-- We are on day 4 of no husband week #2. I miss him. Look, I know there are women out there without husbands, or with husbands who work nights, or who work all day and night themselves. But this isn't my normal...and I miss him. It's not that hard, but it is lonely. And I miss him.
-- Michael had to miss school on Tuesday. He was up with a bad cough from 12am-2am...while we waited for the home remedies to kick in. Then he was up at 5:15 asking to get up for the day. Needless to say, I decided to keep him home from school. Organic lady at swim lessons was pretty upset that he was coughing. She probably thought it was from the Froot Loops.
-- I thought the transition back to school would be super difficult for him, since a week had gone by with no school. But all day Tuesday he asked if he had school. Then all day Wednesday. This morning, he told me he didn't want to go, and then got ready without a fight. Then he told me he hated his teachers, and excitedly picked out a book to bring to school to show them. Then he told me, "I not going to cry today, Mom." And he didn't. He eagerly walked into his classroom and sat on his spot and waved to me. Little booger.
-- Andrew had no school today, because of Rosh Hashanah. Since it was just he and I, we dropped the littles off at school and went to IHOP for breakfast. He ate more than me...2 triangles of French toast, 3 pieces of bacon, 3 pieces of toast with jam, and a glass of lemonade. Oh, and a banana. Have I mentioned that we measured him at 54 inches tall? 4ft6in. And he's 63 pounds. He is going through a serious growth spurt.
-- Lily's having her very first birthday party on Saturday. We invited 4 little girls to our house for tea and dancing. We invited them before school started. Now Lily is sad that she doesn't get to invite her new friends (Lily only has best friends). I'll have to think of something else to do with her new friends.
-- I've recently read books 1-4 of the Game of Thrones series by George RR Martin. I am waiting for book 5 to come in at the library. While Andrew and I wandered Barnes and Nobles this morning (did I mention how much I love having just the 7 year old?) I picked up book 5 and started reading it. I thought book 5 was the end...and I was excited to be enjoying a fantasy series with an achievable number of books. Much to my dismay I read the forward in book 5 and realized that there will be a book 6. Le-sigh. Let's just hope the author doesn't die before he ties up all these loose ends.
--I'm ready for FALL. I have no motivation to plan meals because I am angry I can't make fall meals. It is 80 degrees and MUGGY today. As it was yesterday. And the day before that. It feels like an August morning in South Carolina all day long. And yet I'm pretty sure this happens every September. Fall just doesn't start as early as I think it does.
--Out of bullet ideas. Must go make cut out sugar cookies for Lily's party.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The new religion
Another analogy post. Lucky you.
I was caught in the middle of a conversation today that made me very uncomfortable. As my 3 year old shoved Froot Loops into his pie hole, these 2 women began talking about how organic their families eat. They weren't talking to me, per se, but they pointedly started the conversation after I handed the bag to Michael.
I've overheard many such conversations. They are almost always glorified pissing contests.
"Have you tried these organic fruit snacks? They are really the best thing."
"Oh, yes, the dyes they put in everything else are just killing our kids. We have switched to such-n-such a brand because the other brand just lies about what is on their packaging. I mean, think of our kids! But I just can't do it all because I'd have to drive all over to find it."
"I know it is expensive, but I don't know how families can't think of their kids health first."
"Well, I only buy organic milk."
"Well, I buy unpasturized milk directly from the farmer."
"Well, I drive 45 minutes so that I can buy a brick of organic buffalo meat."
"Well, I only eat meat if I can buy it directly from the farmer."
Etc., etc., etc....
I do not necessarily agree with the whole organic craze. I understand parts of it, but I think it has been blown into a huge scam on the consumers. But that doesn't matter. It works for some families. It makes them feel good about how they are raising their children, it gives them control over what is good and bad going into their bodies, and I'm sure that in many cases it is a wonderful thing for their overall life experience.
Just as I'm sure that born-again Christians feel good about how they are raising their children, it gives them control over what is good and bad going into their souls, and I'm sure in many cases it is a wonderful thing for their overall life experience. I don't agree with their whole belief system, but I don't think my way is necessarily the only right way, so more power to them.
However, because religion has been around longer, there are certain accepted social limits. In polite conversation with virtual strangers, a person may announce where they go to church. They do not typically try and convert the strangers present. Or belittle others beliefs.
Taking this morning's situation as an example...
Let's say during swim lessons I had whipped out bulletin from church, they may have politely asked if I go to church there and then mention where they themselves worship. And that would be the end...unless I asked a question about it. Then the door would be open for debate and conversation.
If we were following the organic religion rules, I think I would have whipped out my church bulletin and the women would immediately begin discussing how Methodists are going to hell and how sad that some families won't switch away from it to save their families souls. And then the one woman would talk about how good SHE is at keeping Sabbath, and then the other woman would tell how she keeps the Sabbath AND she never wears sleeveless shirts, etc etc.
-sigh-
I understand that going organic has changed your life. I get it. I'm happy for you. Just don't openly judge me for not joining your new religion. And for cripes sake...your constant bickering about whose organic diet is the "best"? Doesn't make me want to convert any time soon.
I was caught in the middle of a conversation today that made me very uncomfortable. As my 3 year old shoved Froot Loops into his pie hole, these 2 women began talking about how organic their families eat. They weren't talking to me, per se, but they pointedly started the conversation after I handed the bag to Michael.
I've overheard many such conversations. They are almost always glorified pissing contests.
"Have you tried these organic fruit snacks? They are really the best thing."
"Oh, yes, the dyes they put in everything else are just killing our kids. We have switched to such-n-such a brand because the other brand just lies about what is on their packaging. I mean, think of our kids! But I just can't do it all because I'd have to drive all over to find it."
"I know it is expensive, but I don't know how families can't think of their kids health first."
"Well, I only buy organic milk."
"Well, I buy unpasturized milk directly from the farmer."
"Well, I drive 45 minutes so that I can buy a brick of organic buffalo meat."
"Well, I only eat meat if I can buy it directly from the farmer."
Etc., etc., etc....
I do not necessarily agree with the whole organic craze. I understand parts of it, but I think it has been blown into a huge scam on the consumers. But that doesn't matter. It works for some families. It makes them feel good about how they are raising their children, it gives them control over what is good and bad going into their bodies, and I'm sure that in many cases it is a wonderful thing for their overall life experience.
Just as I'm sure that born-again Christians feel good about how they are raising their children, it gives them control over what is good and bad going into their souls, and I'm sure in many cases it is a wonderful thing for their overall life experience. I don't agree with their whole belief system, but I don't think my way is necessarily the only right way, so more power to them.
However, because religion has been around longer, there are certain accepted social limits. In polite conversation with virtual strangers, a person may announce where they go to church. They do not typically try and convert the strangers present. Or belittle others beliefs.
Taking this morning's situation as an example...
Let's say during swim lessons I had whipped out bulletin from church, they may have politely asked if I go to church there and then mention where they themselves worship. And that would be the end...unless I asked a question about it. Then the door would be open for debate and conversation.
If we were following the organic religion rules, I think I would have whipped out my church bulletin and the women would immediately begin discussing how Methodists are going to hell and how sad that some families won't switch away from it to save their families souls. And then the one woman would talk about how good SHE is at keeping Sabbath, and then the other woman would tell how she keeps the Sabbath AND she never wears sleeveless shirts, etc etc.
-sigh-
I understand that going organic has changed your life. I get it. I'm happy for you. Just don't openly judge me for not joining your new religion. And for cripes sake...your constant bickering about whose organic diet is the "best"? Doesn't make me want to convert any time soon.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Long Haul
When you are dating someone, anniversaries are very important. 2 weeks since our first date. 6 months since our first kiss. Oh my God, we've been a couple for 18 months. Etc. etc. etc. I think marking every inch of your journey is so important because you just don't know how long it will last. So each step, each milestone IS significant. Dating relationships are precarious. One day you are happily eating at Applebee's, the next you find out that he uses his toothbrush to clean his teeth and his toenails. Or whatever. Who knows how long they will last.
When I got married, the anniversaries became less important. We still mention them and reminise, but we often forget them. Because when you are expecting to be together forever...what is 6 years? 12 years? Just a small fraction of the whole. Worth celebrating, certainly. But not as significant or monumental.
Let's just say that I have been dating Pennsylvania for the last 5 years. Every month and year is a milestone. We've been in this house longer than any other. We've potty trained all 3 kids here. 10 more months and we'll have lived here longer than any other place. All because it feels precarious and temporary. Will we break up this month when Jeff moves us to MN? Or next spring when he moves us to TX. Enjoy the fall this year, because who knows where we'll be next year.
It's time to take my relationship with PA to the next level. It's time to be committed. THIS is my home. THIS is where my children will identify with and grow up. This is where I will go back to work. Where I'll learn how to parent teenagers. I can grumble about things I don't like, like cost of living, but we are choosing to stay and live here and to accept the good with the bad. We may have a smaller house and crappier furniture than if we lived in the mid-west. But we are content and happy and living a good life here.
I am sad that I will not live near my nieces and nephews. That I won't be close enough to help family move or take them to doctor's appointments or cheer along side them at my kids' extracurriculars. I am sad that family guests will always be overnight guests, with all the inconveniences and stress that it brings...for us and them. I am sad that my kids will likely say "soda" instead of "pop" and may even begin saying "wuh-der" for water and "crown" for crayon.
But I'm happy that we have seasons and farms to visit and friendly neighbors. I thrilled with the schools my children will attend. I love the idea of history coming alive with short weekend trips to Plymouth Rock and Independence Hall and Gettysburg. I like having a history with friends and doctors who have known my kids forever and where to go to get great apples. I'm grateful that my husband is happy in his job and makes enough money that I can stay home with my kids. We have a good life here. A very good life.
Jeff accepted a new job yesterday. An engineering job that will make him happier and challenge him in new ways. A job that is better suited to his strengths and gifts and talents. A job that has the potential to last him a long long time. A job that is located in the greater Philadelpia area.
I know nothing is certain. But that could be said in marriage too. I just live life assuming that Jeff and I will be together forever...even though I know the realities of infidelity, tragedy, etc. So...it's time to commit to Pennsylvania. I think we're in this for the long haul. Halleluia!
When I got married, the anniversaries became less important. We still mention them and reminise, but we often forget them. Because when you are expecting to be together forever...what is 6 years? 12 years? Just a small fraction of the whole. Worth celebrating, certainly. But not as significant or monumental.
Let's just say that I have been dating Pennsylvania for the last 5 years. Every month and year is a milestone. We've been in this house longer than any other. We've potty trained all 3 kids here. 10 more months and we'll have lived here longer than any other place. All because it feels precarious and temporary. Will we break up this month when Jeff moves us to MN? Or next spring when he moves us to TX. Enjoy the fall this year, because who knows where we'll be next year.
It's time to take my relationship with PA to the next level. It's time to be committed. THIS is my home. THIS is where my children will identify with and grow up. This is where I will go back to work. Where I'll learn how to parent teenagers. I can grumble about things I don't like, like cost of living, but we are choosing to stay and live here and to accept the good with the bad. We may have a smaller house and crappier furniture than if we lived in the mid-west. But we are content and happy and living a good life here.
I am sad that I will not live near my nieces and nephews. That I won't be close enough to help family move or take them to doctor's appointments or cheer along side them at my kids' extracurriculars. I am sad that family guests will always be overnight guests, with all the inconveniences and stress that it brings...for us and them. I am sad that my kids will likely say "soda" instead of "pop" and may even begin saying "wuh-der" for water and "crown" for crayon.
But I'm happy that we have seasons and farms to visit and friendly neighbors. I thrilled with the schools my children will attend. I love the idea of history coming alive with short weekend trips to Plymouth Rock and Independence Hall and Gettysburg. I like having a history with friends and doctors who have known my kids forever and where to go to get great apples. I'm grateful that my husband is happy in his job and makes enough money that I can stay home with my kids. We have a good life here. A very good life.
Jeff accepted a new job yesterday. An engineering job that will make him happier and challenge him in new ways. A job that is better suited to his strengths and gifts and talents. A job that has the potential to last him a long long time. A job that is located in the greater Philadelpia area.
I know nothing is certain. But that could be said in marriage too. I just live life assuming that Jeff and I will be together forever...even though I know the realities of infidelity, tragedy, etc. So...it's time to commit to Pennsylvania. I think we're in this for the long haul. Halleluia!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
To school
He walks nonchalantly to the bus stop. No big deal, he's cool. He has a spelling notebook and book reports and is reading The Chocolate Touch. His ankles and wrists are gaping out of his long sleeves and pants from last spring. After school he eats a snack and tells me sparse bits and pieces of his day. Then he begs to run outside and play football with the neighbors for hours.
She waves and shouts hello to her old teachers as she skips down the hall to her new classroom. She excitedly dresses each morning for school with no complaint, sings all the words to the new songs, tells me every detail of the VIP, and recites everything she learned about sunflowers/apples/making friends.
He wails at the prospect of going to school. He tells me very seriously, "I cry because I need you, Mommy." He proudly shows his art work and tries to sing a few words of the songs he's heard. He bravely carries his bookbag into school and hangs it on a hook. Then he covers his eyes and walks blindly into his classroom, sobbing quietly.
How is it that all 3 can make me swell with pride and break my heart in the same instant? For such very different reasons?
She waves and shouts hello to her old teachers as she skips down the hall to her new classroom. She excitedly dresses each morning for school with no complaint, sings all the words to the new songs, tells me every detail of the VIP, and recites everything she learned about sunflowers/apples/making friends.
He wails at the prospect of going to school. He tells me very seriously, "I cry because I need you, Mommy." He proudly shows his art work and tries to sing a few words of the songs he's heard. He bravely carries his bookbag into school and hangs it on a hook. Then he covers his eyes and walks blindly into his classroom, sobbing quietly.
How is it that all 3 can make me swell with pride and break my heart in the same instant? For such very different reasons?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Getting used to the new norm
I'm exhausted. I would like to fast forward a few weeks to when I am used to our new schedule. Because right now I am always looking at my watch so I don't miss the next drop off/pick up.
But the next two weeks won't be any easier, since Jeff will be out of town. Well, technically he'll be in Philadelphia. But they're going to have him working so many extra hours, he's actually staying in a hotel down there Monday-Thursday.
I'm going to document what next week looks like on my calendar, just so when I'm really running around when they're in junior high I can laugh at myself. Or maybe it will just make me glad I don't have 2 in pre-school anymore ;)
Monday:
6:15- Jeff leaves for work...and won't be back until after dinner time on Thursday
8:40-Andrew leaves house to go to bus stop
9:00-Leave for pre-school drop off
9:20-Grocery
11:30-Leave for pre-school pick up
3:15- Leave for Brandon bus drop off (he's the boy I'm watching in the afternoon...but he goes to a different school than Andrew, so it's a different bus time)
4:15- Watch for Andrew's bus (I no longer go down to the stop to get him, but I still watch for the bus so I can walk out the driveway to say hi)
7:00- Education committee meeting at church...I'll have to bring all 3 kids since Jeff will be gone
Tuesday:
8:40- Andrew bus stop
9:00- Leave for pre-school drop off
10:30- Lily swim lesson
11:30- Leave for pre-school pick up
3:30- Take Shadow to groomers
3:45- Pick up Andrew from school on the way home from groomers? Tuesday is the only day I don't have B...so maybe
6:45- Andrew swim lesson...I'll have to bring all 3 kids since Jeff will be gone
7:30- Pick up Shadow from groomers on the way home from swim? Or maybe before swim and leave her in the car? Go to Wendy's for dinner so we can pick up Shadow? Haven't worked this out yet.
Wednesday:
8:40- Andrew to bus stop
9:00- Leave for pre-school drop off
11:30- Leave for pre-school pick up
3:15- Go to bus stop to get B
4:15- Watch for A's bus
5:40- Leave for A's soccer practice...I'll have to bring all 3 kids since Jeff will be gone
Thursday:8:40- Andrew to bus stop
9:00- Leave for pre-school drop off...drop off BOTH KIDS!
9:30- Help set up for church rummage sale
11:30- Leave for pre-school pick up
3:15- Go to bus stop to get B
4:15- Watch for A's bus
7pm-Anxiously wait for Jeff to enter the house again
Friday:
8:40-Andrew to bus stop
9:00- Pre-school drop off
10:00- Drop off meal to a mom in MOMS club with a new baby
11:30- Pre-school pick up
12:15- Michael's weekly speech appointment at a local church
3:15- Go to B's bus stop
4:15- Watch for A's bus
6:00- Curse Jeff, because he's not coming home from work again this night because he is going to open fencing straight from work.
The week after that gets less interesting because even though all 3 kids have dentist appoinments spread out over 2 days, Andrew has no school on Thursday and Friday, and I won't have Brandon on those days either. I will be getting ready for Lily's birthday party on October 1st though ;)
But the next two weeks won't be any easier, since Jeff will be out of town. Well, technically he'll be in Philadelphia. But they're going to have him working so many extra hours, he's actually staying in a hotel down there Monday-Thursday.
I'm going to document what next week looks like on my calendar, just so when I'm really running around when they're in junior high I can laugh at myself. Or maybe it will just make me glad I don't have 2 in pre-school anymore ;)
Monday:
6:15- Jeff leaves for work...and won't be back until after dinner time on Thursday
8:40-Andrew leaves house to go to bus stop
9:00-Leave for pre-school drop off
9:20-Grocery
11:30-Leave for pre-school pick up
3:15- Leave for Brandon bus drop off (he's the boy I'm watching in the afternoon...but he goes to a different school than Andrew, so it's a different bus time)
4:15- Watch for Andrew's bus (I no longer go down to the stop to get him, but I still watch for the bus so I can walk out the driveway to say hi)
7:00- Education committee meeting at church...I'll have to bring all 3 kids since Jeff will be gone
Tuesday:
8:40- Andrew bus stop
9:00- Leave for pre-school drop off
10:30- Lily swim lesson
11:30- Leave for pre-school pick up
3:30- Take Shadow to groomers
3:45- Pick up Andrew from school on the way home from groomers? Tuesday is the only day I don't have B...so maybe
6:45- Andrew swim lesson...I'll have to bring all 3 kids since Jeff will be gone
7:30- Pick up Shadow from groomers on the way home from swim? Or maybe before swim and leave her in the car? Go to Wendy's for dinner so we can pick up Shadow? Haven't worked this out yet.
Wednesday:
8:40- Andrew to bus stop
9:00- Leave for pre-school drop off
11:30- Leave for pre-school pick up
3:15- Go to bus stop to get B
4:15- Watch for A's bus
5:40- Leave for A's soccer practice...I'll have to bring all 3 kids since Jeff will be gone
Thursday:8:40- Andrew to bus stop
9:00- Leave for pre-school drop off...drop off BOTH KIDS!
9:30- Help set up for church rummage sale
11:30- Leave for pre-school pick up
3:15- Go to bus stop to get B
4:15- Watch for A's bus
7pm-Anxiously wait for Jeff to enter the house again
Friday:
8:40-Andrew to bus stop
9:00- Pre-school drop off
10:00- Drop off meal to a mom in MOMS club with a new baby
11:30- Pre-school pick up
12:15- Michael's weekly speech appointment at a local church
3:15- Go to B's bus stop
4:15- Watch for A's bus
6:00- Curse Jeff, because he's not coming home from work again this night because he is going to open fencing straight from work.
The week after that gets less interesting because even though all 3 kids have dentist appoinments spread out over 2 days, Andrew has no school on Thursday and Friday, and I won't have Brandon on those days either. I will be getting ready for Lily's birthday party on October 1st though ;)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thursdays, 9:30-11:30
Today was the first day in 8 years that I didn't have children. Don't get me wrong...I have had some time off. But if it was during the day, it meant that I was rushing to an appointment while someone else watched my kids. Or one set or another of grandparents were watching them while I felt mildly guilty that they had to navigate our schedules and routines.
No, this is the first time that I had 2 hours of uninteruppted, free of guilt time. And I am looking forward to having it once a week for the entire school year. Except for 2 weeks from now when Andrew has off for a Jewish holiday on a Thursday. And the month after that when Lily has a doctor's appointment. Okay, let's just say 3 days a month, shall we? Oh, that sounds terrible.
ANYWAY...ahem...
So I packed the littles into the car to go to school. And there was an envelope on the driver's seat of the van with my name written in it. It was a little "Just thinking of you" card. Inside it said, "Enjoy your first Thursday morning without children in a LONG time!! I love you, Jeff" And there was a $10 gift card to Starbucks tucked inside.
Does this make you love him as much as I do?
So...for the record...JEFF made me cry this morning, not the fact that I was childless for the morning.
Also, Michael threw a FIT at school today. Grabbing my shirt with a death grip, screaming, "NO MOMMY! DON'T GO," as I tried to put him through the doorway of his classroom. Apparently he thought he got to go to school with Lily today...like in her classroom with her. He was a little confused about why they were both going today. I have a feeling going to school is going to be a bit like Russian Roulette for him. Every day we drive to his school...but will Mommy leave him today? No? Today? When?
No, this is the first time that I had 2 hours of uninteruppted, free of guilt time. And I am looking forward to having it once a week for the entire school year. Except for 2 weeks from now when Andrew has off for a Jewish holiday on a Thursday. And the month after that when Lily has a doctor's appointment. Okay, let's just say 3 days a month, shall we? Oh, that sounds terrible.
ANYWAY...ahem...
So I packed the littles into the car to go to school. And there was an envelope on the driver's seat of the van with my name written in it. It was a little "Just thinking of you" card. Inside it said, "Enjoy your first Thursday morning without children in a LONG time!! I love you, Jeff" And there was a $10 gift card to Starbucks tucked inside.
Does this make you love him as much as I do?
So...for the record...JEFF made me cry this morning, not the fact that I was childless for the morning.
Also, Michael threw a FIT at school today. Grabbing my shirt with a death grip, screaming, "NO MOMMY! DON'T GO," as I tried to put him through the doorway of his classroom. Apparently he thought he got to go to school with Lily today...like in her classroom with her. He was a little confused about why they were both going today. I have a feeling going to school is going to be a bit like Russian Roulette for him. Every day we drive to his school...but will Mommy leave him today? No? Today? When?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A Tale of Two Mornings
Yesterday was Lily's first day of school. She was nervous about her new teachers until the orientation last week. Then she realized that she is just about a professional pre-school student at this point.
She got all dressed up and packed her bookbag. And then she posed for a picture with Andrew before he left for the bus stop.
She piled in the car so early that we got to her school 15 minutes early. Plenty of time for another first day shot in front of the school.
Then her friends started cat calling her from across the parking lot, "Liiiiiiily! Liiiiiiily! Wait for me!" They all know each other and were running around reuniting.
Apparently he didn't cry the whole day. He did tell me that he liked learning all about dogs and singing a dog song. He told me that 2 boys annoyed him because they wouldn't stop crying. So apparently compassion is not his strong suit ;P
While he was in school, Lily had another fantastic swim lesson. Today was just 110% better than I thought it would be.
She got all dressed up and packed her bookbag. And then she posed for a picture with Andrew before he left for the bus stop.
She piled in the car so early that we got to her school 15 minutes early. Plenty of time for another first day shot in front of the school.
Then her friends started cat calling her from across the parking lot, "Liiiiiiily! Liiiiiiily! Wait for me!" They all know each other and were running around reuniting. We went into school, and when Michael caught sight of his teachers (who we met last week at HIS orientation), he dove behind my legs and told me, "I not go to school today!" And then he ran in the opposite direction. Not looking good for Tuesday morning.
After school, I asked Lily who she sat next to. It happened to be someone new, that wasn't in her class last year. Lily easily told me, "Sophia. Isn't that a pretty name? And she has a Barbie backpack."
Last night we talked about school with Michael. I asked him what he wanted to play with at school. He smiled slyly and said, "I want to play with Mommy." Stinker.
After school, I asked Lily who she sat next to. It happened to be someone new, that wasn't in her class last year. Lily easily told me, "Sophia. Isn't that a pretty name? And she has a Barbie backpack."Her brother took AT LEAST a month before he learned anyone's name...in Kindergarten. And not only does Lily learn the little girl's name, she knows which back pack she has. I love having a girl! She also told me...in detail...what toys were out and which she thought Michael would like. I had to remind her again that Michael was in a different classroom down the hall. Sweet little thing has been trying to get Mikey excited about going to school there.
While Lily was at her first day, Michael and I went shopping and then did a little of this: (not an actual picture...but we did build with blocks...and this is such a cute shot I had to include it)
Last night we talked about school with Michael. I asked him what he wanted to play with at school. He smiled slyly and said, "I want to play with Mommy." Stinker.Imagine my surprise this morning when he eagerly got ready. Imagine my surprise when he grabbed his bookbag and hopped in the car. He had a misty moment on the drive, when he told me I couldn't leave him there because, "I need you, Mommy." But he posed nicely outside the school. And then he literally stepped over screaming and crying children and handed his teacher a paper I'd given him...and he never looked back.
Apparently he didn't cry the whole day. He did tell me that he liked learning all about dogs and singing a dog song. He told me that 2 boys annoyed him because they wouldn't stop crying. So apparently compassion is not his strong suit ;PWhile he was in school, Lily had another fantastic swim lesson. Today was just 110% better than I thought it would be.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
An ode to running
Oh running, how I hate thee
Since April I've been trying
Since April I've been dying
Oh running, how I hate thee
I'm scared to run in front of others
Not even my own mother
In my dreams I run wild and free
But when I wake my legs are like lead
I'd rather that I were dead
Oh running, how I hate thee
There's never a moment in my run
Where I'm having the least bit of fun
The whole time I have pain in my shin and knee
I pant like a half-dead dog
I sweat like a half-cooked hog
Oh running, how I hate thee
25 minutes seems to be my wall
But at about 17 minutes I want to quit it all
My weight remains at one hundred seventy three
I still have to squeeze into my size fourteen
Despite 6 months of exercise I am not any more lean
Oh running, how I hate thee
I can't possibly run any faster than I do now
I can't possibly run any slower than I do now
Everyone else does it better than me
Or at least that's how it seems
If only I could run like I do when I day dream
Oh running, how I hate thee
Jeff's ready for the race
I am totally going to lose face
I am just so disappointed in me
I thought 6 months was sufficient to train
So why am I still in so much pain
Oh running, how I hate thee
Since April I've been trying
Since April I've been dying
Oh running, how I hate thee
I'm scared to run in front of others
Not even my own mother
In my dreams I run wild and free
But when I wake my legs are like lead
I'd rather that I were dead
Oh running, how I hate thee
There's never a moment in my run
Where I'm having the least bit of fun
The whole time I have pain in my shin and knee
I pant like a half-dead dog
I sweat like a half-cooked hog
Oh running, how I hate thee
25 minutes seems to be my wall
But at about 17 minutes I want to quit it all
My weight remains at one hundred seventy three
I still have to squeeze into my size fourteen
Despite 6 months of exercise I am not any more lean
Oh running, how I hate thee
I can't possibly run any faster than I do now
I can't possibly run any slower than I do now
Everyone else does it better than me
Or at least that's how it seems
If only I could run like I do when I day dream
Oh running, how I hate thee
Jeff's ready for the race
I am totally going to lose face
I am just so disappointed in me
I thought 6 months was sufficient to train
So why am I still in so much pain
Oh running, how I hate thee
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Snow day!
We're in day 3 of rain. Lots and lots of rain. And we got a call early this morning that Andrew's school district has been forced to cancel school. Creeks and rivers in the area are cresting, and have shut down 3 major roads in the area...so our buses can't get from the bus compound to the schools. So let's see...we've officially used up 2 of our snow days in the first 2 weeks of school. Lordy, at this rate we'll be in school until JULY! But I'm thankful they are on top of things and no children were stranded on buses or at bus stops when the rivers crested. I don't envy their jobs.
Today Michael gets to go to school to meet his teachers. He's so excited. And I'm kind of glad that Andrew gets to come too. I know he'll be super sweet and excited for his brother and long ago he had these very same teachers, so they'll have fun seeing him as well.
What a crazy-daisy start of the school year!
Today Michael gets to go to school to meet his teachers. He's so excited. And I'm kind of glad that Andrew gets to come too. I know he'll be super sweet and excited for his brother and long ago he had these very same teachers, so they'll have fun seeing him as well.
What a crazy-daisy start of the school year!
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Whirlwind of social activity
Oh, did we have a weekend.
Saturday I ran errands in the morning with my favorite shopping buddy, Lily. Except she was a grump, so it wasn't as much fun as it should have been. Then we had my friend Elizabeth and her daughter over for dinner. Her husband was supposed to come also, but he got sick. Having people over makes us clean the house and get all ready. Which is really funny, because Elizabeth and her daughter come over pretty frequently during the week and I do no such preparing for her.
Sunday, we went to pick apples at a farm nearby. The boys had So. Much. Fun. Lily grumbled that she was hot and asked every 35 seconds if it was time to go home yet. That afternoon, we headed to a friend's house for a Labor Day bbq/birthday party. I know this woman from book club and one of my 1,000 playgroups I've been involved in since moving here. We showed up, and it turns out Jeff knew at least 4 of the husbands from all the social activities I've dragged him to. So he had fun catching up with them while he supervised the pool fun (they had an in ground pool). There was the pool, and inflatable bounce house, corn hole (which is not call corn hole here...it's something weird like Bumpo or Bingo or something), play set, and tables set up with crafts for the kids to do...with a woman who was hired to help take care of the children. Holla! It was a great party. We stayed until 9 pm...which means the kids didn't get to bed until 9:30. That's how good it was.
Monday, the kids woke up at 6 am. Le-sigh. So it was grump grump grump all day. We had another Labor Day dinner to go to at someone else's house, and I was pretty certain my children were going to be monsters. I spent the morning being all Honey Homemaker...making applesauce from our apple picking spoils, making side dishes to bring to dinner, etc. When all was said and done, it was another very lovely evening. The kids did awesome, Jeff knew and liked both of the husbands...just fantastic. The kids didn't get to bed until 8:30...about an hour past their bed times.
All this socializing made me once again realize how settled and rooted we've become in this area. It is so easy right now. I can't really imagine moving and starting all over...again. -sigh-
Today, it was back to reality. Andrew had school, so of course he didn't wake up until 7:50 am. Lily had her first swim lesson ever...and she did so well that I was actually tearing up in the parent observation room. Lordy. Andrew had his swim lesson tonight at 6:45, and he also did fantastic.
Tomorrow I am hosting a playdate, so I really should be scrubbing the house and not blogging. Thursday, Michael gets to go to school to visit his teachers and classroom while I fill out a million papers. Then Friday we go back to the same school to meet Lily's teachers while I fill out the very same million papers. Saturday is our first soccer game of the season and Sunday church starts up their Sunday school program for the year. Monday, Lily starts school and I start my babysitting job in the afternoons. Tuesday, Michael starts school and there is Back to School night so I can get in the know about Andrew's teacher and year ahead.
Phew! Life is getting going!
Saturday I ran errands in the morning with my favorite shopping buddy, Lily. Except she was a grump, so it wasn't as much fun as it should have been. Then we had my friend Elizabeth and her daughter over for dinner. Her husband was supposed to come also, but he got sick. Having people over makes us clean the house and get all ready. Which is really funny, because Elizabeth and her daughter come over pretty frequently during the week and I do no such preparing for her.
Sunday, we went to pick apples at a farm nearby. The boys had So. Much. Fun. Lily grumbled that she was hot and asked every 35 seconds if it was time to go home yet. That afternoon, we headed to a friend's house for a Labor Day bbq/birthday party. I know this woman from book club and one of my 1,000 playgroups I've been involved in since moving here. We showed up, and it turns out Jeff knew at least 4 of the husbands from all the social activities I've dragged him to. So he had fun catching up with them while he supervised the pool fun (they had an in ground pool). There was the pool, and inflatable bounce house, corn hole (which is not call corn hole here...it's something weird like Bumpo or Bingo or something), play set, and tables set up with crafts for the kids to do...with a woman who was hired to help take care of the children. Holla! It was a great party. We stayed until 9 pm...which means the kids didn't get to bed until 9:30. That's how good it was.
Monday, the kids woke up at 6 am. Le-sigh. So it was grump grump grump all day. We had another Labor Day dinner to go to at someone else's house, and I was pretty certain my children were going to be monsters. I spent the morning being all Honey Homemaker...making applesauce from our apple picking spoils, making side dishes to bring to dinner, etc. When all was said and done, it was another very lovely evening. The kids did awesome, Jeff knew and liked both of the husbands...just fantastic. The kids didn't get to bed until 8:30...about an hour past their bed times.
All this socializing made me once again realize how settled and rooted we've become in this area. It is so easy right now. I can't really imagine moving and starting all over...again. -sigh-
Today, it was back to reality. Andrew had school, so of course he didn't wake up until 7:50 am. Lily had her first swim lesson ever...and she did so well that I was actually tearing up in the parent observation room. Lordy. Andrew had his swim lesson tonight at 6:45, and he also did fantastic.
Tomorrow I am hosting a playdate, so I really should be scrubbing the house and not blogging. Thursday, Michael gets to go to school to visit his teachers and classroom while I fill out a million papers. Then Friday we go back to the same school to meet Lily's teachers while I fill out the very same million papers. Saturday is our first soccer game of the season and Sunday church starts up their Sunday school program for the year. Monday, Lily starts school and I start my babysitting job in the afternoons. Tuesday, Michael starts school and there is Back to School night so I can get in the know about Andrew's teacher and year ahead.
Phew! Life is getting going!
Friday, September 02, 2011
She's different than the boys
Today we went to the zoo with a friend of mine. Our school district had no school (3 days...whew...better have a 4 day weekend???) So we were 2 adults, 6 kids under 8, wandering the zoo. It was actually quite fun. The kids did reasonably well and it was a beautiful day.
We were eating lunch by a big fountain and my friend offered Michael 2 pennies to throw in. The other kids were running around and didn't notice. The first thing Michael did was give one of his pennies to Lily to throw into the fountain. My heart melted. Each other child also eventually got 2 pennies...very fair and even.
At dinner, we were telling Jeff about our day. I retold the story of Michael sharing his penny with his sister. Then Lily and I had this conversation:
Me: Lily, wasn't it nice when Michael gave you one of his pennies?
Lily: Yes. And Maddie gave me one of hers too. And Andrew gave me one of his.
Me: Did you share one of your pennies with anyone?
Lily: No. And later I found another coin on the ground and I threw that in too.
Me: Oh, I see. Well it certainly was kind of your brothers and Maddie to give you one of their pennies. I bet it made them feel good to be nice and share. How does it make you feel that they shared their pennies with you but you didn't share any with them?
Lily: (smiling innocently) It makes me feel good.
Cut to Jeff giggling unstoppably behind his milk glass.
She just doesn't get it. Lily is so different from the boys. She is very sweet and can be very kind and thoughtful and shares easily and well when asked. But I don't think it comes naturally to her. Which is why SHE will be CEO of our family company someday.
We were eating lunch by a big fountain and my friend offered Michael 2 pennies to throw in. The other kids were running around and didn't notice. The first thing Michael did was give one of his pennies to Lily to throw into the fountain. My heart melted. Each other child also eventually got 2 pennies...very fair and even.
At dinner, we were telling Jeff about our day. I retold the story of Michael sharing his penny with his sister. Then Lily and I had this conversation:
Me: Lily, wasn't it nice when Michael gave you one of his pennies?
Lily: Yes. And Maddie gave me one of hers too. And Andrew gave me one of his.
Me: Did you share one of your pennies with anyone?
Lily: No. And later I found another coin on the ground and I threw that in too.
Me: Oh, I see. Well it certainly was kind of your brothers and Maddie to give you one of their pennies. I bet it made them feel good to be nice and share. How does it make you feel that they shared their pennies with you but you didn't share any with them?
Lily: (smiling innocently) It makes me feel good.
Cut to Jeff giggling unstoppably behind his milk glass.
She just doesn't get it. Lily is so different from the boys. She is very sweet and can be very kind and thoughtful and shares easily and well when asked. But I don't think it comes naturally to her. Which is why SHE will be CEO of our family company someday.
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