During the fiasco that I referred to as the piano lesson waiting room, Little Man and I had started to flip through a magazine. I would point to some picture and ask him to name it. I pointed to a statue of Julius Cesar and he said "That is a man rock." I would then explain the word statue and get him to repeat it a few times and quiz him again.
There was a picture of a skull. I asked him what it was. He looked at it and said "That is a spooky bone." I told him that it was a skull and asked him where would I find a skull. He was struggling and was trying to say the word "brain". He finally gave up and said while pointing at his head "It holds your ideas."
I thought that was pretty insightful.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tackles and Piano
Today was Goosey's first piano lesson. It was only by chance that her teacher turns out to be a friend of mine from church. (I thought she was a computer person, but she is some serious piano playing woman!) The lessons are held at an art school less than 5 blocks from her school, so we are able to drive straight there and be done with it pretty quickly.
So I took Little Man today and figured that he would be well behaved for 30 minutes. I armed myself with toys and some books, but it never seems to help. I really don't know why I bother. They put us in this little waiting room with 5 chairs. This room is surrounded by music rooms. So when Little Man started banging the back of his chair against the wall, the class next to us could hear it. When he spoke really loudly or complained, everyone could hear.
The half-hour lesson went by at a snail's pace. When my friend escorted Goosey to the waiting area and after we began talking, the next thing I hear is Goosey hollering very loudly at her brother. I turned around to find that Little Man had TACKLED his sister and they were rolling around on the floor is some sort of embrace. They were acting like heathens!
I could not have been more embarrassed! I yanked up Little Man and made Goosey sit across the room. I apologized profusely to my friend and quickly escorted them out of the building.
I honestly do not know what happened. I think that Little Man was super tired and thought he would give her a big hug. She got caught off balance and down they went. Little Man thought that it was a game and Goosey just kept getting louder. Oh my.
So now I am chanting "I AM a good parent! I AM a good parent" and going to my happy place.....
So I took Little Man today and figured that he would be well behaved for 30 minutes. I armed myself with toys and some books, but it never seems to help. I really don't know why I bother. They put us in this little waiting room with 5 chairs. This room is surrounded by music rooms. So when Little Man started banging the back of his chair against the wall, the class next to us could hear it. When he spoke really loudly or complained, everyone could hear.
The half-hour lesson went by at a snail's pace. When my friend escorted Goosey to the waiting area and after we began talking, the next thing I hear is Goosey hollering very loudly at her brother. I turned around to find that Little Man had TACKLED his sister and they were rolling around on the floor is some sort of embrace. They were acting like heathens!
I could not have been more embarrassed! I yanked up Little Man and made Goosey sit across the room. I apologized profusely to my friend and quickly escorted them out of the building.
I honestly do not know what happened. I think that Little Man was super tired and thought he would give her a big hug. She got caught off balance and down they went. Little Man thought that it was a game and Goosey just kept getting louder. Oh my.
So now I am chanting "I AM a good parent! I AM a good parent" and going to my happy place.....
Friday, September 5, 2008
MerDonalds
Little Man is the little talker of late. He has been able to detail his day to me and I understand just about all of it.
One of the cuter things that he has been saying is "MerDonald's". Right now, McDonald's have the Star Wars toys (bobble heads) that Little Man is really into. He will say, "Mama, I want to get a Happy Meal from MerDonald's. One with chicken nuggets and a happy toy." He is so sweet.
One of the cuter things that he has been saying is "MerDonald's". Right now, McDonald's have the Star Wars toys (bobble heads) that Little Man is really into. He will say, "Mama, I want to get a Happy Meal from MerDonald's. One with chicken nuggets and a happy toy." He is so sweet.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Stunts and Special Effects
Goosey Lou and I stayed up late a few nights ago and watch the movie "Ella Enchanted". The gist of the movie is that a baby is given the gift of obedience. She has to obey whatever anyone tells her to do. She grows up and finds that she needs to have the curse removed and goes on a journey to find the fairy who cursed her.
While watching the movie, Goosey chatted the entire time about how special effects are done using a computer; how stunt actors fall onto big plastic pillows; how the camera angle makes it appear that someone is getting punched in the face when they really are not.
Well, like any good princess story, there is a prince and will eventually lead to some smooching. In Goosey's mind, people who kiss each other on the lips are married. So she went into a big explanation that the two people in the movie had to be married. I told her that they were just actors pretending to love each other.
She contemplated this.
Then she told me that it was a stunt. A special effect, if you will. That the camera angle just made it "appear" that these two unmarried people were kissing. That the couple was standing at a perfect right angle and not touching one another.
I explained to her that that was not the case either. I told her again that they were really kissing on the lips and pretending to be "in love".
She pondered on this once again.
She looked at me with a HORRIFIED look of disgust and exclaimed "EWWWWW! That is simply gross. Yuck."
That is fine by me.
While watching the movie, Goosey chatted the entire time about how special effects are done using a computer; how stunt actors fall onto big plastic pillows; how the camera angle makes it appear that someone is getting punched in the face when they really are not.
Well, like any good princess story, there is a prince and will eventually lead to some smooching. In Goosey's mind, people who kiss each other on the lips are married. So she went into a big explanation that the two people in the movie had to be married. I told her that they were just actors pretending to love each other.
She contemplated this.
Then she told me that it was a stunt. A special effect, if you will. That the camera angle just made it "appear" that these two unmarried people were kissing. That the couple was standing at a perfect right angle and not touching one another.
I explained to her that that was not the case either. I told her again that they were really kissing on the lips and pretending to be "in love".
She pondered on this once again.
She looked at me with a HORRIFIED look of disgust and exclaimed "EWWWWW! That is simply gross. Yuck."
That is fine by me.
Another First Day of School for Us!
Today marked another momentous day in the life of Little Man: His first day of three year old preschool! He was so excited to be going back to school!
After getting dressed (mostly by himself), he decided that he needed to accessorize by wearing his Boston Red Sox hat...like school kids do. He put on his new $5 backpack (great bargain found by his bargain savvy shopping mama) and grabbed his sandwich and we headed out.
Of course I took a few pictures and off I went. He walked down the hall holding his teacher's hand chatting her up the whole way. I had 3 hours alone this morning to do whatever I wanted. So I went to my new favorite place: The Gym. It was yucky and I really don't like it, but I am vowing to go at least 3 times a week. I did have a jaunt to the library to pick up some new reads....
Then it was time to pick Little Man up. He had a fantastic day!
After getting dressed (mostly by himself), he decided that he needed to accessorize by wearing his Boston Red Sox hat...like school kids do. He put on his new $5 backpack (great bargain found by his bargain savvy shopping mama) and grabbed his sandwich and we headed out.
Of course I took a few pictures and off I went. He walked down the hall holding his teacher's hand chatting her up the whole way. I had 3 hours alone this morning to do whatever I wanted. So I went to my new favorite place: The Gym. It was yucky and I really don't like it, but I am vowing to go at least 3 times a week. I did have a jaunt to the library to pick up some new reads....
Then it was time to pick Little Man up. He had a fantastic day!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Second Grade - Seriously?
Today is the first day of school for Goosey. Can I tell you how excited she is? She was so ready to go back for second grade...she wanted to go back LAST week.
We all piled into the vancar in the early morning and headed over to campus. We were able to squeeze most of her supplies into her backpack with only her lunch box to tote. We went into the Learning Cottage (a nice name for a mobile unit) and got her settled in. She was super ecstatic to discover that her best friend Molly will be sitting directly across from her...at least until they are separated for talking. =)
Little Man did not fare so well. He started to act out and cry a bit as we left the room. I think he was sad that Goosey got to stay. So we came home to drop Daddy Mac off and Little Man and I headed to Dunkin Donuts for a treat before heading to the library to play computers and be around his "peoples".
My heart hurts a little. Goosey is starting to become VERY independent. She has gotten her ears pierced and takes care of them like a pro. She is now washing her hair on her own and is maintaining her room so that a person can walk around. She likes to read, so she is off reading by herself alot. I sometimes feel useless.
That is until someone screams from the bathroom..."Mommy! I need some assistance in here! Mommy, it's me....Little Man!"
We all piled into the vancar in the early morning and headed over to campus. We were able to squeeze most of her supplies into her backpack with only her lunch box to tote. We went into the Learning Cottage (a nice name for a mobile unit) and got her settled in. She was super ecstatic to discover that her best friend Molly will be sitting directly across from her...at least until they are separated for talking. =)
Little Man did not fare so well. He started to act out and cry a bit as we left the room. I think he was sad that Goosey got to stay. So we came home to drop Daddy Mac off and Little Man and I headed to Dunkin Donuts for a treat before heading to the library to play computers and be around his "peoples".
My heart hurts a little. Goosey is starting to become VERY independent. She has gotten her ears pierced and takes care of them like a pro. She is now washing her hair on her own and is maintaining her room so that a person can walk around. She likes to read, so she is off reading by herself alot. I sometimes feel useless.
That is until someone screams from the bathroom..."Mommy! I need some assistance in here! Mommy, it's me....Little Man!"
Monday, July 21, 2008
Not Much Going On
It is nice to be able to report that there is not much going on this week. We have been at the pool almost everyday and have been thoroughly enjoying it. Since we have to pay a membership fee, I can't help but try and go every single day! It is more like 5 days a week. Goosey has really improved with her swimming skills despite not joining the competitive team. Little Man has gotten pretty brave and will put his head under water.The other night he wanted to jump off the diving board. He was so brave! He took the long walk out to the end of the board and looked down at Daddy Mac who was waiting with open arms. He
contemplated his options and looked over his shoulder at his proud Mama Mac. He then decided that maybe it wasn't the time to risk his life by jumping 3 feet into the water, because you know...it is not like doing a cannon ball off the side of the pool.I will have to say that once he crawled his way back to safety, he watched a few more children jump in. He decided he was all "bad" and wanted to try it again. Well, at least he did not crawl back, but he walked back announcing to everyone "I was a little bit scared, Mama!"
Last night, he finally jumped in. And jumped. And jumped. And jumped. No pictures, of course. Mama Mac thought he would back out once again. "Fooled you, Mama!"
Monday, July 7, 2008
Swim Team! Bible School! Vacation! Oh, My!
I just realized that it has been a little over a month since I have submitted any entries to this blog. I tried really hard what would have been so important that I have not had time or the inclination to type away here. Then the last 4 weeks of blur became a bit clear.
Goosey has joined our club's swim team for the first time. This has been a pretty serious commitment from the whole family. She has practice every day and that means we have to pack it up and all head over there. While she does her thing in the big pool, Little Man has to swim in the baby pool...ahem, the little pool. Then we usually have to have lunch there (packed and transported ala Mama) and then back home for some down time. On the days she doesn't have practice, we usually go over in the evening just for some fun time. Daddy Mac will do laps at the adult swim and I will lounge and read a book. Good times. Of course, there is no wi-fi there, so no computer time. (Lots of dad's over there have complained, but I think a no internet zone is a good idea.)
The week after school dismissed, we had vacation bible school (VBS). Because our church has VBS in the mornings, there are close to 400 kids average each day. Parents of kindergarteners up to fifth graders in the community use it as an opportunity to drop their kids off for a few hours of peace and quiet. Now, I do not fault this parents. I would do the same thing. I will probably do this SAME thing in a few years. However, because Little Man is only 3 years old, he can only attend if I work VBS. So this year I was once again in preschool crafts. It wasn't so bad because there were more than ample workers for this area. Goosey and Little Man had a fabulous time!
Then we decided to head out on a short vacation to the homeland. Not really the homeland, but a portion of the great state of Tennessee. We went to Chattanooga for a few days and had a great time. If you have not visited this city, it is a mecca for families with small children. We Saw Rock City, rode the incline railway (of course, I did this under durress), went to the Tennessee Aquarium, visited local parks, saw the Paper Clip memorial museum in a nearby city, and did a lot of swimming at the hotel.
So we are now at home trying to settle back into a routine....fun.
Goosey has joined our club's swim team for the first time. This has been a pretty serious commitment from the whole family. She has practice every day and that means we have to pack it up and all head over there. While she does her thing in the big pool, Little Man has to swim in the baby pool...ahem, the little pool. Then we usually have to have lunch there (packed and transported ala Mama) and then back home for some down time. On the days she doesn't have practice, we usually go over in the evening just for some fun time. Daddy Mac will do laps at the adult swim and I will lounge and read a book. Good times. Of course, there is no wi-fi there, so no computer time. (Lots of dad's over there have complained, but I think a no internet zone is a good idea.)
The week after school dismissed, we had vacation bible school (VBS). Because our church has VBS in the mornings, there are close to 400 kids average each day. Parents of kindergarteners up to fifth graders in the community use it as an opportunity to drop their kids off for a few hours of peace and quiet. Now, I do not fault this parents. I would do the same thing. I will probably do this SAME thing in a few years. However, because Little Man is only 3 years old, he can only attend if I work VBS. So this year I was once again in preschool crafts. It wasn't so bad because there were more than ample workers for this area. Goosey and Little Man had a fabulous time!
Then we decided to head out on a short vacation to the homeland. Not really the homeland, but a portion of the great state of Tennessee. We went to Chattanooga for a few days and had a great time. If you have not visited this city, it is a mecca for families with small children. We Saw Rock City, rode the incline railway (of course, I did this under durress), went to the Tennessee Aquarium, visited local parks, saw the Paper Clip memorial museum in a nearby city, and did a lot of swimming at the hotel.
So we are now at home trying to settle back into a routine....fun.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A Child Of Character
I have to say that this past week and a half has been crazy. Little Man's school had a bunch of activities that included parents last week. One in particular was the family cookout. Daddy Mac and I both attended, although in separate vehicles. When we arrived, Little Man's first question was "Is Goosey going to come to my picnic?" He just loves her so much.
Also in the last week, we had a dress rehearsal and recital for Goosey's dance class AND she signed up for the swim team which has practices every afternoon immediately after school. We have been going non-stop and summer hasn't even begun!
So yesterday was Goosey's annual class awards and field day. Daddy Mac took a few hours off from work to attend her awards ceremony too. I did not bother to take my camcorder because the year before only about 5 awards were given out and although Goosey received her honor roll award, it was given out in her class.
But this year, they decided to put the entire class up on stage and have the teacher speak at a podium giving out not only the academic awards, but the class superlative awards. Goosey received the Champion Award which is for maintaining excellent grades with good behavior for the entire year! Nothing to sneeze at.
Then her teacher handed out the superlatives. Goosey had mentioned that she felt that she would get the Good Citizenship Award, so I was hoping that would happen. Goosey received an award for "The Most Well Mannered Student", but she did not get the award she wanted. We were a bit bummed for her, but thought that her special award was great.
Then the guidance counselor took the podium and presented the Character Award. It was for a student that exudes great character, integrity and compassion to others and stands out above her classmates. "This award is presented to Goosey Lou Mac"
We could not have been happier! Goosey looked surprised and we were beaming!
Of course we want academic excellence. We want her to make super grades and be the best she can be. However, more importantly, the fact that who she is on the inside is being displayed in such a wonderful way and that others can see it, is so much more important. Goosey said that even "behind mama's back", she wants to be nice, do the right thing and be a good friend. She said that she knows that God is watching her and that when I am not around, He is always close by to help her make the right decisions.
What a wonderful little girl!
Also in the last week, we had a dress rehearsal and recital for Goosey's dance class AND she signed up for the swim team which has practices every afternoon immediately after school. We have been going non-stop and summer hasn't even begun!
So yesterday was Goosey's annual class awards and field day. Daddy Mac took a few hours off from work to attend her awards ceremony too. I did not bother to take my camcorder because the year before only about 5 awards were given out and although Goosey received her honor roll award, it was given out in her class.
But this year, they decided to put the entire class up on stage and have the teacher speak at a podium giving out not only the academic awards, but the class superlative awards. Goosey received the Champion Award which is for maintaining excellent grades with good behavior for the entire year! Nothing to sneeze at.
Then her teacher handed out the superlatives. Goosey had mentioned that she felt that she would get the Good Citizenship Award, so I was hoping that would happen. Goosey received an award for "The Most Well Mannered Student", but she did not get the award she wanted. We were a bit bummed for her, but thought that her special award was great.
Then the guidance counselor took the podium and presented the Character Award. It was for a student that exudes great character, integrity and compassion to others and stands out above her classmates. "This award is presented to Goosey Lou Mac"
We could not have been happier! Goosey looked surprised and we were beaming!
Of course we want academic excellence. We want her to make super grades and be the best she can be. However, more importantly, the fact that who she is on the inside is being displayed in such a wonderful way and that others can see it, is so much more important. Goosey said that even "behind mama's back", she wants to be nice, do the right thing and be a good friend. She said that she knows that God is watching her and that when I am not around, He is always close by to help her make the right decisions.
What a wonderful little girl!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Happy Birthday, Goosey Lou!
It was 7 years ago today that my sweetest little baby girl, Goosey Lou, made her entrance into the world! I am still surprised at how quickly these years have passed.
She was born at 1:41 AM in the morning after 21 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing weighing 7 lbs 15.5. ounces. It was a tough day for old mom! Complications sent me to surgery and a delay in spending some quality time with the baby. However, it was about 11 AM when I was rolled into my room at the hospital where little Goosey was snoozing in her bassinet just waiting to be held.
Blurring time for the next 7 years and almost 45 lbs later, Goosey is a wonderful little girl. She is so smart, compassionate, and fun to be around. I am heading out this morning to pick up some lunch for us at Wendy's and am going to surprise her at school. I also had 3 dozen sugar cookies with the number '7' iced on them to deliver also. I don't know what I am thinking. The boxes are bulky and will be hard to carry.
Oh, well. I know that she will be surprised.
Happy Birthday, my sweetest little girl!
She was born at 1:41 AM in the morning after 21 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing weighing 7 lbs 15.5. ounces. It was a tough day for old mom! Complications sent me to surgery and a delay in spending some quality time with the baby. However, it was about 11 AM when I was rolled into my room at the hospital where little Goosey was snoozing in her bassinet just waiting to be held.
Blurring time for the next 7 years and almost 45 lbs later, Goosey is a wonderful little girl. She is so smart, compassionate, and fun to be around. I am heading out this morning to pick up some lunch for us at Wendy's and am going to surprise her at school. I also had 3 dozen sugar cookies with the number '7' iced on them to deliver also. I don't know what I am thinking. The boxes are bulky and will be hard to carry.
Oh, well. I know that she will be surprised.
Happy Birthday, my sweetest little girl!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Psssttttt....Here's A Secret
Little Man can be difficult at bedtime. If he has had any nap longer than 15 minutes, he has a hard time going to bed at a decent hour. So my philosophy is to keep him up and put him to bed at 7:30 PMish. Otherwise, he is up and down, in and out of his room, getting in trouble with Daddy Mac or myself. It is just tiresome.
However, last night was an exception. Little Man fell asleep in car-line to pick up Goosey from school and then passed out on the couch for a good bit. He probably took about a 2 hour nap. That usually means he is awake in his bed until 10 PM or so. But last night, he got in his bed, played with a few toys and never came out of his room. I could hear him singing his numbers and some songs, talking to his trains and singing some more.
Daddy Mac came in from working in the yard and headed upstairs to take a shower. Little Man evidently had a secret to share with Daddy. He jumped down with a thump and ran down the hallway into our bedroom where he whispered, "Hey, Daddy! I have a secret...."
He tip-toes over to Daddy's ear and says ever so softly "Pssstttt, pssstttt, psssttt. Grandmommy and Grandaddy are coming to visit." Daddy acts surprised and says, "They are? When?"
Little Man replies matter-of-factly "Oh, they a comin'!" And retreats back to his bed where he promptly falls off to sleep.
(They are coming this weekend. He just keeps looking for them to drive up at any moment.)
However, last night was an exception. Little Man fell asleep in car-line to pick up Goosey from school and then passed out on the couch for a good bit. He probably took about a 2 hour nap. That usually means he is awake in his bed until 10 PM or so. But last night, he got in his bed, played with a few toys and never came out of his room. I could hear him singing his numbers and some songs, talking to his trains and singing some more.
Daddy Mac came in from working in the yard and headed upstairs to take a shower. Little Man evidently had a secret to share with Daddy. He jumped down with a thump and ran down the hallway into our bedroom where he whispered, "Hey, Daddy! I have a secret...."
He tip-toes over to Daddy's ear and says ever so softly "Pssstttt, pssstttt, psssttt. Grandmommy and Grandaddy are coming to visit." Daddy acts surprised and says, "They are? When?"
Little Man replies matter-of-factly "Oh, they a comin'!" And retreats back to his bed where he promptly falls off to sleep.
(They are coming this weekend. He just keeps looking for them to drive up at any moment.)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Obviously
I don't know what got into my two children yesterday. Both of the kids got less than perfect comments about their behavior at their respective schools, which is pretty unusual for them.
Little Man had to move his star to yellow from green yesterday after repeatedly pushing "My Jake". It broke his heart. He kept telling me that he loves "My Jake" and that "Jake is my best friend." I don't know what provoked the pushing, but it was enough for the teachers to say "ENOUGH".
So when I went to pick up Goosey Lou, I noticed that she was not speaking up about her day. She usually will throw her backpack in the front seat so I can thumb through her folder while sitting in stand still traffic. However, yesterday she threw that bad boy in the very back of the vancar.
When I asked her to pass her folder to me, she just looked at me funny. She said it was in the back seat. I asked her if she threw it back there because she did not stay on 'green' today? She looked at me and said "Well, obviously that is the reason I put it back there." It took me off-guard that she was so honest.
Her infraction was "jumping around in the bathroom line while End of Grade testing is going on". (The whole campus is in silent mode during EOGs so that the kids testing are not distracted.)
I am hoping that today is a better behavior day.
Little Man had to move his star to yellow from green yesterday after repeatedly pushing "My Jake". It broke his heart. He kept telling me that he loves "My Jake" and that "Jake is my best friend." I don't know what provoked the pushing, but it was enough for the teachers to say "ENOUGH".
So when I went to pick up Goosey Lou, I noticed that she was not speaking up about her day. She usually will throw her backpack in the front seat so I can thumb through her folder while sitting in stand still traffic. However, yesterday she threw that bad boy in the very back of the vancar.
When I asked her to pass her folder to me, she just looked at me funny. She said it was in the back seat. I asked her if she threw it back there because she did not stay on 'green' today? She looked at me and said "Well, obviously that is the reason I put it back there." It took me off-guard that she was so honest.
Her infraction was "jumping around in the bathroom line while End of Grade testing is going on". (The whole campus is in silent mode during EOGs so that the kids testing are not distracted.)
I am hoping that today is a better behavior day.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Roller Boogie, The ER, and A Star Is Born
All within 24 hours!
This past weekend was a total whirlwind here with the Family Mac. Goosey Lou had her very first solo in her children's choir on Sunday. She had practiced so hard for the semester and did a beautiful job. Because of this event, I decided that we would celebrate her 7th birthday a couple of weeks early so that the distant in terms of distance relatives could make one trip.
Guests started to arrive Friday night. Saturday was a blur with dress rehearsals and last minute shopping for the party. The afternoon got VERY busy when we headed out to the roller skating rink to meet with 15 kids and their adults. The place was LOUD and to MY disappointment, very unorganized with the party set up. (Basically, I was left to do the entire party on my own even though I was told that a party leader was going to be in charge.) It was a lot of chaos in a great big space.
Just as we had started to have the kids corralled in for the pizza and cake, some frantic stranger is in my face telling me that one of my guests had broken their wrist! I am looking around to see who it was and there was my dad. My dad. He had put on his own skates and had not even gotten around the rink and fell.
So Auntie Sam of "I will come and watch your puking baby so that you can pick up your well child" took my dad and mom to the ER for some splinting. Turns out it was a fracture of the radius bone...near the wrist. I was very worried that dad would have some sort of complication with this break....a blood clot, a diabetic episode, gout, something. But after a few pain killers, he seemed good as new!
The kids had a fabulous time! Goosey has been talking about it ever since. I know that it was HER party, but it sure stressed me out!
Sunday was just as busy. Trying to get everyone out the door and to the church on time was a challenge but we did it. We were able to watch Goosey sing her solo in a special morning service and then again at the actual performance that evening. Despite her wiping her nose multiple times, scratching her head and picking her nose, she was the perfect little lady. =) Her voice was beautiful!
Monday all the guests were gone. As my parents were leaving and amidst the arguing of who was going to drive the straight shift home, my mom mentioned that she had not seen me sit down the entire weekend. And that was the truth. So after dropping Goosey off at school, I came home, turned on Playhouse Disney for Little Man and laid around ALL.DAY.LONG.
I am ready to hit the ever present laundry today....of course after a rousing workout at the gym. Boo.
This past weekend was a total whirlwind here with the Family Mac. Goosey Lou had her very first solo in her children's choir on Sunday. She had practiced so hard for the semester and did a beautiful job. Because of this event, I decided that we would celebrate her 7th birthday a couple of weeks early so that the distant in terms of distance relatives could make one trip.
Guests started to arrive Friday night. Saturday was a blur with dress rehearsals and last minute shopping for the party. The afternoon got VERY busy when we headed out to the roller skating rink to meet with 15 kids and their adults. The place was LOUD and to MY disappointment, very unorganized with the party set up. (Basically, I was left to do the entire party on my own even though I was told that a party leader was going to be in charge.) It was a lot of chaos in a great big space.
Just as we had started to have the kids corralled in for the pizza and cake, some frantic stranger is in my face telling me that one of my guests had broken their wrist! I am looking around to see who it was and there was my dad. My dad. He had put on his own skates and had not even gotten around the rink and fell.
So Auntie Sam of "I will come and watch your puking baby so that you can pick up your well child" took my dad and mom to the ER for some splinting. Turns out it was a fracture of the radius bone...near the wrist. I was very worried that dad would have some sort of complication with this break....a blood clot, a diabetic episode, gout, something. But after a few pain killers, he seemed good as new!
The kids had a fabulous time! Goosey has been talking about it ever since. I know that it was HER party, but it sure stressed me out!
Sunday was just as busy. Trying to get everyone out the door and to the church on time was a challenge but we did it. We were able to watch Goosey sing her solo in a special morning service and then again at the actual performance that evening. Despite her wiping her nose multiple times, scratching her head and picking her nose, she was the perfect little lady. =) Her voice was beautiful!
Monday all the guests were gone. As my parents were leaving and amidst the arguing of who was going to drive the straight shift home, my mom mentioned that she had not seen me sit down the entire weekend. And that was the truth. So after dropping Goosey off at school, I came home, turned on Playhouse Disney for Little Man and laid around ALL.DAY.LONG.
I am ready to hit the ever present laundry today....of course after a rousing workout at the gym. Boo.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Has It Popped Off Yet?
My head that is.
I decided that I really needed to go through Little Man's drawers and closet and weed out the clothes that are too small for him. It has been long overdue and I had a few hours to get to it.
After I had three garbage bags, two Wal-Mart bags, and one shopping bag full of clothes, pregnancy books, loose diapers, bedding, etc., I was getting ready to straighten up his room a bit so that we could walk without fear of getting impaled by some toy. It was then that I noticed a cut in the very expensive room darkening blinds. I was a bit perplexed and continued to look around when I saw two HUGE pieces of Little Man's comforter were gone...cut out.
Now, we don't leave various and sundry sharp objects (i.e. scissors) lying around for his using pleasure. I started hunting around to see what I could find. Lo and behold, on the floor, next to a partially shredded book was the tiniest or tiny pair of cuticle scissors that he must have swiped from my bathroom.
I honestly thought my head was going to pop off of my shoulder. We went through this once before and he was disciplined pretty well for it. I guess he has a terrible short term memory.
Now I have the "fun" of disciplining him again for cutting something other than paper at the table, with his mother sitting right there. I hate it.
I am praying that I survive all this little stuff that is going on. I am ready for a vacation. I guess it would be then that I need to shop for another comforter for his bed....since he is now without one.
I decided that I really needed to go through Little Man's drawers and closet and weed out the clothes that are too small for him. It has been long overdue and I had a few hours to get to it.
After I had three garbage bags, two Wal-Mart bags, and one shopping bag full of clothes, pregnancy books, loose diapers, bedding, etc., I was getting ready to straighten up his room a bit so that we could walk without fear of getting impaled by some toy. It was then that I noticed a cut in the very expensive room darkening blinds. I was a bit perplexed and continued to look around when I saw two HUGE pieces of Little Man's comforter were gone...cut out.
Now, we don't leave various and sundry sharp objects (i.e. scissors) lying around for his using pleasure. I started hunting around to see what I could find. Lo and behold, on the floor, next to a partially shredded book was the tiniest or tiny pair of cuticle scissors that he must have swiped from my bathroom.
I honestly thought my head was going to pop off of my shoulder. We went through this once before and he was disciplined pretty well for it. I guess he has a terrible short term memory.
Now I have the "fun" of disciplining him again for cutting something other than paper at the table, with his mother sitting right there. I hate it.
I am praying that I survive all this little stuff that is going on. I am ready for a vacation. I guess it would be then that I need to shop for another comforter for his bed....since he is now without one.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Another Year Marked For Me
Happy Birthday to me!
I just celebrated my 35th birthday yesterday. It is really hard for me to believe that I just turned 35. I am now considered a mother of advanced maternal age. Ugh. That sounds sort of OLD. I sure don't feel old. I know I don't act old. I definitely do not look old. I am eternally 22 years old in my mind.
I am so blessed to have a family that marks my special day. I had tons of phone calls and cards. The kids and Daddy Mac helped me celebrate with a cheesecake sampler in lieu of the more traditional birthday cake. It was super yummy. Daddy Mac gave me a great present: The present of doing something fun with my girlfriend while he watched the kids and bathed them and put them to bed.
I even got to have dinner with my "New Friend Christa". It was during our conversation that I realize that I have a descriptor for a great many of the people in my life. "Swiss Army Boy" - for a long ago friend who knew a little bit about everything all rolled into a neat package. "Embezzler Friend" who actually was not a friend, but an acquaintance that was found to have embezzled almost $100,000 from her employer. My "Habitual Liar Friend" who could not tell the straight truth about anything to save her life. "The Eel" a sorority sister who once dressed up as an eel from the Little Mermaid and Daddy Mac always recalls her by that name rather than her given one. The "Whack-A-Do Mom" who stalks me at various places with her weird stories and lack of social boundaries.
But Christa, is simply "My New Friend Christa". We had a great dinner, minus lame service, and then chatted a very long time in the car before heading home after midnight. It is nice to have some sense of a social life.
So Happy Birthday to Me! I am praying for many more with health to go with it!
I just celebrated my 35th birthday yesterday. It is really hard for me to believe that I just turned 35. I am now considered a mother of advanced maternal age. Ugh. That sounds sort of OLD. I sure don't feel old. I know I don't act old. I definitely do not look old. I am eternally 22 years old in my mind.
I am so blessed to have a family that marks my special day. I had tons of phone calls and cards. The kids and Daddy Mac helped me celebrate with a cheesecake sampler in lieu of the more traditional birthday cake. It was super yummy. Daddy Mac gave me a great present: The present of doing something fun with my girlfriend while he watched the kids and bathed them and put them to bed.
I even got to have dinner with my "New Friend Christa". It was during our conversation that I realize that I have a descriptor for a great many of the people in my life. "Swiss Army Boy" - for a long ago friend who knew a little bit about everything all rolled into a neat package. "Embezzler Friend" who actually was not a friend, but an acquaintance that was found to have embezzled almost $100,000 from her employer. My "Habitual Liar Friend" who could not tell the straight truth about anything to save her life. "The Eel" a sorority sister who once dressed up as an eel from the Little Mermaid and Daddy Mac always recalls her by that name rather than her given one. The "Whack-A-Do Mom" who stalks me at various places with her weird stories and lack of social boundaries.
But Christa, is simply "My New Friend Christa". We had a great dinner, minus lame service, and then chatted a very long time in the car before heading home after midnight. It is nice to have some sense of a social life.
So Happy Birthday to Me! I am praying for many more with health to go with it!
Friday, April 11, 2008
She Makes Me Happy!
Little Man and I have been hanging out a great deal this past week. His school is out for spring break and has been a bit bored with hanging out at the house every single day. We have been to the library a couple of times and to the local museum for a nature walk and a stroll through the exhibits.
While we were walking the nature trail, Little Man picked up rocks to toss into a little creek or the pond. He would talk about the flowers or the cow or pigs or the dirt...naturey things. On our way back to the car, we were pretty intent on finding the perfect spot along the trail to chuck in some of the rocks. I just happened to turn my attention back to the trail when I shouted out "Freeze, Little Man! Don't move!". I was SHOCKED to find him standing about 2' away from a 5-5.5' black snake that was slithering across the path. Now I realize that black snakes are not venomous, but a snake is still a snake.
Little Man stopped, turned to look at me and ran to me when I beckoned him. When he turned around, he wasn't a bit surprised to see a snake. No freaking out or anything. You want to know why? Because I am a ROCK. A Calm, Cool, Collected, ROCK who did not panic.
I actually snapped a couple of pictures once it's head moved off of the path. A few minutes of watching it from a distance and we were on our way.
Little Man asked, "Where's Goosey? Goosey is my very best friend! She makes me so happy! So very happy. I do the happy dance!"
Goosey also makes me happy. Long black snakes do not.
While we were walking the nature trail, Little Man picked up rocks to toss into a little creek or the pond. He would talk about the flowers or the cow or pigs or the dirt...naturey things. On our way back to the car, we were pretty intent on finding the perfect spot along the trail to chuck in some of the rocks. I just happened to turn my attention back to the trail when I shouted out "Freeze, Little Man! Don't move!". I was SHOCKED to find him standing about 2' away from a 5-5.5' black snake that was slithering across the path. Now I realize that black snakes are not venomous, but a snake is still a snake.
Little Man stopped, turned to look at me and ran to me when I beckoned him. When he turned around, he wasn't a bit surprised to see a snake. No freaking out or anything. You want to know why? Because I am a ROCK. A Calm, Cool, Collected, ROCK who did not panic.
I actually snapped a couple of pictures once it's head moved off of the path. A few minutes of watching it from a distance and we were on our way.
Little Man asked, "Where's Goosey? Goosey is my very best friend! She makes me so happy! So very happy. I do the happy dance!"
Goosey also makes me happy. Long black snakes do not.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Goosey is in a stage of self-realization. She is very conscious of how she acts around her peers and is pretty reserved. Unlike her little brother, Goosey doesn't come out with funny/cute sayings much anymore.
However, as she was getting into the vancar to leave for school, she found a hot pink feather from a toy that was laying in the seat. She picked it up and looked it over as she was sitting down. She turned to Little Man and handed it him and said in a cheeky way "Hey Littleman, stick THIS in your hat and call it macaroni."
When I turned around to look at her, we both broke out in uncontrollable laughter! She is a hoot!
However, as she was getting into the vancar to leave for school, she found a hot pink feather from a toy that was laying in the seat. She picked it up and looked it over as she was sitting down. She turned to Little Man and handed it him and said in a cheeky way "Hey Littleman, stick THIS in your hat and call it macaroni."
When I turned around to look at her, we both broke out in uncontrollable laughter! She is a hoot!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Stranger Danger!
The month of March has been pretty busy for us. Easter. Two ear infections. Spring break. You get the idea.
The Grandparents from Tennessee came down for several days while Goosey and Grandmama were off on spring break. We hung close to the house, opting for local excursions and the fixing of the broken dryer (a BIG thanks to Granddad!)
On the last day of their visit, we attended church and then went out for a yummy lunch of Japanese food. We were seated in our regular booth and the kids were preoccupied with their chopsticks or forks or something. Then all of a sudden, over the adult conversation, I hear a familiar statement coming from Little Man's mouth:
Hep! Dis is not my mom! Dis is not my dad!
Hep! Dis is not my mom! Dis is not my dad!
No one else noticed it. He wasn't screaming it. But Mama Mac heard it! Heard it enough to be horrified.
Oh my gosh! After a good scolding and chat about how we only say that to strangers who are trying to talk with him, we got a good chuckle. I was thinking about it though. If he started that in public, I might just have to tell the nice policeman who came to the rescue to "Take him! Please! Just take him! Obviously, he needs a break from his mean old mom!" Then they will know that he belongs to me. =)
(Note: The reason he said it was that he and Goosey had just finished watching "Safe Side SuperChick" video on how to keep yourself safe from strangers and people that you "kinda" know. It warns the child that the ONLY people that you are to go with are your "Safe Side Adults". And if anyone approaches the child to speak, ask directions, etc. and they are not in the presence of their safe side adult, the child is advised to yell at the top of his lungs "Help! This is not my mom! Help! This is not my dad!" - Highly recommend this video!)
I don't believe in karma. Not one little bit. However, I must say that I might be getting paid back for the sins of Daddy Mac. Granny has a "great" story of how Daddy Mac as a little boy started screaming while being taken out of a store "Please don't beat me, mommy! Please don't beat me!"
Little Man is going to keep me on my toes, that is for sure.
The Grandparents from Tennessee came down for several days while Goosey and Grandmama were off on spring break. We hung close to the house, opting for local excursions and the fixing of the broken dryer (a BIG thanks to Granddad!)
On the last day of their visit, we attended church and then went out for a yummy lunch of Japanese food. We were seated in our regular booth and the kids were preoccupied with their chopsticks or forks or something. Then all of a sudden, over the adult conversation, I hear a familiar statement coming from Little Man's mouth:
Hep! Dis is not my mom! Dis is not my dad!
Hep! Dis is not my mom! Dis is not my dad!
No one else noticed it. He wasn't screaming it. But Mama Mac heard it! Heard it enough to be horrified.
Oh my gosh! After a good scolding and chat about how we only say that to strangers who are trying to talk with him, we got a good chuckle. I was thinking about it though. If he started that in public, I might just have to tell the nice policeman who came to the rescue to "Take him! Please! Just take him! Obviously, he needs a break from his mean old mom!" Then they will know that he belongs to me. =)
(Note: The reason he said it was that he and Goosey had just finished watching "Safe Side SuperChick" video on how to keep yourself safe from strangers and people that you "kinda" know. It warns the child that the ONLY people that you are to go with are your "Safe Side Adults". And if anyone approaches the child to speak, ask directions, etc. and they are not in the presence of their safe side adult, the child is advised to yell at the top of his lungs "Help! This is not my mom! Help! This is not my dad!" - Highly recommend this video!)
I don't believe in karma. Not one little bit. However, I must say that I might be getting paid back for the sins of Daddy Mac. Granny has a "great" story of how Daddy Mac as a little boy started screaming while being taken out of a store "Please don't beat me, mommy! Please don't beat me!"
Little Man is going to keep me on my toes, that is for sure.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Halitosis, Anyone?
When I was a little girl, I can remember my mom teaching me and my younger brother bigger words in order to expand our vocabularies. I distinctly remember using the word "dilapidated" and "botulism" at a very young age. Very random, indeed.
This is a practice that I have carried over from my mom's parenting skills and have diligently tried to do with my kids. When Goosey Lou was very little and was talking like an adult, I remember teaching her the word famished, parched and moratorium and microdiscectomy (from Auntie Sam's back surgery). She used these words regularly. I firmly believe that using an extensive vocabulary is key to good reading and writing skills.
So with Little Man, it has been slow going. We have had such a struggle with his talking that just to master simple words was a feat. Now that he can carry on a good conversation, I have been trying to use a more challenging vocabulary with him. For example, instead of screaming "Help me! Help me!" when he needs me to come help him with something, I have introduced the word "assistance". So now when he needs help, he says "I need assistance!"
Yesterday morning after I forced him to use his new skills of urinating in the potty (forced because he is pretty grumpy in the morning and doesn't want to use the potty and then will have an accident about 2 minutes after getting dressed), Little Man came to the door of our bedroom and said as clear as a bell:
"Mama! I have halitosis. I need to brush my teeth."
Daddy Mac and I were grinning from ear to ear! Our baby has halitosis!
This is a practice that I have carried over from my mom's parenting skills and have diligently tried to do with my kids. When Goosey Lou was very little and was talking like an adult, I remember teaching her the word famished, parched and moratorium and microdiscectomy (from Auntie Sam's back surgery). She used these words regularly. I firmly believe that using an extensive vocabulary is key to good reading and writing skills.
So with Little Man, it has been slow going. We have had such a struggle with his talking that just to master simple words was a feat. Now that he can carry on a good conversation, I have been trying to use a more challenging vocabulary with him. For example, instead of screaming "Help me! Help me!" when he needs me to come help him with something, I have introduced the word "assistance". So now when he needs help, he says "I need assistance!"
Yesterday morning after I forced him to use his new skills of urinating in the potty (forced because he is pretty grumpy in the morning and doesn't want to use the potty and then will have an accident about 2 minutes after getting dressed), Little Man came to the door of our bedroom and said as clear as a bell:
"Mama! I have halitosis. I need to brush my teeth."
Daddy Mac and I were grinning from ear to ear! Our baby has halitosis!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
"I had a good time today!"
It is quite bizarre to have meaningful conversations with Little Man that are not one sided. For so long, he has had some issues with expressive language. This means that he understands what is being said to him but for some reason, he has not been able to articulate his thoughts where others can understand him.
So today after running some errands, he asked if we could go to the barn today and see the cow. Not having ANY idea of what he is referring to, I told him no that we really needed to get home. He continued to talk about the cow and the pig and the barn and then he slipped in "dinosaur". Then it occurred to me that he wanted to go to our local natural history museum. Museum = Barn (they do have a small farm on the property).
He is feeling so much better from having that ear infection, so I decided that we could have McD's picnic and then a nature walk.
On the way home, Little Man said, "Mama? I had a good time today! Lots of fun! Tank tu!"
That made me smile today.
So today after running some errands, he asked if we could go to the barn today and see the cow. Not having ANY idea of what he is referring to, I told him no that we really needed to get home. He continued to talk about the cow and the pig and the barn and then he slipped in "dinosaur". Then it occurred to me that he wanted to go to our local natural history museum. Museum = Barn (they do have a small farm on the property).
He is feeling so much better from having that ear infection, so I decided that we could have McD's picnic and then a nature walk.
On the way home, Little Man said, "Mama? I had a good time today! Lots of fun! Tank tu!"
That made me smile today.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A Trip to Urgent Care
I really thought that we were out of the woods today.
Daddy Mac decided that it was time to head to the doctor to see if he had bronchitis or pneumonia. He had neither but did find out that he was on the the tail end of the flu. He was given some yummy cough medicine to help him sleep at night and I was feeling good about all of it.
Little Man returned to preschool, much to EVERYONE'S delight. He was so excited to see "My Jake" at "My school" and play with "my friends" after being away for a week. He had a great day and played great all afternoon.
That is until 4:15 PM.
As I was helping Goosey with her homework, Little Man came in from the living room saying that his ear hurt. He was pulling on his right ear and just walking around. He started whining when I went to help Goosey bathe and I figured that he was needing a nap before leaving for church. He kept laying on his right ear and telling me that it hurt.
Perplexed as to the swiftness of his complaints, my spidey senses kicked in and I began to plan out the night. Daddy Mac went into Little Man's room and laid him down for a rest.
Less than a half-hour later, Little Man was screaming and crying and pulling on his ear. I have NEVER seen him act like that over an ear infection (and he has had about 25 in his short life). He said "Please open my ear so the sunshine can come in?" God bless him!
So I tried to contact the pediatrician's after hour appointment line but was told that it did not open until 6 PM! I just could not bear to hear Little Man in such pain. I put him in the vancar and we drove to urgent care.
I will not tell you how awful it was trying to fill out forms and answer inane questions from a receptionist who lacked a tremendous amount of brain cells. But we were seen by a PA who said that he thought he had an ear infection. I asked him to make SURE that he did not stuff something down the ear and/or damaged something in there. I just could not believe that within a few minutes that a child could go from being super happy and playing to screaming in pain without an acute explanation.
The PA asked the MD to take a look. He said that he had a RAGING ear infection as an after effect of having the flu last week. Little Man even asked for medicine to make his ear feel better. =( We were leaving the clinic about 30 minutes after coming in. Not too bad.
Now he is resting peacefully. He has had his first dose of omnicef and tylenol and will be as good as new tomorrow.
Thank God that it wasn't something serious and that we caught it quickly.
Daddy Mac decided that it was time to head to the doctor to see if he had bronchitis or pneumonia. He had neither but did find out that he was on the the tail end of the flu. He was given some yummy cough medicine to help him sleep at night and I was feeling good about all of it.
Little Man returned to preschool, much to EVERYONE'S delight. He was so excited to see "My Jake" at "My school" and play with "my friends" after being away for a week. He had a great day and played great all afternoon.
That is until 4:15 PM.
As I was helping Goosey with her homework, Little Man came in from the living room saying that his ear hurt. He was pulling on his right ear and just walking around. He started whining when I went to help Goosey bathe and I figured that he was needing a nap before leaving for church. He kept laying on his right ear and telling me that it hurt.
Perplexed as to the swiftness of his complaints, my spidey senses kicked in and I began to plan out the night. Daddy Mac went into Little Man's room and laid him down for a rest.
Less than a half-hour later, Little Man was screaming and crying and pulling on his ear. I have NEVER seen him act like that over an ear infection (and he has had about 25 in his short life). He said "Please open my ear so the sunshine can come in?" God bless him!
So I tried to contact the pediatrician's after hour appointment line but was told that it did not open until 6 PM! I just could not bear to hear Little Man in such pain. I put him in the vancar and we drove to urgent care.
I will not tell you how awful it was trying to fill out forms and answer inane questions from a receptionist who lacked a tremendous amount of brain cells. But we were seen by a PA who said that he thought he had an ear infection. I asked him to make SURE that he did not stuff something down the ear and/or damaged something in there. I just could not believe that within a few minutes that a child could go from being super happy and playing to screaming in pain without an acute explanation.
The PA asked the MD to take a look. He said that he had a RAGING ear infection as an after effect of having the flu last week. Little Man even asked for medicine to make his ear feel better. =( We were leaving the clinic about 30 minutes after coming in. Not too bad.
Now he is resting peacefully. He has had his first dose of omnicef and tylenol and will be as good as new tomorrow.
Thank God that it wasn't something serious and that we caught it quickly.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
"She Didn't Come, Mom!"
This was the first thing I heard this morning.
I have been sleeping on the couch for the past few nights since Daddy Mac is insane and refuses to go to the doctor to get treated for his coughing disease. Not only does he keep me up with his incessant hacking, I am a hypochondriac and KNOW that I am going to get sick from the yuck he is spewing in my presence....but I digress.
Goosey sits down beside me on the couch crying "She didn't come this morning, Mom! The tooth fairy forgot to come." Oh crap. I asked her if she searched around to make sure. That had already been done and there was not a hint of a dollar bill to be found.
To back up: Goosey's second tooth fell out (or rather was pulled out) last night about 10 minutes prior to her going to bed. I reminded her to lay it out so that the big TF would stop by and leave a dollar. That crazy TF for.got.
"Why? WHY would she forget?" I then explained that a few times in my childhood the TF forgot to leave $$ so I would lay it out the next night. As I trompsed upstairs and helped her look around, I commented on how atrociously messy her room was. Goosey calmly explained "The TF flies, mom. She doesn't need to walk around on the floor." And as expected, there was no dollar to be found.
My theory: TF did not get the word that she lost her tooth since it was right before she went to bed.
Daddy Mac's theory: TF doesn't come until everyone is asleep. And since Daddy Mac is himself a crazy lunatic for not going to the doctor for some meds, he was up most of the night hacking his lung out. Therefore, the TF could not come since Daddy was still awake.
We returned to the kitchen where Goosey informed me that she figured that I was the Tooth Fairy. She said it just made sense. I informed her that when kids quit beliving in the TF, Santa, leprachauns, etc. then all the fun went away. She mulled over this a bit.
I asked her to go and get her tooth so that I could put it in a safe place until we could lay it out tonight. I went to the bookshelf to find the baggie that held our "Christmas Miracle tooth" so that I could put them together....and guess what I found......
$$$$$$$A Dollar Bill $$$$$$$$ right on top of the first tooth that she lost.
I figured that the money was probably mine since Goosey doesn't believe in the TF and that maybe I forgot it. Goosey explained that the TF was probably confused and since I WAS in a blissful sleep on the couch that she left the money up there on the bookshelf on the only tooth she could see on her visit to our house.
And she quickly snatched that dollar bill out of my hand and all was right with the world.
I have been sleeping on the couch for the past few nights since Daddy Mac is insane and refuses to go to the doctor to get treated for his coughing disease. Not only does he keep me up with his incessant hacking, I am a hypochondriac and KNOW that I am going to get sick from the yuck he is spewing in my presence....but I digress.
Goosey sits down beside me on the couch crying "She didn't come this morning, Mom! The tooth fairy forgot to come." Oh crap. I asked her if she searched around to make sure. That had already been done and there was not a hint of a dollar bill to be found.
To back up: Goosey's second tooth fell out (or rather was pulled out) last night about 10 minutes prior to her going to bed. I reminded her to lay it out so that the big TF would stop by and leave a dollar. That crazy TF for.got.
"Why? WHY would she forget?" I then explained that a few times in my childhood the TF forgot to leave $$ so I would lay it out the next night. As I trompsed upstairs and helped her look around, I commented on how atrociously messy her room was. Goosey calmly explained "The TF flies, mom. She doesn't need to walk around on the floor." And as expected, there was no dollar to be found.
My theory: TF did not get the word that she lost her tooth since it was right before she went to bed.
Daddy Mac's theory: TF doesn't come until everyone is asleep. And since Daddy Mac is himself a crazy lunatic for not going to the doctor for some meds, he was up most of the night hacking his lung out. Therefore, the TF could not come since Daddy was still awake.
We returned to the kitchen where Goosey informed me that she figured that I was the Tooth Fairy. She said it just made sense. I informed her that when kids quit beliving in the TF, Santa, leprachauns, etc. then all the fun went away. She mulled over this a bit.
I asked her to go and get her tooth so that I could put it in a safe place until we could lay it out tonight. I went to the bookshelf to find the baggie that held our "Christmas Miracle tooth" so that I could put them together....and guess what I found......
$$$$$$$A Dollar Bill $$$$$$$$ right on top of the first tooth that she lost.
I figured that the money was probably mine since Goosey doesn't believe in the TF and that maybe I forgot it. Goosey explained that the TF was probably confused and since I WAS in a blissful sleep on the couch that she left the money up there on the bookshelf on the only tooth she could see on her visit to our house.
And she quickly snatched that dollar bill out of my hand and all was right with the world.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Is it here yet?
Spring, that is. Today was such a pretty day! It was about 68 degrees and very sunny. It also marked the release day of Little Man from his flu seclusion. He has not been around any people other than us for a week now. He was about to go crazy this morning after dropping Goosey off at school, so I promised a picnic at the park.
We made a quick lunch and headed off to the nearest park. It was great to get out and have some play time. He has definitely gotten braver in his castle adventures (play area is a castle) and had a great time!
I do feel guilty though. When I picked up Goosey from school, she immediately wanted to know where I had taken her brother to play outside. I was surprised that she had become a psychic so quickly and at such a young age. She pointed out that she saw the yo-yo in the vancar. Why would a yo-yo be a hint? Because it is contraband in the house. It can only be played with outdoors and since it was in the vancar and not at the house, Goosey realized we had to have gone somewhere outside away from out home. Smart kid.
So I felt a bit guilty for taking Little Man for a picnic lunch and play at the park and she could not go. And then she wanted to go there also. Phooey. And of course we can't because there is homework and dinner and baths and routine things to get done before bed time.
Such a struggle it is when you have multiple children. You feel guilty that the oldest doesn't have all of your attention; guilty that the youngest doesn't get the undivided attention that the older one had at that age; guilty that you are so tired sometimes that you just let them watch Dora one more time that you should.
But it is so sweet to see the older one playing NICELY with the younger one or hearing the younger one say "I missed you."
Now if they can make it to adulthood without killing each other, I can say that I have done a decent job.
We made a quick lunch and headed off to the nearest park. It was great to get out and have some play time. He has definitely gotten braver in his castle adventures (play area is a castle) and had a great time!
I do feel guilty though. When I picked up Goosey from school, she immediately wanted to know where I had taken her brother to play outside. I was surprised that she had become a psychic so quickly and at such a young age. She pointed out that she saw the yo-yo in the vancar. Why would a yo-yo be a hint? Because it is contraband in the house. It can only be played with outdoors and since it was in the vancar and not at the house, Goosey realized we had to have gone somewhere outside away from out home. Smart kid.
So I felt a bit guilty for taking Little Man for a picnic lunch and play at the park and she could not go. And then she wanted to go there also. Phooey. And of course we can't because there is homework and dinner and baths and routine things to get done before bed time.
Such a struggle it is when you have multiple children. You feel guilty that the oldest doesn't have all of your attention; guilty that the youngest doesn't get the undivided attention that the older one had at that age; guilty that you are so tired sometimes that you just let them watch Dora one more time that you should.
But it is so sweet to see the older one playing NICELY with the younger one or hearing the younger one say "I missed you."
Now if they can make it to adulthood without killing each other, I can say that I have done a decent job.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Flu Bug, Flu Bug, Yucky, Blucky Flu Bug
After dropping Goosey off at school on Tuesday, Little Man and I decided that we needed to stop by Wal-Mart and look for a birthday present for our little cousinent in SC. While browsing the toys, Little Man told me that his tummy hurt. Skeptical about it, I asked him if he felt sick. He said he was hungry.
We continued around the store for a few more minutes and my mommy senses, akin to Spidey senses, kicked in. Little Man's appearance had drastically changed. He looked really tired and started to lay on the cart.
We got in the car and on the way home Little Man threw up....in our new vancar. Twice. I was panicked! I hate throw up. I have a fear of it. No joke. So we raced home to get a quick shower, clean the car and the carseat.
Well, Little Man just could not keep a thing down. He was getting sick, sick, sick throughout the day. He had a fever of over 101F and was just listless. Wondering how in the world I was going to pick up Goosey with such a sick child, I decided to call Auntie Sam to see if she could either pick up Goosey or sit with Puke Boy and step away from work for about an hour. She opted for the later. The woman is a SAINT. No joke.
When Goosey and I returned, the Auntie informed me that she believed that Little Man had an ear infection. He was tugging on his ear and throwing up. (I seriously mean it when I say that the Auntie deserves SAINTHOOD.) She thought I should take him to the doctor for a looksie.
We had the last appointment for the day. Evidently, the reason that Little Man was tugging on his ear was that he had a glob of earwax that was blocking his canal. After removing that stuff, his ears looked fine. His throat looked bad and the doctor said she suspected the flu.
Lo and behold, after a swab to the nose-holes, a wait of about 5 minutes, the nurse came back with the sad news: influenza. Poo on that. He would be out of commission for the next 5-6 days.
Well, let me tell you what. If I had not with my own eyes seen them swab his nose and heard with my own ears that he tested positive for the flu, I would not have believed it. Because after a good night's sleep, Little Man showed no signs of illness whatsoever. No fever. No vomitting. No listlessness. And a GREAT appetite. Honestly, I would have put him right back in school on Thursday, which would have been a full 48 hours after symptoms.
However, I know that he has the virus and will let it run its course and I have great concern for our community's health. He is going stir crazy and has cabin fever. I am going nuts with the sanitizer and lysol. Daddy Mac is working from home and tolerating it. Goosey is at school and oblivious to the fact that she is probably going to be the next victim.
I am just praying that we are finished with the yucky, blucky flu bug.
We continued around the store for a few more minutes and my mommy senses, akin to Spidey senses, kicked in. Little Man's appearance had drastically changed. He looked really tired and started to lay on the cart.
We got in the car and on the way home Little Man threw up....in our new vancar. Twice. I was panicked! I hate throw up. I have a fear of it. No joke. So we raced home to get a quick shower, clean the car and the carseat.
Well, Little Man just could not keep a thing down. He was getting sick, sick, sick throughout the day. He had a fever of over 101F and was just listless. Wondering how in the world I was going to pick up Goosey with such a sick child, I decided to call Auntie Sam to see if she could either pick up Goosey or sit with Puke Boy and step away from work for about an hour. She opted for the later. The woman is a SAINT. No joke.
When Goosey and I returned, the Auntie informed me that she believed that Little Man had an ear infection. He was tugging on his ear and throwing up. (I seriously mean it when I say that the Auntie deserves SAINTHOOD.) She thought I should take him to the doctor for a looksie.
We had the last appointment for the day. Evidently, the reason that Little Man was tugging on his ear was that he had a glob of earwax that was blocking his canal. After removing that stuff, his ears looked fine. His throat looked bad and the doctor said she suspected the flu.
Lo and behold, after a swab to the nose-holes, a wait of about 5 minutes, the nurse came back with the sad news: influenza. Poo on that. He would be out of commission for the next 5-6 days.
Well, let me tell you what. If I had not with my own eyes seen them swab his nose and heard with my own ears that he tested positive for the flu, I would not have believed it. Because after a good night's sleep, Little Man showed no signs of illness whatsoever. No fever. No vomitting. No listlessness. And a GREAT appetite. Honestly, I would have put him right back in school on Thursday, which would have been a full 48 hours after symptoms.
However, I know that he has the virus and will let it run its course and I have great concern for our community's health. He is going stir crazy and has cabin fever. I am going nuts with the sanitizer and lysol. Daddy Mac is working from home and tolerating it. Goosey is at school and oblivious to the fact that she is probably going to be the next victim.
I am just praying that we are finished with the yucky, blucky flu bug.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
"Not a Wal-Mart Day?" and other gems
Little Man is coming out with some seriously funny things. Now that he is talking, he is really taking advantage of exercising his expressive language skills.
Little Man LOVES, and I mean LOVES, his preschool. He talks about it all the time. "I want to go to My School. I want to play with My Jake (his bestest buddy)" He will get on the Goosey's pretty princess play phone and give My Jake a call to see if he is going to be at My School on "tomorrow".
Because Little Man is still little, he does not have any concept of time. He only goes to school three days a week, so on the other days, we pretty much are hanging out at the house.
So this morning we were getting ready to leave for My School and Little Man asks:
LM: Are we going to My School?
Me: Yes.
LM: Are we going to see My Jake?
Me: Yes.
LM: Not Goosey's school?
Me: No.
LM: Today is school day...not Wal-Mart day.
Huh? I guess the child is tired of trompsing around shopping with Mama Mac on his down days.
We actually had to pick up Goosey early from school today in order for me to make an appointment over in the big city. Little Man came out of the vancar with his case full of matchbox cars. Ms. Teacher chuckled and asked Little Man what he had. He proudly shoved the case at her and said "Wace cars" and grinned. She asked if that was for being a good boy. He shook his head and said "Wace cars for pooping on the potty. I got a new van!"
This MatchBox car bribe thing is working extremely well. We are totally out of pull ups during the day and only wearing them at night. I think it will probably be a long time before we get that one mastered....but that is fine for now!
Little Man LOVES, and I mean LOVES, his preschool. He talks about it all the time. "I want to go to My School. I want to play with My Jake (his bestest buddy)" He will get on the Goosey's pretty princess play phone and give My Jake a call to see if he is going to be at My School on "tomorrow".
Because Little Man is still little, he does not have any concept of time. He only goes to school three days a week, so on the other days, we pretty much are hanging out at the house.
So this morning we were getting ready to leave for My School and Little Man asks:
LM: Are we going to My School?
Me: Yes.
LM: Are we going to see My Jake?
Me: Yes.
LM: Not Goosey's school?
Me: No.
LM: Today is school day...not Wal-Mart day.
Huh? I guess the child is tired of trompsing around shopping with Mama Mac on his down days.
We actually had to pick up Goosey early from school today in order for me to make an appointment over in the big city. Little Man came out of the vancar with his case full of matchbox cars. Ms. Teacher chuckled and asked Little Man what he had. He proudly shoved the case at her and said "Wace cars" and grinned. She asked if that was for being a good boy. He shook his head and said "Wace cars for pooping on the potty. I got a new van!"
This MatchBox car bribe thing is working extremely well. We are totally out of pull ups during the day and only wearing them at night. I think it will probably be a long time before we get that one mastered....but that is fine for now!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Vancar
OK. So my last week was pretty stressful. (see the previous post) I was very concerned about my mom's health and about getting the kids ready for a week without me and about getting George organized for taking care of the kids.
On Monday, the plan was for me to leave for TN around 1:00 PM in order to avoid rush hour at various points between here and there. I was running around Monday morning trying to get laundry done, packing my overnight bag, and keeping up with Little Man.
Daddy Mac decided to go and get his hair removed from the top of his head as a visible support to a friend of his who is going through chemotherapy. A few minutes after his departure, he returns to inform me that our 1998 blue car has lost all of its oil on the driveway. Huh? So out he goes to see what caused this mess. I continue to get things together for my trip not very worried because Daddy Mac is like Bob the Builder: He can fix anything with a screwdriver.
Well, Bob comes back in five minutes later with oil and goo on his fingers. He shoves them under my nose and asks me "Do you know what that is?" Clueless, I just stare at him. He informs me that there is grit, dirt, and goo in our engine and that all the oil is gone. Huh? So, my question is: Can.we.fix.it? Fully expecting a rousing response of: Yes.we.can! The response was: We have to buy a new car.
After a few beats of stunned realization that we have had a death in our 1998 blue car, Daddy Mac says that we need to go buy a new car "right now". At this point, I really start to freak out! Because in 1 hour and 45 minutes, I am suppose to be on the road to TN for my mom's heart procedure.
Daddy Mac and I had a nice "discussion" about how a major purchase of a car could not be done in a 2-3 hour time period. It was finally decided that the best option was to rent a car for a few days and get through the trip to TN and then look at buying a car.
So after my return, I begged Aunt Sam to come over and watch the kids for an eternity while Daddy Mac and I drove all over the place looking for a VAN. Specifically, a used Kia Sedona van. By the way, they are very hard to come by for some reason. We finally found one in the big city and drove home approximately 8 hours after we set out to find one.
Here is a picture of our new debt, I mean vehicle:
On Monday, the plan was for me to leave for TN around 1:00 PM in order to avoid rush hour at various points between here and there. I was running around Monday morning trying to get laundry done, packing my overnight bag, and keeping up with Little Man.
Daddy Mac decided to go and get his hair removed from the top of his head as a visible support to a friend of his who is going through chemotherapy. A few minutes after his departure, he returns to inform me that our 1998 blue car has lost all of its oil on the driveway. Huh? So out he goes to see what caused this mess. I continue to get things together for my trip not very worried because Daddy Mac is like Bob the Builder: He can fix anything with a screwdriver.
Well, Bob comes back in five minutes later with oil and goo on his fingers. He shoves them under my nose and asks me "Do you know what that is?" Clueless, I just stare at him. He informs me that there is grit, dirt, and goo in our engine and that all the oil is gone. Huh? So, my question is: Can.we.fix.it? Fully expecting a rousing response of: Yes.we.can! The response was: We have to buy a new car.
After a few beats of stunned realization that we have had a death in our 1998 blue car, Daddy Mac says that we need to go buy a new car "right now". At this point, I really start to freak out! Because in 1 hour and 45 minutes, I am suppose to be on the road to TN for my mom's heart procedure.
Daddy Mac and I had a nice "discussion" about how a major purchase of a car could not be done in a 2-3 hour time period. It was finally decided that the best option was to rent a car for a few days and get through the trip to TN and then look at buying a car.
So after my return, I begged Aunt Sam to come over and watch the kids for an eternity while Daddy Mac and I drove all over the place looking for a VAN. Specifically, a used Kia Sedona van. By the way, they are very hard to come by for some reason. We finally found one in the big city and drove home approximately 8 hours after we set out to find one.
Here is a picture of our new debt, I mean vehicle:
Only God Could Orchestrate This....
This past week was spent in TN. It wasn't very fun. Not a vacation or pleasure trip at all. I went as a support to my family as my mother had a heart cath procedure done.
Not feeling bad, mom agreed to have dad's cardiologist give her a once over so that she could feel good about retiring. She has not been feeling bad, per se. She has been tired, but who isn't tired. After the treadmill/stress test, he decided that he wanted to do a heart cath on her to look at a spot. No one seemed worried about it...just doing it to see what might be going on.
My week was rearranged and Daddy Mac was able to work from home to watch the kids. I surprised mom by showing up unannounced the night before at Little Brother's house. Lots of protests were heard, which is why I did not tell her I was coming in the first place.
So four days after finding out that there might be a "little" something going on, it was found that mom had an 80% blockage of the right coronary artery and received a 10 mm stent to open up the area. This procedure has saved my mom from having a heart attack. Her brother died of this very thing and it was without warning.
And although there was a slight complication in the removing of the sheath from her femoral artery, mom is feeling good and thankful for another day! She gets to sit on her backside for two weeks to allow her heart to heal.
I titled this "Only God Could Orchestrate This" for a reason. In His sovereignty, the appointment was made despite not really having a "need" for it. Within days, there was an "area" of concern found and a procedure done that took care of that. If we were in control of it, this would have NEVER been found. God is the author of our days and I truly feel has given my mom a second chance. Her purpose and work here is not done.
And if it had not been found, God is still sovereign. I know that her hope is not of things in this world or her own doing, but in the One who paid for her sins by dying on a cross, the unique Son of God, Jesus Christ. If her journey had ended from a heart attack, there would be sadness that I could not 911 her for advice or chat with her about the details of my life. But there would have been rejoicing in knowing that her absence from the body is to be present with the Saviour. And because I know Him and have accepted His gift of forgiveness, I would one day be able to see her in Heaven.
Praise our God!
Not feeling bad, mom agreed to have dad's cardiologist give her a once over so that she could feel good about retiring. She has not been feeling bad, per se. She has been tired, but who isn't tired. After the treadmill/stress test, he decided that he wanted to do a heart cath on her to look at a spot. No one seemed worried about it...just doing it to see what might be going on.
My week was rearranged and Daddy Mac was able to work from home to watch the kids. I surprised mom by showing up unannounced the night before at Little Brother's house. Lots of protests were heard, which is why I did not tell her I was coming in the first place.
So four days after finding out that there might be a "little" something going on, it was found that mom had an 80% blockage of the right coronary artery and received a 10 mm stent to open up the area. This procedure has saved my mom from having a heart attack. Her brother died of this very thing and it was without warning.
And although there was a slight complication in the removing of the sheath from her femoral artery, mom is feeling good and thankful for another day! She gets to sit on her backside for two weeks to allow her heart to heal.
I titled this "Only God Could Orchestrate This" for a reason. In His sovereignty, the appointment was made despite not really having a "need" for it. Within days, there was an "area" of concern found and a procedure done that took care of that. If we were in control of it, this would have NEVER been found. God is the author of our days and I truly feel has given my mom a second chance. Her purpose and work here is not done.
And if it had not been found, God is still sovereign. I know that her hope is not of things in this world or her own doing, but in the One who paid for her sins by dying on a cross, the unique Son of God, Jesus Christ. If her journey had ended from a heart attack, there would be sadness that I could not 911 her for advice or chat with her about the details of my life. But there would have been rejoicing in knowing that her absence from the body is to be present with the Saviour. And because I know Him and have accepted His gift of forgiveness, I would one day be able to see her in Heaven.
Praise our God!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Elation for a mommy
C&P'ed from a recent email I sent out about Little Man's recent success:
I am going to admit this up front: I am that crazy mom. You know...the one who is, well, CRAZY. TMI alert!
I absolutely cannot contain myself on this big announcement:
Little Man has finally used the potty. And when I say "used", I mean USED it! At school. On his own free will. He USED it!
We have the staying dry part down pretty well for the last 2-3 weeks with the help of some gummy worm bribes. He finally got the hang of it. Pavlov would have been proud. I am also certain that his dog's name was "Little Man" if I were to research it a bit.
However, we were having "other" accidents. I bought two large sets of Match Box cars to bribe him. For a couple of weeks, I have brought them out, let him look at them, touch them, want them, produce for them. He was not having it one little bit.
So today after I dropped him off at school, I decided that we were going to need some medical intervention and made a call to the doctor for some Correctol-type medicine. I go to pick the child up and thought I was going to hit the floor on my knees publicly praising the Lord when I saw The Note in his cubby: "I pooped in the potty! Yeah!" (No joke. I will have to say that I have prayed this child into potty training on two levels: #1 that he would "get" it and #2 I would not lose my mind/patience since my life has revolved around this for over a month or so.)
He is so excited. He has picked out some cars and has a new carrier for his dune buggy, hot rod and purple car. I seriously am elated. He is walking around saying "I so proud! Mama so proud too!"
So I hope that this will continue....I have about 15 cars to give away.
And I just knew that each and every one of you would want to share in my happiness!
I am going to admit this up front: I am that crazy mom. You know...the one who is, well, CRAZY. TMI alert!
I absolutely cannot contain myself on this big announcement:
Little Man has finally used the potty. And when I say "used", I mean USED it! At school. On his own free will. He USED it!
We have the staying dry part down pretty well for the last 2-3 weeks with the help of some gummy worm bribes. He finally got the hang of it. Pavlov would have been proud. I am also certain that his dog's name was "Little Man" if I were to research it a bit.
However, we were having "other" accidents. I bought two large sets of Match Box cars to bribe him. For a couple of weeks, I have brought them out, let him look at them, touch them, want them, produce for them. He was not having it one little bit.
So today after I dropped him off at school, I decided that we were going to need some medical intervention and made a call to the doctor for some Correctol-type medicine. I go to pick the child up and thought I was going to hit the floor on my knees publicly praising the Lord when I saw The Note in his cubby: "I pooped in the potty! Yeah!" (No joke. I will have to say that I have prayed this child into potty training on two levels: #1 that he would "get" it and #2 I would not lose my mind/patience since my life has revolved around this for over a month or so.)
He is so excited. He has picked out some cars and has a new carrier for his dune buggy, hot rod and purple car. I seriously am elated. He is walking around saying "I so proud! Mama so proud too!"
So I hope that this will continue....I have about 15 cars to give away.
And I just knew that each and every one of you would want to share in my happiness!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The Greatest Show On Earth!
Much to the delight of our surprised Goosey Lou, Daddy Mac and I decided at the very last minute to take her and Little Man to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus for the very first time last night. After great deliberation on what day to go, it was quickly decided for us that we could NOT pass up the opening night prices: 1/2 price tickets. That my friends, is a 50% savings. And being the bargain shopper that I am, I figured that one VERY late night out on the town on a school night was in order.
It was a lot of fun. I had to pick the tickets up at the will call desk and told Daddy Mac to find the end of the LONG, LONG line that wrapped around the arena's perimeter and get in it with the kids. Imagine my surprise when I came back outside only to find my family about 10th in line from the front door! Daddy Mac had decided to stand near the doors to wait on me rather than to risk getting separated and while doing so, ran into an old friend of ours. Evidently, while talking to our friend and her gang, Daddy Mac looked around and VOILA! a line had formed behind him! Lucky us!
Of course we knew that upon our arrival, we would be accosted by all the wares that the circus people are peddling. We had prepared Goosey that although it will be tempting, we were only going to take enough money to buy some cotton candy and perhaps a drink. But they were SO RIGHT THERE and so perfect for kids to WANT, WANT, WANT.
After the initial shock of finding out a light up wand was being sold for the mere price of $20, we decided that we needed to find our seats and chill. However, Little Man decided that he needed to plop himself down in the middle of the concourse and stare at all the stuff we were refusing him because we were bad parents.
Goosey, having brought her own money, stated that she wanted to cash in on that cotton candy ASAP. Do you know how much three small balls of cotton candy in a bag costs now a days? $12!!! Yes, you heard me right: $12. I could not believe it. Then Goosey changed her mind and said she wanted a snow cone in a pony cup. I was a bit relieved...since it only cost $9.
And of course, Little Man had to have one too. (It dawned on me if the circus was charging this much, Disney is going to cause me to have a heart attack!)
The kids loved it. Although we were sitting in the nosebleeds, we had a good view of what was going on. Goosey's favorite part were the elephants and the rotating rings of death. Daddy Mac's favorite was the acrobats. My favorite was the sliding polls where two people would climb up to where they were eye level to us in the nosebleeds and then the poles would sway and they would do all kinds of death defying crazy crap.
Little Man's very favorite part of the circus was simple: His $9 cup of flavored shaved ice. That kid worked on that snow cone for at least an hour, digging with his spoon, nibbling with his teeth, sucking with his straw and watching all the activities before us. At one point, he came up for a breath and asked where his sister was (she was on the other side of his dad out of view).
The entire show was 2.5 hours. Little Man passed out after his sugar high with about 45 minutes left. Goosey started to drift with about 10 minutes left in the show. I made Daddy poke her so that she could see the man and woman get shot out of a canon! Very impressive.
We rolled into our driveway at 11 PM! Bone tired. Kids passed out. That alarm went off waaaaaaayyyyyy too early this AM. I might even have to go to bed early tonight.
Making memories...
It was a lot of fun. I had to pick the tickets up at the will call desk and told Daddy Mac to find the end of the LONG, LONG line that wrapped around the arena's perimeter and get in it with the kids. Imagine my surprise when I came back outside only to find my family about 10th in line from the front door! Daddy Mac had decided to stand near the doors to wait on me rather than to risk getting separated and while doing so, ran into an old friend of ours. Evidently, while talking to our friend and her gang, Daddy Mac looked around and VOILA! a line had formed behind him! Lucky us!
Of course we knew that upon our arrival, we would be accosted by all the wares that the circus people are peddling. We had prepared Goosey that although it will be tempting, we were only going to take enough money to buy some cotton candy and perhaps a drink. But they were SO RIGHT THERE and so perfect for kids to WANT, WANT, WANT.
After the initial shock of finding out a light up wand was being sold for the mere price of $20, we decided that we needed to find our seats and chill. However, Little Man decided that he needed to plop himself down in the middle of the concourse and stare at all the stuff we were refusing him because we were bad parents.
Goosey, having brought her own money, stated that she wanted to cash in on that cotton candy ASAP. Do you know how much three small balls of cotton candy in a bag costs now a days? $12!!! Yes, you heard me right: $12. I could not believe it. Then Goosey changed her mind and said she wanted a snow cone in a pony cup. I was a bit relieved...since it only cost $9.
And of course, Little Man had to have one too. (It dawned on me if the circus was charging this much, Disney is going to cause me to have a heart attack!)The kids loved it. Although we were sitting in the nosebleeds, we had a good view of what was going on. Goosey's favorite part were the elephants and the rotating rings of death. Daddy Mac's favorite was the acrobats. My favorite was the sliding polls where two people would climb up to where they were eye level to us in the nosebleeds and then the poles would sway and they would do all kinds of death defying crazy crap.
Little Man's very favorite part of the circus was simple: His $9 cup of flavored shaved ice. That kid worked on that snow cone for at least an hour, digging with his spoon, nibbling with his teeth, sucking with his straw and watching all the activities before us. At one point, he came up for a breath and asked where his sister was (she was on the other side of his dad out of view).
The entire show was 2.5 hours. Little Man passed out after his sugar high with about 45 minutes left. Goosey started to drift with about 10 minutes left in the show. I made Daddy poke her so that she could see the man and woman get shot out of a canon! Very impressive.
We rolled into our driveway at 11 PM! Bone tired. Kids passed out. That alarm went off waaaaaaayyyyyy too early this AM. I might even have to go to bed early tonight.
Making memories...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Toilet Training Is For The Birds
I have to say that Little Man and I have not done too much these last several days. I have been sitting in the kitchen and he playing in the living room or at the table with me. Every 20-25 minutes, poor guy gets to answer the same exact question:
Do you need to potty?
Then every other time we are running to the potty to try to pee. Good grief! And pee he does. He will pee every single time I take him in there. For success, he is rewarded with gummy worms or marshmallows. He has totally figured out the reward thing. However, he has not figured out to actually do all this on his own. If he is playing or watching a movie or whatever, he just won't take himself to the potty.
And for the pooping...LORD, PLEASE HELP ME! I have promised prizes, stickers, candy, etc. He just won't do it. Right at this very moment, Daddy Mac is trying to cheer him on to victory and it is not happening, despite all the signs.
So, we continue on with vigilance. Like my mom says, he won't walk down the aisle in a pull-up!
Do you need to potty?
Then every other time we are running to the potty to try to pee. Good grief! And pee he does. He will pee every single time I take him in there. For success, he is rewarded with gummy worms or marshmallows. He has totally figured out the reward thing. However, he has not figured out to actually do all this on his own. If he is playing or watching a movie or whatever, he just won't take himself to the potty.
And for the pooping...LORD, PLEASE HELP ME! I have promised prizes, stickers, candy, etc. He just won't do it. Right at this very moment, Daddy Mac is trying to cheer him on to victory and it is not happening, despite all the signs.
So, we continue on with vigilance. Like my mom says, he won't walk down the aisle in a pull-up!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
I Must Be Getting Old
What is it with snow days? Seriously. Every single day of the week, I am struggling, repeat, STRUGGLING, to get Goosey up and out the door for school. She is groggy and slow and whining-the whole 9 yards.
However, let an inch of snow fall and she is UP at 5:45 AM, waking her baby brother, and down stairs. I woke up to a TV on (with static since she doesn't know how to use the satellite remote), found cups of water all over the kitchen table and honey all over the counter. I realized later that she made a platter full of peanut butter and honey sandwiches for everyone to eat for breakfast.
I checked the school's website and NO SCHOOL. I checked the preschool's website and NO SCHOOL. I was shocked. With one inch on the ground and wet roads, could we have not at least delayed the school day? I am not really shocked. It is such a rare thing to see snow here that it becomes an unofficial holiday for everyone.
So Goosey and Little Man decided that they wanted to play in the snow. I made the executive decision that it was way too early to tromps out in the steady rain and run around in the snow at 7:00 AM. I made a bargain: If all toys are put up and her room is straightened out and I could fold and put up two loads of clothes, then they could play outside for a short while.
After a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, the tasks were completed and with both kids bundled up, we headed outside. I stayed under an umbrella (so my camera would not get wet....right) and took off after the kids.
It did not last very long. Little Man was back in the house in less than 10 minutes whining that he was too wet. Goosey came in shortly behind him, drenched to the bone. They had had their fill of our "snow storm". We don't own any snow suits. Now that just would not be a logical purchase for us. We get maybe 1" of snow a year and a major snowstorm once every 4-5 years, so if we bought snow gear then they would grow out of them before they truly got to use them.
I must be getting old. I hated that they missed school for many reasons. The first being that Goosey has to make up the day...probably in the spring when it will be so pretty out. The second is that Little Man's absence from school is wasted tuition. The third is that the laundry, the purging of Little Man's room and other boring but necessary tasks will not get done without two kids "helping" me out by messing it up right behind me. Thus, these things will not get done until maybe LATE tonight.
But I guess the best thing is that we get to play some board games, read some books and talk about the potty for most of the day. Maybe we will put in a movie and eat some popcorn...you know...make some memories. Oh! and maybe a nap! That would be nice....I would never survive in the north. N.E.V.E.R.
So as the rain is still coming down, I watch the white stuff slowly disappear. The muddy ground and grass is poking through most of the yard and the trees are shaking off the extra burden of weight. I guess it is good while it lasts.
However, let an inch of snow fall and she is UP at 5:45 AM, waking her baby brother, and down stairs. I woke up to a TV on (with static since she doesn't know how to use the satellite remote), found cups of water all over the kitchen table and honey all over the counter. I realized later that she made a platter full of peanut butter and honey sandwiches for everyone to eat for breakfast.
I checked the school's website and NO SCHOOL. I checked the preschool's website and NO SCHOOL. I was shocked. With one inch on the ground and wet roads, could we have not at least delayed the school day? I am not really shocked. It is such a rare thing to see snow here that it becomes an unofficial holiday for everyone.
So Goosey and Little Man decided that they wanted to play in the snow. I made the executive decision that it was way too early to tromps out in the steady rain and run around in the snow at 7:00 AM. I made a bargain: If all toys are put up and her room is straightened out and I could fold and put up two loads of clothes, then they could play outside for a short while.
After a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, the tasks were completed and with both kids bundled up, we headed outside. I stayed under an umbrella (so my camera would not get wet....right) and took off after the kids.
It did not last very long. Little Man was back in the house in less than 10 minutes whining that he was too wet. Goosey came in shortly behind him, drenched to the bone. They had had their fill of our "snow storm". We don't own any snow suits. Now that just would not be a logical purchase for us. We get maybe 1" of snow a year and a major snowstorm once every 4-5 years, so if we bought snow gear then they would grow out of them before they truly got to use them.
I must be getting old. I hated that they missed school for many reasons. The first being that Goosey has to make up the day...probably in the spring when it will be so pretty out. The second is that Little Man's absence from school is wasted tuition. The third is that the laundry, the purging of Little Man's room and other boring but necessary tasks will not get done without two kids "helping" me out by messing it up right behind me. Thus, these things will not get done until maybe LATE tonight.
But I guess the best thing is that we get to play some board games, read some books and talk about the potty for most of the day. Maybe we will put in a movie and eat some popcorn...you know...make some memories. Oh! and maybe a nap! That would be nice....I would never survive in the north. N.E.V.E.R.
So as the rain is still coming down, I watch the white stuff slowly disappear. The muddy ground and grass is poking through most of the yard and the trees are shaking off the extra burden of weight. I guess it is good while it lasts.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Big Beds and Potties
Saturday was d-day. Delivery-day of the big bed. Little Man's twin mattress was delivered to our front door a few days ago. It was a big day for us. Daddy Mac put the bed frame together and moved the mattresses upstairs for our first night in a big bed. We have decided on an eclectic motif: Spider Man sheets (or Superman) and The Very Hungry Caterpillar comforter.
After getting on the bed, he laid down and started moving his arms and legs and said "I making a snow angel!" I guess that means he has a lot more room to move around now.
He has been in it for three nights now and has yet to fall out! Of course, I have to move him around a bit before I go to bed to ensure that he doesn't slide off. Goosey has been so gracious as to move her bean big chair and crabby stuffed animal to his bedside to help with any potential falls.
So Saturday was a big day in and of itself. Then the following morning, Little Man announced that he wanted to wear pull-ups. He used the potty when we put on it, but that was nothing new.
Yesterday, he asked to wear big boy underwear. So we broke the dinosaur undies out (along with some vinyl pants to insure that a bad accident would be contained. I have to say that we went through 4 outfits in less than 2 hours. I was pretty frustrated. Then I decided to take him to pick out a candy of his choice.
That has seemed to help alot. We got up today and within a few minutes, he asked to potty. Success! Lots of marshmallows and M&Ms because he also stayed dry. Thirty minutes later, another success! More treats!
So this morning he has asked to potty and has actually stayed dry in between! I think we are making some serious progress. (Keeping fingers crossed...)
Friday, January 4, 2008
Update on the first tooth
The eagle has been pulled from the mouth! I repeat: The first tooth has been lost!
Upon picking Goosey up today, she jumped in the car and grinned real big sans a lower front tooth! She informed me that she was wiggling it after lunch today when she twisted it out and voila! So excited!
I need to send a great big thanks to her teacher for putting it in a bag and taping it inside her folder....because as I said before "Bleck!"
I guess the tooth fairy will be forking over a $5 bill for this first one ($1 for each subsequent tooth)....or so that is what I am told the going rates are....
Upon picking Goosey up today, she jumped in the car and grinned real big sans a lower front tooth! She informed me that she was wiggling it after lunch today when she twisted it out and voila! So excited!
I need to send a great big thanks to her teacher for putting it in a bag and taping it inside her folder....because as I said before "Bleck!"
I guess the tooth fairy will be forking over a $5 bill for this first one ($1 for each subsequent tooth)....or so that is what I am told the going rates are....
Just A Regular Day
After almost two months of the Christmas hype, we are now back to just a regular day (s). Little Man started back to school this week running! He was so excited to get back to his classroom. His first words were "Mama? Where is my Jake?" Jake is Little Man's bestest friend. They play together and chit-chat about who is wearing what. (Little Man had a Thomas shirt on and Jake had a Buzz Light Year.)
He is doing so well with his language! Today on the way home from school, we had the following conversation (that someone else could have understood):
LM: Daddy's at work.
ME: Yes. He will be home for dinner though.
LM: There is daddy, mama, "Goosey" and "Little Man" at the yellow house.
ME: That is right.
LM: That is my favorite thing.
So sweet. Tomorrow is delivery day for Little Man's twin mattress set. He will officially be in a true big boy bed and we will be getting rid of the crib set and toddler bed. Hallelujah! I just pray he doesn't fall out too frequently.
Goosey also went back to school this week. And although she said it in a drab tone, she said that she is ready to be back and see her friends and go to computer lab. It has been so frigid that they have not let the kids go outside to play, so she is bummed about that. Hopefully, this weekend will prove to be warmer and we can get some of the energy out.
That wiggly tooth is still in her mouth. It is pretty gross, actually. She can bite down on her molars and that loose tooth sticks out almost perpendicular to her jaw line. Bleck. Daddy Mac tried to tug it out last night, but it had a bit too much resistance for Goosey. I have decided that this is another bodily function that I am not going to be able to deal with. It is just so visibly yucky, I get queasy.
So it is just another ordinary day for the Macs. I kind of like it like that.
He is doing so well with his language! Today on the way home from school, we had the following conversation (that someone else could have understood):
LM: Daddy's at work.
ME: Yes. He will be home for dinner though.
LM: There is daddy, mama, "Goosey" and "Little Man" at the yellow house.
ME: That is right.
LM: That is my favorite thing.
So sweet. Tomorrow is delivery day for Little Man's twin mattress set. He will officially be in a true big boy bed and we will be getting rid of the crib set and toddler bed. Hallelujah! I just pray he doesn't fall out too frequently.
Goosey also went back to school this week. And although she said it in a drab tone, she said that she is ready to be back and see her friends and go to computer lab. It has been so frigid that they have not let the kids go outside to play, so she is bummed about that. Hopefully, this weekend will prove to be warmer and we can get some of the energy out.
That wiggly tooth is still in her mouth. It is pretty gross, actually. She can bite down on her molars and that loose tooth sticks out almost perpendicular to her jaw line. Bleck. Daddy Mac tried to tug it out last night, but it had a bit too much resistance for Goosey. I have decided that this is another bodily function that I am not going to be able to deal with. It is just so visibly yucky, I get queasy.
So it is just another ordinary day for the Macs. I kind of like it like that.
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