Why wasn't he breathing? Was it something that I had done? Was he going to make it through the day? What was I going to tell the kids?
I was allowed to go see him at 1:30 that afternoon, I am still not sure if it was because they were ready for the sobbing mom, or because they just needed me to stop pestering them. He was on a warmer table, nothing but a diaper on, an oxygen hood over his head. I couldn't stand up. I knew it was ok to touch him, but I was terrified, so I stared.
I don't remember Justin taking me back to my room, but he did. I don't remember getting into the hospital bed, but I did.
After 6 hours, I went back. On my own steam this time, and it drained me. I went to his bed, where the second shift doctor explained to me that he had stopped breathing again so they needed to put him on CPAP and Surfactant to keep his lungs inflated and air flowing. I sat down and all I could do was cry. It wasn't a my hormones are all out of whack cry, it was a cry of terror. I was overwhelmed with emotion and uncertainty. At this point Justin was in the room hacking with a terrible cold, so he wasn't allowed back in the NICU until he was well for 48 hours, how was I going to explain all this to him? Was he ever going to hold his son? What was going to happen? The doctors weren't giving us much hope because they couldn't figure out what was wrong or why this was happening to him. They were pumping him full of antibiotics because there was a tiny spot of something in his lungs on his X-ray, but they didn't think what ever it was should have effected him that much. We were just going to have to wait and see.
Leaving him that time was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. But I had to do it. I wasn't any good to him thinking of the worse, I wasn't helping him rest by sobbing, and I certainly wasn't winning any popularity contests with the nurses. It was the longest walk of my life from the NICU to my room, and this time I remember every agonizing step.
I set my alarm for every hour on the hour so as not to miss any updates, the doctors will not wake you for an update. I pumped every 3rd hour, I had to think that eventually he was going to need to eat, he was going to make it through this and when he did, he would need my milk. It kept me distracted.
At 7am the nurses were optimistic since he had made it through the night. Clear headed I could see everything that he was attached to. The tube down his throat to help him breathe. The IV in his tiny little arm, and the one is his teeny little foot. The 3 leads that monitored his heart and his individual breaths. The little foot glowing for the line that measured the oxygen in his blood. The mask over his eyes to induce rest. I asked for an update, but after 3 hours and not seeing the doctor, I realized no news is good news in times like this, so I kissed his hand for the first time and told him I loved him. I needed to eat so I went back to the quiet room to order lunch and get some rest.
I went back every 2 hours that day. I set my alarm to wake every hour on the hour again that night. I went home the next day. I had only 1 visitor, my mom, but I think she got tired of the crying and she had to back to work. 4th babies are nothing new, and no one knows how to comfort a mom that is leaving without her baby, it was probably better that way.
I had done the NICU experience before, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult with the 3 others at home. It was truly exhausting, going back every 3 hours, waking every 2 at night to pump, agonizing to be away when Justin had to go back to work.
After 3 days, they took him off the Surfactant. At 5 he was off the ventilator all together, the worst was behind us. His Aunt Beki was the first person other than me to hold him when we snuck her into the NICU on the 6th night.
On day 14 he came home. New terrors came with that, what if something went wrong in the middle of the night? There would be no monitors to catch it. What if one of the kids got him sick? What would happen then? I was a barrel of nerves his first week home, more so than I was with any of the other 3.
Fast forward to today and we have had 3 years that we didn't think we would have when he was just a few hours old. There have been lasting effects from everything that saved his life. He is deaf in one ear because he lacks the proper structure for his nerve to function because of the combination of antibiotics. His teeth are weaker from the Surfactant that penetrates down in the gums, so he will forever have to be weary of getting his in the mouth. He has a bit of a developmental delay from the combination of being born early and lack of oxygen, but he is quickly compensating for the delay, and we are hoping that at his check up it will not longer be a huge issue.
I may not always express how much I truly care about and love my kids as I vent about everything they do, but I am thankful for every day that I have had with each and every one of them. So as I complete this blog, I want to remind everyone that I truly believe that my "Obie Ray" deserves all the attention in the world on his birthday because every single one of them is special to us because he came so close to only having the origional. I will be stepping off and out of the digital realm for the 2nd of December to celebrate and give thanks. I will let you all know how it went on Saturday!
Goodnight and good wishes.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
I am the parent
I am the parent that...
Leaves for work as soon as the kids are on the bus.
Sometimes misses the bus because I have to be at work early.
Can't get the kids off the bus, because I am at work.
I am the parent that...
Realizes that she is not perfect.
Has their kids do chores.
No longer strives for perfection.
I am the parent that...
Gets frustrated with the kids for not listening.
Thinks of new ways for the kids to experience consequences.
Knows when to walk away.
I am all of these things and more. I freely admit it. I leave a lot to be desired by some people's standards, but you know what?
My kids are learning right from wrong, without me smacking them around.
My kids have a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, and love in their hearts.
My kids don't really want for anything outside of reason.
My kids are unique and think for themselves.
My kids are smart without trying, and trying to learn out to apply themselves so they learn more.
In the beginning it's hard to understand that one day they will have to function without you, and every fiber of your being is screaming to help them. The reality is that we can't be there all the time, and one day they will be on their own. I have made the choice to work, the choice for them to pitch in at home. Is it wrong? I don't know. Is it right? I don't know. What I do know is, this works for my family. It might not work for your family, but I do know one huge thing about the future...
My boys will know how to do laundry...and that will make whomever they choose to spend the rest of their lives with...love me just a little bit more.
Leaves for work as soon as the kids are on the bus.
Sometimes misses the bus because I have to be at work early.
Can't get the kids off the bus, because I am at work.
I am the parent that...
Realizes that she is not perfect.
Has their kids do chores.
No longer strives for perfection.
I am the parent that...
Gets frustrated with the kids for not listening.
Thinks of new ways for the kids to experience consequences.
Knows when to walk away.
I am all of these things and more. I freely admit it. I leave a lot to be desired by some people's standards, but you know what?
My kids are learning right from wrong, without me smacking them around.
My kids have a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, and love in their hearts.
My kids don't really want for anything outside of reason.
My kids are unique and think for themselves.
My kids are smart without trying, and trying to learn out to apply themselves so they learn more.
In the beginning it's hard to understand that one day they will have to function without you, and every fiber of your being is screaming to help them. The reality is that we can't be there all the time, and one day they will be on their own. I have made the choice to work, the choice for them to pitch in at home. Is it wrong? I don't know. Is it right? I don't know. What I do know is, this works for my family. It might not work for your family, but I do know one huge thing about the future...
My boys will know how to do laundry...and that will make whomever they choose to spend the rest of their lives with...love me just a little bit more.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Accomplishments and Reactions ( A.K.A. Cause and Effect)
Accomplishment :
The TV has yet to be turned on today...there were no video games, no DVD's, no Blu-Rays...not even the blue screen. And before it's asked we don't have cable, satellite or antennae. So this is a real, honest to goodness, accomplishment.
The Reaction :
2 Trips to 7-11, once for the kids to get loaded up on junk food ( =*( ) and drinks, the second for Mommy's sanity. Total of the trips $17.84 (even bigger sad face).
The Secondary Reaction :
Look what I can do, and I can do it better...Mommy's favorite games where someone always gets hurt. 911, do you have stand by?
Accomplishment :
They all sat at the dinner table and ate all their food together. Why? Because we were showing off our manners (or lack there of for some) for our Gammy.Normally there is at least 8 trips to and from the dinner table, no one ever finishes at the same time because I'm not interesting.
The Reaction :
3 Bathrooms and 4 kids that all need to go at the same time. Hope all the feral cats in the neighborhood got out of the sewers on time.
The Secondary Reaction :
Because Gunnar got to the bathrooms last (shocking, I know) he got innovative and peed in the tub while Bean was using the toilet.
The Third Reaction :
Brenna squealed, so Gunnar rubbed the tub, then rubbed Brenna with said hand.
{SIGH}
So the lesson here? I'm not really sure, but I do know that I will take the same, old mundane things over the epic accomplishments that always lead to trouble. The Yin Yang effect, Karma, the saving up all the bad for one big blow. I'd rather there be 8 trips to the table instead of 3 simultaneously clogged toilets and substances being rubbed on siblings. I'd rather them watch a bit of TV then risk a trip to the ER from the I can jump closer to the tv stand with out it falling over on me.
The TV has yet to be turned on today...there were no video games, no DVD's, no Blu-Rays...not even the blue screen. And before it's asked we don't have cable, satellite or antennae. So this is a real, honest to goodness, accomplishment.
The Reaction :
2 Trips to 7-11, once for the kids to get loaded up on junk food ( =*( ) and drinks, the second for Mommy's sanity. Total of the trips $17.84 (even bigger sad face).
The Secondary Reaction :
Look what I can do, and I can do it better...Mommy's favorite games where someone always gets hurt. 911, do you have stand by?
Accomplishment :
They all sat at the dinner table and ate all their food together. Why? Because we were showing off our manners (or lack there of for some) for our Gammy.Normally there is at least 8 trips to and from the dinner table, no one ever finishes at the same time because I'm not interesting.
The Reaction :
3 Bathrooms and 4 kids that all need to go at the same time. Hope all the feral cats in the neighborhood got out of the sewers on time.
The Secondary Reaction :
Because Gunnar got to the bathrooms last (shocking, I know) he got innovative and peed in the tub while Bean was using the toilet.
The Third Reaction :
Brenna squealed, so Gunnar rubbed the tub, then rubbed Brenna with said hand.
{SIGH}
So the lesson here? I'm not really sure, but I do know that I will take the same, old mundane things over the epic accomplishments that always lead to trouble. The Yin Yang effect, Karma, the saving up all the bad for one big blow. I'd rather there be 8 trips to the table instead of 3 simultaneously clogged toilets and substances being rubbed on siblings. I'd rather them watch a bit of TV then risk a trip to the ER from the I can jump closer to the tv stand with out it falling over on me.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday Night Crash
Soooo...where to start? The good news? The bad news? The horrible news?
Let's change things up and start with the good...you are reading a sponsored blog? Whah??? That's right. I am being sponsored to write on a probationary status, I get paid for my hits...so pass it along. If I can continue to achieve to receive 500+ hits weekly, then I will begin to earn a paycheck for venting about my (lack of) parenting skills...and the wonderful life living with 4 very interesting kids is.
We also still have leftovers from what was supposed to be our second family Thanksgiving, that the other side of the family failed to show up to...along with some other stuff. But this is supposed to be the good stuff. We made a famously delicious Stuffing Casserole tonight...Super Easy and the kids went back for seconds on the vegetables, so win!
The bad news...
The Sunday Night Meltdown has begun. Jaxom is officially restricted from doing anything fun. He trashed his sister's room...I have heard about being starved for attention, but this is ridiculous. His punishment tonight is that he is doing everyone's chores. Everyone elses chores includes putting away clothes, mopping the floor, doing the dishes, and cleaning the downstairs bathroom (that's the worst because everyone uses that one). Brenna is icing her arm because Gunnar closed her arm in the bedroom door, because I said no gum...and Odin, well he learned the catch phrases of "Get it?" and "Oh. My. God." tonight. Yay me. The brighter side, it will get old and there are no younger ones to follow so it will be over soon.
The awful...
Tomorrow is Monday, and I have to go back to work. I think that is part of the reason that Gunnar is stomping around, he hares it when I leave in the morning...the leaving routine is pretty rough...I always try to sneak out before he wakes up, he seems to notice less then, but it doesn't always quite work out so we get stuck with the sobbing good byes, the one more hugs, I want a kiss...ok now Mommy is running late routine. But he loves me...Upside. =)
I am super excited to be getting paid to rant, the money that we could earn will go towards buying a place where we don't live on top of each other...preferably far far away in a land of magic, where children do their chores, they never argue, Mom's can go to work on time and guilt free...but until then...keep your eyes posted and your lips buzzing. I really hope that this works out.
Let's change things up and start with the good...you are reading a sponsored blog? Whah??? That's right. I am being sponsored to write on a probationary status, I get paid for my hits...so pass it along. If I can continue to achieve to receive 500+ hits weekly, then I will begin to earn a paycheck for venting about my (lack of) parenting skills...and the wonderful life living with 4 very interesting kids is.
We also still have leftovers from what was supposed to be our second family Thanksgiving, that the other side of the family failed to show up to...along with some other stuff. But this is supposed to be the good stuff. We made a famously delicious Stuffing Casserole tonight...Super Easy and the kids went back for seconds on the vegetables, so win!
The bad news...
The Sunday Night Meltdown has begun. Jaxom is officially restricted from doing anything fun. He trashed his sister's room...I have heard about being starved for attention, but this is ridiculous. His punishment tonight is that he is doing everyone's chores. Everyone elses chores includes putting away clothes, mopping the floor, doing the dishes, and cleaning the downstairs bathroom (that's the worst because everyone uses that one). Brenna is icing her arm because Gunnar closed her arm in the bedroom door, because I said no gum...and Odin, well he learned the catch phrases of "Get it?" and "Oh. My. God." tonight. Yay me. The brighter side, it will get old and there are no younger ones to follow so it will be over soon.
The awful...
Tomorrow is Monday, and I have to go back to work. I think that is part of the reason that Gunnar is stomping around, he hares it when I leave in the morning...the leaving routine is pretty rough...I always try to sneak out before he wakes up, he seems to notice less then, but it doesn't always quite work out so we get stuck with the sobbing good byes, the one more hugs, I want a kiss...ok now Mommy is running late routine. But he loves me...Upside. =)
I am super excited to be getting paid to rant, the money that we could earn will go towards buying a place where we don't live on top of each other...preferably far far away in a land of magic, where children do their chores, they never argue, Mom's can go to work on time and guilt free...but until then...keep your eyes posted and your lips buzzing. I really hope that this works out.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Many Things We are Thankful For
We are thankful for:
3 mg Melatonin Tablets - They have been giving Gunnar, and in turn Mommy and Daddy, blissful sleep since we found out about his sleeping disorder.
Auto-Play on Hulu+ - Don't get me wrong, DVD's and Blu-Rays are great, however, you do have to push a button for them to play. Auto Play + Blue's Clues = Pure Awesome, there are no ackward whines about how the movie stopped, just continuous silence
Mommy's ability to Couponize - without this talent, Thanksgiving for the 6 of us would have cost approximately $345 instead of the $78 Mommy paid. Here's to avoiding bankruptcy 1 rectangular piece of paper at a time!
Noise Canceling Headphones - Now Mommy can watch her stories without having to listen to the bickering...without them...I would have never known that Natalie's paternity test was switched and Nattie and John would have never been able to love each other proper.
Plastic Shrink Wrap - Our windows leak like a sinking ship...there is nothing more entertaining than watching the kids flip out when a gust of wind inflates the plastic and makes the mini blinds down stairs flap forward. We call this act Santa's Breath...it's what happens when Santa thinks about not delivering presents because someone is misbehaving...works...well most of the time.
Nana and Poppa Weekends! - Thanks for the break Mom and Dad, my house and sanity really thank you.
But, most of all, I am thankful for my 4 mostly behaved and awesomely unique kids. I have come to accept that it's better that they behave in public rather than at home, they are more like me than I'd like to admit, and nothing works the same on all of them. They are a constant adventure that keeps me active, though not always cheerfully happy (especially at 4 am), on my toes, and on top of my game. They somehow manage to make me learn something new everyday like the lost art of Knock Knock Jokes, just how sticky Duct Tape is, how to get peas out of ones nose without going to the ER, my max patience level, how boogers taste, and what a Chicken Butt is. Without my kids I would have a dull ordinary life...and what fun that would be...I mean what fun would that be?
3 mg Melatonin Tablets - They have been giving Gunnar, and in turn Mommy and Daddy, blissful sleep since we found out about his sleeping disorder.
Auto-Play on Hulu+ - Don't get me wrong, DVD's and Blu-Rays are great, however, you do have to push a button for them to play. Auto Play + Blue's Clues = Pure Awesome, there are no ackward whines about how the movie stopped, just continuous silence
Mommy's ability to Couponize - without this talent, Thanksgiving for the 6 of us would have cost approximately $345 instead of the $78 Mommy paid. Here's to avoiding bankruptcy 1 rectangular piece of paper at a time!
Noise Canceling Headphones - Now Mommy can watch her stories without having to listen to the bickering...without them...I would have never known that Natalie's paternity test was switched and Nattie and John would have never been able to love each other proper.
Plastic Shrink Wrap - Our windows leak like a sinking ship...there is nothing more entertaining than watching the kids flip out when a gust of wind inflates the plastic and makes the mini blinds down stairs flap forward. We call this act Santa's Breath...it's what happens when Santa thinks about not delivering presents because someone is misbehaving...works...well most of the time.
Nana and Poppa Weekends! - Thanks for the break Mom and Dad, my house and sanity really thank you.
But, most of all, I am thankful for my 4 mostly behaved and awesomely unique kids. I have come to accept that it's better that they behave in public rather than at home, they are more like me than I'd like to admit, and nothing works the same on all of them. They are a constant adventure that keeps me active, though not always cheerfully happy (especially at 4 am), on my toes, and on top of my game. They somehow manage to make me learn something new everyday like the lost art of Knock Knock Jokes, just how sticky Duct Tape is, how to get peas out of ones nose without going to the ER, my max patience level, how boogers taste, and what a Chicken Butt is. Without my kids I would have a dull ordinary life...and what fun that would be...I mean what fun would that be?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I want to go outside
I have 4 children, 4 very different children, all complete with very distinct personalities. As I sit here listening to Gunnar's ear piercing "I want to go outside!" scream, I realize that while I am not that thankful for how different they all are...but one day I might be.
Gunnar is going to be taking a time out from the outside for a while, because, well...he keeps hitting the neighbors 6 year old (who is dwarfed by Gunnar) with a stick.
Why does he do it? Because this 6 year old boy wants to be Brenna's boyfriend. And this kid is stalker-ish about it. He follows her around, has taken to singing Bieber to her, forces kids out of the seat on the bus to sit with her. Apparently, Gunnar doesn't like it when Brenna receives the lovey dovey attention from any boy, unfortunately...he does not discriminate against who he hits with a stick.
And while I am quite upset with the fact that he can't keep himself from being violent with the other boys in the neighborhood...secretly, deep down...I know that I have the best honor defending brother around for when Brenna starts to reciprocate some of these feelings towards boys.
Gunnar is going to be taking a time out from the outside for a while, because, well...he keeps hitting the neighbors 6 year old (who is dwarfed by Gunnar) with a stick.
Why does he do it? Because this 6 year old boy wants to be Brenna's boyfriend. And this kid is stalker-ish about it. He follows her around, has taken to singing Bieber to her, forces kids out of the seat on the bus to sit with her. Apparently, Gunnar doesn't like it when Brenna receives the lovey dovey attention from any boy, unfortunately...he does not discriminate against who he hits with a stick.
And while I am quite upset with the fact that he can't keep himself from being violent with the other boys in the neighborhood...secretly, deep down...I know that I have the best honor defending brother around for when Brenna starts to reciprocate some of these feelings towards boys.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Evil Mom Genius =)
I gave up on loosing my schmidt approximately 4 days ago...yep one day after I resolved not to loose it...can't teach this mom new tricks. The kids were thrown for a loop on Sunday with the schmidt-less routine so they started figuring out more clever ways to get me to loose it...and they won.
I have spent the past 3 days on a relative strike, trying to find a way to regain my schmidt and, sadly, outwit the little stinkers. This means :
I have not washed a single thing in the washing machine that has not physically touched an part of me (other than my hands)
I have not swept the floor under the kitchen table
I have not loaded the dishwasher
nor have I emptied the dishwasher
I have not nagged about chores
Instead I cultivated all the time I saved not cleaning up after anyone but myself and put it towards the perfect non violent punishment that I could come up with that would literally make them think twice about making me loose my schmidt on a daily basis...and it worked teehee.
Directly after Justin left for work this evening, Brenna and Gunnar got into a knock down drag out fight/spit war over computer time. I had had it with the bickering so I decided to take a test run on the 2 hard headed children that reside in my home (that currently has a dust cloud not unlike the one that kid in Charlie Brown had because of all the non cleaning).
Step 1 :
Hands on hips
Step 2 :
Right foot slightly askew.
Step 3 :
Stretch out neck
Step 4 :
Limber up the head wobble
Step 5 :
Clear throat (in an attention grabbing way)
Step 6 :
Call their respective names using my father's patented tried and true I mean business tone.
Step 7 :
Wait for their head to snap around as they freeze because they have inexplicably been caught.
Step 8 :
Point upstairs
Step 9 :
Demand they go upstairs and sit on 1 person's bed (this is key to several steps to follow)
Step 10 :
Reiterate that they may not go to separate beds but the one that I told them to go to
Step 11 :
Wait 2 minutes
Step 12 :
Head upstairs (this fills their minds with thoughts of being able to come downstairs because time out is over)
Step 13 :
Open the door that has been slammed shut so that they can have time to jump on the bed unseen as you come up the creaky stairs
Step 14 :
Look them in the eye and tell them that they need to face each other
Step 15 :
Smile as they lean in to hug each other thinking that this is a tactic that mom has used before, and if we are complacent she will let us come downstairs because we took the initiative to show her that we "love" each other.
Step 16 :
Explain matter of factly that they don't get off that easy
Step 17 :
Watch the pouty face spread across their dumbstruck faces as they realize that you can't be easily manipulated tonight (you will hear a silent sigh)
Step 18 :
Narrow your eyes
Step 19 :
Explain the rules of the punishment
1 You will face each other
2 You will not close the door
3 You will smile at each other
4 You will silently think of 3 things you like about each other
5 You will not come downstairs until you are done...and I don't care if it takes all night
Step 20 :
Wait
Now as you go downstairs to engulf the silence you need to prepare yourself that one will think of 3 things before the other does and in order to make this fair...they will have to stay together until they both think of something they like about each other.
Step 21 :
Send the person that finished back upstairs until the other person thinks of 3 things as well.
Now you will hear teamwork...and for this particular experiment it was priceless. Brenna went back upstairs and listed off the things that she liked about herself and instructed her brother to pick 3 from her list of I am beautiful, I smell nice, I like pink, I am a girl, and I go to school. Gunnar promptly crushed her ego by telling her that those were stupid.
It took 90 minutes for them to settle their differences.
Brenna likes that her brother protects her, plays Mommy Daddy with her, and keeps her from being bored when she gets in trouble.
Gunnar settled on liking that his sister is pretty, doesn't have stinky feet, and that she sings like a girl.
I allowed them to sit down to eat dinner, when Jaxom and Brenna got into it...to which all I had to do was warn them that for every time they fight from now on...I am making them not only think of NEW things they like about each other but I am tacking on 2 more things so instead of 3 it will be 5, then 7, then 9, and so on.
Dinner was quiet. It was awesome.
As we cleared the table, Gunnar came over and he hugged me. I asked him what it was for, he said it was because he liked 3 things about me. And I dared to ask. He said that he like that I am Evil, his Mom, and a Genius.
That made me proud.
I have spent the past 3 days on a relative strike, trying to find a way to regain my schmidt and, sadly, outwit the little stinkers. This means :
I have not washed a single thing in the washing machine that has not physically touched an part of me (other than my hands)
I have not swept the floor under the kitchen table
I have not loaded the dishwasher
nor have I emptied the dishwasher
I have not nagged about chores
Instead I cultivated all the time I saved not cleaning up after anyone but myself and put it towards the perfect non violent punishment that I could come up with that would literally make them think twice about making me loose my schmidt on a daily basis...and it worked teehee.
Directly after Justin left for work this evening, Brenna and Gunnar got into a knock down drag out fight/spit war over computer time. I had had it with the bickering so I decided to take a test run on the 2 hard headed children that reside in my home (that currently has a dust cloud not unlike the one that kid in Charlie Brown had because of all the non cleaning).
Step 1 :
Hands on hips
Step 2 :
Right foot slightly askew.
Step 3 :
Stretch out neck
Step 4 :
Limber up the head wobble
Step 5 :
Clear throat (in an attention grabbing way)
Step 6 :
Call their respective names using my father's patented tried and true I mean business tone.
Step 7 :
Wait for their head to snap around as they freeze because they have inexplicably been caught.
Step 8 :
Point upstairs
Step 9 :
Demand they go upstairs and sit on 1 person's bed (this is key to several steps to follow)
Step 10 :
Reiterate that they may not go to separate beds but the one that I told them to go to
Step 11 :
Wait 2 minutes
Step 12 :
Head upstairs (this fills their minds with thoughts of being able to come downstairs because time out is over)
Step 13 :
Open the door that has been slammed shut so that they can have time to jump on the bed unseen as you come up the creaky stairs
Step 14 :
Look them in the eye and tell them that they need to face each other
Step 15 :
Smile as they lean in to hug each other thinking that this is a tactic that mom has used before, and if we are complacent she will let us come downstairs because we took the initiative to show her that we "love" each other.
Step 16 :
Explain matter of factly that they don't get off that easy
Step 17 :
Watch the pouty face spread across their dumbstruck faces as they realize that you can't be easily manipulated tonight (you will hear a silent sigh)
Step 18 :
Narrow your eyes
Step 19 :
Explain the rules of the punishment
1 You will face each other
2 You will not close the door
3 You will smile at each other
4 You will silently think of 3 things you like about each other
5 You will not come downstairs until you are done...and I don't care if it takes all night
Step 20 :
Wait
Now as you go downstairs to engulf the silence you need to prepare yourself that one will think of 3 things before the other does and in order to make this fair...they will have to stay together until they both think of something they like about each other.
Step 21 :
Send the person that finished back upstairs until the other person thinks of 3 things as well.
Now you will hear teamwork...and for this particular experiment it was priceless. Brenna went back upstairs and listed off the things that she liked about herself and instructed her brother to pick 3 from her list of I am beautiful, I smell nice, I like pink, I am a girl, and I go to school. Gunnar promptly crushed her ego by telling her that those were stupid.
It took 90 minutes for them to settle their differences.
Brenna likes that her brother protects her, plays Mommy Daddy with her, and keeps her from being bored when she gets in trouble.
Gunnar settled on liking that his sister is pretty, doesn't have stinky feet, and that she sings like a girl.
I allowed them to sit down to eat dinner, when Jaxom and Brenna got into it...to which all I had to do was warn them that for every time they fight from now on...I am making them not only think of NEW things they like about each other but I am tacking on 2 more things so instead of 3 it will be 5, then 7, then 9, and so on.
Dinner was quiet. It was awesome.
As we cleared the table, Gunnar came over and he hugged me. I asked him what it was for, he said it was because he liked 3 things about me. And I dared to ask. He said that he like that I am Evil, his Mom, and a Genius.
That made me proud.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Every Sunday, I loose my Schmidt
Every Sunday, without fail, I loose my schmidt. I attribute it to the clean up crunch. All the laundry needs to be done so I don't have to listen to or play the "Where's my favorite (fill in the blank)" game. All the dishes have to be cleaned, I have learned that the males in the house have a severe aversion to the manual labor of loading and emptying the dishwasher, and Brenna quite often picks up the slack, but she fails to turn it on. Homework has to be signed off on, Friday folders unpacked. The list goes on.
This Sunday, however, was a little different. Gunnar and Mommy took an alone time $10 walk to 7-11 to talk and bond. He got to choose which way we went and came back, and he was happy, which in turn made me happy. We got to 7-11 had a minor disagreement over a Slurpee, mostly how I wasn't buying him one, he chose juices for himself and he siblings, and we got 2 packs of Gummy Bears. We came back through the patch in the overgrowth instead of Manassas Dr, and he was amazed how different it looked with out all the leaves on the trees.
And then we got home, it was not in the state that we had left it in...the 3 hours of coaxing Gunnar and Odin to pick up their toys earlier had been obliterated in the 20 mins that we were gone. Somehow, 32 dishes appeared in the sink. Seriously?! And they were fighting.
I took a new approach, I doled out the sugar and the juice, took a laundry basket upstairs, and left them to their father, who was playing his Beta game online. The 4 overtook him and they were sent outside to run off some energy. I came back downstairs and instead of yelling, I made my silence known. The kids came in after a public scolding, Justin went to work, and I started dinner.
I turned around and someone had introduced everyone to the finger paints on the dinner table....Yay (cowering in a corner, try not to twitch) that's so beautiful. Now I have no where to put your plates, and my arms hurt, so I am going to put them down anyway...don't touch anything. I didn't loose my schmidt. Instead I sent them upstairs to do their baths, and that gave the food just enough time to cool down to a temperature they could all agree to complain about. <Face Palm>
I am still resolved not loose my schmidt. Even as I sit hear listening to the yell and scream at each other "you can't tell me what to do," and "Seriously," and "I'm telling," and good lorad they are trying to agree on a Blu-ray to watch before dinner. I am screaming in my head for them to knock it off, and sending them to virtual corners, hoping that the stare will work, but they would have to look at me to see it and in order for them to look at me I'd have to say something, and if I say something the schmidt with overflow...so sullen silence is probably for the best right now.
And while I typed this out they settled on a movie to watch together. It's not too girly, boy-ie, stupid, long, short, or gross. There was only 1 punch thrown, and no blood shed. All in all I think I am liking this schmidt-less Sunday.
This Sunday, however, was a little different. Gunnar and Mommy took an alone time $10 walk to 7-11 to talk and bond. He got to choose which way we went and came back, and he was happy, which in turn made me happy. We got to 7-11 had a minor disagreement over a Slurpee, mostly how I wasn't buying him one, he chose juices for himself and he siblings, and we got 2 packs of Gummy Bears. We came back through the patch in the overgrowth instead of Manassas Dr, and he was amazed how different it looked with out all the leaves on the trees.
And then we got home, it was not in the state that we had left it in...the 3 hours of coaxing Gunnar and Odin to pick up their toys earlier had been obliterated in the 20 mins that we were gone. Somehow, 32 dishes appeared in the sink. Seriously?! And they were fighting.
I took a new approach, I doled out the sugar and the juice, took a laundry basket upstairs, and left them to their father, who was playing his Beta game online. The 4 overtook him and they were sent outside to run off some energy. I came back downstairs and instead of yelling, I made my silence known. The kids came in after a public scolding, Justin went to work, and I started dinner.
I turned around and someone had introduced everyone to the finger paints on the dinner table....Yay (cowering in a corner, try not to twitch) that's so beautiful. Now I have no where to put your plates, and my arms hurt, so I am going to put them down anyway...don't touch anything. I didn't loose my schmidt. Instead I sent them upstairs to do their baths, and that gave the food just enough time to cool down to a temperature they could all agree to complain about. <Face Palm>
I am still resolved not loose my schmidt. Even as I sit hear listening to the yell and scream at each other "you can't tell me what to do," and "Seriously," and "I'm telling," and good lorad they are trying to agree on a Blu-ray to watch before dinner. I am screaming in my head for them to knock it off, and sending them to virtual corners, hoping that the stare will work, but they would have to look at me to see it and in order for them to look at me I'd have to say something, and if I say something the schmidt with overflow...so sullen silence is probably for the best right now.
And while I typed this out they settled on a movie to watch together. It's not too girly, boy-ie, stupid, long, short, or gross. There was only 1 punch thrown, and no blood shed. All in all I think I am liking this schmidt-less Sunday.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
PT Conferences and an Incontinent Dog...Oh Life What did I Do?
Ever "wake up" and realize it's not the coffee that roused you, but the strong, oh so strong scent of urine that woke you.
I can change a diaper like a champ, I can wipe a potty training arse with the best of them, but I dry heave when I clean in off of the floor. I don't know why, but something about it being spread out on my floor makes my stomach turn, my eyes water, and sends my gag reflex into overdrive.
I am fairly certain that Doom has left the land of lovely, I can hold my own bodily fluids and moved to Depends for Dogs land. Now I suppose that I should be thankful that it seems to only happen on the stone floors for the time being and not the couch or carpet, because then Doom would be doomed. And honestly it's only fitting that someone need diapers in this house because Odin is becoming less dependent on them...so I guess this expense won't ever really be gone from my budget.
Brenna pleasantly surprised me with outstanding Parent Teacher Conferences. I am already familiar with a few of her teachers because she stayed with some of the same specialists that she had last year, so there wasn't any of that ackward 'I don't know how you are going to take what I am about to say' guess work. 2 of her same teachers from last year both said that she has really come out of her shell this year. (I know that it is hard to imagine Brenna shy, but well genetic mutations do sometimes occur) She is making friends this year, raising her hand, and she has become really artistic in the face of her other challenges. These are all really great things for her. She is almost grade level with her reading which is a struggle as we wait for her to pass a milestone to test her for Dyslexia. Some things that she needs to work on though is sharing secrets with Mom...I have learned, and become frightened with, the fact that if someone tells her it is a secret, she tells no one. Also, correct letter formation, she reverses all her letters and numbers that loop in any way.And she needs to let other people answer questions.
Jaxom, well, he did not pleasantly surprise me with PT Conferences. He is grounded in fact. We had a sit down conversation with him, I think we laid down the law, we took quite a few things away until Interim's come out in 4-5 weeks. I guess it's going to be a wait and see thing with him. He did get all A's and 1 B on his report card, so I know that the work isn't difficult for him, but maybe it is too easy?
And finally, in conclusion, I want to close by saying that I just got a text message that my kids are not incapable of only misbehaving at my house. Welcome to the club Nanna...see you in a few hours Gunnar!
I can change a diaper like a champ, I can wipe a potty training arse with the best of them, but I dry heave when I clean in off of the floor. I don't know why, but something about it being spread out on my floor makes my stomach turn, my eyes water, and sends my gag reflex into overdrive.
I am fairly certain that Doom has left the land of lovely, I can hold my own bodily fluids and moved to Depends for Dogs land. Now I suppose that I should be thankful that it seems to only happen on the stone floors for the time being and not the couch or carpet, because then Doom would be doomed. And honestly it's only fitting that someone need diapers in this house because Odin is becoming less dependent on them...so I guess this expense won't ever really be gone from my budget.
Brenna pleasantly surprised me with outstanding Parent Teacher Conferences. I am already familiar with a few of her teachers because she stayed with some of the same specialists that she had last year, so there wasn't any of that ackward 'I don't know how you are going to take what I am about to say' guess work. 2 of her same teachers from last year both said that she has really come out of her shell this year. (I know that it is hard to imagine Brenna shy, but well genetic mutations do sometimes occur) She is making friends this year, raising her hand, and she has become really artistic in the face of her other challenges. These are all really great things for her. She is almost grade level with her reading which is a struggle as we wait for her to pass a milestone to test her for Dyslexia. Some things that she needs to work on though is sharing secrets with Mom...I have learned, and become frightened with, the fact that if someone tells her it is a secret, she tells no one. Also, correct letter formation, she reverses all her letters and numbers that loop in any way.And she needs to let other people answer questions.
Jaxom, well, he did not pleasantly surprise me with PT Conferences. He is grounded in fact. We had a sit down conversation with him, I think we laid down the law, we took quite a few things away until Interim's come out in 4-5 weeks. I guess it's going to be a wait and see thing with him. He did get all A's and 1 B on his report card, so I know that the work isn't difficult for him, but maybe it is too easy?
And finally, in conclusion, I want to close by saying that I just got a text message that my kids are not incapable of only misbehaving at my house. Welcome to the club Nanna...see you in a few hours Gunnar!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Hey, Mom, Why Don't we get into Trouble at Nana Poppa's House?
You know, son, that's an awesome question! Why don't you get in trouble at Nanna and Poppa's house? Let's see...
Do you run around like maniacs at Nanna and Poppa's house?
No.
Why not?
Because a dog will chase you and knock you down.
Hmmmm...should Mommy get a bigger dog to chase you and knock you down?
No.
Do you scream at the top of your lungs when you are told no at Nanna and Poppa's house?
No.
Why not?
Because Poppa gives the look. And his finger shoots sparks.
Did you know that Mommy has metal in her as well?
No.
You know when you don't listen in the cart at the store and I poke you...?
Yes.
What happens when I poke you?
You spark me.
Hmmmm....looks like mommy has the same super power.
OOOOOOOoooooh.
Do you punch Nanna and Poppa at Nanna and Poppa's house?
No.
Why not?
Because they don't noy me.
What?
Because they don't noy me. You do stink butt.
Do you call Nanna and Poppa names like that?
No.
Why not?
Because they taught me chicken butt. Nehmehehehehehehe
Hmmmmm.
silence
Do you listen at Nanna and Poppa's house?
Yes.
Why?
Because they'll send me home.
So what I am hearing is...you don't break the rules at Nanna and Poppa's house because you don't like what could happen to you. Right?
No.
So what is it?
I just like to be good there.
Do you get all the good out of your system there?
Mostly some.
What's left for Mommy and Daddy then?
Me.
Well, son, that's why you don't get into trouble at Nanna and Poppa's house, there just isn't any bad left in you by the time you get there.
Do you run around like maniacs at Nanna and Poppa's house?
No.
Why not?
Because a dog will chase you and knock you down.
Hmmmm...should Mommy get a bigger dog to chase you and knock you down?
No.
Do you scream at the top of your lungs when you are told no at Nanna and Poppa's house?
No.
Why not?
Because Poppa gives the look. And his finger shoots sparks.
Did you know that Mommy has metal in her as well?
No.
You know when you don't listen in the cart at the store and I poke you...?
Yes.
What happens when I poke you?
You spark me.
Hmmmm....looks like mommy has the same super power.
OOOOOOOoooooh.
Do you punch Nanna and Poppa at Nanna and Poppa's house?
No.
Why not?
Because they don't noy me.
What?
Because they don't noy me. You do stink butt.
Do you call Nanna and Poppa names like that?
No.
Why not?
Because they taught me chicken butt. Nehmehehehehehehe
Hmmmmm.
silence
Do you listen at Nanna and Poppa's house?
Yes.
Why?
Because they'll send me home.
So what I am hearing is...you don't break the rules at Nanna and Poppa's house because you don't like what could happen to you. Right?
No.
So what is it?
I just like to be good there.
Do you get all the good out of your system there?
Mostly some.
What's left for Mommy and Daddy then?
Me.
Well, son, that's why you don't get into trouble at Nanna and Poppa's house, there just isn't any bad left in you by the time you get there.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Living with my newly acquired Tween
I don't when or why it happened, but my sweet, sweet, did I mention sweet, Jaxom has turned the corner to walk down a street that I am horrified to call Tweendom.
It has...
Become embarrassing to be hugged in public
Become embarrassing to be hugged in front of an open window
Become a problem to be called in for dinner
Made lying an everyday event
Made talking to him impossible
Made me cry at night
Made me question every decision that I have ever made in his up bringing to this point.
Become a struggle to keep him within sight of the front door as he joins his hooligans...er friends...yea friends
Become impossible to explain why he can't tackle his brothers...or his friends brothers
Made me feel out of touch with the youth of America...I don't know the cool, hip new lingo
I have known since he was a toddler that one day this day would arrive, but to be quite honest...I thought that Brenna would hit this stage before he would. He has always been a Momma's boy, always been sensitive, always been caring, always the first to speak up, always the first to tell the truth. Now he is the first to shout, first to break down into tears over spilled milk, first to blame a younger, less able to defend thyself sibling, willing to steal, willing to cheat. This is new territory to me so I am finding myself lost, lacking direction, and did I say lost? I don't know what to ignore, what to take seriously. I don't know what to let go, what to hold dear in our family values. Where do I draw the line in the sand, what do I do when he decides to leap beyond? How do I keep my temper in check?
I know that I was GOD AWFUL as a pre-teen (that's what we were called back in the 1990's). I would ignore my parents, I am pretty sure I coined the phrase in a minute, and my parents could actually perfectly time my catch phrase to mouth along with me. I know that I broke the rules, I know that I lied, I know that I wasn't always kind to my younger sisters. But I also grew up in quite a different world, and although we are still on Earth, though I am sure that sometimes my voice can be heard to infinity and beyond, and there is just so much to worry about now.
And since there were no boys in my family, my husband was a compulsive hermit that avoided all human contact, and all my friends have kids younger than mine, I really have no one to turn to for advice. I do have good old trial and error, but that doesn't seem to be getting us any farther than the "you live in my house, you follow my rules, or I swear to bajesus I don't know what I am going to do with you," and "I swear I will find the receipt you came with" statements. My sarcasm is not helping this particular situation.
So World Wide Web...I need your advice. P. D. Q.
It has...
Become embarrassing to be hugged in public
Become embarrassing to be hugged in front of an open window
Become a problem to be called in for dinner
Made lying an everyday event
Made talking to him impossible
Made me cry at night
Made me question every decision that I have ever made in his up bringing to this point.
Become a struggle to keep him within sight of the front door as he joins his hooligans...er friends...yea friends
Become impossible to explain why he can't tackle his brothers...or his friends brothers
Made me feel out of touch with the youth of America...I don't know the cool, hip new lingo
I have known since he was a toddler that one day this day would arrive, but to be quite honest...I thought that Brenna would hit this stage before he would. He has always been a Momma's boy, always been sensitive, always been caring, always the first to speak up, always the first to tell the truth. Now he is the first to shout, first to break down into tears over spilled milk, first to blame a younger, less able to defend thyself sibling, willing to steal, willing to cheat. This is new territory to me so I am finding myself lost, lacking direction, and did I say lost? I don't know what to ignore, what to take seriously. I don't know what to let go, what to hold dear in our family values. Where do I draw the line in the sand, what do I do when he decides to leap beyond? How do I keep my temper in check?
I know that I was GOD AWFUL as a pre-teen (that's what we were called back in the 1990's). I would ignore my parents, I am pretty sure I coined the phrase in a minute, and my parents could actually perfectly time my catch phrase to mouth along with me. I know that I broke the rules, I know that I lied, I know that I wasn't always kind to my younger sisters. But I also grew up in quite a different world, and although we are still on Earth, though I am sure that sometimes my voice can be heard to infinity and beyond, and there is just so much to worry about now.
And since there were no boys in my family, my husband was a compulsive hermit that avoided all human contact, and all my friends have kids younger than mine, I really have no one to turn to for advice. I do have good old trial and error, but that doesn't seem to be getting us any farther than the "you live in my house, you follow my rules, or I swear to bajesus I don't know what I am going to do with you," and "I swear I will find the receipt you came with" statements. My sarcasm is not helping this particular situation.
So World Wide Web...I need your advice. P. D. Q.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Where did Scary GO?
On a recent trip to the Costume Store...AKA Target...I found it increasingly difficult to find a costume appropriate for the wee ones that I call my children. Sure the sizes said 6x, 8-12, 4T, but I don't think I saw anything that resembled appropriate. For the boys, it was Pop Culture...Star Wars, Spiderman, The Incredibles, and all the accessories (that looking at the prices, should have been included). For Brenna, well we got her an adult sized costume so that all the important bits were appropriately covered. I thought that was a bit sad.
Maybe it's a personal belief, but I don't think that the word Sexy should be in a costume title for kids, but there was Sexy Cheerleader, Sultry Vampire, and my favorite...GoGoGirl, the Gogo dancer.
Maybe it's another personal belief, but seeing as Halloween falls the day before November, should there not be enough fabric to warrant no jacket without risking hypothermia? What is the point in wearing a costume if it is covered by a think parka?
And, one more thing...what happened to the awesome of homemade scary? I remember getting old sheets, rolling them in the dirt, tearing them and taping them all over my body so I could be an awesomely warm mummy that didn't need to wear a jacket to go trick or treating. Oh and I also remember the slits in the sheet as I went as a ghost another year. Heck, the kids looked at me as though I was mad when I threw on some make up and called myself a Zombie last year.
Where have the Halloween Spirits gone? I want my scary back.
Maybe it's a personal belief, but I don't think that the word Sexy should be in a costume title for kids, but there was Sexy Cheerleader, Sultry Vampire, and my favorite...GoGoGirl, the Gogo dancer.
Maybe it's another personal belief, but seeing as Halloween falls the day before November, should there not be enough fabric to warrant no jacket without risking hypothermia? What is the point in wearing a costume if it is covered by a think parka?
And, one more thing...what happened to the awesome of homemade scary? I remember getting old sheets, rolling them in the dirt, tearing them and taping them all over my body so I could be an awesomely warm mummy that didn't need to wear a jacket to go trick or treating. Oh and I also remember the slits in the sheet as I went as a ghost another year. Heck, the kids looked at me as though I was mad when I threw on some make up and called myself a Zombie last year.
Where have the Halloween Spirits gone? I want my scary back.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Laundry, Sharpies and Frogs...Oh MY!
How do 4 kids go through so much laundry? Is it that Jaxom has gotten a bit more rough and tumble and is getting dirtier? Is it that Brenna has to wear 3 outfits a day? Let's see there is one for school, one for home, and one for outside with her friends...on average. Is it that Gunnar insists on changing every time he goes to the bathroom, which turns out is more times than Brenna changes. I think that the only one that doesn't contribute more than necessary is Odin and that seems to be because he is in his naked phase. I wish that I could afford a maid with all that seems to be piling up since I went back to work...but alas, we can't take on that extra expense right now.
Odin did, however, discover the artistic integrity that a Sharpie can add to drywall. He seems to be an excellent contributor to that aspect of cleaning. I came home from work the other day to find that he had spent an entire Sharpie on the walls upstairs and downstairs, on the bathroom sinks, on every door in the house, and the dining room table. Sigh. Justin futilely tried to rub it off with rubbing alcohol, but all that did was smear it around. Any ideas?
And if the kids didn't give me enough run for my money in the cleaning department...Luna, our 7 year old cat, seems to be adding to the mix now. We have been letting her play in the backyard, and recently she has been honing her hunting skills. Last night, Justin let her in, and we immediately knew something was up. She bypassed the kids, their food, and the dog without so much as a glance. Why? Oh because she had a frog hanging out of her mouth. She plopped it down in the entry way and let it bound once before pouncing. Don't worry no animals were seriously injured in the making of this escapade, only a broken plate that was used to cap the bowl that Justin caught it in as it was released into the murky beyond of our backyard.
But I have spent enough time on the blog, the dryer just beeped...time to get back to the grind.
Odin did, however, discover the artistic integrity that a Sharpie can add to drywall. He seems to be an excellent contributor to that aspect of cleaning. I came home from work the other day to find that he had spent an entire Sharpie on the walls upstairs and downstairs, on the bathroom sinks, on every door in the house, and the dining room table. Sigh. Justin futilely tried to rub it off with rubbing alcohol, but all that did was smear it around. Any ideas?
And if the kids didn't give me enough run for my money in the cleaning department...Luna, our 7 year old cat, seems to be adding to the mix now. We have been letting her play in the backyard, and recently she has been honing her hunting skills. Last night, Justin let her in, and we immediately knew something was up. She bypassed the kids, their food, and the dog without so much as a glance. Why? Oh because she had a frog hanging out of her mouth. She plopped it down in the entry way and let it bound once before pouncing. Don't worry no animals were seriously injured in the making of this escapade, only a broken plate that was used to cap the bowl that Justin caught it in as it was released into the murky beyond of our backyard.
But I have spent enough time on the blog, the dryer just beeped...time to get back to the grind.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Where Did the Summer GO?!
| I found myself asking 2 questions this morning... Who is going to have the excuse of why they can't get ready? Why is it soooo chilly out today? The first one was answered rather easily...no one. Thankfully my children were as excited for the return of school as my husband and I were...so there was no procrastinating this morning...tomorrow...that's a tale for another day. Brenna went to head outside and decided a pair of stockings were in order...that's how nippy it seemed to us this morning. Gunnar and Odin begged and pleaded to go outside all day long, but because of the rain, I was unable to cave...this was no summer shower...it didn't get to 70 outside today...that is chilly in VA! It seemed to clear up a bit when it was time to go to the bus stop to pick up the kids, so I allowed Gunnar to come with. As soon as we got outside, the chill nipped at my toes and Gunnar was running for the cover of the trees in the neighborhood. It was much to my dismay that it started to pour 15 minutes after we went outside at 3:30...and the bus was late and didn't arrive until 4:15. Anyhow, I hope that all of you had a great first day of school, that you have completed all the First Day Paperwork, and had a warm and hearty dinner. 'Til next time I leave you with a First Day Poem... Sick | ||
| by Shel Silverstein | ||
"I cannot go to school today," Said little Peggy Ann McKay. "I have the measles and the mumps, A gash, a rash and purple bumps. My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, I'm going blind in my right eye. My tonsils are as big as rocks, I've counted sixteen chicken pox And there's one more--that's seventeen, And don't you think my face looks green? My leg is cut--my eyes are blue-- It might be instamatic flu. I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke, I'm sure that my left leg is broke-- My hip hurts when I move my chin, My belly button's caving in, My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained, My 'pendix pains each time it rains. My nose is cold, my toes are numb. I have a sliver in my thumb. My neck is stiff, my voice is weak, I hardly whisper when I speak. My tongue is filling up my mouth, I think my hair is falling out. My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight, My temperature is one-o-eight. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear, There is a hole inside my ear. I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what? What's that? What's that you say? You say today is. . .Saturday? G'bye, I'm going out to play!" | ||
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Our own Mini Safari
I am not sure of what the most stressful part of getting to the zoo was...
walking to Enterprise to pick up a new rental,
finding out at Enterprise that I should keep a copy of my paystub and utility bill with me at all times,
getting the look of I can't believe you don't carry that with you,
the prospect of having to walk all the way home and back to get said paystub and utility bill,
planning to get to the zoo in an hour and change and taking 45 mins to get from the house to 28,
the fact that I was terrified of who is going to destroy this rental...a child...another moron,
we thought it was an ok idea to get them sports drinks for the trip down there,
Brenna moaning and grabbing her hoohaa for the last 45 mins because there was nowhere to pee,
explaining homeless people,
prospecting for a parking spot that wouldn't end in total failure,
or
the mad dash around the fence to the zoo to find a potty to pee in for the older 3 (thankfully Odin is still equipped with diapers).
Things that were not stressful on the way to the zoo were...
<insert akward silence with chirping cricket here>
So, we finally got to the zoo after a 2 hour and 13 min car ride.
Justin took the older 3 to the potty and left Odin and I to figure out how to open the new stroller, pack the stroller, figure out how to lock the rental, and then ultimately find them in the zoo. We got in the zoo, changed Odin's diaper then Mommy went potty and then we realized that Mommy and Odin forgot to put the super dooper tray on the stroller, so Justin went back to the van with Brenna.
Meanwhile, Mommy and the boys looked @ turtles and prairie dogs.
Daddy and Brenna came back 15 minutes later, sans super dooper tray because Daddy forgot the key to the Rental. We just moved on.
We made our way to go see the big cats. We got to the Tigers, and Brenna had to pee. Mommy and Brenna departed for the potty again.
We got back to the tigers as Daddy and the boys were moving on to go see the lions. We got to the Lions, Odin crapped his pants. Guh. Mommy and Odin went and stood in line for the ONE changing table in the big cats area.
We decided that the big cats were not treating us kind so we moved on to the Komodo Dragons. There was only one, so there were questions as to who he/she talked to, does he get lonely?
Oh look butterflies!
We went into the invertabrate building. We saw the ants, 2 giant octopuses(?), squid, cuddlefish, crabs, lobsters, amenomes, roaches (eek) and tarantulas, before we went outside to see the BUTTERFLIES. We spent 2-3 mins in there while Mommy tried to take a picture, that was fruitless as she was more occupied keeping the boys on the trail and out of the bushes that feed THE BUTTERFLIES!
We gathered up the stroller that was against the building from the strollers that had packed in around it, Mommy used some of those words that shouldn't be used in public, and made our way to the alligator. We had an excellent view...and so did he. We looked at more turtles.
We moved on to the Small Mammal exhibit. We, and I use the term loosely since Gunnar and Mommy sat and played with a rock garden, saw monkeys, bunnies, merkats, monkeys, birds (I didn't know they were mammals, oh they are not, I got confused by the label on the door then), and then...Mommy had a slight panic attack and needed to vacate the building.
We sat and had a snack, then we had to pee again, then we moved on together.
We went to see the Zebras, and we had a great example of Kids Say the Darndest Things moment.
"Mommy?"
"Yes, Jaxom."
"Bend down so I can whisper."
"Um...OK."
"That Zebra looks like it is pooping, but I think it got stuck, should we tell someone?" And he looked genuinely concerned.
"Which one baby?"
"That one..."
"That one right in front of us?"
"Yes, is it ok?
"Yes sweetie, I think he will be OK, that is afterall not poop. It is his Penis."
"Gunnar, Gunnar, LOOK AT THAT ONE'S BIG PENIS!"
And moving on...
We kinda saw the Cheetahs, though they were laying down spying the Zebras. The kids were more taken with the frogs in the moat around the Cheetahs.
Brenna and Odin had to pee. Justin and the other 2 boys got a table to eat lunch at. When Brenna, Odin and Mommy got back to the table, Daddy had decided that we were going to eat a snack from the bag for lunch and buy $3 fruit drinks from the vending machine because lunch would have costed us approximately $1,000,000.00 .
Jaxom and Gunnar had to pee. We ran through the misters...that felt awesome. Oh look Mommy has energy to go on...again.
We went and saw the Panda's bum before it walked away. We had to explain why the Panda's bum looks like he had diarrhea and forgot to wipe.
We went and saw the Elephant. The lady beside us made a comment about how nice it is to see the Elephant be able to roam. "No look there is the same path that goes round and round. I think that is pacing." Thanks Brenna.
Brenna and Gunnar had to pee because they had already sucked down their $3 fruit juice. Mommy took them to the bathroom, back by the food court. "I'm hungry." "I thought you had to pee." "Yes, but I'm hungry too." "When we get back you can have a snack." "From there?" "No, Gunnar." "Whhhhhhhhyyyyyyyy?" "Mommy, needs a better job. DON'T TOUCH THE POTTY!"
We found Daddy, and the boys in the same spot we had left them. Odin wanted to be held.
Hey, look it's 2ish, we should head back to the car.
We thought we took a turn that would start leading us back to the car. We went around a big loop that took us under lots of trees with birds.
"What's that white stuff?"
"Bird poop."
"Wow."
"Hurry, you don't want that in your hair, Brenna."
Wow, how did we end up back by the Pandas? WTF, maybe we should have paid the $12 for a map of the zoo.
"Gunnar, can you get out of the stroller so Odin can take a nap?"
SILENCE
"Gunnar, Mommy was just being polite when she asked, you have to get out of the stroller."
And look the first tantrum of the day....where is the car?
On the way back to the car, Jaxom decided to recite everywhere we neglected to go. I tried to explain that we could come back, and that if we hadn't needed to take so many potty breaks, we could have seen more. And look, big kid tantrum, yay!
The car ride home took 45 mins. We off loaded the Rental to take back. Oh, Mommy is dizzy...and Mommy passed out...and Mommy placked on the storm drain....and, oooooh, Mommy caught herself with her face on the storm drain.
Mommy, gets to take another trip today! Yay! To the hospital...wait how did I get inside? What happened? Did we go to the zoo yet? Why does my face hurt? Oh, because it is broken. Yay!
walking to Enterprise to pick up a new rental,
finding out at Enterprise that I should keep a copy of my paystub and utility bill with me at all times,
getting the look of I can't believe you don't carry that with you,
the prospect of having to walk all the way home and back to get said paystub and utility bill,
planning to get to the zoo in an hour and change and taking 45 mins to get from the house to 28,
the fact that I was terrified of who is going to destroy this rental...a child...another moron,
we thought it was an ok idea to get them sports drinks for the trip down there,
Brenna moaning and grabbing her hoohaa for the last 45 mins because there was nowhere to pee,
explaining homeless people,
prospecting for a parking spot that wouldn't end in total failure,
or
the mad dash around the fence to the zoo to find a potty to pee in for the older 3 (thankfully Odin is still equipped with diapers).
Things that were not stressful on the way to the zoo were...
<insert akward silence with chirping cricket here>
So, we finally got to the zoo after a 2 hour and 13 min car ride.
Justin took the older 3 to the potty and left Odin and I to figure out how to open the new stroller, pack the stroller, figure out how to lock the rental, and then ultimately find them in the zoo. We got in the zoo, changed Odin's diaper then Mommy went potty and then we realized that Mommy and Odin forgot to put the super dooper tray on the stroller, so Justin went back to the van with Brenna.
Meanwhile, Mommy and the boys looked @ turtles and prairie dogs.
Daddy and Brenna came back 15 minutes later, sans super dooper tray because Daddy forgot the key to the Rental. We just moved on.
We made our way to go see the big cats. We got to the Tigers, and Brenna had to pee. Mommy and Brenna departed for the potty again.
We got back to the tigers as Daddy and the boys were moving on to go see the lions. We got to the Lions, Odin crapped his pants. Guh. Mommy and Odin went and stood in line for the ONE changing table in the big cats area.
We decided that the big cats were not treating us kind so we moved on to the Komodo Dragons. There was only one, so there were questions as to who he/she talked to, does he get lonely?
Oh look butterflies!
We went into the invertabrate building. We saw the ants, 2 giant octopuses(?), squid, cuddlefish, crabs, lobsters, amenomes, roaches (eek) and tarantulas, before we went outside to see the BUTTERFLIES. We spent 2-3 mins in there while Mommy tried to take a picture, that was fruitless as she was more occupied keeping the boys on the trail and out of the bushes that feed THE BUTTERFLIES!
We gathered up the stroller that was against the building from the strollers that had packed in around it, Mommy used some of those words that shouldn't be used in public, and made our way to the alligator. We had an excellent view...and so did he. We looked at more turtles.
We moved on to the Small Mammal exhibit. We, and I use the term loosely since Gunnar and Mommy sat and played with a rock garden, saw monkeys, bunnies, merkats, monkeys, birds (I didn't know they were mammals, oh they are not, I got confused by the label on the door then), and then...Mommy had a slight panic attack and needed to vacate the building.
We sat and had a snack, then we had to pee again, then we moved on together.
We went to see the Zebras, and we had a great example of Kids Say the Darndest Things moment.
"Mommy?"
"Yes, Jaxom."
"Bend down so I can whisper."
"Um...OK."
"That Zebra looks like it is pooping, but I think it got stuck, should we tell someone?" And he looked genuinely concerned.
"Which one baby?"
"That one..."
"That one right in front of us?"
"Yes, is it ok?
"Yes sweetie, I think he will be OK, that is afterall not poop. It is his Penis."
"Gunnar, Gunnar, LOOK AT THAT ONE'S BIG PENIS!"
And moving on...
We kinda saw the Cheetahs, though they were laying down spying the Zebras. The kids were more taken with the frogs in the moat around the Cheetahs.
Brenna and Odin had to pee. Justin and the other 2 boys got a table to eat lunch at. When Brenna, Odin and Mommy got back to the table, Daddy had decided that we were going to eat a snack from the bag for lunch and buy $3 fruit drinks from the vending machine because lunch would have costed us approximately $1,000,000.00 .
Jaxom and Gunnar had to pee. We ran through the misters...that felt awesome. Oh look Mommy has energy to go on...again.
We went and saw the Panda's bum before it walked away. We had to explain why the Panda's bum looks like he had diarrhea and forgot to wipe.
We went and saw the Elephant. The lady beside us made a comment about how nice it is to see the Elephant be able to roam. "No look there is the same path that goes round and round. I think that is pacing." Thanks Brenna.
Brenna and Gunnar had to pee because they had already sucked down their $3 fruit juice. Mommy took them to the bathroom, back by the food court. "I'm hungry." "I thought you had to pee." "Yes, but I'm hungry too." "When we get back you can have a snack." "From there?" "No, Gunnar." "Whhhhhhhhyyyyyyyy?" "Mommy, needs a better job. DON'T TOUCH THE POTTY!"
We found Daddy, and the boys in the same spot we had left them. Odin wanted to be held.
Hey, look it's 2ish, we should head back to the car.
We thought we took a turn that would start leading us back to the car. We went around a big loop that took us under lots of trees with birds.
"What's that white stuff?"
"Bird poop."
"Wow."
"Hurry, you don't want that in your hair, Brenna."
Wow, how did we end up back by the Pandas? WTF, maybe we should have paid the $12 for a map of the zoo.
"Gunnar, can you get out of the stroller so Odin can take a nap?"
SILENCE
"Gunnar, Mommy was just being polite when she asked, you have to get out of the stroller."
And look the first tantrum of the day....where is the car?
On the way back to the car, Jaxom decided to recite everywhere we neglected to go. I tried to explain that we could come back, and that if we hadn't needed to take so many potty breaks, we could have seen more. And look, big kid tantrum, yay!
The car ride home took 45 mins. We off loaded the Rental to take back. Oh, Mommy is dizzy...and Mommy passed out...and Mommy placked on the storm drain....and, oooooh, Mommy caught herself with her face on the storm drain.
Mommy, gets to take another trip today! Yay! To the hospital...wait how did I get inside? What happened? Did we go to the zoo yet? Why does my face hurt? Oh, because it is broken. Yay!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hurricane Irene's Social Experiment
Last night, as the windy rainstorm, named Irene, came ashore in VA, Brenna was wounded. She just couldn't go on. It was terrible, there were tears, sobs, snot, lots of band-aids...for a paper cut that could not be seen by the naked eye.
Last night, as the windy rainstorm, named Irene, came ashore in VA, devastation struck the Bania House. It took us hours to reclaim the carpet from the bags and bags of...potato chips, the toys, Couch Forts, wrappers of assorted variety, band aid wrappers from above mentioned paper cut.
Last night, as the windy rainstorm, named Irene, came ashore in VA, we centralized our First Aide equipment in the kitchen to make a make-shift First Aide Kit. We stuffed it full of Band-Aids, Gauze, Eye Rinse, Tweezers, Wraps, Super Glue, Wound Closures, Tampons and Tape. Jaxom and Brenna asked why the Tampons and I replied, "I hear that they are great for nose bleeds, but I intend on using them for my ears when the power goes out."
Last night, as the windy rainstorm, named Irene, came ashore in VA, we gathered up all the candles in the house and found a lighter. It's a good thing to, because that way the power never went out.
Where is the social experiment in all of that? Compare that to today...
Brenna fell off of her bike as she crashed into Dre, she scraped her knee, sliced her ankle above her shoe, and ripped open her calf. Now I only know that this happened, since there was no tears, no one came running for Band-Aids, but because I asked why her shorts were muddied. She replied all nonchalantly the story of the bike crash. Jaxom replied with a she didn't even cry.
The Neighborhood kids left their ice creams wrappers to float in the wind, and my kids were chasing them down to put them in the trash. They helped clean up all the outside toys that the kids outside were playing with when they were called in.
So the moral to this Blogory...for the next "natural disaster", I am going to invite the neighborhood kids over so that I can relax.
Last night, as the windy rainstorm, named Irene, came ashore in VA, devastation struck the Bania House. It took us hours to reclaim the carpet from the bags and bags of...potato chips, the toys, Couch Forts, wrappers of assorted variety, band aid wrappers from above mentioned paper cut.
Last night, as the windy rainstorm, named Irene, came ashore in VA, we centralized our First Aide equipment in the kitchen to make a make-shift First Aide Kit. We stuffed it full of Band-Aids, Gauze, Eye Rinse, Tweezers, Wraps, Super Glue, Wound Closures, Tampons and Tape. Jaxom and Brenna asked why the Tampons and I replied, "I hear that they are great for nose bleeds, but I intend on using them for my ears when the power goes out."
Last night, as the windy rainstorm, named Irene, came ashore in VA, we gathered up all the candles in the house and found a lighter. It's a good thing to, because that way the power never went out.
Where is the social experiment in all of that? Compare that to today...
Brenna fell off of her bike as she crashed into Dre, she scraped her knee, sliced her ankle above her shoe, and ripped open her calf. Now I only know that this happened, since there was no tears, no one came running for Band-Aids, but because I asked why her shorts were muddied. She replied all nonchalantly the story of the bike crash. Jaxom replied with a she didn't even cry.
The Neighborhood kids left their ice creams wrappers to float in the wind, and my kids were chasing them down to put them in the trash. They helped clean up all the outside toys that the kids outside were playing with when they were called in.
So the moral to this Blogory...for the next "natural disaster", I am going to invite the neighborhood kids over so that I can relax.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Compassion
As I battle off Bronchitis...yum gooey lungs...I am reminded that my children do sometimes care that I am still around.
Things that remind me of this...
"Arwe loo otay, Mommy?" Odin
"She can't die before she pays for the food." Brenna
"Mom, you cough scares me." Jaxom
The utter look of terror mixed with disgust as I use the Nettipot on my sinuses...Gunnar.
He didn't even have to be asked to go upstairs to bed.
I must look terrible.
Things that remind me of this...
"Arwe loo otay, Mommy?" Odin
"She can't die before she pays for the food." Brenna
"Mom, you cough scares me." Jaxom
The utter look of terror mixed with disgust as I use the Nettipot on my sinuses...Gunnar.
He didn't even have to be asked to go upstairs to bed.
I must look terrible.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A Miracle Happened...(child highlight)
Something strange happened today...one of my offspring OFFERED to help the other. So what? Big deal right? Yeah, until you hear who it was that did the offering...
GUNNAR!
My Gunnar, my Gigi, my son, offered to help another human being...unsolicited. My Gunnar...my Gigi.
I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor as I watched him HELP his little brother carry his shoe box to the closet and put it back in it's cubbyhole. Even as I type this one out...I am still having trouble believing it...and I saw it with mine own eyes. OOPS...I need to pick my jaw up again.
Still shaking my head.
For those of you not familiar with my son, Gunnar, and why this is such a huge deal to me...
Gunnar lives up to every bit of his Warrior name. He came into this world screaming...almost as loud as my screaming as I pushed him out (it is rumored that I could be heard in the waiting room down the hall, and scared all the other mothers in the ward). He was one of only 2 of our children to come home with us when I was discharged...and I checked out a day early. He was a colicky baby, didn't babble until he was 15 months, didn't say a word until he was 25 months, didn't use a sentence until he was well past 3, and now that he is 4 and words are finally pouring forth...there is a lot of anger and screaming mixed in with them.
Gunnar has always been twice as physical as he was vocal. He has a strength like no other 4 year old I've ever know...I have had 2 before him... He can be sweet as a kitten, or as rough and rash as a mountain lion. His anger can turn on a dime. He can over power me, he's a BIG 4 year old. He has broken the bones of others. He is a fierce protector...apparently we are not allowed to tell his other siblings what to do.
Gunnar knows no fear. Recently at a branch party in the country...he charged a charging Mastiff. Everyone was afraid that Max was going to barrel over him as Gunnar ran from him...that is until Gunnar turned on his heels and charged back at Max full throttle. Max tucked and ran.
Gunnar does not sleep well nor often, so kindness is not a willing attribute. Kindness and sleep do not pour forth from him, but when one or the other, it is truly amazing.
Gunnar has been diagnosed with:
Being the 3rd child (retracted)
Having a unique hearing disorder (retracted)
Being Autistic (retracted)
Being normal (Retracted)
Being Emotionally Disturbed (retracted)
Gunnar has now been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) and this is the first time that I have publicly shared that bit of information. Gunnar is a work of art, he has many harsh, dramatic colors, but like any good piece, he has depth, subtle hues of kindness. He is ever evolving, when you look at him from the outside, you see an angry, defiant brat, as I have overheard many a time in public. But, if you truly know him, you see his frustration, his learning, his coping the best that he can.
My biggest fear for him, is that one day he is going to over hear a snarky remark from some ignorant onlooker in a store, and he is going to redirect onto them, and I am not going to be able to stop him for one of two reasons:
1. He has over powered me.
or
2. I am going to be silently applauding him for defending himself in my head.
More than likely...it'll be option 1, but I cannot rule out option 2 unfortunately.
Gunnar is still a work in progress, we are still trying to figure out ways to help him understand right from wrong, good and bad, normal, acceptable, none of the above, how to make good decisions.
So now you'll understand what I mean when I say...A Miracle Happened. Because no one had to lay the choices out for him, no one had to coax him, we just happened to be looking the other way kinda sideways...you know so we weren't watching, but could still see everything that was going on. And it happened.
GUNNAR!
My Gunnar, my Gigi, my son, offered to help another human being...unsolicited. My Gunnar...my Gigi.
I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor as I watched him HELP his little brother carry his shoe box to the closet and put it back in it's cubbyhole. Even as I type this one out...I am still having trouble believing it...and I saw it with mine own eyes. OOPS...I need to pick my jaw up again.
Still shaking my head.
For those of you not familiar with my son, Gunnar, and why this is such a huge deal to me...
Gunnar lives up to every bit of his Warrior name. He came into this world screaming...almost as loud as my screaming as I pushed him out (it is rumored that I could be heard in the waiting room down the hall, and scared all the other mothers in the ward). He was one of only 2 of our children to come home with us when I was discharged...and I checked out a day early. He was a colicky baby, didn't babble until he was 15 months, didn't say a word until he was 25 months, didn't use a sentence until he was well past 3, and now that he is 4 and words are finally pouring forth...there is a lot of anger and screaming mixed in with them.
Gunnar has always been twice as physical as he was vocal. He has a strength like no other 4 year old I've ever know...I have had 2 before him... He can be sweet as a kitten, or as rough and rash as a mountain lion. His anger can turn on a dime. He can over power me, he's a BIG 4 year old. He has broken the bones of others. He is a fierce protector...apparently we are not allowed to tell his other siblings what to do.
Gunnar knows no fear. Recently at a branch party in the country...he charged a charging Mastiff. Everyone was afraid that Max was going to barrel over him as Gunnar ran from him...that is until Gunnar turned on his heels and charged back at Max full throttle. Max tucked and ran.
Gunnar does not sleep well nor often, so kindness is not a willing attribute. Kindness and sleep do not pour forth from him, but when one or the other, it is truly amazing.
Gunnar has been diagnosed with:
Being the 3rd child (retracted)
Having a unique hearing disorder (retracted)
Being Autistic (retracted)
Being normal (Retracted)
Being Emotionally Disturbed (retracted)
Gunnar has now been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) and this is the first time that I have publicly shared that bit of information. Gunnar is a work of art, he has many harsh, dramatic colors, but like any good piece, he has depth, subtle hues of kindness. He is ever evolving, when you look at him from the outside, you see an angry, defiant brat, as I have overheard many a time in public. But, if you truly know him, you see his frustration, his learning, his coping the best that he can.
My biggest fear for him, is that one day he is going to over hear a snarky remark from some ignorant onlooker in a store, and he is going to redirect onto them, and I am not going to be able to stop him for one of two reasons:
1. He has over powered me.
or
2. I am going to be silently applauding him for defending himself in my head.
More than likely...it'll be option 1, but I cannot rule out option 2 unfortunately.
Gunnar is still a work in progress, we are still trying to figure out ways to help him understand right from wrong, good and bad, normal, acceptable, none of the above, how to make good decisions.
So now you'll understand what I mean when I say...A Miracle Happened. Because no one had to lay the choices out for him, no one had to coax him, we just happened to be looking the other way kinda sideways...you know so we weren't watching, but could still see everything that was going on. And it happened.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Story Behind the Quotes
In response to a few questions like, "I thought that you were making up what they do until..." and "Where do they get this stuff..." and "If they were my kids, well let's just say things would be different...", allow me to explain, and I promise not to chastise you if you silently disagree...
Some people call me a sink or swim mom, and while, yes, I do think some things are better learned the hard way; I also believe that exposure is a good thing as well. I believe that if you refuse your kid candy, they will gorge themselves on it when you aren't around. I apply this rule to speech. Freedom of Speech is celebrated in our house. I believe that if the kids hear curse words openly that they will be less likely to abuse them when they are older. I think that the more they are exposed to certain less desirable parts of our language, and *GASP* teaching the appropriate uses and responses to that part of our language, the less likely they will curse someone out in a fit of rage. So far it has worked for us, none of my kids have been in serious trouble at school or with the law. No one has died. I fiercely protect my children, but I am proud that I teach them to defend themselves as well...so yes, I openly admit it, I curse in front of my kids, I am human, it is a part of our language, and short of a true saint, I have never met a person that does not curse.
Now there are a few restrictions, of course, to our household freedom of speech. They are:
Thou shalt not threaten violence against a sibling.
Thou shalt not argue with authority, because you will lose.
You may under no circumstances use the "C" word or "F" word. Those are reserved for adults.
If you curse, you need to be able to defend why you used that choice of words.
This language is only suited for home (hence the celebrated in our house part of free speech).
On occasion you will get some great things said like:
"My butt smells like ass, Mom." Thanks Gunnar
"Get up off of your fat ass and get me something to eat." That was actually not one of mine, but my beautiful sister, Kelsey when she was 3 or 4ish. She said that to our Grandmother.
"Look at that little shit." Thanks Brenna
"I need to take a giant crap." Thanks Jaxom
(Odin has yet to partake in the cursing games)
Sometimes embarrassment:
"Everyone look out that lady is freaking huge!" Thanks Jaxom (2)
"The pee just kept flowing her vagina..." of the woman in the stall next to us... Thanks Brenna (5)
"Did he stuff socks down there? Is that how big it is Daddy?" Thanks Jaxom (4)
"I get racecar diapers because my penis is fast." Thanks Odin (2)
Thinking about it, Gunnar is the one who truly sticks to the whole only suited for home rule...go figure.
But other than those laughable and embarrassing quotes, you do sometimes get a true glimpse into their young, impressionable minds. They aren't afraid when to tell you when something happens, when someone is rude, how they feel about something; they lose the sugar coating and white lies. They speak their minds, and while, yes, sometimes they take me aback. Sometimes they do truly amaze me with what they say.
"I would never act those hooligans, Mom, because I love you and don't want to go to jail." Jaxom (6)
"When I move out, I will still love you, because you put up with my diapers, and crying, and bullshit, even though I tried not to." Jaxom (9)
"I love my body, some of the girls in my class said that I am fat, I could have said that I'm big boned, but I went with have you looked in a mirror?" Brenna (7)
"Do these prices include the use of coupons?" Brenna to her 2nd Grade Teacher (7)
"My mom can stretch a dollar." Gunnar (4)
"Wars should be settled on paper, but that would defeat survival of the fittest, huh?" Jaxom (9)
"She might yell and scream and embarrass me, but that's because she wants me to grow up right." Brenna (7)
"The Nerves of Rude People." Gunnar (4)
I love the things that my kids say, so do I wish they would turn it down a notch, sometimes, but then that wouldn't be us. I know that not everyone agrees with how I parent, and that is fine. They didn't come with a manual, and only time will tell how they turn out. At the end of the day, all we can do is what we think is right and believe that what we do today will mold them into responsible, grown people.
Some people call me a sink or swim mom, and while, yes, I do think some things are better learned the hard way; I also believe that exposure is a good thing as well. I believe that if you refuse your kid candy, they will gorge themselves on it when you aren't around. I apply this rule to speech. Freedom of Speech is celebrated in our house. I believe that if the kids hear curse words openly that they will be less likely to abuse them when they are older. I think that the more they are exposed to certain less desirable parts of our language, and *GASP* teaching the appropriate uses and responses to that part of our language, the less likely they will curse someone out in a fit of rage. So far it has worked for us, none of my kids have been in serious trouble at school or with the law. No one has died. I fiercely protect my children, but I am proud that I teach them to defend themselves as well...so yes, I openly admit it, I curse in front of my kids, I am human, it is a part of our language, and short of a true saint, I have never met a person that does not curse.
Now there are a few restrictions, of course, to our household freedom of speech. They are:
Thou shalt not threaten violence against a sibling.
Thou shalt not argue with authority, because you will lose.
You may under no circumstances use the "C" word or "F" word. Those are reserved for adults.
If you curse, you need to be able to defend why you used that choice of words.
This language is only suited for home (hence the celebrated in our house part of free speech).
On occasion you will get some great things said like:
"My butt smells like ass, Mom." Thanks Gunnar
"Get up off of your fat ass and get me something to eat." That was actually not one of mine, but my beautiful sister, Kelsey when she was 3 or 4ish. She said that to our Grandmother.
"Look at that little shit." Thanks Brenna
"I need to take a giant crap." Thanks Jaxom
(Odin has yet to partake in the cursing games)
Sometimes embarrassment:
"Everyone look out that lady is freaking huge!" Thanks Jaxom (2)
"The pee just kept flowing her vagina..." of the woman in the stall next to us... Thanks Brenna (5)
"Did he stuff socks down there? Is that how big it is Daddy?" Thanks Jaxom (4)
"I get racecar diapers because my penis is fast." Thanks Odin (2)
Thinking about it, Gunnar is the one who truly sticks to the whole only suited for home rule...go figure.
But other than those laughable and embarrassing quotes, you do sometimes get a true glimpse into their young, impressionable minds. They aren't afraid when to tell you when something happens, when someone is rude, how they feel about something; they lose the sugar coating and white lies. They speak their minds, and while, yes, sometimes they take me aback. Sometimes they do truly amaze me with what they say.
"I would never act those hooligans, Mom, because I love you and don't want to go to jail." Jaxom (6)
"When I move out, I will still love you, because you put up with my diapers, and crying, and bullshit, even though I tried not to." Jaxom (9)
"I love my body, some of the girls in my class said that I am fat, I could have said that I'm big boned, but I went with have you looked in a mirror?" Brenna (7)
"Do these prices include the use of coupons?" Brenna to her 2nd Grade Teacher (7)
"My mom can stretch a dollar." Gunnar (4)
"Wars should be settled on paper, but that would defeat survival of the fittest, huh?" Jaxom (9)
"She might yell and scream and embarrass me, but that's because she wants me to grow up right." Brenna (7)
"The Nerves of Rude People." Gunnar (4)
I love the things that my kids say, so do I wish they would turn it down a notch, sometimes, but then that wouldn't be us. I know that not everyone agrees with how I parent, and that is fine. They didn't come with a manual, and only time will tell how they turn out. At the end of the day, all we can do is what we think is right and believe that what we do today will mold them into responsible, grown people.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
They do the best things...
Yesterday we had the best time at Kristy and Cole's future home site for our Store Picnic! The kids and I vegged out in the lake...that Kristy would only go ankle deep in...CG wouldn't even get in the water...wuss! The kids were amazed that Mommy could open her eyes under the water...and hold her breath as she watched the fishies swim by at their feet. The kids had a great time with Kathy's lot~Jaxom thought that it was funny that Diego's mom let him swim in his boxers.
Notables...
Brenna swallowed about a gallon of Lake Water....mmmm fish poop.
Odin was a big boy and peed in the potty instead of his pants.
Odin took a really big dump in his pants...we threw away his shorts...I didn't want that in my washing machine, nor did I want to ride home with that.
Gunnar broke it down for us with his very unique dance stylings...that kid was happy yesterday.
Jaxom ran and ran and ran...he ran so hard all day that he had a headache...and fell asleep on the way home.
Quotes from the week...
"All I see is my stupid sister." - Gunnar
"I wiss, I wiss wit awl my harwt, to fwy wit dwagons in a wand aparwt" - Odin
"I swear, I have never eaten a cookie like that in all my life." - Brenna
"I'll love you forever, Mom, but one day I will have to get married and leave you, I think I might visit though." - Jaxom
"I has race car diapers, cause my penis is faster." - Odin
"No really he likes it when I pull his hair out." - Gunnar (Doom has a bald spot)
"Where do fish poop?" - Brenna, after she realized she drank lake water
"He's just a little stupid from all the cookies." - Jaxom
Notables...
Brenna swallowed about a gallon of Lake Water....mmmm fish poop.
Odin was a big boy and peed in the potty instead of his pants.
Odin took a really big dump in his pants...we threw away his shorts...I didn't want that in my washing machine, nor did I want to ride home with that.
Gunnar broke it down for us with his very unique dance stylings...that kid was happy yesterday.
Jaxom ran and ran and ran...he ran so hard all day that he had a headache...and fell asleep on the way home.
Quotes from the week...
"All I see is my stupid sister." - Gunnar
"I wiss, I wiss wit awl my harwt, to fwy wit dwagons in a wand aparwt" - Odin
"I swear, I have never eaten a cookie like that in all my life." - Brenna
"I'll love you forever, Mom, but one day I will have to get married and leave you, I think I might visit though." - Jaxom
"I has race car diapers, cause my penis is faster." - Odin
"No really he likes it when I pull his hair out." - Gunnar (Doom has a bald spot)
"Where do fish poop?" - Brenna, after she realized she drank lake water
"He's just a little stupid from all the cookies." - Jaxom
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Watering the Weeds
I get that kids grow, they eat you out of house and home, sleep from sun up to sun down and no where in between, but this week has been ridiculous. I was an outsider in the kids lives this week...it's been conversion week...we went live today...as a result, I have not been home as much as I would have liked.
Every night that I came home this week, Odin was curled up on the couch sound asleep. Every morning when I left for work this week, he was sound asleep. Today was really the first time I have been home in a long while; here is what he has learned to do without me.
He can sing the opening song to Dragon Tales
He speaks in sentences
He opens bags of chips on his own
He grew 1.10 inches
He learned how to put on his back pack by himself
He memorized the secret locations of all his favorite movies
I miss my baby!
Every night that I came home this week, Odin was curled up on the couch sound asleep. Every morning when I left for work this week, he was sound asleep. Today was really the first time I have been home in a long while; here is what he has learned to do without me.
He can sing the opening song to Dragon Tales
He speaks in sentences
He opens bags of chips on his own
He grew 1.10 inches
He learned how to put on his back pack by himself
He memorized the secret locations of all his favorite movies
I miss my baby!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Hindy Dindy NOTEBOOK~
If there is one thing that Blue's Clues instilled in my children it's that everyone should have a Handy Dandy Notebook or, as commonly referred to my Odin, a Hindy Dindy NOTEBOOK (with strange emphasis on the Notebook part). Everyone was given a spiral bound notebook to write down their Journal Entry's for the Summer, including the younger two. As it goes
Jaxom has written 1 elaborate story...it spans over 1 page of single spaced text where the letters take up two lines for the wide ruled paper.
Brenna has drawn 12 pages, has yet to write a word other than her name. She writes in the finest invisible ink that money can't buy.
Gunnar has mastered the letter "A", that's it. There is 50 pages of the letter "A." I still find it a bit sad that his 4 year old handwriting has far surpassed his 9 year old brother's.
Odin has the best scrawlings of a two year old that I have ever seen. His loopty loops, and zig zags...well he has the best detailed pages in his Handy Dandy Notebook,
In an effort to avoid having to do their summer work, they have taken to forgetting, getting distracted, having a sibling hide a notebook or two or four (however it best suits). Today was one of those days when everyone's disappeared, Jaxom got distracted after forgetting, Brenna had all of her words erased with a single grazing swipe of Gunnar's eraser, Gunnar's was consumed by hydrogen peroxide, and Odin drew on his face instead of the paper.
Am I ever going to get this right? At least my Handy Dandy Notebook is online...the others may take my sanity, but they can't take my internet (unless the power goes out, or we exceed our usage).
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mommy Doesn't Let Us Throw Things Away
I'm not a hoarder...it wouldn't be a stretch to call me a hoarder, but I do not keep obscure things...I am just afraid of not remembering how they were when they were little...and with their mouths that they have now...it's going to be difficult when they are teenagers...
Tonight was one of the rare nights that Mommy and Daddy both had to be at work at the same times...hasn't happened since before Gunnar was born. So Nanna and Poppa Bear had to come over and keep the wildlings tame until one of us got home (and with the way that things went at my training session, it was anyone's guess as to who could be first to arrive).
Justin ordered some pizza...not from his work...the kids get to create their own creations/abominations (the words are interchangable) so long as they eat what it is that they create. They had instructions to clean up after they were done, however, done and through have 2 entirely different meanings between my house and Nanna's house.
Kidd Meanings Bania Meanings
Done : You clear your spot for now
you can always get more don't be wasteful,
you'll come back to it
Through : You are so stuffed you can't button your You clear your spot
pants...and if you can there is a You get no more to eat
fear that someone Begging will yield no
could loose an eye results
So when the kids said that they were done, you can imagine how confusing that was for children and grandparents alike. That was until Jaxom muttered, "Mommy doesn't let us throw anything away." That was the deal ender on both ends. My mom made sure to tell me what Justin had said, and what Jaxom had muttered under his breath. I clarified for both parties, the kids know that if it doesn't go in the fridge there is the chance that the ant hoard will come and you'll see a slice walk across the floor, and to my mother that with 4 of them, there is no need for waste...someone will eat it...and if it isn't human...the dog will.
When my sisters and I grew up we ate when we were told at preset intervals...my kids are a bit different and kinda just graze especially in the heat. They know though that they do not get anything else until what they asked for is gone.
Other notable things that happened today :
Mommy woke up extra early so that she could greet the kids outside in her "I'm a teacher" Nightgown. Welcome Home Jaxom and Brenna!!
The 3 older ones played 8 hours of the Wii (as they tell it, it was all the other 2, I never got my turn).
The 2 older ones are helping their younger brothers learn their letters, how to color anywhere but on the walls. The younger ones are helping their older brother and sister the true meaning of patience.
They are all teaching me to find humor in the little things....I think it's going to be a GREAT night!
Tonight was one of the rare nights that Mommy and Daddy both had to be at work at the same times...hasn't happened since before Gunnar was born. So Nanna and Poppa Bear had to come over and keep the wildlings tame until one of us got home (and with the way that things went at my training session, it was anyone's guess as to who could be first to arrive).
Justin ordered some pizza...not from his work...the kids get to create their own creations/abominations (the words are interchangable) so long as they eat what it is that they create. They had instructions to clean up after they were done, however, done and through have 2 entirely different meanings between my house and Nanna's house.
Kidd Meanings Bania Meanings
Done : You clear your spot for now
you can always get more don't be wasteful,
you'll come back to it
Through : You are so stuffed you can't button your You clear your spot
pants...and if you can there is a You get no more to eat
fear that someone Begging will yield no
could loose an eye results
So when the kids said that they were done, you can imagine how confusing that was for children and grandparents alike. That was until Jaxom muttered, "Mommy doesn't let us throw anything away." That was the deal ender on both ends. My mom made sure to tell me what Justin had said, and what Jaxom had muttered under his breath. I clarified for both parties, the kids know that if it doesn't go in the fridge there is the chance that the ant hoard will come and you'll see a slice walk across the floor, and to my mother that with 4 of them, there is no need for waste...someone will eat it...and if it isn't human...the dog will.
When my sisters and I grew up we ate when we were told at preset intervals...my kids are a bit different and kinda just graze especially in the heat. They know though that they do not get anything else until what they asked for is gone.
Other notable things that happened today :
Mommy woke up extra early so that she could greet the kids outside in her "I'm a teacher" Nightgown. Welcome Home Jaxom and Brenna!!
The 3 older ones played 8 hours of the Wii (as they tell it, it was all the other 2, I never got my turn).
They are all teaching me to find humor in the little things....I think it's going to be a GREAT night!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Start of Great Things?
As I sit here listening to Pat Monahan ~ Great Escape, really belting out the lyrics in my off key kind of way that the kids just seem to adore. I look around, and somehow through out the chaos in my voice, Odin has passed out, lulled to sleep by the lyrics, and Gunnar is standing beside me singing right along (ish).
I come to work everyday with another exciting story about what silly, weird, disgusting, cute, etc things that one or more of the clan has done the day before. My coworkers have started asking every Monday what exciting things they did, because the stories are always amusing. I find that these things have become very interesting to everyone else, however, they are literally just another ripple in the day to day life at my home...so I decided to share with everyone and possibly start something new. I am not afraid of how public this becomes...so share as you will.
This weekend was fairly uneventful, in mine own eyes.
Gunnar "cut" his own hair - result 6 bald spots speckled about his hair
I came home from work on Friday and had to look hard at Gunnar because something just didn't look right. I thought to myself...his hair looks blonder in spots...so I went to sniff thinking he put lemon juice in it, or heaven forbid sprayed himself with the counter cleaner...upon closer inspection, I discovered that it was scalp. I asked the question that I already knew the answer to...Why did you do that...cause it was fun. Now Mommy has to cut the rest of your hair...He protested...I look awesome, I like it...so now my son looks like his hair is falling out in clumps, but he's happy. I figure that it will even out eventually.
Odin wore two different sizes of the same shoe to the store
Sounds weirder that it actually is. We pass down shoes with the boys. I figure that if it can survive one of them, they must be sturdy and they go along until they meet a more timely demise. A few years ago, Gunnar fell in love with these red Chucks...so when he outgrew them, we had to get him another pair 1 size up. Now it's Odin's turn to wear them...so he brought me two at separate times...all I saw was red, right foot, left foot...let's go. One looked like a clown shoe compared to the other. But he only tripped once, and he didn't seem bothered by it.
Justin and I celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary.
Love you baby!
And finally, we survived our first weekend without TV!
So I leave you with the lyrics to Gigi's new favorite song so that you may be better equipped to decipher the howls in the wind!
Thought I could
But I just can't wait
Started planning for my great escape
Where I'd live and
What I'd leave behind.
Made a list of things I'd have to take
Things that make me feel like hell for heaven's sake
Who I'd love and
Who would toe the line.
And I need you
Everybody needs someone like you
If you need me too
You would be the only thing that I'd take
On my great escape.
Float through this time like a cosmonaut
Reminding me of all the things I haven't got
Like time and space
A smile on my face
And you
And I need you
Everybody needs someone like you
If you need me too
You would be the only thing that I'd take with me...
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Maybe I find that my destination
Is somewhere I already know
You were as far as I ever had to go
And I need you
(thought I could, but I just can't wait)
Everybody needs someone like you
(started planning for my great escape)
If you need me too
(Who I'd love and)
You would be the only thing that I'd take with me
(what I'd leave behind,
what I'd leave behind)
I need you
Everybody needs someone like you
If you need me too
You would be the only thing that I'd take
On my great escape
On my great escape
But I just can't wait
Started planning for my great escape
Where I'd live and
What I'd leave behind.
Made a list of things I'd have to take
Things that make me feel like hell for heaven's sake
Who I'd love and
Who would toe the line.
And I need you
Everybody needs someone like you
If you need me too
You would be the only thing that I'd take
On my great escape.
Float through this time like a cosmonaut
Reminding me of all the things I haven't got
Like time and space
A smile on my face
And you
And I need you
Everybody needs someone like you
If you need me too
You would be the only thing that I'd take with me...
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Maybe I find that my destination
Is somewhere I already know
You were as far as I ever had to go
And I need you
(thought I could, but I just can't wait)
Everybody needs someone like you
(started planning for my great escape)
If you need me too
(Who I'd love and)
You would be the only thing that I'd take with me
(what I'd leave behind,
what I'd leave behind)
I need you
Everybody needs someone like you
If you need me too
You would be the only thing that I'd take
On my great escape
On my great escape
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