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I'm sorry for my blogging absence... I've been trapped under endless loads of laundry. I'm seeing why families with this many kids often have two sets of washers and dryers. Mental note for the future...
There has been so much going on lately - and yet nothing has really changed. We are still Clayton and Mandy plus 6, but that may soon change. One of our foster boy's biological father's has surfaced and wants custody - we'll see what the court decides next month. My feelings on him possibly leaving range wildly. One day I think, "Dear God if they're going to do it, do it now!" because of his "after-visits" behavior. When things calm down, and he's regulated again, I could sit and cry at the thought of him not being here, being separated from his brother... and put into ANOTHER new school. 3 schools in your kindergarten year does not seem like a great start. I'm often finding myself thankful that I have zero control over any of it. I would not want to be put into that spot to make a decision as to what's in "the best interest" of a child.
Other than "typical" DHS stuff, upcoming events for us include tons of baseball and dance stuff. Dance pictures are this coming weekend - I've done nothing to get Madison's costume ready for that. Nice. Everyone that wants to play baseball is now registered except for Emily. Working on that.
I'm really excited about ball season! It's such an "All American" sport, and seeing the same families on the fields year after year just makes small town living what it should be. Don't get me wrong, the last two weeks I always feel like "Seriously.. we have 4 more games?!" because I'm ready for the season to end before the season is ready to end, but maybe this year will be different... yeah.... sure...
On that note - I do want to share a tidbit of info that an older gentleman gave to me when my first two started playing ball. I was talking about the "stress" of getting ready and going here and there and everywhere. How I missed our lazy afternoons at home. His words have stuck with me:
"We always used sports as family time. It is so much fun if parents just see it as fun.. the kids won't get stressed if you don't. We had some of the best laughs traveling to and from games.. eating out afterwards.. getting slushies from the concession stand. It was some of the best memories we ever made."
I want THAT for us, too! Last year I made the decision to never let my kids see any stress on my face in regards to their activities. It made the soccer and baseball season so enjoyable! I still look back on last year as such a wonderful time. This year we'll have 3 more kids to share those memories with. Memories their own families never made, and likely never will even if they return home. What an honor!! When they hear the clank of a baseball against a bat in the future, they will likely think of being with the Moss family. When they smell hot dogs and popcorn on a summer day, they might just remember the fun we all had at the ball field.
That's what I hope they remember - THE FUN. Not that mom and dad were always stressed out about it. Not that we fussed about "having" to go here or there. Just that Mom and Dad were ALWAYS at our games. They ALWAYS cheered for us. And we ALWAYS got to get a lollipop to eat on the way home... even though Mom hates candy in the van...
Showing posts with label The Trio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Trio. Show all posts
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Double the C's and Double the S ... in the End You Have Success!
When you're walking on unsteady ground, you hate to celebrate out-loud when things become stable. Like you'll jinx yourself or create an earthquake. But, I decided to take a leap of faith and say HOORAY for the world to hear.
One week without major incident. Woop woop!
No lying (that I've caught,) No stealing (that I know of,) and much, much less bragging and "being obnoxious" from 6-yr old "Big Brother."
Social skills are quickly forming and can I get a hallelujah over that one?! Our first few play dates with friends all ended in tears, fights, and me wanting to strangle him. He, of course, looked at me like "What? Me? I didn't do anything wrong." After his restitutions were paid (such as cleaning up all of the toys solo at a friends house, even the ones that were out before we got there in an effort to "be a GREAT guest and make them want us to come back... and to be a HUGE blessing to our friends," he quickly figured out that being the punk-kid that bugs everyone makes ppl 1) not want to play with you and 2) makes your nazi-foster-mom make you make up for it. Lessons learned...
We've now had three play dates that went WONDERFULLY. No fights. No annoying chatter. No lying and making the kids angry.
Things aren't always smooth-sailing amongst the "siblings".. but nothing out of the ordinary. Being stuck together for all of these freak snow-days we've had lately has helped, and made it worse depending on the time of day and what everyone is in the mood to tolerate.
Speaking of.. here are some fun pics of our fun in the snow! See... we do have fun.. it isn't always restitutions and strong-sitting and duct tape... umm... never mind...
One week without major incident. Woop woop!
No lying (that I've caught,) No stealing (that I know of,) and much, much less bragging and "being obnoxious" from 6-yr old "Big Brother."
Social skills are quickly forming and can I get a hallelujah over that one?! Our first few play dates with friends all ended in tears, fights, and me wanting to strangle him. He, of course, looked at me like "What? Me? I didn't do anything wrong." After his restitutions were paid (such as cleaning up all of the toys solo at a friends house, even the ones that were out before we got there in an effort to "be a GREAT guest and make them want us to come back... and to be a HUGE blessing to our friends," he quickly figured out that being the punk-kid that bugs everyone makes ppl 1) not want to play with you and 2) makes your nazi-foster-mom make you make up for it. Lessons learned...
We've now had three play dates that went WONDERFULLY. No fights. No annoying chatter. No lying and making the kids angry.
Things aren't always smooth-sailing amongst the "siblings".. but nothing out of the ordinary. Being stuck together for all of these freak snow-days we've had lately has helped, and made it worse depending on the time of day and what everyone is in the mood to tolerate.
Speaking of.. here are some fun pics of our fun in the snow! See... we do have fun.. it isn't always restitutions and strong-sitting and duct tape... umm... never mind...
Samuel
Big Brother
Carter
Madison
Big Brother and Little Brother
Samuel and Little Brother being pulled on our redneck sled
See, we really do love each other... fun in the backyard
Our BFF's and their cuttie-patootie son
This successful snow day was brought to you by friends that bring 4-wheelers...
... and beer.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Another Year - Another Round of Uncertainty
Each new school year brings a huge mixture of emotions in this house. The kids are anxious and excited - they're ready to see their friends again, ready to meet their teachers, and ready to get back to that familiar routine. I, on the other hand, am constantly combating feelings of uncertainty. There is always an uneasiness that takes over.
"Is this what's right for us?"
My kids have always gone to public schools. At age 4 they start the awesome Pre-K program we have and the they continue on year after year. I have to say, we've had great experiences. Amazing teachers, great friends made, fun activities, no getting into trouble, getting left behind, or anything like that. The kids enjoy school - especially Carter. There are no tears when it's time to go, no one whines to stay home. They really, honestly, enjoy it.
So, where does this feeling in my gut come from? Why do I always wonder "should I look into bringing them home?"
I called a good friend of mine, that's done home schooling and public schooling, and has settled on home schooling this year, to talk out my issues. I was amazed when she said, "I never know what's right either... I question myself just like you do."
Wow.. really?! I assumed that if you made the choice to home school, you'd feel sure about it. But, I'm finding more and more moms that honestly say, "I really don't know if this is best for them... or best for me. It's just the decision we made."
What's a mom to do?
For me, there's no question my kids are starting school this Thursday. We'll see how the year goes. I really feel like we're just taking it a day at a time, a month at a time, a year at a time. Maybe they'll start, love it, and I'll love it, too. Maybe this will be the year that doesn't go so well... and things change around here. I don't know - but it feels awful to question such a big decision.
Is anyone else on the fence about public school vs. home schooling - even though you've had children in school for years? (my oldest is going to 4th.) I know it's the socially acceptable way to do it... kids just go to school... but I can't help but step back and wonder if MY kids are getting the best they can from school, or if they'd get more from home. Could I teach them as well as their teachers have? Would I turn them into the stereo-typical "weird home schooled kids"? (please don't think I think home schooled kids are weird.. I know a whole herd of them and they are NOT. But, you know how people think..) I honestly don't know the answer to these questions.
"Is this what's right for us?"
My kids have always gone to public schools. At age 4 they start the awesome Pre-K program we have and the they continue on year after year. I have to say, we've had great experiences. Amazing teachers, great friends made, fun activities, no getting into trouble, getting left behind, or anything like that. The kids enjoy school - especially Carter. There are no tears when it's time to go, no one whines to stay home. They really, honestly, enjoy it.
So, where does this feeling in my gut come from? Why do I always wonder "should I look into bringing them home?"
I called a good friend of mine, that's done home schooling and public schooling, and has settled on home schooling this year, to talk out my issues. I was amazed when she said, "I never know what's right either... I question myself just like you do."
Wow.. really?! I assumed that if you made the choice to home school, you'd feel sure about it. But, I'm finding more and more moms that honestly say, "I really don't know if this is best for them... or best for me. It's just the decision we made."
What's a mom to do?
For me, there's no question my kids are starting school this Thursday. We'll see how the year goes. I really feel like we're just taking it a day at a time, a month at a time, a year at a time. Maybe they'll start, love it, and I'll love it, too. Maybe this will be the year that doesn't go so well... and things change around here. I don't know - but it feels awful to question such a big decision.
Is anyone else on the fence about public school vs. home schooling - even though you've had children in school for years? (my oldest is going to 4th.) I know it's the socially acceptable way to do it... kids just go to school... but I can't help but step back and wonder if MY kids are getting the best they can from school, or if they'd get more from home. Could I teach them as well as their teachers have? Would I turn them into the stereo-typical "weird home schooled kids"? (please don't think I think home schooled kids are weird.. I know a whole herd of them and they are NOT. But, you know how people think..) I honestly don't know the answer to these questions.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Top 3 Things My Kids Have Learned - That I Wish They Didn't
Thing #1 - How to spit - from their dad
I'm sure I'm the only one that has kids that have picked up things I wish they wouldn't have... but in case I'm not.. feel free to share your top 3! Make me feel better about my parenting, would ya?
Nothing like walking into church on Sunday, and having your 3 year old bend over and spit into the bushes before he enters the doors.
"Hey Sam, bet I can spit farther than you."
Thing #2 - How to incorporate unnecessary vowels and consonants into words - from everyone
Yeah, we're in Arkansas. I don't mind a good "Y'all" or "fixin' to" but when simple words like "bed" turn into "beh-yed" then I'm raising an eyebrow.
Thing #3 - That someone bending over equals they need a smacked bottom. - from their dad. (are we seeing a bad influence trend here?)
Me - "Carter! Why did you hit me on the rear?!"
Carter - "Well.. that's what daddy does!"
If you're around a Moss boy - don't drop necessary items.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Samuel Wants a Baby
This afternoon has been full of baby questions from my kids! I keep trying to remind them that the first foster child we get may NOT be a bundle of sweetness that you can wrap in a blanket and cuddle all day. None-the-less, they are suddenly baby-crazy!
"Can I hold the baby?!"
"Can the baby sleep in my room?!"
"Can I feed him bottles?!"
To my shock, my most baby-obsessed child is my youngest. Mr. Baby himelf, Samuel. I decided to take this interest and run with it.. why not have some fun and learn some baby basics while he's in the mood, right?
We wrapped up a favorite toy turtle as our baby. Madison said, "I hope the babies we get are prettier than that turtle.." Yes, I'm doing a fine job of teaching her what's really important in life. Thank you very much.
Other moments I failed to capture were walking around the house patting the baby on the back while saying, "Shhh.. it's okay baby..." and putting the baby in the bassinet. Super cute!
"Can I hold the baby?!"
"Can the baby sleep in my room?!"
"Can I feed him bottles?!"
To my shock, my most baby-obsessed child is my youngest. Mr. Baby himelf, Samuel. I decided to take this interest and run with it.. why not have some fun and learn some baby basics while he's in the mood, right?
We wrapped up a favorite toy turtle as our baby. Madison said, "I hope the babies we get are prettier than that turtle.." Yes, I'm doing a fine job of teaching her what's really important in life. Thank you very much.
He loves "feeding" his baby.
He loved burping the baby!
Other moments I failed to capture were walking around the house patting the baby on the back while saying, "Shhh.. it's okay baby..." and putting the baby in the bassinet. Super cute!
Madison said she's practice with her real baby - Cooper. He's spoiled absolutely rotten!
Maybe we should start practicing what to do when a 2 year old has a meltdown, or a 6 year old for that matter. I'm pretty sure my kids would be in shock to see that... but I've assured them it will happen. So we should ALL get ready!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Kids and Their Jedi Mind Tricks
It's really amazing that no matter how deliberate, purposeful, and intentional you are in your parenting, it just takes two days of an ill-tempered six year old to make you completely question yourself.
Carter is my super tender-hearted child. I mean.. it's pretty bad. One cross look his way can send him into a sobbing fit. A genuine, you just stuck a spear in my heart and twisted it, sobbing fit.
Now, apparently he has split personalities. Coupled with Dr. Jeckle is Mr. Hyde. When Mr. Hyde comes - look out!
I believe that he is now the master of all feelings. He knows how to feel them all with a crazy intensity, and he is learning how to dish those feelings out to others.
He can pick a fight better than any other boy I know. He can make his sister red from anger in .5 seconds if he's so inclined. He can me want to roll him in duct tape and glue him to the couch from annoyance. He's also the first one to get everyone in the house laughing hysterically, and he's very well known for his spontaneous hugs, kisses, and "You're the best 'fill in the blank'" moments.
Over the past two days, he's fine-tuning his "how can I break mommy's heart the best" skills. Oh yes. He is.
Yesterday, after a "I'm not eating that - fix me a PB&J" moment, Carter ended up laying in his bed instead of sitting at the table for supper with the rest of the family. Oh the tears. Oh the drama. "But I HATE BLT sandwiches!!!" (no he doesn't..) The remainder of the night just got worse and worse as he was not only tired, but tired and hungry due to his refusal to eat. (and yes, I am of the mind set that kids will eat when they're hungry... and they'll eat what I feed them or eventually starve to death. Their choice.)
After he finally managed to brush his teeth and as slowly as possible climb onto his bed on the top bunk, I came to tuck him in. I decided to just drop the whole recap of the night to scold him one good last time, and just hug and kiss him and say his prayers, and beg God for him to wake up on the right side of the bed the next morning. All went well, until I was leaving.
Carter - "Mommy.. you know what I really hate?"
Me - "What?" (assuming he'd say BLT's... again..)
Carter - "You."
Carter is my super tender-hearted child. I mean.. it's pretty bad. One cross look his way can send him into a sobbing fit. A genuine, you just stuck a spear in my heart and twisted it, sobbing fit.
Now, apparently he has split personalities. Coupled with Dr. Jeckle is Mr. Hyde. When Mr. Hyde comes - look out!
I believe that he is now the master of all feelings. He knows how to feel them all with a crazy intensity, and he is learning how to dish those feelings out to others.
He can pick a fight better than any other boy I know. He can make his sister red from anger in .5 seconds if he's so inclined. He can me want to roll him in duct tape and glue him to the couch from annoyance. He's also the first one to get everyone in the house laughing hysterically, and he's very well known for his spontaneous hugs, kisses, and "You're the best 'fill in the blank'" moments.
Over the past two days, he's fine-tuning his "how can I break mommy's heart the best" skills. Oh yes. He is.
Yesterday, after a "I'm not eating that - fix me a PB&J" moment, Carter ended up laying in his bed instead of sitting at the table for supper with the rest of the family. Oh the tears. Oh the drama. "But I HATE BLT sandwiches!!!" (no he doesn't..) The remainder of the night just got worse and worse as he was not only tired, but tired and hungry due to his refusal to eat. (and yes, I am of the mind set that kids will eat when they're hungry... and they'll eat what I feed them or eventually starve to death. Their choice.)
After he finally managed to brush his teeth and as slowly as possible climb onto his bed on the top bunk, I came to tuck him in. I decided to just drop the whole recap of the night to scold him one good last time, and just hug and kiss him and say his prayers, and beg God for him to wake up on the right side of the bed the next morning. All went well, until I was leaving.
Carter - "Mommy.. you know what I really hate?"
Me - "What?" (assuming he'd say BLT's... again..)
Carter - "You."
Me - "Me?" in my head
Me - "That's fine." to Carter
I just walked out.. not sure if I was thoroughly Peeved at his snot-head comment, or if I was heartbroken over those words. "He doesn't hate you.. he's just mad... he'll get over it."
A few minutes later, a cry from Carter's room:
Carter - "Moommmeee! Come here, please!"
I walked in, hoping he was going to cry and apologize and do a typical "I don't know why I said that" apology.
Me - "What do you need?"
Carter - "Can you fix my sheet? It's all wrapped up at my feet."
I fix the sheet and kiss him before I go to walk out.
Carter - "... but I still don't like you."
didn't say a word...
Today was more of the same. We homeschool during the summer months, and it was writing time for him. I made him a sheet of fill in the blank sentences, which he usually enjoys, and he immediately got upset.
Carter - "I hate this!!! I'm not doing it!"
Me - refraining from smacking him "I'm sorry you hate it.. just do it quickly and you can go play blocks."
Oh the crying, the screaming, the DRAMA. Is he a 6 year old boy or a 14 year old girl?! He finally consented and did the work.
One of the sentences was "I really don't like ___________" He of course filled the blank with "mom." And, he made sure to show it to me immediately. Nice.
This is something that I dealt with when Madison was much younger. Ages 3-4. Carter pulled the "I hate you" card about a year ago, I just told him that was fine that he hated me, and he never said it again. Now, here we sit on day two of him being a total butt-head to me and I'm not sure how to handle it. Ignore it? Discipline for being disrespectful? Combo? I really, honestly, am so taken aback by this from HIM that I just don't know what to do.
Thankfully our day since this incident has gone beautifully. He actually went back and changed the "mom" in the sentence to "going on walks." (he hates going on walks... unless we're in the woods.) So maybe that's a step in the right direction?
Isn't it crazy how a few mean words from my little 6 year old totally makes me question my parenting methods?
"Am I mean to him?"
"Does he really not like me?"
"Is he going to grow up a psychopath and have women issues because of me?!!"
How do they implant these little seeds into our brains that grow into mega-thought-consuming-thorny-bushes?
Am I the only mom in the world that has a child that says he doesn't like her? Even if he turns right around and says I'm the best mom in the "UNIVERSE!"... it still kind of hurts to hear those words he spouts off in his fits of frustration. Maybe it means I'm doing something wrong... maybe it means I'm doing something right? Kids can't like their parents all of the time... right? Right?
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
And, I'm Drawing a Blank
Something amazing happens after you have a few kids... you completely lose your ability to form a complete sentence, or answer a question intelligently on the fly. This tends to only happen in times that you're either:
A: In front of a lot of strangers
B: Being asked about very important info
C: Asked something you should obviously know the answer to
One of the first times this ever happened to me was when I was in Motherhood Maternity. After what seemed like hours of sorting Moo Moo's from what might be stylish clothes, I arrived at the checkout counter. After recovering from a massive stroke due to sticker shock, the lady **that was all of 16 years old and a size 2** looked at me and asked,
"Zip code please"
Me: stares blankly
Sickeningly thin girl: "I need your zip code please."
Me: "Umm... I have no idea..." utter humiliation begins
I believe this conversation ended with me telling her to just make one up for me... it took me a good 20 minutes after leaving the store to remember where exactly in the United States of America I lived. I blamed it on pregnant brain.
Imagine my shock when this condition not only didn't go away after pregnancy.. but got worse! Oh yes... much worse.
I have since then walked into rooms and completely forgotten why I was in there - numerous times a day.
I have forgotten people's names that I've met several times. Or, I've not only forgotten their names, but also how I know them at all. It is very difficult to get any answers about said person from the husband later in this situation.
"Remember that girl with shoulder-length brown hair? She's my height.. a little bigger than I am? I saw her at Walmart today. Who is that? Why do I know her?" *husband is now giving me the look I gave to the skinny b-word at Motherhood Maternity.
Multiplication Tables - those magically disappeared.
This is the new easy way to teach multiplication?!
"chief... cheif...piece...peice..." I before E except after C.. right? Is that right? Ugh.. let me open spell check..
I swear I used to be smart. Like.. REALLY smart. "Hey Mandy, do my homework" smart. I don't know where it went.
Just this morning, I was calling our insurance and claims people all morning about this situation, and one of them, shockingly, asked what type of van we had.
"Umm...it's a Ford..." Yeah, they needed more info than that.
Right as I was about to walk out the front door to read the back of my totally jacked up vehicle, it suddenly came to me! "Oh.. it's a Freestar!" I honestly did a little jig in the living room because I was able to recall that info without cheating. Sad times, my friends.
Trying to remember everyone's birthdays about kills me. Not so much the days, but the years... and I realized the other day that I also suddenly cannot remember what time it was when each of my children were ripped from my womb. (Csections...) When asked by each of them "what time was I born?!" The best answer I could give was, "Sometime between 5:00am and 7:00am... I think." I've turned into the cable guy.
It's really amazing that I have remembered to feed these kids over all of these years. And, trim their fingernails. (It's really freakish how fast those suckers grow.) They may be taking care of me well before my golden years if I keep up at this rate. Sorry kids. I swear I had it all together before I became a mom.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Magical Bag of Goodies
Today is the dreaded day of physicals. For EVERYONE. Well, everyone minus my husband that got called out on two mega-cases THIS MORNING so.. just me and the three little people. Even better. This will only take approximately 3 hours. If we're lucky.
To prepare for our Day 'O Waiting Torture, I'm trying to plan some fun stuff to take. I need my kids to be happy, pleasant, and quiet for a very extended period of time. I'm not sure if the $Tree has enough goodies to accomplish this task.
I thought of buying some of those ginormous lollipops that are as big as each child's head, but then had to remember that I do care what my kids look like once we get back to the Doctor. Also, I'll be sitting with them... what are the chances that three kids with lollipops will result in a non-sticky mom? On to the next..
Maybe the oldie but goodie of coloring books, crayons, and stickers will work. Even if for only 10 minutes.
For my easy child, the 9 year old girl, I can just have her bring a couple of books and she'll happily read for hours on end. It's those two boy-children that will create the trouble for me. If you don't have sons, let me assure you that they do not sit very still, for very long. Yes.. even well-behaved ones. Trust me on this one.
I wonder if I can somehow take a slide or swing-set in there...
So, wish me luck. Today we shall conquer not only the large waiting room but the dreaded tiny one. As long as everyone gets a clean bill of health in the end - then I suppose it will have all been worth it.
To prepare for our Day 'O Waiting Torture, I'm trying to plan some fun stuff to take. I need my kids to be happy, pleasant, and quiet for a very extended period of time. I'm not sure if the $Tree has enough goodies to accomplish this task.
I thought of buying some of those ginormous lollipops that are as big as each child's head, but then had to remember that I do care what my kids look like once we get back to the Doctor. Also, I'll be sitting with them... what are the chances that three kids with lollipops will result in a non-sticky mom? On to the next..
Maybe the oldie but goodie of coloring books, crayons, and stickers will work. Even if for only 10 minutes.
For my easy child, the 9 year old girl, I can just have her bring a couple of books and she'll happily read for hours on end. It's those two boy-children that will create the trouble for me. If you don't have sons, let me assure you that they do not sit very still, for very long. Yes.. even well-behaved ones. Trust me on this one.
I wonder if I can somehow take a slide or swing-set in there...
So, wish me luck. Today we shall conquer not only the large waiting room but the dreaded tiny one. As long as everyone gets a clean bill of health in the end - then I suppose it will have all been worth it.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
We're Done! almost..
Finally.. our last parenting class last night. Whew! We made it through! One major step completed on our mission to become foster parents. And now, for the rest of the story.
I feel overwhelmed with what I have left to do. Every person in our house has to have a physical (that will take an entire day.), Clayton and I have to redo our TB tests due to new state standards, Clayton has to make up the CPR/First Aid training course that he missed, we have to finish getting everything in the house ready for our Home Study on July 26... and it feels like a million other things! So much done.. so much left to do.
Our last class was the best, by far! We had a panel of people, from DHS workers to adoptive parents to foster parents - and we got to ask them anything we wanted. They shared a lot with us about their experiences, and I left feeling a lot better about everything. They didn't sugar-coat it, but for me, just seeing other real-life people doing this makes it seem more do-able for us.
So, we're getting there. I'm not sure how much longer we'll be waiting for all of this stuff to get done so that our home can be open, but we're definitely closer to that day than we were 3 months ago. I feel patient some days... like the more time that we wait the more time we'll have to get ready. Other days it feels so anticlimactic to have done all of this and still be waiting. God's timing...
On another note - we started our morning at the ER today because my three year old swallowed a large rock from his big sister's rock collection. He barely got it down, was in a lot of pain, and scared the crap out of me. Second ER trip ever with a child... second time it was HIM that had to go. The X-Ray showed it in his stomach so now we just wait and see. Praying he can pass it! I do not want my baby cut into...
He decided to top the morning fun off by somehow getting into a major pile of ants once we got home and went outside to play. Him screaming and me beating his feet with the shirt I just took off of him probably was more than enough of a scene to get DHS called on us... that would be a red-flag for sure. "ER in the morning.. beating him in the street later.. nix these folks." Thankfully Mr. Curly Head is all good at the moment. I told him that he was FOR SURE taking a nap today because I couldn't handle worrying about him anymore for the day. Good grief.
I feel overwhelmed with what I have left to do. Every person in our house has to have a physical (that will take an entire day.), Clayton and I have to redo our TB tests due to new state standards, Clayton has to make up the CPR/First Aid training course that he missed, we have to finish getting everything in the house ready for our Home Study on July 26... and it feels like a million other things! So much done.. so much left to do.
Our last class was the best, by far! We had a panel of people, from DHS workers to adoptive parents to foster parents - and we got to ask them anything we wanted. They shared a lot with us about their experiences, and I left feeling a lot better about everything. They didn't sugar-coat it, but for me, just seeing other real-life people doing this makes it seem more do-able for us.
So, we're getting there. I'm not sure how much longer we'll be waiting for all of this stuff to get done so that our home can be open, but we're definitely closer to that day than we were 3 months ago. I feel patient some days... like the more time that we wait the more time we'll have to get ready. Other days it feels so anticlimactic to have done all of this and still be waiting. God's timing...
On another note - we started our morning at the ER today because my three year old swallowed a large rock from his big sister's rock collection. He barely got it down, was in a lot of pain, and scared the crap out of me. Second ER trip ever with a child... second time it was HIM that had to go. The X-Ray showed it in his stomach so now we just wait and see. Praying he can pass it! I do not want my baby cut into...
He decided to top the morning fun off by somehow getting into a major pile of ants once we got home and went outside to play. Him screaming and me beating his feet with the shirt I just took off of him probably was more than enough of a scene to get DHS called on us... that would be a red-flag for sure. "ER in the morning.. beating him in the street later.. nix these folks." Thankfully Mr. Curly Head is all good at the moment. I told him that he was FOR SURE taking a nap today because I couldn't handle worrying about him anymore for the day. Good grief.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Going Rogue - Parenting Edition
Sarah Palin did it politically... I'm doing it as a necessity to survive my current 3 year old.
My little Samuel is a force to be reckoned with. I don't know if I've gotten moreexhausted lax with him, if I made a wrong turn somewhere at 2, if this is just his personality, or if this is God's twisted way of preparing me for dealing with foster kids. Whatever it is, I am determined to win this battle! It seems my usual parenting techniques may not be enough to Shock and Awe these behaviors out of the little man.
The main issue lately is screaming... for extended periods of time. Lots and lots of screaming. The secondary issue is his draw to torturing the people that share this house with him. Mainly the other two little people. He may choose to simply annoy the crap out of them by "almost" hitting them over and over again, or sometimes he's been known to walk up and give one of them a good wack in the knee cap for no apparent reason. (Thanks for the lessons in humanity Tanya Harding.)
So, I decided to tackle these issues once and for all. Not accepting "he's three" as an appropriate cause of his meanie-head-ness, I dug into my parenting tool-box and pulld out some new ideas. I have no idea if they'll really work, but it beats turning his little booty black and blue.
For solution number one I'd like to thank Kevin Leman. I went through his video series "Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours" MANY years ago, and remembered a seemingly INSANE piece of advice he gave. It was specific to your kids interrupting or crying and whining while you're on the phone. Dear God.. yes.. please help me. Never had one that insisted on making my phone conversations so miserable. It goes like this at our house lately:
*phone rings* "Hello?" "Oh hey! How are you? Sure.. let me see if I have any boarding slots available for those dates.."
"Mommmmeee... mommmeeee.... I want a candy. Mommeeee.. can I have candy?"
*me giving him "the look" and shooing him away.*
"MOMMMEEE!!! I want some candy!!!"
*Let fit throwing begin
This started about a year ago. I know it's all my fault. A client would call, and the worst part of working from home would begin. A whining child in the background. Utter humiliation begins.. now. I discovered that if I gave Sam SOMETHING he'd be quiet long enough for me to complete a 4 minute conversation without having to apologize over and over again for my child's misbehavior. So, enter the Dum Dum sucker. We happened to have a pack when this started... so I taught him if you cry when the phone rings, I give you candy. THAT. WAS. STUPID.
Now I'm trying hard to un-do what I did to myself. Enter Dr. Leman's insane advice.
"If your child insists on interrupting and whining every time you are on the phone, and you know you're not on the phone too much, put them out the front door." SAY WHAT?! I'd never do something like that.. that's nutty!
Yeah well, funny how time changes you. I sooo did that the other day. Thankfully I was on the phone with a friend when he started in on a MAJOR whiney/tantrum tangent. I told her to please not judge me.. seriously... as I dealt with him. I told him in my Mrs. Brady voice, "Samuel, I'm on the phone and you need to be quiet. If you cannot be quiet, I will put you outside and lock the door so that I can hear." He raised an eyebrow to his mother's new found looney-toon state of mind and of course, had to try this one out. He nearly instantly screamed, "BUT I-WANT-CANDY!!!"
I felt like a total idiot, but I grabbed him up and walked him to the door, opened it, walked him out, shut the door, and locked it. Yes, I locked my 3 year old out on the front porch. I had to shake my head at myself.. "This is freaking crazy! What am I doing?! Kevin Leman is a lunatic!"
I purposely finished my conversation quickly so I could bring him back in to finish this amazing lesson in life. I opened the door and there he stood, tears streaming down his face.. still all red from anger. I grabbed his hand and walked him back inside and explained the entire scenario to him again. Basically "You scream, I'm on the phone, you go outside. End of story." He said several times, "You put me outside!" Umm.. yes.. I sure did. Now stop being a whiney butt all the time. (and no, I didn't tell him he was a whiney butt to his face.. I am absolutely a two-faced kind of mom.)
The next time he started in while I was on the phone, I gave him the warning (Supernanny would be so proud!) that he was about to get booted out the door again, and he quickly sucked that bottom lip in and got quiet.
"Holy crap.. that crazy stunt worked?!" Yep.. it did work. I've only had to put him outside once more since then.. he decided to test me on it I suppose. I even used this method the other day with my 6 year old just b/c he was being generally psychotic in the house. "I'm putting you outside if you keep doing that.. we don't act like that in the house." He thought I was a lunatic as well once it was over with.. but it worked.
I really thought that being put outside would be a REWARD to my kids. They love going outside! But, I guess being shoved out there against your will is a different experience than they long for.
As far as how I'll get him to stop inflicting general torture on everyone in the house... well.. that's a tough one. He mainly does this when he's angry, sleepy, or bored. He can be mad at me and take it out on Carter... this happens often. Mommy won't let me climb up the curtains so I'm going to stab you in the foot with my play kitchen fork.
I'm trying to keep my cool and my Martha Stewart tone when dealing with him,
"Samuel, I know you're angry. I can tell because you keep trying to tear my eyes out of their sockets and claw your way to my femur bone... but that is unacceptable behavior. You're going to have to go back to time out.. again."
This doesn't seem to phase him much. I even turned a blind eye to my attachment parenting beliefs and gave him a smack on the rear the other day... my point was "See! That HURTS! Stop hitting everyone!" Okay.. so I lost it a bit but really hoped he'd see what he was doing. Nope... I knew that wouldn't work. Back to time outs.
I do remember my other two going through some seriously long phases like these, and I don't know if anything I did actually extinguished the behaviors, or if they outgrew them, or a combination of the two. It does give me hope, however, to know that they're no longer walking around big fat whiney heads, crying over everything and smacking me in defiance. There is a light at the end of the tunnel..
On a side note, Samuel is also one of the sweetest darn kids ever. He is MOSTLY a very loving little guy.. which is why his Jeckle and Hyde mood swings take me so off guard. I assumed you'd find more use and humor in my battles with Mr. Strong-Willed than my talking about what a perfect child I have. So, there you go.. for your entertainment.
My little Samuel is a force to be reckoned with. I don't know if I've gotten more
The main issue lately is screaming... for extended periods of time. Lots and lots of screaming. The secondary issue is his draw to torturing the people that share this house with him. Mainly the other two little people. He may choose to simply annoy the crap out of them by "almost" hitting them over and over again, or sometimes he's been known to walk up and give one of them a good wack in the knee cap for no apparent reason. (Thanks for the lessons in humanity Tanya Harding.)
So, I decided to tackle these issues once and for all. Not accepting "he's three" as an appropriate cause of his meanie-head-ness, I dug into my parenting tool-box and pulld out some new ideas. I have no idea if they'll really work, but it beats turning his little booty black and blue.
For solution number one I'd like to thank Kevin Leman. I went through his video series "Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours" MANY years ago, and remembered a seemingly INSANE piece of advice he gave. It was specific to your kids interrupting or crying and whining while you're on the phone. Dear God.. yes.. please help me. Never had one that insisted on making my phone conversations so miserable. It goes like this at our house lately:
*phone rings* "Hello?" "Oh hey! How are you? Sure.. let me see if I have any boarding slots available for those dates.."
"Mommmmeee... mommmeeee.... I want a candy. Mommeeee.. can I have candy?"
*me giving him "the look" and shooing him away.*
"MOMMMEEE!!! I want some candy!!!"
*Let fit throwing begin
This started about a year ago. I know it's all my fault. A client would call, and the worst part of working from home would begin. A whining child in the background. Utter humiliation begins.. now. I discovered that if I gave Sam SOMETHING he'd be quiet long enough for me to complete a 4 minute conversation without having to apologize over and over again for my child's misbehavior. So, enter the Dum Dum sucker. We happened to have a pack when this started... so I taught him if you cry when the phone rings, I give you candy. THAT. WAS. STUPID.
Now I'm trying hard to un-do what I did to myself. Enter Dr. Leman's insane advice.
"If your child insists on interrupting and whining every time you are on the phone, and you know you're not on the phone too much, put them out the front door." SAY WHAT?! I'd never do something like that.. that's nutty!
Yeah well, funny how time changes you. I sooo did that the other day. Thankfully I was on the phone with a friend when he started in on a MAJOR whiney/tantrum tangent. I told her to please not judge me.. seriously... as I dealt with him. I told him in my Mrs. Brady voice, "Samuel, I'm on the phone and you need to be quiet. If you cannot be quiet, I will put you outside and lock the door so that I can hear." He raised an eyebrow to his mother's new found looney-toon state of mind and of course, had to try this one out. He nearly instantly screamed, "BUT I-WANT-CANDY!!!"
I felt like a total idiot, but I grabbed him up and walked him to the door, opened it, walked him out, shut the door, and locked it. Yes, I locked my 3 year old out on the front porch. I had to shake my head at myself.. "This is freaking crazy! What am I doing?! Kevin Leman is a lunatic!"
I purposely finished my conversation quickly so I could bring him back in to finish this amazing lesson in life. I opened the door and there he stood, tears streaming down his face.. still all red from anger. I grabbed his hand and walked him back inside and explained the entire scenario to him again. Basically "You scream, I'm on the phone, you go outside. End of story." He said several times, "You put me outside!" Umm.. yes.. I sure did. Now stop being a whiney butt all the time. (and no, I didn't tell him he was a whiney butt to his face.. I am absolutely a two-faced kind of mom.)
The next time he started in while I was on the phone, I gave him the warning (Supernanny would be so proud!) that he was about to get booted out the door again, and he quickly sucked that bottom lip in and got quiet.
"Holy crap.. that crazy stunt worked?!" Yep.. it did work. I've only had to put him outside once more since then.. he decided to test me on it I suppose. I even used this method the other day with my 6 year old just b/c he was being generally psychotic in the house. "I'm putting you outside if you keep doing that.. we don't act like that in the house." He thought I was a lunatic as well once it was over with.. but it worked.
I really thought that being put outside would be a REWARD to my kids. They love going outside! But, I guess being shoved out there against your will is a different experience than they long for.
As far as how I'll get him to stop inflicting general torture on everyone in the house... well.. that's a tough one. He mainly does this when he's angry, sleepy, or bored. He can be mad at me and take it out on Carter... this happens often. Mommy won't let me climb up the curtains so I'm going to stab you in the foot with my play kitchen fork.
I'm trying to keep my cool and my Martha Stewart tone when dealing with him,
"Samuel, I know you're angry. I can tell because you keep trying to tear my eyes out of their sockets and claw your way to my femur bone... but that is unacceptable behavior. You're going to have to go back to time out.. again."
This doesn't seem to phase him much. I even turned a blind eye to my attachment parenting beliefs and gave him a smack on the rear the other day... my point was "See! That HURTS! Stop hitting everyone!" Okay.. so I lost it a bit but really hoped he'd see what he was doing. Nope... I knew that wouldn't work. Back to time outs.
I do remember my other two going through some seriously long phases like these, and I don't know if anything I did actually extinguished the behaviors, or if they outgrew them, or a combination of the two. It does give me hope, however, to know that they're no longer walking around big fat whiney heads, crying over everything and smacking me in defiance. There is a light at the end of the tunnel..
On a side note, Samuel is also one of the sweetest darn kids ever. He is MOSTLY a very loving little guy.. which is why his Jeckle and Hyde mood swings take me so off guard. I assumed you'd find more use and humor in my battles with Mr. Strong-Willed than my talking about what a perfect child I have. So, there you go.. for your entertainment.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Creativity Was Forced Upon Me
Yesterday I had the immense pleasure of spending the entire day and evening with my hubby and our second family at the annual State Police Post Party. (or "gathering" I suppose you could call it.) A day on the lake, eating amazing food, laughing until you cry, and hearing the craziest work stories that anyone could ever tell. FYI: if you stuff yourself with the best ribs ever, and then immediately jump on a boat and go 60ish mph.. you will feel icky. Good news is - you'll get over it.
my gal pals: Amy, Summer (30wks pg with TWIN boys!) and me
So, anywho.. it was a blast! Can't wait until next summer to do it all again!
Today we returned to the real world. We went to bed too late last night, didn't sleep well, and then got up too early this morning. I knew it would happen that way - such is life. What I didn't anticipate was the electricty going out at our house for about 3 hours this afternoon. "I'm so too tired to be this much fun.."
After my initial "Oh crap" reaction, I just pulled myself together and took the kids into the boys' room to find cool stuff to do. Lincoln Logs were at the top of the list. Their pleas for me to build them an amazing fort "like Daddy does" pushed me into a corner. I gave it my best shot.. but I'm really sucky at Lincoln Logs. I guess it's the lack of a 'y' chromosome or something. Thankfully they gave me an 'A' for effort.
I was really stoked when my boys were content to lay in the bottom bunk with me reading books for a good, long while. Ahh.. rest! Then it was on to bigger and better things like building forts with blankets, making food with Play-Doh (chill out, we didn't really eat it.), and pretending we were at P.E. class.
"20 jumping jacks!"
"10 push ups!"
"15 bunny hops!"
Oh yes.. I was a big hit!
These aren't unusual events for this house, but typically we don't spend almost 3 hours straight, with no breaks, living it up. 2 hours in and I admit I was praying to God to somehow let Max and Ruby magically appear on the TV. They were getting restless, I was too exhausted to be fun for much longer, and my 3 year old was not happy with the thunder, lightening, and darkness. He also missed his much-needed nap thanks to all of the excitement so he was beginning his favorite activity of "torture everyone in the house."
Now, the lights are back on, the A/C is kicking, and I have my babysitter of the movie "Bolt." This evening I shall go back to try to tackle the seemingly impossible Lincoln Logs. Hopefully their father will bring his man skills to the table and show me what I'm doing wrong on the construction front. I can't make that roof fit to save my life...
Friday, June 18, 2010
So.. Maybe They Are a Little Spoiled
Carter and Emily in chair, Sam on the floor, Madison on couch
No, it isn't Saturday morning, but isn't this how summer is supposed to be? Lazy mornings, cartoons for the little one, video games for the big ones... not a care in the world. Days spent at the pool, making your own popsicles and eating them on the swing outside, sleep-overs, arts-and-crafts, and sleeping in. This is my idea of a great summer! If this keeps up, this will be our best summer yet. (I think I say that every year.)
For me, there is a very fine line between letting your kids enjoy their time off and spoiling them rotten. We haven't gotten to the rotten stage, yet. I will admit that I've bought them more stuff in the past month than I probably should have, I've spent more on their entertainment than was necessary, and I've catered to their whims a whole lot more than I normally would - all in the name of them thinking back and saying "this summer was AWESOME!" Throw in that we have all three birthdays in the summer and maybe I don't feel so guilty for all of their guilty pleasures.
I call myself offsetting this by making them do a lot more than their normal chores. I keep telling them that if they want me to take them for an entire day of fun then they have to earn it with SUPER behavior and lots of hard work at home. I don't know if that's the right way to do this stuff or not.. but for now it's the way I'm going.
Today we'll be going to see Toy Story 3 (because Madison's 9th birthday was yesterday and this was her special request for where she wanted to go) and Saturday I have a girls day out of shopping in Little Rock planned. (Daddy can plan a fun boys day in...)
Hmm.. maybe it is getting a bit excessive.. but if we're all happy and no one is turning into a greedy-monster then I think we'll just relax and enjoy it.
How do you decide where to draw the line with doing things with and for your kids, and buying them things? Do you let their behavior dictate what they earn? A set amount of money for the month? Let them earn more stuff by more work? All of the above?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Best Part of Summer
Hands down - it's going to the pool. Since I was a small child I have looked forward to swimming as the main attraction of summertime. I have been very happy that my first two children love the water, but imagine my shock with kid #3.
It isn't that he doesn't like going to the pool. It isn't that he doesn't enjoy the water. It's that he is terrified if he is more than knee deep in the water. Even with a life jacket on... plus a floaty.. plus Mommy holding him. He went as far as to sit out of the pool this week with his lafe jacket and floaty on... just resting on my towel. My friend Lou said, "Well, I guess you can never be too safe!" You just have to laugh about it!
this is his maximum acceptable depth
Madison in the pink life jacket - Carter in the blue one on the right
As you might realize, Samuel isn't the only fearful one in the water - I'm pretty paranoid as well. Madison is turning nine tomorrow and I still make her wear her life jacket. She can sort of swim, but definitely not very well. (I told her that our main goal for this summer is for her to be a much stronger swimmer by the end!) Carter took swimming lessons last year, but didn't learn much at all so he is 100% in the jacket. I'll let Madison take hers off to work on strokes, but Carter can only take his off if he's near me.
We go to the pool 2-3 times a week so I hope that they will both be able to swim pretty well with all of this exposure and time to work on it. My goal for Samuel... well... maybe he'll at least enjoy going waist deep in the next few months.
We're picking up Emily today and she'll be staying for about two weeks, and I've been told that she can't swim either. Looks like we'll be needing another life jacket!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
My Babies are Back
The youngest one pictured is actually a friend's daughter,
but we were lucky enough to spend the day with her recently
School isn't offically over for two more days, but my kids have been home for 3 days straight. Tomorrow they will probably go for their one and only day of school to finish out the year. This is just so that they can grab their stuff from their desks, tell their teachers goodbye, and "clean house" so to speak. I LOVE having them home!
Summer is the best, isn't it? I don't think it matters if you homeschool or send your kids off to school, with the summer months comes a new excitement to get outside and do neat things with the kids. The winter months just about do me in, especially this past winter. RAIN, RAIN AND RAIN. We were stuck inside so much - we all got sick of each other. I was thankful for them being able to go to school back then, it took so much pressure off of me to entertain them or be fun. Yeah, sometimes I admit I get in lazy moods... I don't feel like being 'fun' or creative every single day. Especially when the weather suggests we should be sleeping all day or shoving our faces with food during waking hours.
But then, something amazing happens. The sun shines! The days get longer, warmer, and BAM! Fun mom is back! I am very much a go-er during the summer. If it's a nice day, I want to go somewhere, do something.. anything! Thankfully my kids are the same way. Though we spend many days at home, summer usually consists of us going to the pool, hiking, or vacationing somewhere. This summer has me extra excited. With everyone being older and easier, I am really thrilled to go try some new things, see new sights, and actually enjoy the drives and eating out experiences. As much as I try not to waste the other 9 months out of the year, none of them can hold a candle to how much I love these 3 months.
My babies are home, there is fun to be had, and I am so thankful to get to be here for all of it! Though I know there will be days that I will get tired of any fighting that might will occur, I am happy that I really enjoy my kids. I don't wear out from spending time with them, and I don't have a daily need to have long breaks from them. Sometimes I feel lonely in those feelings... like it's abnormal to WANT to be around your kids so much, but to me, that's why I had kids in the first place. To be their mom... and I am so priveledged to get to do just that.
Along with the thrill of having this time with my bio kids, I am THRILLED that "E" finally got the approval from her caseworker to be our official family friend! She gets to spend two entire weeks with us, probably beginning Monday. *~*~HAPPY DANCE*~*~* The kids are so excited.. they cannot wait to have her here and not have to take her back. The only negative thing to this - it will make taking her back that much harder.
So, here's to the beginning of summer! This summer will mark so many changes for our family, and I am simply holding onto God's promises for dear life during them. I know that he is going to provide amazing blessings with every amazing trial; I know that we will always look back on these months as the ones that shaped us the most.
So we're off to grab the sunscreen... we don't want to waste a single minute!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hey... You're Six!
I cannot believe my little Carter Man is six years old. This post is pretty late seeing as how his birthday was May 1. Better late than never!
This is Carter after one of his baseball games. He loves playing ball! Then again, Carter loves everything. Really. Ask him.
Carter, you are growing up to be the most loving child on the planet. I would have never guessed that you would be so affectionate, compassionate, and full of empathy for others. Your heart is so sensitive. If you even think you're about to get into trouble, or upset someome, you burst into tears and start apologizing.
"I accidentally knocked that cup over and spilled my juice everywhere!" (tears flowing)
"Carter, it's okay! Just clean it up."
I often joke that people must wonder what his awful punishments at home are for him to react to such simple things like that. That's just him! He is such a "pleaser" and really gets upset if he thinks he's done something upsetting. Poor guy, he puts way too much pressure on himself.
His first year of Kindergarten is now pretty much over - his last day is Friday. I cannot believe that he's not gotten into trouble even once this entire year. Not once. Carter... not once. That's crazy! He's a good kid at home, but he definitely is a normal little boy. He can be just insanely silly and rowdy and rough. I am so thankful that he's already learned how to have self control, and when it is appropriate to act that way and when it is not. (well, most of the time...)
One of my favorite things about Carter is how sharing and giving he is. I can't recall a time that he's gotten upset over someone playing with his favorite toys, or taking turns, or giving up something so a guest could be treated well. Not in a long time anyway. He overhead me telling Clayton that I don't see us taking any foster children that are boys over the age of 1, because they'd have to be in the same room with Carter and Samuel, and how on earth would we fit anyone else in there. I mentioned that "that probably wouldn't be fair to Carter." Carter replied, "I like sharing my room!" That boy.. he really does. He hates to ever be alone, and thankfully, in this house, he never is.
Carter is a great reader and writer, and his art skills are always improving. His focus in incredible, yet he never takes ANYTHING very seriously. Everyone on our team giggles when Carter is up to bat. He hits the ball, and runs, laughing hysterically, around each base. He never cares if they win or lose. He's just happy to be there. What I wouldn't give for his attitude and personality! He just rolls with he punches.
Being such a happy boy, Carter is quite the popular guy. He has so many friends it just blows my mind. He's always so fun to play with, mainly because he's always to stop what he's doing in order to make his friend happy by playing something else. I think his great people skills will take him far in life. He's already such an awesome encourager. He's the first to say "it's okay" to someone, or to find the bright side of a situation. I don't think he has any real understanding as to why kids and people get upset over silly things, but when he sees them upset, he definitely wants to come to their rescue. "I'll make you better!" is probably what his brain is always shouting. His daddy says it's because he's the middle child... and that middle children are just by nature the best. (and the fact that his daddy is also the middle child has nothing to do with this theory, I'm sure.)
Oh, Carter. I cannot express my pride and my love for you. You always amaze me, and you make life so much fun! Thank you for being a laugh a minute, for being so sweet, for wrapping your arms around me each day and saying,"You're the BEST mommy!" I don't know how I got so lucky to be given you as my son, but I am so very, very thankful.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Kid's Shows That Drive Me Insane
There are many things that we as parents do for the sake of our kids... just to see them smile: smell every flower outside, let them wear their favorite mud boots with their dress clothes to church, and possibly even eat at McDonald's just because our kids swear their fake chicken.. I mean... chicken nuggets are the best in town. However, there comes a point that seeing your child happy does not mean enough to you to suffer through. Enter: Kid Shows.
In nine years time, we have seen numerous kid shows come on the screen and disappear. Some, however, seem to keep on going no matter how awful they are. Here - let me give a few examples:
Anyone else hate these characters as much as I do? In the history of all television, Yo Gabba Gabba MUST be the most annoying and weird show ever. Of course, kids eat this crap up. I kept a little girl for a short time, and this was her favorite show. Oh-my-word. I was so afraid that Samuel would become a Gabba Addict like her, thankfully it never stuck. There is no way, in the world, I could watch this show again. Yes, even with special guests as cool as Jack Black.
Speaking of totally weird and random - anyone remember Boo Bah on PBS? This show may still come on, I'm not sure. Somehow I let Carter see this as a toddler and he was instantly hooked. These creatures are so bizarre. They don't talk, they just baby talk. The only thing I liked about this show was that the sun was a really cute baby's face. Who doesn't like a cute baby's face? I cannot believe I suffered through this for Carter. He owes me big time.
Does anyone else cringe when they see these "faces"? This is Oobie. Yes.. Oobie. The intro song is all about him... he's a hand with googly eyes, as is his entire family. I wouldn't mind this show too terribly except for the massive amounts of baby talk that they so carelessly throw around. Madison went through a HORRIBLE 'baby talk' phase when she was around 3/4 years old and I 100% blame Oobie. Don't get me wrong..Oobie had an accompliss in all of this...
Oh yes.. Calliou. Now, this show doesn't bother me as much as those listed above, but it's pretty bad. This picture is likely a scene in which Calliou got mad, kicked his mom, and her reaction was to smile, scoop him up, and talk to him about why five year olds aren't supposed to hit their mommies. (I don't know how old this kid is really supposed to be, but he's got a great vocabulary so - let's guess 4 or 5.) Caillou is an expert whiner.. which is great coupled with all of the baby talk as mentioned before. I mean, I get tired of hearing my own kids whine, why do I want to hear the fake kid do it? And why do I want them to see other kids whine and get away with it when at home, they get in trouble for it? Sorry... can't handle this show or this fake kid.
If you missed the boat and never got to experience the Rubba Dubbers... then LUCKY YOU. I honestly don't know if a worse show has ever been made for children in the history of television. Give me black and white Mickey driving the tug boat any day over this junk. The voices were like fingernails down a chalk board.. and the story lines... well.. you get the idea. Who thought this was a good idea? I actually think this is still a big hit in the UK - but maybe I'm wrong.
Now, don't get me wrong. I've struggled through phases of my kids being obsessed with The Wiggles, Barney, and Elmo and his crazy high pitched voice - but something about these shows was cute. Cute in the fact that the silliness and fun it created for my kids outweighed my dislike of them. (well.. minus Elmo.. it's a requirement in this house that you MUST like Elmo.)
The things we do for our children...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Paci is Almost Gone
Weaning from a pacifier in this house is a very, very long process. I'm not a "cold turkey" kind of mom if I can avoid it - so we drag this out for months on end. I know - that sounds exhausting. Actually, it is so much easier!
For the past several months we've slowly implemented "no paci when you're out of bed." At first I was more lax on this. If he was having a 'moment' and needed it, I'd rather give it to him than hear him scream about it. I have found that telling an older toddler "You can have it for 5 minutes" and then "only one minute left!" works wonders.
Eventually, having the pacifier in his mouth equaled doing NOTHING fun. He had to be in his bed, laying down, to have it. He often settled for just holding it in his hand. If he asked for it during the day I'd say, "Sure, you can have your pacifier... but you have to go lay down in your bed." Trust me, an active 2 year old isn't going to want to do that for very long!
Here we are, almost 3 years old. After months of limiting it, we are now down to really only having it at nap time and at bedtime. Not in the car, not while watching tv on the couch... only during sleep times. Amazingly, this morning Samuel woke up and pulled his paci out of his mouth, put it on the counter and said, "I don't need this." AWESOME! I nearly broke out into a cheer - complete with a toe touch - I was so excited!
I've started some different things with him to encourage his "big boy-ness" and help him relate that to "big boys don't need paci's."
One really simple thing that has helped tremendously with no paci in the van is simply moving his car seat. He's always wanted to sit in the very back (his seat is in the middle row) and it has just never been on my list of things I love to do to have to reach back that far to get him in and out each day. This week, I figured it was time. I told him that since he's done such a great job not needing his paci that I would move his carseat into the back like the big kids. He jumped up and down and did his own little cheer. Super cute stuff.
Now he gets to ride in style in the back. He could not be more proud! He never even asks for a pacifier in the van now... whew!
The fact that he's 100% potty trained now (even at night!!) helps a ton with him feeling so grown up. He still wears pull ups to bed "just in case" but he never needs them anymore. I think this is a record with our kids... we'll see if this keeps up.
All of these major changes in the past few months have me really excited to watch Samuel gain his independance and figure out "who" he is... but I have to admit it is HARD to let him go! Even just the fact that his carseat is farther away from me in the van now makes me sad. He loves it.. but of course Mommy is the one struggling to let him go and grow up like he wants, and needs to.
Over the past few weeks he's even been begging to go to school like Carter and Madison! Umm.. hold up little man! Not yet! He asked when he could go and I said, "when you're four years old." He sort of growled at me and said, "Ohh Man!!!" I suppose spending one more year at home with me full time is not what he's looking for. Why do your youngest children have to grow up so darn fast?! Why does he INSIST on being like the big kids? I want my baby back!
For the past several months we've slowly implemented "no paci when you're out of bed." At first I was more lax on this. If he was having a 'moment' and needed it, I'd rather give it to him than hear him scream about it. I have found that telling an older toddler "You can have it for 5 minutes" and then "only one minute left!" works wonders.
Eventually, having the pacifier in his mouth equaled doing NOTHING fun. He had to be in his bed, laying down, to have it. He often settled for just holding it in his hand. If he asked for it during the day I'd say, "Sure, you can have your pacifier... but you have to go lay down in your bed." Trust me, an active 2 year old isn't going to want to do that for very long!
Here we are, almost 3 years old. After months of limiting it, we are now down to really only having it at nap time and at bedtime. Not in the car, not while watching tv on the couch... only during sleep times. Amazingly, this morning Samuel woke up and pulled his paci out of his mouth, put it on the counter and said, "I don't need this." AWESOME! I nearly broke out into a cheer - complete with a toe touch - I was so excited!
I've started some different things with him to encourage his "big boy-ness" and help him relate that to "big boys don't need paci's."
One really simple thing that has helped tremendously with no paci in the van is simply moving his car seat. He's always wanted to sit in the very back (his seat is in the middle row) and it has just never been on my list of things I love to do to have to reach back that far to get him in and out each day. This week, I figured it was time. I told him that since he's done such a great job not needing his paci that I would move his carseat into the back like the big kids. He jumped up and down and did his own little cheer. Super cute stuff.
Now he gets to ride in style in the back. He could not be more proud! He never even asks for a pacifier in the van now... whew!
The fact that he's 100% potty trained now (even at night!!) helps a ton with him feeling so grown up. He still wears pull ups to bed "just in case" but he never needs them anymore. I think this is a record with our kids... we'll see if this keeps up.
All of these major changes in the past few months have me really excited to watch Samuel gain his independance and figure out "who" he is... but I have to admit it is HARD to let him go! Even just the fact that his carseat is farther away from me in the van now makes me sad. He loves it.. but of course Mommy is the one struggling to let him go and grow up like he wants, and needs to.
Over the past few weeks he's even been begging to go to school like Carter and Madison! Umm.. hold up little man! Not yet! He asked when he could go and I said, "when you're four years old." He sort of growled at me and said, "Ohh Man!!!" I suppose spending one more year at home with me full time is not what he's looking for. Why do your youngest children have to grow up so darn fast?! Why does he INSIST on being like the big kids? I want my baby back!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Proud Mommy Moment
I snuck up on Madison the other day while she was sitting in her favorite "reading spot." I never manage to take pictures of her without her seeing me and breaking into several of her favorite poses. This is a rare 'real' moment captured of her!
My little reader has always made me proud - but there's something about other people recognizing special traits in your children that really can swell your head and heart.
Inside Madison's backpack yesterday I discovered a few forms that I needed to fill out because she's been nominated by her teacher for the Gifted and Talented Program for next year! I couldn't be more thrilled! I mean.. seriously.. who doesn't want someone to say your child is "gifted and talented"? Especially when statistics show that she should be lagging behind all of the other kids in her class, and at best, she should be living with a grandparent because her slacker teen parents couldn't get it together. God is so good... I cannot believe where he's brought us!
Madison is such a sweet girl. Really. She has the biggest heart! Her goal in life is basically to save the world. She wants to have a huge CAT rescue (because we don't know anyone that helps with cats) and she also wants to adopt every child that needs a home. She's always asking how she can raise money for a cause, and I've seen her give away her hard earned money to her friends so they could go on school trips, buy crafts for Mother's Day, and things of that nature. I'm not sure I'd have been able to be so generous at age 8! God is doing a great work in her heart already. I see him shine through her so clearly.. and she teaches me constantly what living a life for Christ really looks like.
The school may think she's gifted and talented because of her advanced 'school skills' and 'maturity', but I know that what makes her gifted and talented goes so far beyond these things. It's her love, her compassion, her generosity, her understanding of the world and how it works, and her intense desire to make right the wrongs. If she keeps on this path, she will no doubt change things. She will be a trail blazer. She won't settle for "that's just how the world works" and she won't be a "proper" woman that takes no for an answer when she knows what's right.
Baby girl, I do believe you can, and will, save the world, the orphans, and of course, the cats.
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