Is it wrong to think my own children are annoying?
Bri talks non-stop and usually in a "lovely" little whine. She is going through a very selfish phase and wants to be in my lap or next to me every time Grant is in the same place. She loves school as evidenced by the fact that she asks to go there during the weekend... but every evening when I ask her how school was; she only tells me bad things. Dylan hit me, Dylan bit Stacy, Arjun didn't share, I didn't get to play on the 'puter (Computer), etc. etc. etc. She actually has a hard time answering me when I ask her about good things that happened today.
Grant hasn't been feeling well this week. We've changing a LOT of dirty diapers and he has the killer diaper rash to prove it. Except now the Dr says that is doesn't sound like a true diaper rash, it sounds like a yeast rash and I actually had to go to the drugstore to buy Monistat for my sons butt! What a week! As a result of all this; he is clearly uncomfortable, often doesn't even want to sit down on his "ouchy tushy" and really wants to be held... A LOT!!!!! He won't eat properly and shakes his head No to everything but Ritz crackers and the Wiggles. Ugh.
At work things should be super easy. Note the careful use of SHOULD BE. The year is ending, lots of fun activities are getting started, and I have a student teacher so I don't even have to work all day! But here's the problem. My student teacher is awful. Her English language skills are questionable, her classroom management is non-existent, and her lessons barely teach anything. I am trying to help, I have done a lot of good things with her, she doesn't listen. She thinks she knows EVERYTHING and gets very defensive when people give her suggestions. She is barely on time each day, often arrives unprepared, and then blows out of here right at the end of the day.
Lord... what a complainer I am today.
I should be planning a fabulous weekend... Girls night out tonight and a weekend without the kids! (No, I'm not killing them or selling them, Grandma actually begged to take them!) I need to find a good mood quick! Maybe I'll see if anyone is selling one on e-bay....
Friday, May 04, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
My life is painfully NORMAL!!!
I have been trying to get better about posting... and finding nothing of interest to post.
I got some medical test results done... everything is normal, my cholesterol is actually great, and something called albumin in my blood is low but not dangerously so. The test showed that I need to work on my eating habits and loose some weight but a trained chimp could have told me that.
Grant is getting another tooth but I can't tell which one yet. He is up to a whopping 12 teeth now, we are expecting 8 more sometime in the next year or so. My guess is they will show up in groups of 2 or 3 about every 3 months, because, if nothing else, my son is "regular" in his every bodily function and behavior.
Brianna is talking up a storm and asks "Why" about EVERYTHING! This is not really of note though because she is 3 and 3 is the age of annoying and why! She says cute things, but nothing that cute. The most noticeable thing lately is that she repeats things.... apparently, I must say "Okey doke?" a LOT. She says it now but she says "obe dobe".
See... if your still reading... thanks.... what a load of nothing that turned out to be!
I got some medical test results done... everything is normal, my cholesterol is actually great, and something called albumin in my blood is low but not dangerously so. The test showed that I need to work on my eating habits and loose some weight but a trained chimp could have told me that.
Grant is getting another tooth but I can't tell which one yet. He is up to a whopping 12 teeth now, we are expecting 8 more sometime in the next year or so. My guess is they will show up in groups of 2 or 3 about every 3 months, because, if nothing else, my son is "regular" in his every bodily function and behavior.
Brianna is talking up a storm and asks "Why" about EVERYTHING! This is not really of note though because she is 3 and 3 is the age of annoying and why! She says cute things, but nothing that cute. The most noticeable thing lately is that she repeats things.... apparently, I must say "Okey doke?" a LOT. She says it now but she says "obe dobe".
See... if your still reading... thanks.... what a load of nothing that turned out to be!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
My brain is a steel sieve
A while ago, I read an article. No, of course I don't remember where or when.
Wait... don't leave yet... it gets better....
The article claimed that researchers had developed a theory about parental attachment with infants. The researchers had investigated especially the attachment of fathers and come to the following conclusion:
From birth to approx. age 3 ALL children are genetically programed to look more like their fathers than their mothers. The research went on to hypothesize that in the pre-paternity test world (and maybe the pre-monogamy days) that men needed proof that a child was theirs. therefore, all babies look more like their fathers at early ages to "prove" to the daddy that he should bother to bond with this baby.
What do you think?
Did you look like your dad when you were young?
What about your kids?.....
I know that both of my children look WAY more like my husband than me right now. It might be too late to save Bri, but I still have hope for Grant. ;-)
Wait... don't leave yet... it gets better....
The article claimed that researchers had developed a theory about parental attachment with infants. The researchers had investigated especially the attachment of fathers and come to the following conclusion:
From birth to approx. age 3 ALL children are genetically programed to look more like their fathers than their mothers. The research went on to hypothesize that in the pre-paternity test world (and maybe the pre-monogamy days) that men needed proof that a child was theirs. therefore, all babies look more like their fathers at early ages to "prove" to the daddy that he should bother to bond with this baby.
What do you think?
Did you look like your dad when you were young?
What about your kids?.....
I know that both of my children look WAY more like my husband than me right now. It might be too late to save Bri, but I still have hope for Grant. ;-)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
When in Doubt...
Post Pictures!
Brianna with her bangs cut by mommy!
Grant before his first haircut:
Grant after his first haircut:
Mommys worst picture of kids ever!
Brianna with her bangs cut by mommy!
Grant before his first haircut:
Grant after his first haircut:
Mommys worst picture of kids ever!
Monday, April 16, 2007
more about me
I know, I have been just awful about posting for MONTHS now! I can only say that work has been forced to take precedence. I am very proud of all the work I did in this time but miss my slow lazy days when I had time to update and read blogs.
Well, that time is here again and it's better than ever! I have a student teacher working with me this quarter and starting Thursday... She takes over all teaching and planning and grading and phone calls! I love it!
In the meantime, I have planned a few posts that will be coming soon.
For today: here is a little interview chain idea that Jamie took from Whoorl who took it from someone else... don't you love the blog world?
ANYWAY... Jamie's questions to me:
1. If you chose to max out your credit cards, at which store would you do so?
I could not just choose one store! I would need something for me, somethings for the kids, maybe a little something for Adam, lots of fun stuff for the house.... I guess if I had to pick one store it might be like Target because who can resist tons of cool stuff for cheap?
2. Facial hair on men: yeah, or nay?
I do sort of like facial hair on men, some men. I like beards on older men like my dad... if they can keep it trim and neat; no crazy-bum looking- Santa Claus beards! I do like my hubby with a little facial hair; I think he looks more mature. But again- I hate it if it looks scruffy!
3. What is your favorite winter sport?
Is drinking hot chocolate a sport?
4. Who is more annoying – Carson Daly or Ryan Seacrest?
I am not really annoyed by either. I try to avoid them both at all costs which is not hard since I am so hopelessly out of the cool 20-something zone! I only get to watch shows that come on after 8 pm or have some tie to cartoons! Show me cartoon versions of each one and then I'll vote!
5. Do you believe in heaven?
I think I do.... I mean I want to.... I mean yes. (sort of).
I am a very conflicted person religiously. On one hand I grew up with a strong Christian background and never questioned it. But I teach various religions for a living. I teach that one religion isn't right and another isn't wrong. That puts some of my earlier religious education into severe questioning. And if I question one thing, do I have to question it all?
Well, that time is here again and it's better than ever! I have a student teacher working with me this quarter and starting Thursday... She takes over all teaching and planning and grading and phone calls! I love it!
In the meantime, I have planned a few posts that will be coming soon.
For today: here is a little interview chain idea that Jamie took from Whoorl who took it from someone else... don't you love the blog world?
ANYWAY... Jamie's questions to me:
1. If you chose to max out your credit cards, at which store would you do so?
I could not just choose one store! I would need something for me, somethings for the kids, maybe a little something for Adam, lots of fun stuff for the house.... I guess if I had to pick one store it might be like Target because who can resist tons of cool stuff for cheap?
2. Facial hair on men: yeah, or nay?
I do sort of like facial hair on men, some men. I like beards on older men like my dad... if they can keep it trim and neat; no crazy-bum looking- Santa Claus beards! I do like my hubby with a little facial hair; I think he looks more mature. But again- I hate it if it looks scruffy!
3. What is your favorite winter sport?
Is drinking hot chocolate a sport?
4. Who is more annoying – Carson Daly or Ryan Seacrest?
I am not really annoyed by either. I try to avoid them both at all costs which is not hard since I am so hopelessly out of the cool 20-something zone! I only get to watch shows that come on after 8 pm or have some tie to cartoons! Show me cartoon versions of each one and then I'll vote!
5. Do you believe in heaven?
I think I do.... I mean I want to.... I mean yes. (sort of).
I am a very conflicted person religiously. On one hand I grew up with a strong Christian background and never questioned it. But I teach various religions for a living. I teach that one religion isn't right and another isn't wrong. That puts some of my earlier religious education into severe questioning. And if I question one thing, do I have to question it all?
Monday, April 09, 2007
Easter Pics
As always, Jamie is SOOOOO much better about posting pictures of my kids than I am!
Check them out...
Check them out...
Monday, April 02, 2007
I saw a famous person!
I am pretty sure I saw Randy Spelling downtown Chicago this weekend. His hair is longer now but I totally recognized the eyes and the stare! He was just walking down Ohio St, towards Michigan Ave around 1pm... I thought I handled it pretty well... I just walked backwards for about a block (looking at the back of his head) telling Adam that I was sure I knew that guy from a boy band or something. I wish I had looked more closely at who he was with but it was really fast!
In other news, I may actually have time to start posting again!
YEAH!
oh yeah... only 46 more work days till summer break!
(feel free to hate me now)
:-)
In other news, I may actually have time to start posting again!
YEAH!
oh yeah... only 46 more work days till summer break!
(feel free to hate me now)
:-)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Of COURSE I have better things to do.... But....
A Meme I stole from Jamie:
(I am disappointed to find a distinct lack of Nora Roberts or Julie Garwood....)
And... I must note.... that I read many of these books while taking a "blow off class" called, Independent Literature, my senior year of high school. Thank you evil witch teacher for making us read the classics!
Look at the list of books below.
• Bold the ones you’ve read.
• Italicize the ones you want to
• Don't do anything to the ones that you aren’t interested in.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMavrier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)
(I am disappointed to find a distinct lack of Nora Roberts or Julie Garwood....)
And... I must note.... that I read many of these books while taking a "blow off class" called, Independent Literature, my senior year of high school. Thank you evil witch teacher for making us read the classics!
Look at the list of books below.
• Bold the ones you’ve read.
• Italicize the ones you want to
• Don't do anything to the ones that you aren’t interested in.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMavrier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)
Monday, March 12, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
first haircut!
This weekend, Grant got his first hair cut. In all the process was a little sad because we loved his curls. Even now, 2 days later, I kind of do a double-take! I love his new do too but...
Before:
Note the Afro-like quality of the curls. My dear husband lovingly calls this "Jew-Hair". He's allowed to say that because he is Jewish and is the proud owner of similar curls!
(also a great picture of Brianna's hair and why mommy will no longer be cutting hair!)
During:
At this point we are all in Wiggle induced comas! BUT- no one is crying...
After:
My clean-cut little man is born, and LOVING the carousel ride as a reward! Mommy is only crying a little now.
Before:
Note the Afro-like quality of the curls. My dear husband lovingly calls this "Jew-Hair". He's allowed to say that because he is Jewish and is the proud owner of similar curls!
(also a great picture of Brianna's hair and why mommy will no longer be cutting hair!)
During:
At this point we are all in Wiggle induced comas! BUT- no one is crying...
After:
My clean-cut little man is born, and LOVING the carousel ride as a reward! Mommy is only crying a little now.
Friday, February 09, 2007
as promised
Long ago, I promised you pictures...
The icky sweatshirts that meant well...
The sweater I exchanged for a cute red "denim" jacket....
Christmas Eve, our first experience with cookies for Santa....
Brianna on Christmas morning....
Grant on Christmas morning....
Brianna much later on Christmas morning...
Grant, a little later on Christmas morning...
The icky sweatshirts that meant well...
The sweater I exchanged for a cute red "denim" jacket....
Christmas Eve, our first experience with cookies for Santa....
Brianna on Christmas morning....
Grant on Christmas morning....
Brianna much later on Christmas morning...
Grant, a little later on Christmas morning...
Friday, February 02, 2007
No time but....
Everyone is doing fine!
Brianna LOVES the Bears all of a sudden now that I bought her a jersey.
Gymnastics was only 10 quadrillion times better when I switched her to a female teacher.
Grant is getting another new tooth and will only eat bread products! (crackers and pancakes really...)
Work is busy and won't slow down for a while but I will leave you with a snippet of my afternoons:
Bri: Knock, Knock
Me: Who's there?
Bri: (looking around randomly) Chair
Me: Chair who?
Bri: Chair Banana!
Get it?
CHAIR BANANA!!!!!!
(Ensue crazy cackling laughter!)
Brianna LOVES the Bears all of a sudden now that I bought her a jersey.
Gymnastics was only 10 quadrillion times better when I switched her to a female teacher.
Grant is getting another new tooth and will only eat bread products! (crackers and pancakes really...)
Work is busy and won't slow down for a while but I will leave you with a snippet of my afternoons:
Bri: Knock, Knock
Me: Who's there?
Bri: (looking around randomly) Chair
Me: Chair who?
Bri: Chair Banana!
Get it?
CHAIR BANANA!!!!!!
(Ensue crazy cackling laughter!)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Be Strong
It finally happened.
Yesterday I had to follow through on one of those threats I seem to use too often.
At gymnastics, Brianna refused to go into the gym without me. She has been enrolled in the "big-girl class" for months but her new teacher is male. We have had a hard time getting her to go in and do her warm-ups but she has always gone in by the time they started the real stuff. This week, she REFUSED to enter.
I tried walking in with her, and leaving when she got to the group. NOPE.
The teacher tried sending one of the other kids out to get her. NOPE!
The female receptionist tried walking her in. NOPE!
- At this point I started threatening to go home.-
We stood at the door.... she clung to my leg.... I could not get her to tell me why...
- I threatened to take her home.-
The receptionist tried again... I tried again... the kid from her class tried again...
- I put on her first shoe.- BLOOD CURDLING SCREAMING ENSUED...
We went to the bathroom... I tried again... I tried again...
- AND FINALLY... WE WENT HOME!-
She kicked and screamed as I put her coat and shoes on. She cried and screamed, mostly the word "No", all the way home. She pouted and fussed for an hour afterwards.
But people... I made my point dang it! And I hated every minute of it. I tried not to laugh, or cry, as she screamed. I tried and tried again to get her to go participate. I tried to talk her down, I tried to talk myself down. I'm a teacher, I know that you have to make a point sometimes. But today, I am very sad.
I'll let you know how it goes the next time...
What do you think? Should I switch her to the class with the female teacher?
Yesterday I had to follow through on one of those threats I seem to use too often.
At gymnastics, Brianna refused to go into the gym without me. She has been enrolled in the "big-girl class" for months but her new teacher is male. We have had a hard time getting her to go in and do her warm-ups but she has always gone in by the time they started the real stuff. This week, she REFUSED to enter.
I tried walking in with her, and leaving when she got to the group. NOPE.
The teacher tried sending one of the other kids out to get her. NOPE!
The female receptionist tried walking her in. NOPE!
- At this point I started threatening to go home.-
We stood at the door.... she clung to my leg.... I could not get her to tell me why...
- I threatened to take her home.-
The receptionist tried again... I tried again... the kid from her class tried again...
- I put on her first shoe.- BLOOD CURDLING SCREAMING ENSUED...
We went to the bathroom... I tried again... I tried again...
- AND FINALLY... WE WENT HOME!-
She kicked and screamed as I put her coat and shoes on. She cried and screamed, mostly the word "No", all the way home. She pouted and fussed for an hour afterwards.
But people... I made my point dang it! And I hated every minute of it. I tried not to laugh, or cry, as she screamed. I tried and tried again to get her to go participate. I tried to talk her down, I tried to talk myself down. I'm a teacher, I know that you have to make a point sometimes. But today, I am very sad.
I'll let you know how it goes the next time...
What do you think? Should I switch her to the class with the female teacher?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
only 5 minutes now
All day long I have been meaning to post about how great Grant is doing with sign language. Sometime around Christmas he figured out that if he makes the same stupid hand motions mommy makes, he gets something he wants!
He now regularly uses "more" (although he usually means that he wants to eat.)
So we taught him "eat", but he only does that when we prompt him.
He is also quite good at requesting "milk" now. And that has prompted Brianna to use sign language to ask for milk too.
It's not quite the same when your 3 1/2 year old walks over to you and says "Mommy, can I please have some milk" while furiously pumping her fists up and down! She looks more like she's doing a dance then a sign... DESPITE THE FACT THAT SHE CAN ALREADY TALK, she insists on using the sign, and of course giggling like a maniac afterwards!
Ah, kids!
He now regularly uses "more" (although he usually means that he wants to eat.)
So we taught him "eat", but he only does that when we prompt him.
He is also quite good at requesting "milk" now. And that has prompted Brianna to use sign language to ask for milk too.
It's not quite the same when your 3 1/2 year old walks over to you and says "Mommy, can I please have some milk" while furiously pumping her fists up and down! She looks more like she's doing a dance then a sign... DESPITE THE FACT THAT SHE CAN ALREADY TALK, she insists on using the sign, and of course giggling like a maniac afterwards!
Ah, kids!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Happy, Crappy New Year
I had planned on posting today to wish my 6 readers a happy new year and tell you all about my wonderful break. (If you're new to my insanity, I am a teacher and didn't have to work between Dec. 22 and Jan. 8).
That all flew out the window this morning.
At the daycare center I normally love, this morning I hated. Both of my children had to move up to new classrooms after the break so this morning was understandably nutty. Bri took everything very well, she didn't seem disturbed at all by the new classroom since she still had her good friends and one of her former teachers with her. We'll see how she feels when she realizes it's permanent and not just for a day or two.
Grant is another matter entirely. My baby boy made a big change. He has no familiar teacher faces. He doesn't care much about the other kids, but they are at least familiar. This morning, Grant cried when I put him down in the new room. He cried when I held him in the new room. He SCREAMED when I handed him to the teacher. He even did that little twisting thing that only small children can do... while being held by the teacher, he turned his torso fully around to reach for me with both hands while screaming and kicking.
I know, he'll be fine. At least 8 different people today have told me "He'll be fine". In my brain I know that after a few days (weeks at worse!) he'll adjust and he really will be fine. However, today my brain can't tell my heart that because my heart is broken.
That all flew out the window this morning.
At the daycare center I normally love, this morning I hated. Both of my children had to move up to new classrooms after the break so this morning was understandably nutty. Bri took everything very well, she didn't seem disturbed at all by the new classroom since she still had her good friends and one of her former teachers with her. We'll see how she feels when she realizes it's permanent and not just for a day or two.
Grant is another matter entirely. My baby boy made a big change. He has no familiar teacher faces. He doesn't care much about the other kids, but they are at least familiar. This morning, Grant cried when I put him down in the new room. He cried when I held him in the new room. He SCREAMED when I handed him to the teacher. He even did that little twisting thing that only small children can do... while being held by the teacher, he turned his torso fully around to reach for me with both hands while screaming and kicking.
I know, he'll be fine. At least 8 different people today have told me "He'll be fine". In my brain I know that after a few days (weeks at worse!) he'll adjust and he really will be fine. However, today my brain can't tell my heart that because my heart is broken.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Thanks for asking...
Hi Wonder Mom! Thanks for asking...
I felt OK about Brianna leaving. We'd been away from her before, but my parents had come to our house. This was her first sleepover at someone else's house. I must have told her I loved her about 50 times, and reminded her that I'd see her tomorrow about 30! I was a little choked up when I drove away with an empty car, but looking back, I was more worried about how she'd handle it than I was upset that she was away.
My folks said she handled it really well, until the drive back to our house. Then, in her 3 year old mind, the drive was just too long. I guess when your 3, 90 minutes feels like 900. She was very clingy when she got home but it was TOTALLY worth it!
I felt OK about Brianna leaving. We'd been away from her before, but my parents had come to our house. This was her first sleepover at someone else's house. I must have told her I loved her about 50 times, and reminded her that I'd see her tomorrow about 30! I was a little choked up when I drove away with an empty car, but looking back, I was more worried about how she'd handle it than I was upset that she was away.
My folks said she handled it really well, until the drive back to our house. Then, in her 3 year old mind, the drive was just too long. I guess when your 3, 90 minutes feels like 900. She was very clingy when she got home but it was TOTALLY worth it!
SOOO much fun
This weekend, Brianna spent her first annual weekend with my parents. They partied and had a great time! (Next year, my folks will take both kids! OH, the anticipation!)
Even still, with just Grant this weekend, it was very liberating. Saturday.... shopping BY MYSELF. Moms out there, you understand right? When was the last time you spent all afternoon shopping BY YOURSELF!?
Sunday- I took Grant with me to Toys-R-Us. He's young enough that I can buy presents for him and he won't realize it still.... I had SO. MUCH. FUN. I just wandered the aisles picking up what I wanted, until before I knew it, an hour and a half had gone by and there just wasn't any more room in, or under, the cart. Grant was even holding/playing with one of his toys already!
People, this is why being a parent is even more fun than being a kid. Not only did I get to wander and buy to my heart's content, in just one short week I will get to see the beautiful faces of my children open all those toys. Even if they promptly forget about them as each new wonderful packages is torn to shreds, I will remember the joy I felt making them happy.
Even still, with just Grant this weekend, it was very liberating. Saturday.... shopping BY MYSELF. Moms out there, you understand right? When was the last time you spent all afternoon shopping BY YOURSELF!?
Sunday- I took Grant with me to Toys-R-Us. He's young enough that I can buy presents for him and he won't realize it still.... I had SO. MUCH. FUN. I just wandered the aisles picking up what I wanted, until before I knew it, an hour and a half had gone by and there just wasn't any more room in, or under, the cart. Grant was even holding/playing with one of his toys already!
People, this is why being a parent is even more fun than being a kid. Not only did I get to wander and buy to my heart's content, in just one short week I will get to see the beautiful faces of my children open all those toys. Even if they promptly forget about them as each new wonderful packages is torn to shreds, I will remember the joy I felt making them happy.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Wahoo!!!!
ALL DAY yesterday, my work computer was blocking blogger beta as inappropriate content!
And I was sincerely attempting to waste my entire work day yesterday so I would have greatly appreciated being able to work on and post my photo essays I'm developing!
Today, I am trying to work... so the pictures will have to wait another day. Or maybe I'll stop working before my silly computer blocks this again....
Hmmmmm.....
And I was sincerely attempting to waste my entire work day yesterday so I would have greatly appreciated being able to work on and post my photo essays I'm developing!
Today, I am trying to work... so the pictures will have to wait another day. Or maybe I'll stop working before my silly computer blocks this again....
Hmmmmm.....
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
It's the little things
My son, my wonderful 14 month old son, has started making connections. This is such a fun phase to watch.
This week, I was putting on his coat to take him home from daycare, and he started waving good bye! No one had to tell him to wave, he just knew that when the coat comes on, we leave. I was very touched by it. He is growing up very fast. Now that he is walking, he finally seems to have a personality. He's a touch of a drama king, but it's him.
On that note; file this under "bad mommy".
My son doesn't wear a coat most days. He has a coat, I just don't put it on him. Instead, I put him in a hoodie. In my defense, it's a warm hoodie. AND- I really am looking out for his safety. His real coat is very huge, very puffy. SO puffy, he doesn't fit in his carseat! Yes, ok, I know, I could uninstall his carseat and adjust the straps in the back. But I haven't. It's cold outside, it was in the single digits last week!... I know, thats exactly why I should do it, he needs the coat. And now I have gone in a little circle! I'm a bad mommy running in circles!
This week, I was putting on his coat to take him home from daycare, and he started waving good bye! No one had to tell him to wave, he just knew that when the coat comes on, we leave. I was very touched by it. He is growing up very fast. Now that he is walking, he finally seems to have a personality. He's a touch of a drama king, but it's him.
On that note; file this under "bad mommy".
My son doesn't wear a coat most days. He has a coat, I just don't put it on him. Instead, I put him in a hoodie. In my defense, it's a warm hoodie. AND- I really am looking out for his safety. His real coat is very huge, very puffy. SO puffy, he doesn't fit in his carseat! Yes, ok, I know, I could uninstall his carseat and adjust the straps in the back. But I haven't. It's cold outside, it was in the single digits last week!... I know, thats exactly why I should do it, he needs the coat. And now I have gone in a little circle! I'm a bad mommy running in circles!
Monday, December 11, 2006
I am so horrible at posting!
Things that have happened since my last post:
1. I am actually feeling better after about a week of more medication than I'd like to admit!
2. Grant does nothing but walk now. Seriously, the kid doesn't even stop to play with toys most of the time. He just walks around the house in circles to practice. I hope I can get him to give half this dedication to school or an instrument someday! Now we just need some talking...
3. Brianna is a constant crank. She is in a "do-it yourself" phase. Anything we try and do with her/for her, she freaks out and has some version of a temper tantrum. I won't elaborate, it's too painful.
4. We went bowling with my entire family as a holiday celebration. Bri loved it, Grant only wanted to get down and walk, I suck at bowling, but it was fun. Enough said.
5. I CHOPPED OFF my hair! My hair was quite long, middle of my back-ish, it is now somewhere between chin and shoulder. I did not cry, I actually couldn't stop smiling. I decided that I'm going to be 30 next week. 3.0. people! It was time to give up my ponytail for a while. I love the change but I'm not ruling out the chance that I'll go back someday. I sort of miss my ponytail....
I am working on a photo essay regarding all of the above, but it might be a couple days....
1. I am actually feeling better after about a week of more medication than I'd like to admit!
2. Grant does nothing but walk now. Seriously, the kid doesn't even stop to play with toys most of the time. He just walks around the house in circles to practice. I hope I can get him to give half this dedication to school or an instrument someday! Now we just need some talking...
3. Brianna is a constant crank. She is in a "do-it yourself" phase. Anything we try and do with her/for her, she freaks out and has some version of a temper tantrum. I won't elaborate, it's too painful.
4. We went bowling with my entire family as a holiday celebration. Bri loved it, Grant only wanted to get down and walk, I suck at bowling, but it was fun. Enough said.
5. I CHOPPED OFF my hair! My hair was quite long, middle of my back-ish, it is now somewhere between chin and shoulder. I did not cry, I actually couldn't stop smiling. I decided that I'm going to be 30 next week. 3.0. people! It was time to give up my ponytail for a while. I love the change but I'm not ruling out the chance that I'll go back someday. I sort of miss my ponytail....
I am working on a photo essay regarding all of the above, but it might be a couple days....
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Geico has it all wrong
Neanderthal man should leave Geico alone and sue me today!
With my messy hair (got up late, Thanks Nyquil!), mouth breathing (no thanks to Dayquil), and raspy voice... Today I am a neaderthal woman! Good think I'm teaching about the stone age, I'll just call it part of the lesson.
I feel a sick day coming on....
With my messy hair (got up late, Thanks Nyquil!), mouth breathing (no thanks to Dayquil), and raspy voice... Today I am a neaderthal woman! Good think I'm teaching about the stone age, I'll just call it part of the lesson.
I feel a sick day coming on....
Monday, December 04, 2006
'Tis the Season
My mom always says 'tis. She even used to call us "Tizylish" but I don't really know what that means and it isn't what I'd planned on talking about today...
I love December!
I love the snow in December. (I hate it in Jan and Feb but that too is a different story.) My Birthday is in December, the 22nd, just in case.... you know. But I especially love all the family and decorating and hot cocoa and lights.
This weekend, we put up our brand new 8ft tree! It looks amazing, and was super easy thanks to the whole pre-lit thing. Even putting on the ornaments only took about 30 minutes. We were lucky enough to have the wonderful help of a 3 year old dynamo and were not impeded too much by the 1 year old fuss-budget. Brianna loved hanging ornaments on the back of the tree. I'm not sure but I think she liked saying excuse me and squezing by her parents as much as possible. We don't quite have enough ornaments for the new, bigger, tree but that was ok because we can't put anything at the bottom anyway. Grant will just break it or eat it!
I haven't yet put out any of the rest of my decorations, but all the boxes are just sitting in my living room waiting for me. I am a little obsessed with snowmen. By the end of this week, every decoratable surface of my first floor will be covered with snowmen, women, children, and families. This really works for me. Adam was raised Jewish, I was raised Protestant, we haven't really settled on an organized religion yet for our family but we celebrate both faiths. Snowmen are religion neutral. And they TOTALLY work in northern Illinois where winters are full of snow.
I do however draw the line at snowman/seasonal sweaters! I'm 30 people, not 300!
For Hannakah this year, my mother-in-law bought me a very nice, soft sweater... covered in snowflakes and polar bears. I love that she tried to buy me clothes. I love that she even remembered the turtleneck to go under the sweater. I do however plan on returning the sweater. Howard, Heather... please don't tell her, it just isn't necessary. I think I'll share more faux Hanukkah info later.
Later this week I'm planning a photo montage of my best and worst things about December...
and where did my spell check button go?
I love December!
I love the snow in December. (I hate it in Jan and Feb but that too is a different story.) My Birthday is in December, the 22nd, just in case.... you know. But I especially love all the family and decorating and hot cocoa and lights.
This weekend, we put up our brand new 8ft tree! It looks amazing, and was super easy thanks to the whole pre-lit thing. Even putting on the ornaments only took about 30 minutes. We were lucky enough to have the wonderful help of a 3 year old dynamo and were not impeded too much by the 1 year old fuss-budget. Brianna loved hanging ornaments on the back of the tree. I'm not sure but I think she liked saying excuse me and squezing by her parents as much as possible. We don't quite have enough ornaments for the new, bigger, tree but that was ok because we can't put anything at the bottom anyway. Grant will just break it or eat it!
I haven't yet put out any of the rest of my decorations, but all the boxes are just sitting in my living room waiting for me. I am a little obsessed with snowmen. By the end of this week, every decoratable surface of my first floor will be covered with snowmen, women, children, and families. This really works for me. Adam was raised Jewish, I was raised Protestant, we haven't really settled on an organized religion yet for our family but we celebrate both faiths. Snowmen are religion neutral. And they TOTALLY work in northern Illinois where winters are full of snow.
I do however draw the line at snowman/seasonal sweaters! I'm 30 people, not 300!
For Hannakah this year, my mother-in-law bought me a very nice, soft sweater... covered in snowflakes and polar bears. I love that she tried to buy me clothes. I love that she even remembered the turtleneck to go under the sweater. I do however plan on returning the sweater. Howard, Heather... please don't tell her, it just isn't necessary. I think I'll share more faux Hanukkah info later.
Later this week I'm planning a photo montage of my best and worst things about December...
and where did my spell check button go?
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Holiday Meme
Janet over at Dancing Through is a new site I've found. Her blog really appeals to me because she is a mom with a toddler, and refers everything back to dancing. I haven't actually found yet if she is a former dancer, but I like to think so.
She found a Holiday Meme and I decided to jump on the bandwagon!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? For now, Presents are wrapped and go under the tree as soon as they are ready. Grandma and Grandpa take care of the surprise gifts. I can't wait to see how this changes for us over the next few years though.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I like White for me, I love to see color on other peoples houses. I CAN'T STAND IT when people mix the two. Sue me, I'm crazy like that.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, The only person worth kissing doesn't believe in mistletoe so why bother.
5. When do you put your decorations up? I would like to do them the day after Thanksgiving but if you know me... you know I'm just not that organized even if I were home that day.
6.. What is your favorite holiday dish? I love anything chocolate... or the green bean casserole... and of course the mashed potatoes.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Making cookies or candies to give to our teachers and neighbors. We always snuck just enough candy to keep from being sick, but way to many to want dinner.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I wish I remembered... I hope it's a very long time before my children do!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We open one gift each from my mom aka Grandma Julie. She always buys us pajamas to wear for Christmas morning. Lately the PJs have coordinated with the kids and I just adore the little family pictures of all of us wearing them!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? The lights are already on the tree... one less fight! We have all memory ornaments from my childhood or from our marriage. I love the family look, no matchy matchy for me!
11. Snow! Love it OR DREAD IT ?? Love the first snow fall... until I have to drive in it, or when it gets all muddy or footprinty.
12. Can you ice skate? A little, we did take lessons as kids but Jamie was much more interested than me.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Not really, each year there was a favorite... topped by another favorite the next year. If I had to pick one, it was the year my parents agreed to pay for my airfare to S. Carolina so I could attend a wedding for one of Adam's best friends. This was a big step for my parents who firmly believe that sex is for marriage and that traveling with a boyfriend is "dangerous".
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Cozy times at home as a family.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? The little peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate that my mom makes.
16. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving, but receiving is fun too!
17. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Silent Night, it reminds me of the reason for the season and has a comforting melody.
18. Candy canes? Only the fruit flavored ones.
She found a Holiday Meme and I decided to jump on the bandwagon!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? For now, Presents are wrapped and go under the tree as soon as they are ready. Grandma and Grandpa take care of the surprise gifts. I can't wait to see how this changes for us over the next few years though.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I like White for me, I love to see color on other peoples houses. I CAN'T STAND IT when people mix the two. Sue me, I'm crazy like that.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, The only person worth kissing doesn't believe in mistletoe so why bother.
5. When do you put your decorations up? I would like to do them the day after Thanksgiving but if you know me... you know I'm just not that organized even if I were home that day.
6.. What is your favorite holiday dish? I love anything chocolate... or the green bean casserole... and of course the mashed potatoes.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Making cookies or candies to give to our teachers and neighbors. We always snuck just enough candy to keep from being sick, but way to many to want dinner.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I wish I remembered... I hope it's a very long time before my children do!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We open one gift each from my mom aka Grandma Julie. She always buys us pajamas to wear for Christmas morning. Lately the PJs have coordinated with the kids and I just adore the little family pictures of all of us wearing them!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? The lights are already on the tree... one less fight! We have all memory ornaments from my childhood or from our marriage. I love the family look, no matchy matchy for me!
11. Snow! Love it OR DREAD IT ?? Love the first snow fall... until I have to drive in it, or when it gets all muddy or footprinty.
12. Can you ice skate? A little, we did take lessons as kids but Jamie was much more interested than me.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Not really, each year there was a favorite... topped by another favorite the next year. If I had to pick one, it was the year my parents agreed to pay for my airfare to S. Carolina so I could attend a wedding for one of Adam's best friends. This was a big step for my parents who firmly believe that sex is for marriage and that traveling with a boyfriend is "dangerous".
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Cozy times at home as a family.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? The little peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate that my mom makes.
16. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving, but receiving is fun too!
17. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Silent Night, it reminds me of the reason for the season and has a comforting melody.
18. Candy canes? Only the fruit flavored ones.
frustration
I really don't have time to post now... because I've spent every chance I had, times I wanted to be posting, fighting with Google and Blogger Beta to find the right log in combination. I think I have it now but don't have actual time to write actual interesting information.
I should never have switched to Beta!
I should never have switched to Beta!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Circus!
We had such a great time at the circus a couple weekends ago. I didn't actually take any pictures of circus stuff because, well, I don't really care about those people, I care about these people:
Brianna and Grant hugging during intermission in Pop Pop's lap. (see Daddy trying to get out of the frame?)
Brianna was a little afraid when we first arrived but quickly fell in love with the circus. Here is Brianna and Grandma oohing over something.
Grant and his favorite part of the night, clapping! He actually was close to sleeping after intermission. It was really cute... he would be super cuddly and have just closed his eyes, then something big would happen and everyone would clap. He would pop up and clap with everyone, then try and settle into sleep as soon as it was done.
Brianna and Grant hugging during intermission in Pop Pop's lap. (see Daddy trying to get out of the frame?)
Brianna was a little afraid when we first arrived but quickly fell in love with the circus. Here is Brianna and Grandma oohing over something.
Grant and his favorite part of the night, clapping! He actually was close to sleeping after intermission. It was really cute... he would be super cuddly and have just closed his eyes, then something big would happen and everyone would clap. He would pop up and clap with everyone, then try and settle into sleep as soon as it was done.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Where does the time go?
It is an old question, and one that I seem to ask myself a lot.
Grant, my baby, is a toddler. He is trying to walk. He only drinks from a sippy cup, and that cup, holds real milk instead of formula (well, soy milk due to his alergy). He eats table food. We are donating all our remaining jars of baby food to a food pantry this holiday season. (I overstocked just a little!) He likes all bread products and bread like products, meatballs, chicken nuggets, soy/veggie cheese, bananas, and applesauce. We can't get him to eat veggies but we keep trying and I'm going to start slipping baby vitamins into his milk once a day. I don't know how he manages it all with only 2 teeth, but he's amazing.
Daily, I look at my kids and wonder where the time went. I am especially hard hit when I have to put away the outfits they outgrow after wearing once, or not wearing at all. I save all those... just in case.
This is a dangerous phase for me. I don't have a baby anymore, and my little one is not yet toddler enough to be difficult. It's this phase that I think about another one. And Adam checks my pills daily! (just kidding, but he might consider it!) I'm not ready for another baby now, but I want one, someday. But that, is another story for another YEAR!
Grant, my baby, is a toddler. He is trying to walk. He only drinks from a sippy cup, and that cup, holds real milk instead of formula (well, soy milk due to his alergy). He eats table food. We are donating all our remaining jars of baby food to a food pantry this holiday season. (I overstocked just a little!) He likes all bread products and bread like products, meatballs, chicken nuggets, soy/veggie cheese, bananas, and applesauce. We can't get him to eat veggies but we keep trying and I'm going to start slipping baby vitamins into his milk once a day. I don't know how he manages it all with only 2 teeth, but he's amazing.
Daily, I look at my kids and wonder where the time went. I am especially hard hit when I have to put away the outfits they outgrow after wearing once, or not wearing at all. I save all those... just in case.
This is a dangerous phase for me. I don't have a baby anymore, and my little one is not yet toddler enough to be difficult. It's this phase that I think about another one. And Adam checks my pills daily! (just kidding, but he might consider it!) I'm not ready for another baby now, but I want one, someday. But that, is another story for another YEAR!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Congratulations, It's about Dang time!
Britney has filed for a divorce from Kevin.
Congratulations Brit. I am proud of you and know you will do better with out him. Next time, think about your children when you pick a husband. You should have known he was a dog when he wasn't faithful to Char or his children with her. Why did you think you would be different?
Way to go!
Congratulations Brit. I am proud of you and know you will do better with out him. Next time, think about your children when you pick a husband. You should have known he was a dog when he wasn't faithful to Char or his children with her. Why did you think you would be different?
Way to go!
My baby is a teenager in disguise
It has been an interesting start to the week with Ms. Brianna. Did you know that she is 3 now? What no one tells you is that 3 is WAY worse than 2! It might be terrible 2 but it's dreadfully, very bad, appalling 3. She knows what is wrong, and that is why she does things. She chooses to intentionally do the things she knows are wrong. Sorry readers of children who are not yet 3... this is typical and it will happen to you too!
Monday, I picked the kids up from school at normal time in the normal way. She put on her coat, she waved goodbye to her friends, we started driving. Somewhere in the first five minutes, we argued because I told her she couldn't take off her shoes and socks. Sometime not long after that, we argued because she wanted to take off her seatbelt. And then because she couldn't take off her coat. And then she started yelling at me.
I calmly and quietly told her that if she didn't stop yelling, she would be in Time out when we got home. She stopped yelling, for a minute or so.
And then it happened, loudly but not yelling, she said "I don't want to go home, I don't want to go to time out, I want to stay at school." She said it again.... and again... and like 25 times after that. Always in the same angry loud but not yelling voice. I wish you could hear it! BUT... that's not the topper... when she finally realized I was not going to respond, she repeated it one more time with a little addition tacked on the end...
"I don't want to go home, I don't want to go to time out, I want to stay at school. Those are your choices mommy!"
I swear I thought I would pee my pants from holding in the laughter! I barely was able to drive the car with the tears in my eyes. I giggle even now, days later.
Tuesday was a completely different little girl. She had her first Gymnastics class with out a parent in the room! We have been doing parent-tot gymnastics for over a year but this was her first class where mommy watched from the observation room instead of helping out with the class. I would be lying if I said I didn't get a little emotional. The start was a little rough. We'd been talking about this for over a week but she clung to me and wouldn't participate. After 15 minutes, she waved at me and blew kisses but still wouldn't do most of what they asked. Finally at 30 min. through the 45 min. class she was back to her old self. I really hope next week goes better. I think I'll make daddy go!
Monday, I picked the kids up from school at normal time in the normal way. She put on her coat, she waved goodbye to her friends, we started driving. Somewhere in the first five minutes, we argued because I told her she couldn't take off her shoes and socks. Sometime not long after that, we argued because she wanted to take off her seatbelt. And then because she couldn't take off her coat. And then she started yelling at me.
I calmly and quietly told her that if she didn't stop yelling, she would be in Time out when we got home. She stopped yelling, for a minute or so.
And then it happened, loudly but not yelling, she said "I don't want to go home, I don't want to go to time out, I want to stay at school." She said it again.... and again... and like 25 times after that. Always in the same angry loud but not yelling voice. I wish you could hear it! BUT... that's not the topper... when she finally realized I was not going to respond, she repeated it one more time with a little addition tacked on the end...
"I don't want to go home, I don't want to go to time out, I want to stay at school. Those are your choices mommy!"
I swear I thought I would pee my pants from holding in the laughter! I barely was able to drive the car with the tears in my eyes. I giggle even now, days later.
Tuesday was a completely different little girl. She had her first Gymnastics class with out a parent in the room! We have been doing parent-tot gymnastics for over a year but this was her first class where mommy watched from the observation room instead of helping out with the class. I would be lying if I said I didn't get a little emotional. The start was a little rough. We'd been talking about this for over a week but she clung to me and wouldn't participate. After 15 minutes, she waved at me and blew kisses but still wouldn't do most of what they asked. Finally at 30 min. through the 45 min. class she was back to her old self. I really hope next week goes better. I think I'll make daddy go!
Friday, November 03, 2006
I am just a little sick
I am a planner!
Today I was having a discussion with some friends about divorce rates. We figured that out of the 4 of us, at least one of us would be getting divorced at some time... probably 2 of us if averages hold.
I revealed the fact that while I've never thought about divorcing Adam, at least not seriously, I have seriously made plans in case he dies. I know that this is a stupid thing to do. Adam is a safe driver, doesn't fly much, and is relatively healthy despite recent events.
Still...
If Adam dies, I will:
1. Ask for help from my parents and his to pay off my house. I don't like the thought of groveling but I could never afford the house alone.
2. Apply for assistant principal positions immediately. Right now, I only take home about $1000 a month after you subtract daycare from my take home pay! Can't raise 2 kids on that.
3. I would marry again. Not right away of course but eventually. I am not good at being alone.
Is this sick?
I think it's especially sick that my children might someday read this...
But I am who I am!
Today I was having a discussion with some friends about divorce rates. We figured that out of the 4 of us, at least one of us would be getting divorced at some time... probably 2 of us if averages hold.
I revealed the fact that while I've never thought about divorcing Adam, at least not seriously, I have seriously made plans in case he dies. I know that this is a stupid thing to do. Adam is a safe driver, doesn't fly much, and is relatively healthy despite recent events.
Still...
If Adam dies, I will:
1. Ask for help from my parents and his to pay off my house. I don't like the thought of groveling but I could never afford the house alone.
2. Apply for assistant principal positions immediately. Right now, I only take home about $1000 a month after you subtract daycare from my take home pay! Can't raise 2 kids on that.
3. I would marry again. Not right away of course but eventually. I am not good at being alone.
Is this sick?
I think it's especially sick that my children might someday read this...
But I am who I am!
Life in the twilight zone
Today:
-I worked at work, most of the day anyway.
-Both kids were awake before we had to wake them up.
-One of the two kids woke up happy and was actually smiling when we walked in her room AND was willing to potty and get herself dressed without argument!
-I didn't spend too much money on lunch/food.
-I got done all the things I set out to do.
I think the life Karma is waiting to really hit me where it hurts....
Waiting.....
-I worked at work, most of the day anyway.
-Both kids were awake before we had to wake them up.
-One of the two kids woke up happy and was actually smiling when we walked in her room AND was willing to potty and get herself dressed without argument!
-I didn't spend too much money on lunch/food.
-I got done all the things I set out to do.
I think the life Karma is waiting to really hit me where it hurts....
Waiting.....
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Celebrity Best Friends?
Reese and Ryan are splitting.
I am very sad. I always found a lot of connections between Reese and myself.
- We both met and married young.
- We actually got married the same year.
- We have 2 kids.
- She grew up in the midwest (Nashville).
- We are about the same age.
If I had to pick one celebrity to be best friends with, I always thought it would be Reese.
What about you? What celebrity do you connect with most?
I am very sad. I always found a lot of connections between Reese and myself.
- We both met and married young.
- We actually got married the same year.
- We have 2 kids.
- She grew up in the midwest (Nashville).
- We are about the same age.
If I had to pick one celebrity to be best friends with, I always thought it would be Reese.
What about you? What celebrity do you connect with most?
Just one moment
My life is full of stress, and some days I thrive in it. I really try and take joy from what I do. Even when I can't find the joy in something, I know that tonight, I'm going to take my beautiful children in my arms and they will love me unconditionally. Grant will snuggle in my neck as he's falling asleep and Brianna will see how hard she can hug me and we will both giggle.
I don't feel that I am a great writer. I am fine, but I will never be able to use my own words to truly make my feelings known. So, today I'm going to borrow someone else's words.
Yesterday, this song really touched me. I had a average to bad day at work, and 2 cranky kids, and spent over $80 buying almost nothing at the grocery store, But this song was me, is me.
Some people think I'm crazy
But try to understand
I get satisfaction
Out of everything I can
The losers and the winners
The laughter and the tears
The noises of the day to day
Is music to my ears
And I like it
Yeah I like it, whooa
Gonna live it up this time
And dance like the song is never ending
Gonna get so high tonight
You won't be able to bring me down
Cause I like it
Yeah, I like it
Driving down the highway
The wind is in my hair
And if I hit a traffic jam
I swear that I won't care
Living the lows
Makes the highs that much higher
And the sun will shine through
The smoke and fire of love
Whooa, love
Whooa
Gonna ride this merry-go-round
And dance like the night is never ending
Gonna get so high on life
You won't be able to bring me down
Cause I like it
Yeah, I like it
Oh, baby, I like it
Whooa, I like it
A sea couldn't wash away
The happiness I've come to find since love
Has taught me how to break
Break these chains that hold me back
Noisy streets and the sleepy bars
And the neon signs and the rusty cars
How many nights have I wondered how
One goes through life without seeing the beauty of love
Whooa, the beauty of love
Whooa
Gonna live it up in this town
And dance like the song is never ending
Gonna get so high tonight
You won't be able to bring me down
And I like it
Yeah, I like it
Whooa, baby, I like it
Oh, yeah, I like it
(That's the beauty of life)
I don't feel that I am a great writer. I am fine, but I will never be able to use my own words to truly make my feelings known. So, today I'm going to borrow someone else's words.
Yesterday, this song really touched me. I had a average to bad day at work, and 2 cranky kids, and spent over $80 buying almost nothing at the grocery store, But this song was me, is me.
Some people think I'm crazy
But try to understand
I get satisfaction
Out of everything I can
The losers and the winners
The laughter and the tears
The noises of the day to day
Is music to my ears
And I like it
Yeah I like it, whooa
Gonna live it up this time
And dance like the song is never ending
Gonna get so high tonight
You won't be able to bring me down
Cause I like it
Yeah, I like it
Driving down the highway
The wind is in my hair
And if I hit a traffic jam
I swear that I won't care
Living the lows
Makes the highs that much higher
And the sun will shine through
The smoke and fire of love
Whooa, love
Whooa
Gonna ride this merry-go-round
And dance like the night is never ending
Gonna get so high on life
You won't be able to bring me down
Cause I like it
Yeah, I like it
Oh, baby, I like it
Whooa, I like it
A sea couldn't wash away
The happiness I've come to find since love
Has taught me how to break
Break these chains that hold me back
Noisy streets and the sleepy bars
And the neon signs and the rusty cars
How many nights have I wondered how
One goes through life without seeing the beauty of love
Whooa, the beauty of love
Whooa
Gonna live it up in this town
And dance like the song is never ending
Gonna get so high tonight
You won't be able to bring me down
And I like it
Yeah, I like it
Whooa, baby, I like it
Oh, yeah, I like it
(That's the beauty of life)
|
Friday, October 27, 2006
The Halloween Parade!
Brianna, looking all cool, TOTALLY excited to see mommy in the middle of the day:
Grant, totally adorable, at least until he noticed me and started WAILING!!!!
Grant, totally adorable, at least until he noticed me and started WAILING!!!!
Worst mommy in the world... or the best?
Wednesday I was called away from work again to pick up a sick child. This time it was Brianna. She was running a minor fever and was just very lethargic. I took her home. She stayed home Thursday with Adam, partly because she was still not herself, partly because the daycare center makes you keep them home for 24 hrs after a fever. By last night she was begging to run around and play so we let her attend her normally scheduled gymnastics class. She did great!
However, around bed time last night I noticed she was running a low fever again. I think we let her over do it! I really should have kept her home from school today. I didn't. I gave her Tylenol before bed, and again right before school, and I have my fingers crossed that she will make it through her day. The worst mommy in the world, right? I sent my sick kid to school where she could be miserable... not to mention possibly passing along her bug.
BUT... don't get out the electric chair yet! Today at school was her Halloween parade and party. She has been talking about showing her friends her Cinderella dress for W.E.E.K.S. And I was so excited that I got a friend to sub for one of my classes today so I could run over there and take pictures of the parade. I just couldn't make her stay home today. Best mommy in the world?
I'll settle for somewhere in between.
However, around bed time last night I noticed she was running a low fever again. I think we let her over do it! I really should have kept her home from school today. I didn't. I gave her Tylenol before bed, and again right before school, and I have my fingers crossed that she will make it through her day. The worst mommy in the world, right? I sent my sick kid to school where she could be miserable... not to mention possibly passing along her bug.
BUT... don't get out the electric chair yet! Today at school was her Halloween parade and party. She has been talking about showing her friends her Cinderella dress for W.E.E.K.S. And I was so excited that I got a friend to sub for one of my classes today so I could run over there and take pictures of the parade. I just couldn't make her stay home today. Best mommy in the world?
I'll settle for somewhere in between.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
The HAT!
One more picture of Grant's general attitude during the festivities.
Thanks for the hat Aunt Judy!
Birthday Pics!
Monday, October 23, 2006
One more reason why I can't post all that fun stuff
I am... at WORK on SUNDAY!
What the heck is wrong with that woman you ask????
Last week is the matter:
Monday and Tuesday- Every spare minute and some not so spare minutes
spent cleaning and generally preparing/shopping for big first birthday
party.
Wednesday- left work early to finish preparation... Birthday party at
5:30 (which by the way, guests (who do not work for a living) did not bother to show until around 6... more on that rant later perhaps!)
Thursday- received page in middle of important meeting, Grant was
running 103.4 temp! leave meeting.. rush to dr... only to have them
say that it's "nothing" and to wait it out. Arrange for my mom to
come out and spend day with Grant on Friday because he can't go back
to daycare and I have to teach an important lesson on Friday!
Friday- get interrupted while teaching important lesson to have
building nurse tell me that hubby is in nurses office in such severe
stomach cramps that he can't walk... do I want to drive him to the
hospital or should they call the ambulance? (Have I mentioned before
that Adam and I work in the same building?) Spend rest of Friday in ER
with A getting IV fluids and medicine only to have dr say... it's
"nothing" probably just stomach flu. (see also vomiting and diarrhea!)
Saturday- A is actually fine, Grant is improving quickly, I sleep- A
LOT, but we have to cancel big night out plans! We actually were
planning on going to a friends wedding... babysitter and hotel room
cancelled.
I can't wait to see what this week will hold!
What the heck is wrong with that woman you ask????
Last week is the matter:
Monday and Tuesday- Every spare minute and some not so spare minutes
spent cleaning and generally preparing/shopping for big first birthday
party.
Wednesday- left work early to finish preparation... Birthday party at
5:30 (which by the way, guests (who do not work for a living) did not bother to show until around 6... more on that rant later perhaps!)
Thursday- received page in middle of important meeting, Grant was
running 103.4 temp! leave meeting.. rush to dr... only to have them
say that it's "nothing" and to wait it out. Arrange for my mom to
come out and spend day with Grant on Friday because he can't go back
to daycare and I have to teach an important lesson on Friday!
Friday- get interrupted while teaching important lesson to have
building nurse tell me that hubby is in nurses office in such severe
stomach cramps that he can't walk... do I want to drive him to the
hospital or should they call the ambulance? (Have I mentioned before
that Adam and I work in the same building?) Spend rest of Friday in ER
with A getting IV fluids and medicine only to have dr say... it's
"nothing" probably just stomach flu. (see also vomiting and diarrhea!)
Saturday- A is actually fine, Grant is improving quickly, I sleep- A
LOT, but we have to cancel big night out plans! We actually were
planning on going to a friends wedding... babysitter and hotel room
cancelled.
I can't wait to see what this week will hold!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
When it rains, it pours
More things I will blog about when I have the time:
Grant’s birthday party
The stress of prepping for Grant’s birthday party
Pictures of said party
Memories of Grant’s first year
Funny things Brianna says now that sound grown up
Pictures, of course
Why my husband can be a real donkey sometimes
Why I put up with said donkey
Why work stinks
Why I should never try and be innovative
Why I am proud of being a good, working, mom
Grant’s birthday party
The stress of prepping for Grant’s birthday party
Pictures of said party
Memories of Grant’s first year
Funny things Brianna says now that sound grown up
Pictures, of course
Why my husband can be a real donkey sometimes
Why I put up with said donkey
Why work stinks
Why I should never try and be innovative
Why I am proud of being a good, working, mom
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Crazy Busy and just tired!
No time to post... no energy to think... up coming posts may include:
Brianna and her fear of just about everything!
Grant and his ability to climb stairs faster than me!
The BIG BIRTHDAY!
Photos and more photos!
The worlds most delicious cupcakes which I, myself, baked and thus completely ruined my Weight Watchers week!
Work and how I think I am awesome at it!
Any other suggestions?
Brianna and her fear of just about everything!
Grant and his ability to climb stairs faster than me!
The BIG BIRTHDAY!
Photos and more photos!
The worlds most delicious cupcakes which I, myself, baked and thus completely ruined my Weight Watchers week!
Work and how I think I am awesome at it!
Any other suggestions?
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
And today's another "normal" day
When you have children, every emotion is magnified. The Joys are so much better. The sadness can be so much worse. But mostly, the fears.... they come more often and usually hit me like a freight train.
Last night, I feared for my life a little. I feared for my husbands life a little. I feared for my children's lives so much my body physically ached.
We spent a lovely evening in Chicago having my favorite meal, cooked by my mom, in honor of my dad's birthday. In the distance we could see dark clouds rolling in and lightening flashing. After the presents and pie, we packed up the kids, in their 'jammies, and headed home. We expected to hit rain. Adam was driving because I'm not good at night, my eyes start to hurt and I get REALLY sleepy. One thing about Chicago though, if you don't live there, is that the tall buildings deceive you on distances. The storm that looked miles away was really just outside the downtown area.
As soon as we hit the highway, the rain starting coming down in sheets. Sheets! Waterfalls! A Deluge! Long story short... our drive home was done entirely in various stages of invisibility. At good times, we could see 50-100 feet in front of the car and we drove about 40 mph. At the worst times we drove less than 10 mph and couldn't see our own headlights through the rain and marble sized hail. We thought about pulling over but two things stopped us.
In the back seat were two little heads, both slumped to the left, pudgy faces sleeping like angels. All we wanted was to get those two little people safely home, into their own beds. I turned around to check on them every time a semi-truck barreled past us. I checked on them after every minor accident we drove past. I spent a long time looking at them after the multiple car pile-up we drove by.
I used to worry about myself if my husband passed. I used to worry about him if something happened to me. Yesterday I worried about our will and our finances and what situation am I leaving my children in.
Am I over-reacting? Yeah, maybe a little. But I'm a mom, I get to over-react anytime I want to if my children are at stake. I guess that over-reacting gets bigger/better/worse too!
Last night, I feared for my life a little. I feared for my husbands life a little. I feared for my children's lives so much my body physically ached.
We spent a lovely evening in Chicago having my favorite meal, cooked by my mom, in honor of my dad's birthday. In the distance we could see dark clouds rolling in and lightening flashing. After the presents and pie, we packed up the kids, in their 'jammies, and headed home. We expected to hit rain. Adam was driving because I'm not good at night, my eyes start to hurt and I get REALLY sleepy. One thing about Chicago though, if you don't live there, is that the tall buildings deceive you on distances. The storm that looked miles away was really just outside the downtown area.
As soon as we hit the highway, the rain starting coming down in sheets. Sheets! Waterfalls! A Deluge! Long story short... our drive home was done entirely in various stages of invisibility. At good times, we could see 50-100 feet in front of the car and we drove about 40 mph. At the worst times we drove less than 10 mph and couldn't see our own headlights through the rain and marble sized hail. We thought about pulling over but two things stopped us.
In the back seat were two little heads, both slumped to the left, pudgy faces sleeping like angels. All we wanted was to get those two little people safely home, into their own beds. I turned around to check on them every time a semi-truck barreled past us. I checked on them after every minor accident we drove past. I spent a long time looking at them after the multiple car pile-up we drove by.
I used to worry about myself if my husband passed. I used to worry about him if something happened to me. Yesterday I worried about our will and our finances and what situation am I leaving my children in.
Am I over-reacting? Yeah, maybe a little. But I'm a mom, I get to over-react anytime I want to if my children are at stake. I guess that over-reacting gets bigger/better/worse too!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Birthdays
I started to write a post all about the drama and stress I felt in trying to plan Grant's first birthday party. But the problem is, it turns out it wasn't that dramatic, and now the stress is gone.
Long story short: October weekends are SO packed for my family, we just couldn't find a date when the family could all get together to celebrate. Or at least not one that was remotely close to his actual birthday. So. We are having it on a weeknight. And I feel bad that some family is inconvenienced to come after work, or leave work early, but I feel I had no choice.
In other news; Today Amalah made me cry. I only wish I could say the same things about my life, about my kids, about my husband... because I feel all the same things, I just can't write like that! WOW!
Long story short: October weekends are SO packed for my family, we just couldn't find a date when the family could all get together to celebrate. Or at least not one that was remotely close to his actual birthday. So. We are having it on a weeknight. And I feel bad that some family is inconvenienced to come after work, or leave work early, but I feel I had no choice.
In other news; Today Amalah made me cry. I only wish I could say the same things about my life, about my kids, about my husband... because I feel all the same things, I just can't write like that! WOW!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Halloween has been decided!
Halloween... the 2nd most important decision of my month, has been settled.
Luckily, I did not get the Dora dress I was bidding on. Sorry kids, Mommy was not willing to spend over $30 PLUS shipping to get ONE costume! It would have been at least another $30 for the other one.
Really though, it was a good thing. I went home Monday debating on paying too much for the princess Dora costume, or settling on the regular Dora costume. So I asked Brianna which one she wanted... to which she promptly answered... "I don't wanna be Dora anymore, I wanna be a princess! I wanna be Cinereya!" (That's Cinderella for all you people who don't speak three year old.)
SOOOOOOOOO, That actually made Brianna's costume really easy because we already have a Cinderella play dress. The only debate was what should Grant be....
Not Prince Charming, he's way to short!
Not a stepsister because, duh, he's a boy.
Maybe the dog... or the horse...
NO! WHAT WAS I THINKING... OF COURSE HE'LL BE A...... MOUSE!
Tuesday I won a very cute, and very reasonably priced mouse costume on e-bay. I will add a little t-shirt and some booties, and Voila! Cinderella's best friend, the mouse!
It's a little scary how thrilled I am!
Soon to come... the drama of planning Grant's first birthday party....
Luckily, I did not get the Dora dress I was bidding on. Sorry kids, Mommy was not willing to spend over $30 PLUS shipping to get ONE costume! It would have been at least another $30 for the other one.
Really though, it was a good thing. I went home Monday debating on paying too much for the princess Dora costume, or settling on the regular Dora costume. So I asked Brianna which one she wanted... to which she promptly answered... "I don't wanna be Dora anymore, I wanna be a princess! I wanna be Cinereya!" (That's Cinderella for all you people who don't speak three year old.)
SOOOOOOOOO, That actually made Brianna's costume really easy because we already have a Cinderella play dress. The only debate was what should Grant be....
Not Prince Charming, he's way to short!
Not a stepsister because, duh, he's a boy.
Maybe the dog... or the horse...
NO! WHAT WAS I THINKING... OF COURSE HE'LL BE A...... MOUSE!
Tuesday I won a very cute, and very reasonably priced mouse costume on e-bay. I will add a little t-shirt and some booties, and Voila! Cinderella's best friend, the mouse!
It's a little scary how thrilled I am!
Soon to come... the drama of planning Grant's first birthday party....
Monday, September 25, 2006
Stuff...
Halloween... I think we have decided on Dora and Boots. Brianna is almost out of this Dora phase and if we don't do it this year, it's never going to happen. Besides, I think I found the right costumes on E-bay and will be purchasing today to make sure I get them in plenty of time.
New Stuff... Did I mention that Grant can clap now? And that he loves music? Well, yesterday we were at my in-laws with all the 30 year old toys... I started playing on one of those little xylophone things and he stopped dead in his tracks, stared at me while I was playing, and then clapped for me when I was done. It was SO cute!
... Also... We have officially taken Grant off the bottle and put him on sippy cups cold turkey! I was so tired of washing the 4 cracking, leaky, bottles we own daily, I found a sippy he likes and today will buy a boat load of them... or atleast 12! (Why did we only own four crappy bottles... see January and February posts about discontinued bottles!)
Bad Mommy... Grant's dinner was all thrown off by a crazy schedule yesterday (he napped through lunch and didn't eat until 2:30!). It was made worse by dinner at the in-laws (7 adults and 4 kids in a room about 400 square feet). So, I did his dinner out of order; snacks, then veggies... then I should have done the bottle later. PEOPLE... I FORGOT TO GIVE HIM HIS BOTTLE! He didn't even mention it... until 2 am. Then he mentioned it, he mentioned it over and over for a half an hour until obtuse mommy figured out the problem! UGH, Sorry Grant!
And Bri- is fine. No real news. She's a stinker but I love her.
New Stuff... Did I mention that Grant can clap now? And that he loves music? Well, yesterday we were at my in-laws with all the 30 year old toys... I started playing on one of those little xylophone things and he stopped dead in his tracks, stared at me while I was playing, and then clapped for me when I was done. It was SO cute!
... Also... We have officially taken Grant off the bottle and put him on sippy cups cold turkey! I was so tired of washing the 4 cracking, leaky, bottles we own daily, I found a sippy he likes and today will buy a boat load of them... or atleast 12! (Why did we only own four crappy bottles... see January and February posts about discontinued bottles!)
Bad Mommy... Grant's dinner was all thrown off by a crazy schedule yesterday (he napped through lunch and didn't eat until 2:30!). It was made worse by dinner at the in-laws (7 adults and 4 kids in a room about 400 square feet). So, I did his dinner out of order; snacks, then veggies... then I should have done the bottle later. PEOPLE... I FORGOT TO GIVE HIM HIS BOTTLE! He didn't even mention it... until 2 am. Then he mentioned it, he mentioned it over and over for a half an hour until obtuse mommy figured out the problem! UGH, Sorry Grant!
And Bri- is fine. No real news. She's a stinker but I love her.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Halloween Help Needed
Halloween is coming! Mothers everywhere are either working diligently to make their child the best costume ever, or scouring the stores to buy the one costume that will make their child have the perfect Halloween.
My mother made me Halloween costumes every year that I would let her. Some of my favorite costumes are still hanging in my closets in the hope that some year, they will fit my children just right. My mom spent hours and hours, late at night usually, sewing instead of sleeping.
2003-For Brianna's first Halloween, I made her a Tinkerbell costume. OK, honestly, it was just a green sleeper but I made a little tutu and wings.
2004-For her second Halloween, I made her a strawberry costume. Well, really, it was a red turtleneck and sweatpants but I hand sewed little black beads all over the shirt and made a collar out of felt that looked like leaves.
2005-Last Halloween, Brianna was a cowgirl. I bought a little denim dress and added fringe and bandana print detailing. That year was also Grant's first Halloween. He was a cow! I took a white sleeper and attached black felt spots.
2006-I don't know what to do! I love the idea of my kids having coordinated costumes, I think it's very cute and they are too young to protest. I think I will have to give up on making my kids costumes this year which makes me really sad. I just don't have the time and my skills are sorely lacking. My friend is having the same problem... Any ideas for us? Please help me decide:
Brianna- Princess; Grant- Frog... (not quite right because I really don't want the princess to kiss the frog).
Brianna- Dora the Explorer; Grant- Boots the Monkey... The Dora costume would be pretty easy but the monkey, not so much.
Any other ideas?
My mother made me Halloween costumes every year that I would let her. Some of my favorite costumes are still hanging in my closets in the hope that some year, they will fit my children just right. My mom spent hours and hours, late at night usually, sewing instead of sleeping.
2003-For Brianna's first Halloween, I made her a Tinkerbell costume. OK, honestly, it was just a green sleeper but I made a little tutu and wings.
2004-For her second Halloween, I made her a strawberry costume. Well, really, it was a red turtleneck and sweatpants but I hand sewed little black beads all over the shirt and made a collar out of felt that looked like leaves.
2005-Last Halloween, Brianna was a cowgirl. I bought a little denim dress and added fringe and bandana print detailing. That year was also Grant's first Halloween. He was a cow! I took a white sleeper and attached black felt spots.
2006-I don't know what to do! I love the idea of my kids having coordinated costumes, I think it's very cute and they are too young to protest. I think I will have to give up on making my kids costumes this year which makes me really sad. I just don't have the time and my skills are sorely lacking. My friend is having the same problem... Any ideas for us? Please help me decide:
Brianna- Princess; Grant- Frog... (not quite right because I really don't want the princess to kiss the frog).
Brianna- Dora the Explorer; Grant- Boots the Monkey... The Dora costume would be pretty easy but the monkey, not so much.
Any other ideas?
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Too Little, Too Late
Grant can clap his hands! People, this is amazing!
Suddenly on Sunday he just started trying this, and on Tuesday he actually made noise. He was SO excited he kept doing it over and over again. I, ran for the camera!
Of course by the time I put the batteries in (they were charging), and put the memory card it (I'd taken it out to do some downloads), HE STOPPED.
I tried in vain to get him to do it again for the next 20 minutes! No dice. Maybe next weekend...
Suddenly on Sunday he just started trying this, and on Tuesday he actually made noise. He was SO excited he kept doing it over and over again. I, ran for the camera!
Of course by the time I put the batteries in (they were charging), and put the memory card it (I'd taken it out to do some downloads), HE STOPPED.
I tried in vain to get him to do it again for the next 20 minutes! No dice. Maybe next weekend...
Trying to post pictures for the third day in a row!
This is what I get instead of pictures... not nearly as enjoyable!
The connection was reset
The connection to the server was reset while the page was loading.
* The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few
moments.
* If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer's network
connection.
* If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure
that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.
The connection was reset
The connection to the server was reset while the page was loading.
* The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few
moments.
* If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer's network
connection.
* If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure
that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.
Monday, September 18, 2006
No time to write, will post newish pics instead
Can't even post pics as blogger is being snotty!
Will try again later.
Will try again later.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Confirmation denied
Grant has not really been calling me mama like I thought. I am saddened to think that it may have been a coincidence that he was babbling that sound combination at that time.
He can however wave to me! This is new and exciting and just shut up if you don't think so!
He can however wave to me! This is new and exciting and just shut up if you don't think so!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Worst mother in the world; part 35976
Today I sent Grant to school sick.
More specifically:
Grant woke up around two and had a fever. I did not actually take his temperature but people, a mom knows, he was hot, and not in the Paris Hilton way. I gave him Tylenol and we cuddled until I could feel that it was working. I tried putting him to sleep. For the next hour, we played the comfort the baby game. I comfort him for a few minutes and put him down. He sleeps for a few minutes, teasing mommy into thinking it worked, and then he screams until I come back again. Finally at around 3:30, I took him into bed with me. From there, we both slept in 30-45 minute stretches until whatever was wrong started bothering him again.
This morning, the fever was back, he was one hot little guy! However... I can't take off work today because I'm taking off (sort of) for a conference tomorrow and I can't stay on schedule if my students have 2 days of substitute instead of one... SO, I gave my little sicky more tylenol and hope that the 5-6 hours it buys me until daycare figures out that he's sick and shouldn't be there is enough.
That being said... what the heck am I doing writing on my blog when I should be working?
More specifically:
Grant woke up around two and had a fever. I did not actually take his temperature but people, a mom knows, he was hot, and not in the Paris Hilton way. I gave him Tylenol and we cuddled until I could feel that it was working. I tried putting him to sleep. For the next hour, we played the comfort the baby game. I comfort him for a few minutes and put him down. He sleeps for a few minutes, teasing mommy into thinking it worked, and then he screams until I come back again. Finally at around 3:30, I took him into bed with me. From there, we both slept in 30-45 minute stretches until whatever was wrong started bothering him again.
This morning, the fever was back, he was one hot little guy! However... I can't take off work today because I'm taking off (sort of) for a conference tomorrow and I can't stay on schedule if my students have 2 days of substitute instead of one... SO, I gave my little sicky more tylenol and hope that the 5-6 hours it buys me until daycare figures out that he's sick and shouldn't be there is enough.
That being said... what the heck am I doing writing on my blog when I should be working?
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Momentous Occasion
Grant's first word is Mama!
He has been babbling mama, dada, gaga, etc for quite some time now and I didn't think they really had any meaning to him. I still took every opportunity to point to myself and say mama, or call myself mama when talking to him. Still, it sounded like babble when he said it.
Well this weekend, he specifically used Mama to refer to me. How can I be so sure all of a sudden?
WELL, when I left the room to use the restroom, he crawled after me and proceeded to sit outside the door crying and saying "Mama" over and over until I came out! Not my favorite way of finding out, but still momentous!
Ways I would have preferred to hear his first word, for the first time...
- When I pick him up from his crib in the morning.
- picking him up from daycare, with a big smile!
- anytime other than in the JOHN!
He has been babbling mama, dada, gaga, etc for quite some time now and I didn't think they really had any meaning to him. I still took every opportunity to point to myself and say mama, or call myself mama when talking to him. Still, it sounded like babble when he said it.
Well this weekend, he specifically used Mama to refer to me. How can I be so sure all of a sudden?
WELL, when I left the room to use the restroom, he crawled after me and proceeded to sit outside the door crying and saying "Mama" over and over until I came out! Not my favorite way of finding out, but still momentous!
Ways I would have preferred to hear his first word, for the first time...
- When I pick him up from his crib in the morning.
- picking him up from daycare, with a big smile!
- anytime other than in the JOHN!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Summer Lovin'... Happened so fast!
I always think that I will have so much time to post/e-mail/surf over the summer. I mean, what could be more relaxing than sitting down at a computer, reliving a funny little moment with the kids?
Summer is not relaxing! I don't have time to sit and type. I don't get time alone with quiet! I just don't know how stay-at-home moms do it. I stink at being a stay-at-home mom, even temporarily.
I need work. I crave work. I need the computer with the high speed connection and the kids who are old enough to work silently when I tell them to and don't come running up to me telling me they have buggers or poops!
So now it is school time already. Summer has passed, and while I am sad, I am also very glad! I get more peace and quiet on a work day then I do in a whole week of staying at home with my precious little rugrats!
Monumental Moments of the Summer of 2006:
June:
- Brianna Turned 3 with a birthday party I hated, and one I loved.
- Johanna worked summer school, and after 2 days, swore that she should have been committed for volunteering for such insanity!
July:
- Johanna grudgingly went to summer school each day and cashed/spent her paychecks quickly.
- Adam was a stay-at-home dad who was FABULOUS! He cleaned, they played, the TV was off! What more can you ask for!
- Both kids grew almost as fast as the weeds in our front bushes!
August:
- Adam had shingles. (I have pics but I don't think you really want to see!)
- Trip to Kalahari Resort was postponed once (see above), but eventually happened. Fun, but not real relaxing, and VERY expensive
- Grant started crawling, and soon began winning races with Mom to see who could get to the too-small-for-the-mouth-toys first!
- Brianna began having nightmares about Chuck-E-Cheese several times a week.
- We had a deck built on our house.
All-in-all, a nice summer.
Summer is not relaxing! I don't have time to sit and type. I don't get time alone with quiet! I just don't know how stay-at-home moms do it. I stink at being a stay-at-home mom, even temporarily.
I need work. I crave work. I need the computer with the high speed connection and the kids who are old enough to work silently when I tell them to and don't come running up to me telling me they have buggers or poops!
So now it is school time already. Summer has passed, and while I am sad, I am also very glad! I get more peace and quiet on a work day then I do in a whole week of staying at home with my precious little rugrats!
Monumental Moments of the Summer of 2006:
June:
- Brianna Turned 3 with a birthday party I hated, and one I loved.
- Johanna worked summer school, and after 2 days, swore that she should have been committed for volunteering for such insanity!
July:
- Johanna grudgingly went to summer school each day and cashed/spent her paychecks quickly.
- Adam was a stay-at-home dad who was FABULOUS! He cleaned, they played, the TV was off! What more can you ask for!
- Both kids grew almost as fast as the weeds in our front bushes!
August:
- Adam had shingles. (I have pics but I don't think you really want to see!)
- Trip to Kalahari Resort was postponed once (see above), but eventually happened. Fun, but not real relaxing, and VERY expensive
- Grant started crawling, and soon began winning races with Mom to see who could get to the too-small-for-the-mouth-toys first!
- Brianna began having nightmares about Chuck-E-Cheese several times a week.
- We had a deck built on our house.
All-in-all, a nice summer.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Baby Jail is ready for inmates!
So, we bought the new gate. That's $60 I will never be able to use on shoes or pedicures!
It is 36 inches tall and has only vertical bars, nothing horizontal except at the top and bottom. Now, since this is 3 inches taller than my precious little monkey, and has no center cross bar (which all good children know is the secret to climbing things!), we are relatively confident that she can't climb over this one.
We even tested it with the stool she uses to climb in and out of bed... still way tall!
This is a good thing, naps will now of course return because I have safely locked my child into her room! Right??????
In MY dreams!
It is 36 inches tall and has only vertical bars, nothing horizontal except at the top and bottom. Now, since this is 3 inches taller than my precious little monkey, and has no center cross bar (which all good children know is the secret to climbing things!), we are relatively confident that she can't climb over this one.
We even tested it with the stool she uses to climb in and out of bed... still way tall!
This is a good thing, naps will now of course return because I have safely locked my child into her room! Right??????
In MY dreams!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Nap, where fore art thou?
Have I mentioned lately that my new 3 year old won't nap?
W.O.N.T. N.A.P.!!!!!!
We have achieved 3 naps in the last 7 days... 2 of which were car produced. Moms- you know... Where you drive around in the car until the little one falls asleep.
Yesterday, we achieved a new low. (or high as the case may be). Brianna, who we always gate into her room so she can't wander aimlessly, figured out how to climb over her gate.
The first time she climbed over the gate, I was freaked out because I heard the floor creaking upstairs and knew that no one should be walking around up there.
The second time (10 minutes after time #1), she fell and hurt herself. At this point screaming commenced which woke up Grant and prompted a long car ride to no where. Brianna fell back asleep in the car but her beautiful little brother, who had been napping wonderfully at home, would not go back to sleep apparently thinking that a 30 minute nap would suffice for the afternoon.
The third time (at bedtime), she scared the piss out of my husband who didn't expect to encounter her wandering the hallway at 10:00 at night.
Today, we are driving the 30 minutes to Vernon Hills Mall, where Babies-R-Us is king, and buying a new, very tall, gate. Wish us luck in foiling the monkey!
W.O.N.T. N.A.P.!!!!!!
We have achieved 3 naps in the last 7 days... 2 of which were car produced. Moms- you know... Where you drive around in the car until the little one falls asleep.
Yesterday, we achieved a new low. (or high as the case may be). Brianna, who we always gate into her room so she can't wander aimlessly, figured out how to climb over her gate.
The first time she climbed over the gate, I was freaked out because I heard the floor creaking upstairs and knew that no one should be walking around up there.
The second time (10 minutes after time #1), she fell and hurt herself. At this point screaming commenced which woke up Grant and prompted a long car ride to no where. Brianna fell back asleep in the car but her beautiful little brother, who had been napping wonderfully at home, would not go back to sleep apparently thinking that a 30 minute nap would suffice for the afternoon.
The third time (at bedtime), she scared the piss out of my husband who didn't expect to encounter her wandering the hallway at 10:00 at night.
Today, we are driving the 30 minutes to Vernon Hills Mall, where Babies-R-Us is king, and buying a new, very tall, gate. Wish us luck in foiling the monkey!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Time Out is not a revolving door
In our house we use time out. We put Brianna in the dining room where there is nothing interesting, and you can't see the TV or the parents. We really only use this when she's not listening... We give her a couple of warnings and if she still doesn't listen to our very reasonable requests, she goes in time out. Sometimes she goes there without warnings if it's something we already know she is clear on, like no poking your brother in the eye, or no throwing things in the house.
Lately we have been putting her in time out more for the listening things...
Mom- Brianna, no jumping on the couch.
Bri- I'm gonna jump...
Mom- Brianna, I said no jumping, you could fall and get an ouchie.
Bri- (knees bent, huge grin) I'm gonna jump...
Mom- Brianna, if you jump on the couch I'm going to put you in time out.
Bri- **(Jumps vigorously) I WANT TO JUMP!
(Mom picks up crying child by the armpits and carries her without cuddling to time out spot)
Mom- You need to sit here for 3 minutes until you're ready to listen.
(1 minute crying)
(1 minute silence, sometime punctuated by sniffling)
Bri- (1 minute whining) I want to listen!
(Mom then explains one more time what went wrong and Bri says sorry, life goes on)
Yesterday, Brianna put herself in time out 3 times. People, this is weird. Rather than actually doing the "naughty" thing she wants to do, as soon as I threaten time out, the conversation changes (** point above). Bri grumpily says things like, "I want time out!" So I say fine and she takes herself to time out. Her version of time out is only about 30 seconds long, but she comes back and apologizes, and never actually does what I'm asking her not to do.
I'm not sure how long this will last. I'm totally sure that Jo Frost would not approve. I kind of like it though. She doesn't misbehave as much and I don't have to listen to her scream... I think I'll ride this train as far as I can!
Lately we have been putting her in time out more for the listening things...
Mom- Brianna, no jumping on the couch.
Bri- I'm gonna jump...
Mom- Brianna, I said no jumping, you could fall and get an ouchie.
Bri- (knees bent, huge grin) I'm gonna jump...
Mom- Brianna, if you jump on the couch I'm going to put you in time out.
Bri- **(Jumps vigorously) I WANT TO JUMP!
(Mom picks up crying child by the armpits and carries her without cuddling to time out spot)
Mom- You need to sit here for 3 minutes until you're ready to listen.
(1 minute crying)
(1 minute silence, sometime punctuated by sniffling)
Bri- (1 minute whining) I want to listen!
(Mom then explains one more time what went wrong and Bri says sorry, life goes on)
Yesterday, Brianna put herself in time out 3 times. People, this is weird. Rather than actually doing the "naughty" thing she wants to do, as soon as I threaten time out, the conversation changes (** point above). Bri grumpily says things like, "I want time out!" So I say fine and she takes herself to time out. Her version of time out is only about 30 seconds long, but she comes back and apologizes, and never actually does what I'm asking her not to do.
I'm not sure how long this will last. I'm totally sure that Jo Frost would not approve. I kind of like it though. She doesn't misbehave as much and I don't have to listen to her scream... I think I'll ride this train as far as I can!
Friday, June 23, 2006
I just don't know what to call this insane ramble.
I am a teacher.
My husband is a teacher.
For better or worse, this means we are both home all summer with our kids. If you are not a teacher, or a parent, perhaps it is easy to see all the pluses of this arrangement. Believe me, it also has it's down sides.
Despite the fact that there is always 75 million things to do, we have a little arrangement so we each get some alone time. In the afternoons, both of the kids take naps... naps which overlap by about an hour or hour and a half on a good day. This is alone time. I spend mine reading or watching tv movies I recorded that he wouldn't watch if the world collapsed and it was all that was available. He works outside, or goes to the driving range or something. I don't even care most days if he's gone longer than the "nap window" as long as I get my time.
Today I did not get my time. Brianna, is suddenly not napping. (Is this a magical thing that as soon as they hit birthday #3 naps disappear like Houdini?) We still make her "rest" in her room though. Sometimes she ends up falling asleep, most often she reads to her baby doll or looks at picture books. Today my darling daughter spent the better part of an hour and a half, alternately screaming to come downstairs and trashing her room. I almost didn't mind the trashing her room because at least it was quiet. I tried to read downstairs but just couldn't concentrate or relax because I was listening to the upstairs and trying to make sure nothing or no one was being permanently harmed.
I finally went upstairs to get her to find that;
1. She had pulled every single wipe out of her diaper wipes and piled them on her bed.
2. She had emptied several of her drawers and pulled out the sticky drawer liner which she crumpled up.
3. She had found a couple of those "Do Not Eat" packets that come with shoes and opened them, spewing little white/clear crystals all over the carpet in her room.
4. She had jumped on her bed, presumably before covering it with wet wipes, and the sheet had pulled off the corners.
5. She was naked except for a diaper... a different diaper than she had on when we put her in her room.
I silently stormed around her room cleaning up the mess while she sort of cowered on her bed asking me what was wrong. I then quietly explained why what she had done was wrong and that I was not happy with her behavior. I then silently got her dressed to take outside to my husband so he could be tortured by her.
HE WAS NOT OUTSIDE. His car was there, He was gone. I still don't know where. I literally sat in the front window watching for him for the next 20 minutes. When he walked into view, I took her outside and told her to walk to daddy. I pointed to him, I pointed to her, and I walked back inside without saying a word. As I walked away he yelled after me, "What?" I didn't dignify that with an answer.
I walked back inside to try and salvage a few minutes of peace and quiet. I had barely sat down to try and decompress, and figure out why I just wasn't handling this well today, when Grant woke up. At that point, I sat on the couch and cried for a few minutes before I got up the energy to go get him. As I type, he is sitting in my lap trying desperately to get the keyboard.
I figured out the following:
1. I need more sleep now that Grant has stopped sleeping through the night.
2. Working summer school sucks.
3. Feeling deserted by my husband sucks.
4. Kids who don't nap.... should nap.
I think maybe tonight I will go see a movie by myself, Or just go to Denny's and drink free refills and read until I feel revived.
My husband is a teacher.
For better or worse, this means we are both home all summer with our kids. If you are not a teacher, or a parent, perhaps it is easy to see all the pluses of this arrangement. Believe me, it also has it's down sides.
Despite the fact that there is always 75 million things to do, we have a little arrangement so we each get some alone time. In the afternoons, both of the kids take naps... naps which overlap by about an hour or hour and a half on a good day. This is alone time. I spend mine reading or watching tv movies I recorded that he wouldn't watch if the world collapsed and it was all that was available. He works outside, or goes to the driving range or something. I don't even care most days if he's gone longer than the "nap window" as long as I get my time.
Today I did not get my time. Brianna, is suddenly not napping. (Is this a magical thing that as soon as they hit birthday #3 naps disappear like Houdini?) We still make her "rest" in her room though. Sometimes she ends up falling asleep, most often she reads to her baby doll or looks at picture books. Today my darling daughter spent the better part of an hour and a half, alternately screaming to come downstairs and trashing her room. I almost didn't mind the trashing her room because at least it was quiet. I tried to read downstairs but just couldn't concentrate or relax because I was listening to the upstairs and trying to make sure nothing or no one was being permanently harmed.
I finally went upstairs to get her to find that;
1. She had pulled every single wipe out of her diaper wipes and piled them on her bed.
2. She had emptied several of her drawers and pulled out the sticky drawer liner which she crumpled up.
3. She had found a couple of those "Do Not Eat" packets that come with shoes and opened them, spewing little white/clear crystals all over the carpet in her room.
4. She had jumped on her bed, presumably before covering it with wet wipes, and the sheet had pulled off the corners.
5. She was naked except for a diaper... a different diaper than she had on when we put her in her room.
I silently stormed around her room cleaning up the mess while she sort of cowered on her bed asking me what was wrong. I then quietly explained why what she had done was wrong and that I was not happy with her behavior. I then silently got her dressed to take outside to my husband so he could be tortured by her.
HE WAS NOT OUTSIDE. His car was there, He was gone. I still don't know where. I literally sat in the front window watching for him for the next 20 minutes. When he walked into view, I took her outside and told her to walk to daddy. I pointed to him, I pointed to her, and I walked back inside without saying a word. As I walked away he yelled after me, "What?" I didn't dignify that with an answer.
I walked back inside to try and salvage a few minutes of peace and quiet. I had barely sat down to try and decompress, and figure out why I just wasn't handling this well today, when Grant woke up. At that point, I sat on the couch and cried for a few minutes before I got up the energy to go get him. As I type, he is sitting in my lap trying desperately to get the keyboard.
I figured out the following:
1. I need more sleep now that Grant has stopped sleeping through the night.
2. Working summer school sucks.
3. Feeling deserted by my husband sucks.
4. Kids who don't nap.... should nap.
I think maybe tonight I will go see a movie by myself, Or just go to Denny's and drink free refills and read until I feel revived.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
pics
New pictures of my kids are posted on Jamie's site under Wednesday, June 21.
As always... Jamie is more on top of things than I am!
As always... Jamie is more on top of things than I am!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Summer is here!
SUMMER IS HERE!!!!!!
The good things:
1. More time with my kids.
2. Less time at work (In a moment of December insanity, I committed to teach summer school 2 hours a day).
3. Time to read, get jobs around the house done, watch tv I've been recording for months.
The bad things:
1. Getting annoyed by my kids.
2. My time at work is the only time I seem to find a moment to check the internet.
ie- less e-mail's read, less blogs written, no pictures posted
3. Yeah right, I have been home for 2 weeks and have maybe read 4 chapters of the book I started in March. TV- watched at least a million (each) of Dora, Calliou, and other various PBS kids programs. Have still not watched movies I recorded in April!
Why is it that my "free time" is busier and more stressful than work?
The good things:
1. More time with my kids.
2. Less time at work (In a moment of December insanity, I committed to teach summer school 2 hours a day).
3. Time to read, get jobs around the house done, watch tv I've been recording for months.
The bad things:
1. Getting annoyed by my kids.
2. My time at work is the only time I seem to find a moment to check the internet.
ie- less e-mail's read, less blogs written, no pictures posted
3. Yeah right, I have been home for 2 weeks and have maybe read 4 chapters of the book I started in March. TV- watched at least a million (each) of Dora, Calliou, and other various PBS kids programs. Have still not watched movies I recorded in April!
Why is it that my "free time" is busier and more stressful than work?
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Bone tired
Did you ever hear someone say that they were "Bone Tired". I'm not sure I knew what it meant but I think I feel it.
After a year in which I worked 3 jobs (Mom, Teacher, Grad Student) I just can't wait for it to end. I have 5 more days of work and they stretch out like an endless country road. The end seems invisible and the scenery is nothing but miles and miles of the same corn I've already seen for 100 miles!
I don't even have the energy to waste time by updating this blog meaningfully. I can only write crap that no one cares about. And click... I can click on a million blogs/sites a day. But I can't post because that requires multiple fingers and brain cells.
Maybe tomorrow will be better. I doubt it though because I'm home alone with the kiddo's tonight... which means either hours and hours of cartoons during which I berate myself for being a lazy parent.... or hours of stressful monitoring and balancing.
Hell, what's one more night of TV... I'll do better this summer Bri, I promise.
After a year in which I worked 3 jobs (Mom, Teacher, Grad Student) I just can't wait for it to end. I have 5 more days of work and they stretch out like an endless country road. The end seems invisible and the scenery is nothing but miles and miles of the same corn I've already seen for 100 miles!
I don't even have the energy to waste time by updating this blog meaningfully. I can only write crap that no one cares about. And click... I can click on a million blogs/sites a day. But I can't post because that requires multiple fingers and brain cells.
Maybe tomorrow will be better. I doubt it though because I'm home alone with the kiddo's tonight... which means either hours and hours of cartoons during which I berate myself for being a lazy parent.... or hours of stressful monitoring and balancing.
Hell, what's one more night of TV... I'll do better this summer Bri, I promise.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
50 little things about me
Taken from the lovely and talented Whoorl, and Via my sister
1. What curse word do you use the most? Shit!
2. Do you own an iPod? No but I would like one.
3. Who on your MySpace “Top 8” do you talk to the most? I loathe My Space, it is playground opediphileses.
4. What time is your alarm clock set for? 4:15 am. But I snooze until a little after 5:00.
5. What color is your room? Mossy Green, which I totally regret.
6. Flip-flops or sneakers? Flip Flops, itheirer cute and not trashy.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? Take it.
8. What's the last movie you watched? (If you discount my daughter's movies) The Princess Bride, a personal favorite.
9. Do any of your friends have children? Not as many as I'd like.
10. Has anyone ever called you lazy? Yes antheirer usually right.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster? No
12. What CD is currently in your CD player? Dixie Chicks, I just bought it Friday.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? I only drink chocolate.
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week? No.
15. Have you ever given someone a hickey? No.
16. Who was the last person to call you? My mom.
17. Do you think people talk about you behind your back? I'm positive they do.
18. Did you watch cartoons as a child? Yes
19. How many siblings do you have? 1 younger sister
20. Are you shy around the opposite sex? Yes - unless I find them physically/emotionally uninteresting.
21. What movie do you know every line to? The Princess Bride, Cinderella, Pretty in Pink.
22. Do you own any band t-shirts? Yes, but they are country singers from the early 90's... pretty lame!
23. What is your favorite salad dressing? I don't use salad dressing.
24. Do you read for fun? Yes, as much as I can.
25. Do you cry a lot? Yes.
26. Who was the last person to text message you? I don't text message!
27. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop? Desktop
28. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo? No Tattoos, but I would consider a belly button ring if I lost all the weight.
29. What is the weather like? Humid, hot, and sunny.
30. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? With a couple tattoos, probably. Covered it them..Probablyly not.
31. Is sex before marriage wrong? Not wrong, but definitely something to think twice about. Once you go there with someone, you can never, ever go back. (Thanks for the perfect words Jamie!)
32. When was the last time you slept on the floor? Last fall when Brianna was sick.
33. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? I have learned to go on about 4, I much prefer 6 or more.
34. Are you in love or lust? Yes.
35. Are your days full and fast-paced? Part of my day is always full and/or fast paced. I have two children.
36. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages? Not lately but I really should.
37. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 30
38. Are you picky about spelling and grammar? Not like you'd expect from a teacher, but still more than some people.
39. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes'm. Six Flags Great America in scenic Gurnee, IL.
40. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex? Same.
41. Do you like cottage cheese? NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!
42. Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back? Stomach, until my back hurts then I sleep on my side, usually my left side.
43. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? Yes, and thank the LORD I got it!
44. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Depends on the person doling them out.
45. What song did you last sing out loud? "I'm Not Ready to Back Down" by the Dixie Chicks.
46. What is your favorite TV show? CSI, but I'm sort oaddicteded to Deal or No Deal
47. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with? I totally agree with Jamie, I want Reese Witherspoon to be my new best friend! I think we would have SO much to talk about.
48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? Everytime my kids do something cool and new.
49. What one thing do you wish you had? Enough money to stay home, and a job flexible enough that I could work part time... but Jamie's answer of "A soda fountain of Diet Coke in my apartment." works for me too.
50. Favorite lyrics? Lately- SaraBeth by Rascal Flatts
1. What curse word do you use the most? Shit!
2. Do you own an iPod? No but I would like one.
3. Who on your MySpace “Top 8” do you talk to the most? I loathe My Space, it is playground opediphileses.
4. What time is your alarm clock set for? 4:15 am. But I snooze until a little after 5:00.
5. What color is your room? Mossy Green, which I totally regret.
6. Flip-flops or sneakers? Flip Flops, itheirer cute and not trashy.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? Take it.
8. What's the last movie you watched? (If you discount my daughter's movies) The Princess Bride, a personal favorite.
9. Do any of your friends have children? Not as many as I'd like.
10. Has anyone ever called you lazy? Yes antheirer usually right.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster? No
12. What CD is currently in your CD player? Dixie Chicks, I just bought it Friday.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? I only drink chocolate.
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week? No.
15. Have you ever given someone a hickey? No.
16. Who was the last person to call you? My mom.
17. Do you think people talk about you behind your back? I'm positive they do.
18. Did you watch cartoons as a child? Yes
19. How many siblings do you have? 1 younger sister
20. Are you shy around the opposite sex? Yes - unless I find them physically/emotionally uninteresting.
21. What movie do you know every line to? The Princess Bride, Cinderella, Pretty in Pink.
22. Do you own any band t-shirts? Yes, but they are country singers from the early 90's... pretty lame!
23. What is your favorite salad dressing? I don't use salad dressing.
24. Do you read for fun? Yes, as much as I can.
25. Do you cry a lot? Yes.
26. Who was the last person to text message you? I don't text message!
27. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop? Desktop
28. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo? No Tattoos, but I would consider a belly button ring if I lost all the weight.
29. What is the weather like? Humid, hot, and sunny.
30. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? With a couple tattoos, probably. Covered it them..Probablyly not.
31. Is sex before marriage wrong? Not wrong, but definitely something to think twice about. Once you go there with someone, you can never, ever go back. (Thanks for the perfect words Jamie!)
32. When was the last time you slept on the floor? Last fall when Brianna was sick.
33. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? I have learned to go on about 4, I much prefer 6 or more.
34. Are you in love or lust? Yes.
35. Are your days full and fast-paced? Part of my day is always full and/or fast paced. I have two children.
36. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages? Not lately but I really should.
37. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 30
38. Are you picky about spelling and grammar? Not like you'd expect from a teacher, but still more than some people.
39. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes'm. Six Flags Great America in scenic Gurnee, IL.
40. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex? Same.
41. Do you like cottage cheese? NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!
42. Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back? Stomach, until my back hurts then I sleep on my side, usually my left side.
43. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? Yes, and thank the LORD I got it!
44. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Depends on the person doling them out.
45. What song did you last sing out loud? "I'm Not Ready to Back Down" by the Dixie Chicks.
46. What is your favorite TV show? CSI, but I'm sort oaddicteded to Deal or No Deal
47. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with? I totally agree with Jamie, I want Reese Witherspoon to be my new best friend! I think we would have SO much to talk about.
48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? Everytime my kids do something cool and new.
49. What one thing do you wish you had? Enough money to stay home, and a job flexible enough that I could work part time... but Jamie's answer of "A soda fountain of Diet Coke in my apartment." works for me too.
50. Favorite lyrics? Lately- SaraBeth by Rascal Flatts
Thursday, May 25, 2006
THANK YOU!
Big Thanks to my sister for adding some of my favorite blogs to my sidebar! I know less than nothing about how this stuff works. I can point and click but draw the line at figuring out the coded language of creating websites!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
A student no more
Yesterday I presented my graduate research for my masters degree. I choose to investigate why teachers choose to join committees, or not join committees. I was very impressed that 7 of my friends from class came to see my presentation. More importantly, BOTH of my building principals came, and actually listened, and seemed interested in what I had to say. My graduate professor who was monitoring me for the past 2 years also seemed impressed. He even asked my permission to tell future graduate students about my research so they could piggy-back off of it and extend it. I was flattered, and thrilled, and of course said yes.
Today, I took the word student from my sidebar. Student is not a word I will use to describe myself anymore... well at least not until my kids are older, and my husband can hear the word doctorate without attempting to strangle me.
Today, I took the word student from my sidebar. Student is not a word I will use to describe myself anymore... well at least not until my kids are older, and my husband can hear the word doctorate without attempting to strangle me.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Pre-occupied
I have so many things I could post today, for a change. Brianna saw Dora Live last night... Grant learned to pull himself to sitting... We had a fabulous weekend... but I can't post any of that today because I am hell-a-distracted!
Today at 3:00 central standard time, I will present 2 years worth of graduate research. This is the LAST thing I need to do to complete my Masters Degree. Tomorrow morning, I plan on taking the word "student" out of my sidebar comments, and I will have a mini-me-party while doing it.
I can't get a darn thing done today. I am SOOOOOOO focused on 3:00. Did I mention my presentation is at 3:00. At 3:00 I will begin telling my school principals that they have tons of bad feeling circling around and will tell my grad professor that I ran a crappy research study.
Pray for 3:45.... I need 3:45....
Today at 3:00 central standard time, I will present 2 years worth of graduate research. This is the LAST thing I need to do to complete my Masters Degree. Tomorrow morning, I plan on taking the word "student" out of my sidebar comments, and I will have a mini-me-party while doing it.
I can't get a darn thing done today. I am SOOOOOOO focused on 3:00. Did I mention my presentation is at 3:00. At 3:00 I will begin telling my school principals that they have tons of bad feeling circling around and will tell my grad professor that I ran a crappy research study.
Pray for 3:45.... I need 3:45....
Thursday, May 18, 2006
I have nothing good to say...
So I'll post pictures!!!!
Like Grant giving us a GREAT BIG SMILE,
Brianna recieving her special Doctor kit after giving up Binky,
And GG (Great Grandma) hugging both kids on Mothers Day.
Like Grant giving us a GREAT BIG SMILE,
Brianna recieving her special Doctor kit after giving up Binky,
And GG (Great Grandma) hugging both kids on Mothers Day.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
I'm counting my chickens
Last night was SOOOOOO much better. Brianna still asked for the binky but only whined for about 20 minutes! We've had worse nights than that with the binky.
Brianna LOVED her doctor kit. We played doctor all evening. We even had to take the stethoscope with us to dinner! She is crazy about it, she was the doctor and the patient at one point. Her baby doll got more shots than a heroin addict.
I'm so glad we didn't give in!
Do it people!!!
BAN THE BINKY!
Brianna LOVED her doctor kit. We played doctor all evening. We even had to take the stethoscope with us to dinner! She is crazy about it, she was the doctor and the patient at one point. Her baby doll got more shots than a heroin addict.
I'm so glad we didn't give in!
Do it people!!!
BAN THE BINKY!
Monday, May 15, 2006
What Supernanny doesn't show you
We have been gearing up for some time to try the "Binky Fairy" technique as seen on ABC's Supernanny! Now, as a somewhat capable parent, I love to watch Jo Frost deal with the crazy people they dig up for that show! I do occasionally see a technique I like. This "Binky Fairy" technique involves gathering all the pacifiers in the house and putting them outside in a bag for the binky fairy to come and take to little kids that need them. In return the binky fairy leaves a special present for the newly binky free child. Sounded pretty good to me.
Last night, we took our one remaining binky and put it in a large gift bag and set it out on the front porch. We left a little note asking the binky fairy to take it and leave a special toy (and a sucker, Brianna wanted a sucker). Tonight, we will check the bag and the Binky Fairy will have left a very special doctor kit with a real working stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff! And a sucker!
This all sounds well and good... and we thought a nice thing to try.... but here is what Supernanny doesn't tell you...
She doesn't warn you that your precious daughter will cry for over an hour and a half because she is used to going to sleep with the binky. She doesn't warn you that your heart will break and your only thoughts will be of giving her back the binky because it's a school night and you all have to get up in a little over 6 hours.
I was only saved from the hazards of giving in by one simple fact... the same fact that made us finally choose Sunday May 14, 2006 as the Binky Fairy date... the one and only remaining binky had fallen in an un-flushed toilet that day. The ONLY, I repeat O.N.L.Y. thing stopping me from giving in last night was the thought of my precious daughter sucking on something that had recently been in her own pee. No amount of boiling and sterilizing could have made me do that!
Perhaps tonight will be a better night because now that I've jumped off the cliff, I'm going all the way to the bottom.
Last night, we took our one remaining binky and put it in a large gift bag and set it out on the front porch. We left a little note asking the binky fairy to take it and leave a special toy (and a sucker, Brianna wanted a sucker). Tonight, we will check the bag and the Binky Fairy will have left a very special doctor kit with a real working stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff! And a sucker!
This all sounds well and good... and we thought a nice thing to try.... but here is what Supernanny doesn't tell you...
She doesn't warn you that your precious daughter will cry for over an hour and a half because she is used to going to sleep with the binky. She doesn't warn you that your heart will break and your only thoughts will be of giving her back the binky because it's a school night and you all have to get up in a little over 6 hours.
I was only saved from the hazards of giving in by one simple fact... the same fact that made us finally choose Sunday May 14, 2006 as the Binky Fairy date... the one and only remaining binky had fallen in an un-flushed toilet that day. The ONLY, I repeat O.N.L.Y. thing stopping me from giving in last night was the thought of my precious daughter sucking on something that had recently been in her own pee. No amount of boiling and sterilizing could have made me do that!
Perhaps tonight will be a better night because now that I've jumped off the cliff, I'm going all the way to the bottom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)