After Copper ran off last night, I made sure that I exercised him this morning. I went roller-blading with neighbor Beth and had a really nice time. I think she would like to make it a weekly date. After piano lessons I threw the frisbee with Copper a few times to let him a run a bit until he got bored. Then, when you mom was bringing Todd home for the night they drove up and down the fairway to give Copper a little more exercise. Only, when your mom got to my house she realized that when she had turned around, he had kept on going. She hadn't realized it at the turn, because it was already dark. I thought we were doing so well today. He never tried to run off all afternoon when the doors were open and piano students were coming in and out. He lay in the back yard or on the front porch and seemed like he was enjoying the day. Apparently I won't be able to let Copper out after dark without careful supervision.
I saw an unfamiliar orange cat on our front porch when I came home from baseball tonight. Later, I went into the garage and thought I smelled cat urine. Coincidence?
No news on the number of wren babies in the nest. I'll keep trying my best to get a peek without bothering them.
The boys were in bed by 8:30pm tonight! And, I think they were totally asleep before 9:00pm. Believe it or not, this is note-worthy. (I may even be able to get myself to bed by 10:30pm.)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Congratulations to the Happy Couple
It's 10:30pm on Wednesday, 3/28/12. I just went into the garage and heard the little "feed me" squeaks from the wren babies for the first time! Brett, I so wish you could be here for this!
For Brett, From Home (3/28/12)
I had such a wonderful time with you and the family this Spring Break. It was such a nice vacation. So nice to relax again, to have no real schedule, to take it easy with the people I love. I felt refreshed on Monday and had a good day. But now it's Wednesday, and I already feel like I need another vacation. It's 8:52pm and the boys are still awake. No wonder I stay up each night until almost midnight. My evening Mommy Time can't get started until 10pm, by the time I get the house chores done!
I have been seeing Daddy Wren make more appearances lately. On my first day back I thought I saw a wren feeding the babies. Then I realized it was Dad bringing Mom a bug snack. In fact, I just witnessed Daddy Wren catch a moth that was resting on the back sliding glass door and give it a good shake-down before flying off with it. I'm sorry you're not here to witness it. I hope the wrens come back next year for you.
Our new neighbors moved in today. The moving truck was unloading when I got home from school today. I saw the mom for half a minute when I went to greet the boys off the boys. We waved and I was going to go over and say hello with the boys, but she was gone by the time we dropped their backpacks in the house. I had planned on making an apple pie this week, since it sounded good on vacation. I think I will make an extra and bring it over to the new neighbors and officially meet them.
I am thinking about talking to Tammy about my reading with Logan. I just can't keep up with it when we have a baseball game or practice the same day. That happened both Monday and Wednesday this week. It's just one more thing that eats up my time in the afternoon with the boys.
I started a 30-day challenge at the beginning of March. It was a photo-a-day challenge, with an assigned topic for each day. I liked that the topics were varied and gave little glimpses into my life.
It lasted 7 days....
I still want to finish the photo challenge, but I think I will have to start fresh in April. Going out of town twice in March messed it up.
I haven't gotten back in the groove with Copper's exercise yet and I paid for it tonight. I had to drive to school Tuesday (story time) and Wednesday (library) this week. And I elected to drive the boys on Monday since we all slept in past 7:00am after getting back late on Sunday night. Your mom gave him a run around the golf course on Monday. And I gave him my best Frisbee exercise yesterday afternoon. He just wouldn't run for me. Tonight after baseball I gave Copper some decent Frisbee throws in between supervising the boys' showers. But while he was off searching for the Frisbee, I went in to check on the boys. When I came back, Copper was no where to be found. I knew he went out for a run, and there was nothing I could do at that point. I continued bed time, and by the time I got the boys settled down in their beds Copper was cooling off on the back porch. Thank goodness.
I'm not sure how it happened, but I have another honey-do for you. We now have two broken screen doors. I saw Copper run right into and mangle the metal frame of our kitchen screen door shortly after you left. Today I just noticed that the screen in our bedroom screen door is pulled out of the bottom. I have been leaving the doors open a lot lately with the beautiful weather we have been having. Copper enjoys lying by the screen door at night, and the damage looks like it could have been his mistake again, but I didn't witness it this time. Side note: The night before last I really wanted to sleep with the doors open, but sprinklers had been running on the golf course that night and it smelled so bad that I just couldn't handle it. Bummer.
Do you remember before you left how the receiver got stuck on a song and wouldn't go back to the main menu for Pandora? It happened again. I think you were able to refresh it by unplugging it for a few minutes. It is an easy fix (which I haven't gotten around to doing yet--not a big priority), but I thought you might be interested in knowing about it.
I took care of the oil change this afternoon. I had them do the full check and everything (including tire pressure) looked fine. I will still have the tires rotated and balanced if you like. In the car today I mentioned how smudgy the windows were. Ryan offered to help me wash them this weekend. How sweet! And a great idea. I might even wash Copper while I'm at it.
I'm glad that you have been enjoying some beautiful weather. I hope you continue to have some perfect days for hiking.
Ryan asked who was taking him to baseball today: Oma? No. Daddy? (...???...) We miss you and love you.
I have been seeing Daddy Wren make more appearances lately. On my first day back I thought I saw a wren feeding the babies. Then I realized it was Dad bringing Mom a bug snack. In fact, I just witnessed Daddy Wren catch a moth that was resting on the back sliding glass door and give it a good shake-down before flying off with it. I'm sorry you're not here to witness it. I hope the wrens come back next year for you.
Our new neighbors moved in today. The moving truck was unloading when I got home from school today. I saw the mom for half a minute when I went to greet the boys off the boys. We waved and I was going to go over and say hello with the boys, but she was gone by the time we dropped their backpacks in the house. I had planned on making an apple pie this week, since it sounded good on vacation. I think I will make an extra and bring it over to the new neighbors and officially meet them.
I am thinking about talking to Tammy about my reading with Logan. I just can't keep up with it when we have a baseball game or practice the same day. That happened both Monday and Wednesday this week. It's just one more thing that eats up my time in the afternoon with the boys.
I started a 30-day challenge at the beginning of March. It was a photo-a-day challenge, with an assigned topic for each day. I liked that the topics were varied and gave little glimpses into my life.
It lasted 7 days....
I still want to finish the photo challenge, but I think I will have to start fresh in April. Going out of town twice in March messed it up.
I haven't gotten back in the groove with Copper's exercise yet and I paid for it tonight. I had to drive to school Tuesday (story time) and Wednesday (library) this week. And I elected to drive the boys on Monday since we all slept in past 7:00am after getting back late on Sunday night. Your mom gave him a run around the golf course on Monday. And I gave him my best Frisbee exercise yesterday afternoon. He just wouldn't run for me. Tonight after baseball I gave Copper some decent Frisbee throws in between supervising the boys' showers. But while he was off searching for the Frisbee, I went in to check on the boys. When I came back, Copper was no where to be found. I knew he went out for a run, and there was nothing I could do at that point. I continued bed time, and by the time I got the boys settled down in their beds Copper was cooling off on the back porch. Thank goodness.
I'm not sure how it happened, but I have another honey-do for you. We now have two broken screen doors. I saw Copper run right into and mangle the metal frame of our kitchen screen door shortly after you left. Today I just noticed that the screen in our bedroom screen door is pulled out of the bottom. I have been leaving the doors open a lot lately with the beautiful weather we have been having. Copper enjoys lying by the screen door at night, and the damage looks like it could have been his mistake again, but I didn't witness it this time. Side note: The night before last I really wanted to sleep with the doors open, but sprinklers had been running on the golf course that night and it smelled so bad that I just couldn't handle it. Bummer.
Do you remember before you left how the receiver got stuck on a song and wouldn't go back to the main menu for Pandora? It happened again. I think you were able to refresh it by unplugging it for a few minutes. It is an easy fix (which I haven't gotten around to doing yet--not a big priority), but I thought you might be interested in knowing about it.
I took care of the oil change this afternoon. I had them do the full check and everything (including tire pressure) looked fine. I will still have the tires rotated and balanced if you like. In the car today I mentioned how smudgy the windows were. Ryan offered to help me wash them this weekend. How sweet! And a great idea. I might even wash Copper while I'm at it.
I'm glad that you have been enjoying some beautiful weather. I hope you continue to have some perfect days for hiking.
Ryan asked who was taking him to baseball today: Oma? No. Daddy? (...???...) We miss you and love you.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
For Brett, From Home (3/14/12)
It's been so nice talking with you on the phone lately. You sound so upbeat. I hope that you are thoroughly enjoying the trail.
Things are continuing to go pretty well at home, but baseball is killing me. This year seems worse than others, even though I have more help than I could ask for from your parents. I feel kind of bad that I am missing so much of watching the boys play...kind of. The after-school and bedtime schedules have been difficult. I feel like I have been rushing and hounding the boys to do their homework, and rushing and hounding the boys to go to bed. And, even with my rushing they aren't getting to bed before 8:30pm each night. Not late compared to some kids, but late for our kids who wake up early and are used to a good night's rest. Ryan especially is having a hard time of it. It would be nice to have you here to help with the evening schedule. But, hopefully we can figure things out soon. Then we only have two months more of school. And, I have a whole week of Spring Break to rest up: no school, no homework, no baseball!
Spring is here for real. I have been leaving the doors open this week and have enjoyed listening to the birds going crazy in the mornings. The orange blossoms have opened up and are filling the air with their sweet scent.
I noticed the wren sitting in her nest on Monday morning, and each morning since. The nest is so high, I haven't been able to look in yet. I am also trying to respect her space and not make more of a ruckus than necessary.
Copper is doing well. We have been exercising him. A couple of nights I have had to exercise him using the Aerobie and hit a tree every two out of three throws. I am sure that Copper misses your super-throws, but he still gets excited any time he sees me pull out his flying disc. Ryan is making sure that he hugs Copper every day, and Copper doesn't seem to mind. He settles down easily with the boys when they visit your parents. And your parents have taken Copper for a run around the golf course every now and again.
Looking forward to seeing you. I hope you're ready for the invasion of space you are sure to experience.
Things are continuing to go pretty well at home, but baseball is killing me. This year seems worse than others, even though I have more help than I could ask for from your parents. I feel kind of bad that I am missing so much of watching the boys play...kind of. The after-school and bedtime schedules have been difficult. I feel like I have been rushing and hounding the boys to do their homework, and rushing and hounding the boys to go to bed. And, even with my rushing they aren't getting to bed before 8:30pm each night. Not late compared to some kids, but late for our kids who wake up early and are used to a good night's rest. Ryan especially is having a hard time of it. It would be nice to have you here to help with the evening schedule. But, hopefully we can figure things out soon. Then we only have two months more of school. And, I have a whole week of Spring Break to rest up: no school, no homework, no baseball!
Spring is here for real. I have been leaving the doors open this week and have enjoyed listening to the birds going crazy in the mornings. The orange blossoms have opened up and are filling the air with their sweet scent.
I noticed the wren sitting in her nest on Monday morning, and each morning since. The nest is so high, I haven't been able to look in yet. I am also trying to respect her space and not make more of a ruckus than necessary.
Copper is doing well. We have been exercising him. A couple of nights I have had to exercise him using the Aerobie and hit a tree every two out of three throws. I am sure that Copper misses your super-throws, but he still gets excited any time he sees me pull out his flying disc. Ryan is making sure that he hugs Copper every day, and Copper doesn't seem to mind. He settles down easily with the boys when they visit your parents. And your parents have taken Copper for a run around the golf course every now and again.
Looking forward to seeing you. I hope you're ready for the invasion of space you are sure to experience.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Dirty Sock Club
A couple of weeks ago, Ryan hung a flag on his door. Below it, a handwritten sign read, "Stay out!"
The only problem is that Ryan's flag is a sock. A previously worn sock--dirty, but not too stinky. The rule of the room which this sock-flag symbolizes is: Only people who wear dirty socks are allowed to come in.
Dealing with Ryan's dirty socks is a challenge, to be honest. He takes them off in the middle of the night and they fall behind his bed. Or, he just tosses them under his bed in the morning. About once a week I find a collection of maybe five or seven socks (odd numbers, of course). As much as seeing dirty socks around the house drives me crazy, I have allowed this dirty sock to remain, proudly hung as Ryan's flag.
The only problem is that Ryan's flag is a sock. A previously worn sock--dirty, but not too stinky. The rule of the room which this sock-flag symbolizes is: Only people who wear dirty socks are allowed to come in.
How he come up with this idea, I can not begin to guess. As bizarre as it is, I love the way this kid's mind works. It is quirky and funny. He just tickles me.
Dealing with Ryan's dirty socks is a challenge, to be honest. He takes them off in the middle of the night and they fall behind his bed. Or, he just tosses them under his bed in the morning. About once a week I find a collection of maybe five or seven socks (odd numbers, of course). As much as seeing dirty socks around the house drives me crazy, I have allowed this dirty sock to remain, proudly hung as Ryan's flag.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
For Brett, From Home (3/7/12)
It has been so nice having a little more communication with you this week. As I mentioned, I was feeling disconnected last week. It was hard not knowing the details of the life you are experiencing now. Being able to have such a nice conversation with you on Sunday really helped. Your last e-mail really topped it off, helping me feel even better. I'm sorry I wasn't very focused and had to let you off the phone quickly this afternoon. It has been a crazy day.
Today left me feeling a little stretched, and it didn't even include baseball.
12:00am - Go to bed!
6:45am - Todd's wake-up call. Time for scriptures in Mom's bed.
7:50am - Todd is still finishing last night's spelling homework (late baseball night) and hasn't eaten breakfast yet. Bagel, it is!
8:10am - Load up boys (including Logan) and drive to school
8:25am-12:00pm - Volunteer in the library (Book Fair Preview this week).
12:00am-1:00pm - Errands: bank deposit, pick up Todd's Rx, grocery store
2:30pm - Practice with Beth and Tia (as their accompanist).
3:30pm - Boys home. Empty backpacks.
4:00pm-4:40pm - Logan here for reading.
4:15pm-4:20pm - Call from you!
4:40pm-4:45pm - Another call from you!
4:45pm - Practice with Becky and Mara (as their accompanist)
5:15pm - Retrieve aerobie from tree on golf course where boys got it stuck. Bring boys home
5:45pm - Real Dinner! (beef stroganoff and roasted asparagus)
6:30pm-7:45pm - Cub Scouts for Todd. Ryan finishes homework in car. Then Mom and Ryan take Copper for walk in the neighborhood around the church.
7:50pm - Return movie.
8:15pm - Snack for boys; hurry up time for bed brush your teeth time for bed have you brushed your teeth yet are you ready for bed!? while doing dishes
8:45pm - Boys in bed. Mom time (finally).
Fortunately, not all days are like this, but some come awfully close.
As I mentioned, this past weekend was rainy. I was awakened on Saturday morning by Copper, who was crawling all over me looking for comfort during the thunderstorm. He may also have been chased up there by the boys who were unsuccessfully attempting to console him. Later that day I noticed a little scratch on my face, a battle wound from the dog pile. The rain never really let up and the boys (including Logan) were confined to the house. They had a great time playing at home. In the early afternoon they were starting to have a hard time keeping their energy in check. They set up the coffee table in the bedroom as a launch pad for the stuffed animals they were going to chuck at each other (their own version of "Angry Birds"). I'm not sure what happened, but somehow Logan fell on/knocked into/pounced on/elbowed? the coffee table, and one of the glass inserts broke. (Two honey-do's in only 2 1/2 weeks isn't bad, right?)
I had a dream about you last night. We were picking you up in Gatlinburg. You had shaved your head and had done a terrible job. There were uneven patches all over, and it looked like your hair was thinning in places (hah!). But you were in a great mood, smiling ear to ear. (Can I talk you into not totally shaving your hair when you get back? Cut, yes. Shave, no.)
I'm looking forward to going to Orlando for the Time Out for Women conference this weekend. I hope that all goes well. I'm looking forward to that spiritual, emotional, and social uplift. I reminded the boys that I was leaving tomorrow and Todd's response was, "Yay! Oma's!"
On Sunday Todd prepared a Family Home Evening lesson for us. On a sidenote we mentioned trials/problems. I reminded that boys that when they have problems, they need to turn to God in prayer. But I also told them that they also need to remember God when they don't have problems. I asked they what they could say in prayer during those times. Their answer was, "We can say, 'thank you' that we don't have any problems." I told them they could thank Heavenly Father for their blessings. A little later Todd was saying family prayer and in his prayer her thanked Heavenly Father that our family didn't have problems. On one hand it made me feel good that we are able to offer our boys a pretty good environment where they are happy, loved, and provided for (with little drama). On another hand (one that I think you will appreciate), I think having the feeling that you have no problems is a huge step towards contentment and gratitude, i.e. being happy with what you have. Isn't that what you are always preaching? Granted, Todd is still young and really doesn't have problems. But I love that he acknowledged it.
I know that your life right now is not problem-free. You must be tired and cold. But the rewards (beautiful views, camaraderie with other hikers) come precisely because you are willing to endure those hard days.
Today left me feeling a little stretched, and it didn't even include baseball.
12:00am - Go to bed!
6:45am - Todd's wake-up call. Time for scriptures in Mom's bed.
7:50am - Todd is still finishing last night's spelling homework (late baseball night) and hasn't eaten breakfast yet. Bagel, it is!
8:10am - Load up boys (including Logan) and drive to school
8:25am-12:00pm - Volunteer in the library (Book Fair Preview this week).
12:00am-1:00pm - Errands: bank deposit, pick up Todd's Rx, grocery store
2:30pm - Practice with Beth and Tia (as their accompanist).
3:30pm - Boys home. Empty backpacks.
4:00pm-4:40pm - Logan here for reading.
4:15pm-4:20pm - Call from you!
4:40pm-4:45pm - Another call from you!
4:45pm - Practice with Becky and Mara (as their accompanist)
5:15pm - Retrieve aerobie from tree on golf course where boys got it stuck. Bring boys home
5:45pm - Real Dinner! (beef stroganoff and roasted asparagus)
6:30pm-7:45pm - Cub Scouts for Todd. Ryan finishes homework in car. Then Mom and Ryan take Copper for walk in the neighborhood around the church.
7:50pm - Return movie.
8:15pm - Snack for boys; hurry up time for bed brush your teeth time for bed have you brushed your teeth yet are you ready for bed!? while doing dishes
8:45pm - Boys in bed. Mom time (finally).
Fortunately, not all days are like this, but some come awfully close.
As I mentioned, this past weekend was rainy. I was awakened on Saturday morning by Copper, who was crawling all over me looking for comfort during the thunderstorm. He may also have been chased up there by the boys who were unsuccessfully attempting to console him. Later that day I noticed a little scratch on my face, a battle wound from the dog pile. The rain never really let up and the boys (including Logan) were confined to the house. They had a great time playing at home. In the early afternoon they were starting to have a hard time keeping their energy in check. They set up the coffee table in the bedroom as a launch pad for the stuffed animals they were going to chuck at each other (their own version of "Angry Birds"). I'm not sure what happened, but somehow Logan fell on/knocked into/pounced on/elbowed? the coffee table, and one of the glass inserts broke. (Two honey-do's in only 2 1/2 weeks isn't bad, right?)
I had a dream about you last night. We were picking you up in Gatlinburg. You had shaved your head and had done a terrible job. There were uneven patches all over, and it looked like your hair was thinning in places (hah!). But you were in a great mood, smiling ear to ear. (Can I talk you into not totally shaving your hair when you get back? Cut, yes. Shave, no.)
I'm looking forward to going to Orlando for the Time Out for Women conference this weekend. I hope that all goes well. I'm looking forward to that spiritual, emotional, and social uplift. I reminded the boys that I was leaving tomorrow and Todd's response was, "Yay! Oma's!"
On Sunday Todd prepared a Family Home Evening lesson for us. On a sidenote we mentioned trials/problems. I reminded that boys that when they have problems, they need to turn to God in prayer. But I also told them that they also need to remember God when they don't have problems. I asked they what they could say in prayer during those times. Their answer was, "We can say, 'thank you' that we don't have any problems." I told them they could thank Heavenly Father for their blessings. A little later Todd was saying family prayer and in his prayer her thanked Heavenly Father that our family didn't have problems. On one hand it made me feel good that we are able to offer our boys a pretty good environment where they are happy, loved, and provided for (with little drama). On another hand (one that I think you will appreciate), I think having the feeling that you have no problems is a huge step towards contentment and gratitude, i.e. being happy with what you have. Isn't that what you are always preaching? Granted, Todd is still young and really doesn't have problems. But I love that he acknowledged it.
I know that your life right now is not problem-free. You must be tired and cold. But the rewards (beautiful views, camaraderie with other hikers) come precisely because you are willing to endure those hard days.
For Becca, From Brett (via e-mail 3/5/12)
Made the big climb out of NOC today. It was not as bad as I expected. Cold tonight, around 10 degrees. We will see how the bag keeps warm. Should be in Fontana Dam Wednesday afternoon. Cold day today. Ice all around, but spirits are high (as long as it is not wet). Looking forward to seeing you in two weeks. I love you and really feel your support. I hope everything around the house is not too much. I know you are the best thing that has happened to me. I think about you all the time out here. I wish you were here with me. There are a lot of things that you would like. The views are really nice. I am glad there are no leaves out yet so you can see a lot. I am crawling in bed with a hot water bottle tonight. I love you and you are a good hun. Good night. I bet you are glad that I am gone and you are not fighting the cold house. I have all the cold sleeps I need right now.
Photo Challenge #6 - Chores
A good day is when I have finished all this (dinner, dishes, and counters) before 8:00pm.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Photo Challenge #5 - Something You Love
Finding pictures on my camera not taken by me:
seeing the "special things" through the eyes of a child.
Also:
words of affirmation
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Photo Challenge #2 - Water
Feeling blah. This is the "water" I notice. Another day I might have motivated myself to do something about this.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Ryan Recycles
A tiny token engraved with the word "crazy," a lug nut, fuzzy orange pom poms, a pipe cleaner, plastic goodly eyes, a yellow highlighter, a broken pencil, beads, a piece of rope, a buckle, a bouncy ball, an empty water bottle, a doohicky, a thingamabob, and a whatchamacallit . . .
Mom [after looking at the "crazy token" Ryan found on the bus]: Ryan, you find some very interesting things.
Ryan: Yeah. I like to recycle. . . It's good for the earth.
Ryan told me that he was supposed to make a project for school out of recycled items, but I haven't seen anything come home telling about this project. It may only have been a suggestion, but you can be sure that Ryan has been asking me every day this week about this project. I guess I know something we will be doing this weekend.
Update: Not long after having this conversation with Ryan, he made me this special note.
Mom [after looking at the "crazy token" Ryan found on the bus]: Ryan, you find some very interesting things.
Ryan: Yeah. I like to recycle. . . It's good for the earth.
Ryan told me that he was supposed to make a project for school out of recycled items, but I haven't seen anything come home telling about this project. It may only have been a suggestion, but you can be sure that Ryan has been asking me every day this week about this project. I guess I know something we will be doing this weekend.
Update: Not long after having this conversation with Ryan, he made me this special note.
Time With Todd
On Wednesday I skimmed an article that talked about some things we can do to help our families be functional (as opposed to dysfunctional). It mentioned being intentional about the way we express ourselves towards our children. I thought about how I could do a better job of spending quality time with my boys. I spend time with them; I talk to them; I sing a song to them and tuck them in bed at night; I read scriptures with them in the morning; I attend class parties and special functions; I try to make them good meals, including the occasional just-for-fun foods (like the star-shaped chicken hand pies we had for dinner last week) and encourage family mealtimes. But so often I feel like many of my activities with them are rushed.
It made me feel good when I thought about the past few days; I recognized two times that I slowed down for Todd. Ryan is an easy one to snuggle with and feel close to. Even today when I was in Ryan's classroom to watch his presentation he was sitting in my lap. (There weren't enough chairs to go around and that was an easy and mutually agreeable solution.) Todd really enjoys one-on-one time, but he doesn't always get it. I had been feeling like we have been really busy, and I wanted to play some games with the boys on Sunday. We played a game of Scattegories Junior with Jen. After she left I let Todd pick a game. Todd picked the game Life. I ever-so-slightly rolled my eyes, but agreed. I'm so glad that I did. We ended up having a really nice game together. I know that it means a lot to Todd when someone takes time to play with him, whether it is a board game or a backyard game of football or tether ball (like Papa played with him on Tuesday afternoon).
I had another opportunity to spend time with Todd Tuesday evening. On Wednesday there was a special dinner for the Cub Scouts called the Blue and Gold Banquet. All the boys were invited to make and decorate a cake. I felt like Todd should do as much as possible on his own. Knowing that he has little experience in the kitchen (because I don't have the patience to cook often with my children) I knew it would take a while. I wanted it to be good experience so I added some songs to a new playlist I called "Cooking With Todd," and I let Todd add some songs as well. Having the music helped me relax and have more fun with the activity. Todd impressed me with how well he knew his way around the kitchen finding all of the ingredients and the measure spoons and cups. He did a great job and we both had fun with it.
On Wednesday we decorated the cake. We were running a little late after school trying to get everything done, so I did feel a little rushed. But, Todd still decorated the cake using his own design and was really proud of the final product. I need to let the boys cook with me in the kitchen more.
Whenever I do something right with my boys I think, "I'm so glad that I am helping to create such a positive memory for them." It would behoove me to ask myself, "What kind of memory am I creating for them?" during those times that I allow things to get too rushed and show impatience with them. I want them to have and to remember a mom who took time with them.
It made me feel good when I thought about the past few days; I recognized two times that I slowed down for Todd. Ryan is an easy one to snuggle with and feel close to. Even today when I was in Ryan's classroom to watch his presentation he was sitting in my lap. (There weren't enough chairs to go around and that was an easy and mutually agreeable solution.) Todd really enjoys one-on-one time, but he doesn't always get it. I had been feeling like we have been really busy, and I wanted to play some games with the boys on Sunday. We played a game of Scattegories Junior with Jen. After she left I let Todd pick a game. Todd picked the game Life. I ever-so-slightly rolled my eyes, but agreed. I'm so glad that I did. We ended up having a really nice game together. I know that it means a lot to Todd when someone takes time to play with him, whether it is a board game or a backyard game of football or tether ball (like Papa played with him on Tuesday afternoon).
I had another opportunity to spend time with Todd Tuesday evening. On Wednesday there was a special dinner for the Cub Scouts called the Blue and Gold Banquet. All the boys were invited to make and decorate a cake. I felt like Todd should do as much as possible on his own. Knowing that he has little experience in the kitchen (because I don't have the patience to cook often with my children) I knew it would take a while. I wanted it to be good experience so I added some songs to a new playlist I called "Cooking With Todd," and I let Todd add some songs as well. Having the music helped me relax and have more fun with the activity. Todd impressed me with how well he knew his way around the kitchen finding all of the ingredients and the measure spoons and cups. He did a great job and we both had fun with it.
On Wednesday we decorated the cake. We were running a little late after school trying to get everything done, so I did feel a little rushed. But, Todd still decorated the cake using his own design and was really proud of the final product. I need to let the boys cook with me in the kitchen more.
Photo Challenge #1 - Something That Makes Me Smile
I have been in the mood to do a photo challenge. I saw a friend post a photo challenge she is doing during for March on Facebook yesterday. Each day gives you a different subject to photograph. It sounds like fun. Let's see how long I can keep it up.
The silly facial expressions bring a smile to my face every time.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
For Brett, From Home (3/1/12)
We booked the cabin. And it is pet-friendly. You'll get to see Copper (and the rest of us) in just about two weeks!
I'm getting a little anxious. I haven't seen the wrens in the garage since the day they got stuck in the house. I hope they didn't get spooked.
I had some jobs around the house and didn't want to get sucked in to the TV, so I turned on NPR using the BlueRay player. I always forget about turning it on. I listened to a couple of Fresh Air programs while I did the dishes and mopped the kitchen floor. It was perfect. (Bonus: Listening to NPR always makes me feel smarter!--Except for CarTalk. That just makes me laugh and laugh.)
I am playing the piano for someone on Sunday, and it is a pretty tough piece of music. I started practicing it today, and I practiced hard. The side tip of my right pinky has key-burn. (I just coined that phrase.) I had been thinking about picking up the guitar again, but now I feel too injured. Wah.
You may not be here, but I got a certain satisfaction using one of your boots to squash a huge spider tonight.
I'm getting a little anxious. I haven't seen the wrens in the garage since the day they got stuck in the house. I hope they didn't get spooked.
I had some jobs around the house and didn't want to get sucked in to the TV, so I turned on NPR using the BlueRay player. I always forget about turning it on. I listened to a couple of Fresh Air programs while I did the dishes and mopped the kitchen floor. It was perfect. (Bonus: Listening to NPR always makes me feel smarter!--Except for CarTalk. That just makes me laugh and laugh.)
I am playing the piano for someone on Sunday, and it is a pretty tough piece of music. I started practicing it today, and I practiced hard. The side tip of my right pinky has key-burn. (I just coined that phrase.) I had been thinking about picking up the guitar again, but now I feel too injured. Wah.
You may not be here, but I got a certain satisfaction using one of your boots to squash a huge spider tonight.
Draft from 2011: Baseball Ends, Summer Begins
I have a few posts that I started (some from a loooong time ago) and never finished. They are saved as drafts; some are very short and some are nearly finished. I am going to finish and post some of them from time to time, just to review what you may have missed. This is a post from 2011 (the year I didn't blog!).
All this draft had was a title and these photos.
We are in the middle of baseball season right now. It is a hard time for me. Between chorus practice on Monday nights, piano lessons on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and Cub Scouts/church on Wednesday nights--adding baseball to the mix makes me feel a little out of control. I complain about it quite a bit during the four months of the season. But I continue to let my boys sign up because they really enjoy playing, I think it's good for them to play on a team and learn to work with new people-kids and adults alike, and it's only four months, right?
But, I am glad when it is over and we get our life back. I love the slow and easy summer day these photos represent. It gives me hope that we will make it through this baseball season, just as we have the others, and I will be able to relax and enjoy time my boys again.
All this draft had was a title and these photos.
We are in the middle of baseball season right now. It is a hard time for me. Between chorus practice on Monday nights, piano lessons on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and Cub Scouts/church on Wednesday nights--adding baseball to the mix makes me feel a little out of control. I complain about it quite a bit during the four months of the season. But I continue to let my boys sign up because they really enjoy playing, I think it's good for them to play on a team and learn to work with new people-kids and adults alike, and it's only four months, right?
But, I am glad when it is over and we get our life back. I love the slow and easy summer day these photos represent. It gives me hope that we will make it through this baseball season, just as we have the others, and I will be able to relax and enjoy time my boys again.
The Golden Rule
Poor little Ryan came home from school and shared a bad experience from his day. First of all, this morning his class presented their oral presentations for Black History month. Ryan talked about Jackie Robinson, and I thought he did a great job. A volunteer took pictures and filmed the students. Ryan was one of the students featured on the end of the day school news program. Apparently, he found that embarrassing. Then he told me that the lunch lady laughed at him and called him a baby. I was a little confused until Ryan clarified that these were two unrelated incidents.
I made a mix-up when packing the lunches before school. Ryan got something Todd had picked out for lunch, and Ryan expressed his dislike. I imagine it was something like a very whiny "I didn't want those fruit nuggets in my lunch." The lunch lady who was standing nearby addressed his ingratitude and said something along the lines of, "Don't be such a baby." At least, this is the story I get from Ryan. Whatever was said and however it was said was hurtful enough that Ryan broke down and cried telling me the story. I tried to tell Ryan that the lunch lady probably hears whiny, ungrateful kids all day long and might have said something hurtful unintentionally because she was out of patience. But, even when I tried to look at the situation from her point of view, I still can't imagine that her words were justifiable.
It saddens me to hear name-calling. It especially hurts my heart to hear an adult calling a child names. Even when a child is being a little whiny or even a little obnoxious, name-calling has no place. I don't think adults realize how hurtful it is to call a child a "baby" (how often do you hear that??) "sissy" (I heard that one a week ago), "candy" (a new one I heard that over the weekend), telling a boy he is "acting like a girl" and so on.
Later in the evening Ryan brought up the Golden Rule. He pointed out that the lunch lady knows the Golden Rule. (I bet she has at least heard of it.) So, why would she treat someone a way that she wouldn't want to be treated? Good question. I think we are all guilty of saying something we later regret.
I used this as opportunity to remind my boys (and myself) how much our words can affect others. I am reminded of this great quote:
"Unless what you are about to say or do has a high probability for making things better, don't say it and don't do it" (Dr. Glenn I. Latham, "The Power of Positive Parenting").
I made a mix-up when packing the lunches before school. Ryan got something Todd had picked out for lunch, and Ryan expressed his dislike. I imagine it was something like a very whiny "I didn't want those fruit nuggets in my lunch." The lunch lady who was standing nearby addressed his ingratitude and said something along the lines of, "Don't be such a baby." At least, this is the story I get from Ryan. Whatever was said and however it was said was hurtful enough that Ryan broke down and cried telling me the story. I tried to tell Ryan that the lunch lady probably hears whiny, ungrateful kids all day long and might have said something hurtful unintentionally because she was out of patience. But, even when I tried to look at the situation from her point of view, I still can't imagine that her words were justifiable.
It saddens me to hear name-calling. It especially hurts my heart to hear an adult calling a child names. Even when a child is being a little whiny or even a little obnoxious, name-calling has no place. I don't think adults realize how hurtful it is to call a child a "baby" (how often do you hear that??) "sissy" (I heard that one a week ago), "candy" (a new one I heard that over the weekend), telling a boy he is "acting like a girl" and so on.
Later in the evening Ryan brought up the Golden Rule. He pointed out that the lunch lady knows the Golden Rule. (I bet she has at least heard of it.) So, why would she treat someone a way that she wouldn't want to be treated? Good question. I think we are all guilty of saying something we later regret.
I used this as opportunity to remind my boys (and myself) how much our words can affect others. I am reminded of this great quote:
"Unless what you are about to say or do has a high probability for making things better, don't say it and don't do it" (Dr. Glenn I. Latham, "The Power of Positive Parenting").
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