My kids could not be more opposite than they are than when it comes to their eating habits. With, of course, the exception of dessert, and then they are pretty uniform in wanting anything and everything, and more of it PLEASE. They also have similar tastes in Mac N' Cheese, chicken nuggets, and pizza. Dinner is a whole different story.
I think making one dish, instead of two, would save me a whole lot of time time and effort. The Girl will eat any and all fruits, veggies, salads, pastas, and rices. She will not, however, eat much protein...willingly. Especially if said protein is red meat. The Little Man will eat all protein. Especially if said protein is red meat. For him, he would prefer you skip his plate when the veggies and fruit make their rounds. He'll take some pastas or rice, but please, oh please, no potatoes for this little guy. You've never seen someone gag as much as he does when it comes to eating a food that is virtually choke proof. You would have thought you gave the child worms to eat.
As they both sat there and said, almost in unison, "I can't do this anymore. I don't want anymore dinner!" I looked at their plates. The Girl's plate was full of steak. The Little Man's plate had mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.
They would have been in heaven had I asked them to switch plates.
I wouldn't be a good parent if I allowed that to happen.
No, instead I just sat there and watched as they gagged down what remained of their dinners, and thought to myself, "This is a blog-able moment."
Because even though I am on the verge of watching my children throw-up, I am thinking about this blog.
I am all about commitment.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Scissors Will Keep Him Coming Back for More
Today, my Little Man became...well, more of a Little Man. He has been waiting for this day all summer, and for the last two weeks been counting down the days until today finally came. It was the first day of school.
All summer long, every time we would pass his preschool, he would holler out, "There's my school!" with so much pride I just knew he was going to be a pro on his first day of preschool. He did not disappoint, not even the slightest bit.
This morning he popped right out of bed and said, "This is the day I get to go to school like a big boy!" Then he got mad because I chose to make pancakes for the special day and it turned out he just wanted a breakfast bar.
Geesh, you try to make a day special...
He was the most excited about getting to wear his backpack. He has wanted one of his own for so long now. He has been wearing sister's for the last year, and FINALLY the day came when he got to pick out his own.
See how proud he is of his Diego backpack:
I was surprised, and a little proud myself, when I shed not a single tear. I guess it was just so fun to see him finally getting to do something he's wanted to do for so long. I didn't even think about my own emotions and the whole, "My baby, my last baby, is going to school". I just was so happy to see him happy.
Happy Boy walking up to the school building:
Once we got there, he didn't even hesitate for one second. Some mothers comforted their children as they cried for them not to leave. The other mothers, while their children were not crying, did still need to reassure their kids that they were coming back, and it would only be a little while. The Little Man marched right in and found the play dough table and started getting to work. I told him I was leaving, and he didn't even look up. He just said, "Bye, Mom," and kept on working.
I guess I could feel OK in the fact that he isn't afraid he is going to get left, but feeling a little needed, and your child wanting a little love from you wouldn't be the worst thing in the world either. Thankfully, when I came to pick him up, he was very happy to see me. He told me all about how he used the potty by himself today, and didn't forget to mention what good aim he had all by himself.
Proud moment.
He also was very excited about the fact that he did an art project with glue. You know that's special, and only allowed at school. Same thing goes for scissors. And really anything too messy like glitter, play dough, and paint.
That's why I pay them the big bucks.
Plus, it helps to entice the kids to go to school knowing the joys of a cut and paste project awaits. And it worked because The Little Man talked all about his art project and the glue sticks and scissors he had to use to make it. He was in cut and paste heaven.
Did I mention how nice it was to come home to a quiet house. I guess it would have been sad if it would've been for longer than two hours, but knowing I only had a short time helped me to sit back and relax. I didn't even think about missing them for one second. Mostly, because I didn't have enough time too, but also because it was just nice to sit and listen to music, and when the phone rang, I talked. I could hear what the other person was saying, and then I was able to process the conversation, and talk back to them.
It was beautiful.
By the time I noticed the dog was sad, and wondering where everyone was, it was time to go get them.
I guess I could get used to this new life...our new school life.
All summer long, every time we would pass his preschool, he would holler out, "There's my school!" with so much pride I just knew he was going to be a pro on his first day of preschool. He did not disappoint, not even the slightest bit.
This morning he popped right out of bed and said, "This is the day I get to go to school like a big boy!" Then he got mad because I chose to make pancakes for the special day and it turned out he just wanted a breakfast bar.
Geesh, you try to make a day special...
He was the most excited about getting to wear his backpack. He has wanted one of his own for so long now. He has been wearing sister's for the last year, and FINALLY the day came when he got to pick out his own.
See how proud he is of his Diego backpack:
I was surprised, and a little proud myself, when I shed not a single tear. I guess it was just so fun to see him finally getting to do something he's wanted to do for so long. I didn't even think about my own emotions and the whole, "My baby, my last baby, is going to school". I just was so happy to see him happy.
Happy Boy walking up to the school building:
Once we got there, he didn't even hesitate for one second. Some mothers comforted their children as they cried for them not to leave. The other mothers, while their children were not crying, did still need to reassure their kids that they were coming back, and it would only be a little while. The Little Man marched right in and found the play dough table and started getting to work. I told him I was leaving, and he didn't even look up. He just said, "Bye, Mom," and kept on working.
I guess I could feel OK in the fact that he isn't afraid he is going to get left, but feeling a little needed, and your child wanting a little love from you wouldn't be the worst thing in the world either. Thankfully, when I came to pick him up, he was very happy to see me. He told me all about how he used the potty by himself today, and didn't forget to mention what good aim he had all by himself.
Proud moment.
He also was very excited about the fact that he did an art project with glue. You know that's special, and only allowed at school. Same thing goes for scissors. And really anything too messy like glitter, play dough, and paint.
That's why I pay them the big bucks.
Plus, it helps to entice the kids to go to school knowing the joys of a cut and paste project awaits. And it worked because The Little Man talked all about his art project and the glue sticks and scissors he had to use to make it. He was in cut and paste heaven.
Did I mention how nice it was to come home to a quiet house. I guess it would have been sad if it would've been for longer than two hours, but knowing I only had a short time helped me to sit back and relax. I didn't even think about missing them for one second. Mostly, because I didn't have enough time too, but also because it was just nice to sit and listen to music, and when the phone rang, I talked. I could hear what the other person was saying, and then I was able to process the conversation, and talk back to them.
It was beautiful.
By the time I noticed the dog was sad, and wondering where everyone was, it was time to go get them.
I guess I could get used to this new life...our new school life.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I'll Refrain from Using Excerpts from Wizard of Oz
It was a normal day. Church, chores, dinner out with my family...oh, and a tornado.
Hubby took this picture with his Crackberry while we were enjoying a yummy Mexican dinner with my Mom and Dad out in their small town 10 miles Southeast of our home.
There we were, my mom and I, loading up another fajita when Hubby said, "Is that a warning coming over the radio?" At the same time as he said that, I had looked out the window and saw that little lovely making its way to the ground.
No worries, we were far enough away to be safe.
(I guess that isn't an expert opinion, but I am guessing we weren't in any imminent danger as no one else in the restaurant took cover, but instead ran outside with their cameras/camera phones to take pictures).
The kids were extremely interested in all that was going on. The Girl could not get enough. She was so sure that it was coming straight for us. She got The Little Man worked up enough for him to exclaim loudly to all the other patrons of the restaurant, "The tornado is coming right for us! It's going to suck us all up!" Thankfully, he only said it once, and it didn't cause anyone to have a heart-attack.
The Girl had this funnel cloud worked into some sort of super sucking and throwing monster in about four seconds. She was sure that when the tornado came for us it was going to suck us up with the car and spit us out, "all the way to Australia". We assured her that 1. We were not going to get sucked up into the tornado, and 2. Tornado's can't, "spit you out all the way to Australia". She seemed happy with that and then decided instead, if the tornado couldn't, "spit us out in Australia", surely it was strong enough to spit us back out at home. It would be like a little amusement ride in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more she decided that it may be the quickest way home. In fact, to save time, we should just hitch a ride on the tornado.
After a few minutes of reassuring both kids that the tornado was gone, tornadoes can't pick you up and spit you out across the world or even into the next city, that they were both safe now, and that no one was hitching a ride anywhere on any tornadoes, both kids calmed down right away.
Just in time for the radio to do an emergency flash flood warning.
The next half hour was spent explaining that the neighborhood wasn't going to turn into an ocean and that none of us were going to be floating away.
If I could have just a tiny glimpse into her mind, I think I would be blown away.
Maybe all the way to Australia.
Hubby took this picture with his Crackberry while we were enjoying a yummy Mexican dinner with my Mom and Dad out in their small town 10 miles Southeast of our home.
There we were, my mom and I, loading up another fajita when Hubby said, "Is that a warning coming over the radio?" At the same time as he said that, I had looked out the window and saw that little lovely making its way to the ground.
No worries, we were far enough away to be safe.
(I guess that isn't an expert opinion, but I am guessing we weren't in any imminent danger as no one else in the restaurant took cover, but instead ran outside with their cameras/camera phones to take pictures).
The kids were extremely interested in all that was going on. The Girl could not get enough. She was so sure that it was coming straight for us. She got The Little Man worked up enough for him to exclaim loudly to all the other patrons of the restaurant, "The tornado is coming right for us! It's going to suck us all up!" Thankfully, he only said it once, and it didn't cause anyone to have a heart-attack.
The Girl had this funnel cloud worked into some sort of super sucking and throwing monster in about four seconds. She was sure that when the tornado came for us it was going to suck us up with the car and spit us out, "all the way to Australia". We assured her that 1. We were not going to get sucked up into the tornado, and 2. Tornado's can't, "spit you out all the way to Australia". She seemed happy with that and then decided instead, if the tornado couldn't, "spit us out in Australia", surely it was strong enough to spit us back out at home. It would be like a little amusement ride in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more she decided that it may be the quickest way home. In fact, to save time, we should just hitch a ride on the tornado.
After a few minutes of reassuring both kids that the tornado was gone, tornadoes can't pick you up and spit you out across the world or even into the next city, that they were both safe now, and that no one was hitching a ride anywhere on any tornadoes, both kids calmed down right away.
Just in time for the radio to do an emergency flash flood warning.
The next half hour was spent explaining that the neighborhood wasn't going to turn into an ocean and that none of us were going to be floating away.
If I could have just a tiny glimpse into her mind, I think I would be blown away.
Maybe all the way to Australia.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I Just Couldn't Leave Well Enough Alone
Remember my post about playing baseball with the kids? Well, we played again tonight. Hubby wanted to see the kids in action, and since he used to play baseball himself, he thought it would be a good time to give some pointers.
At first, I just sat back and watched, enjoying the family time together. I was also enjoying the fact that it wasn't me chasing after the ball and fighting with the kids as to who's turn it was next. I was a casual and peaceful observer. Then, I thought, "You know, I would like some video and pictures of this fun evening we are sharing together."
I managed to catch this on video.
Didn't I already know that was going to happen? Thankfully, no one was injured, but did you see how close that thing came to my face? Maybe not because really all you see is the flinching part, but it did indeed come very close to hitting my face.
I figured since I already had a close encounter, I may as well keep on pushing the envelope, and I just kept on video taping because, let's face it, if I don't video tape who will? Also, if I don't video tape and take pictures, then I get wrangled into being the ball girl, and I've already been there and done that this week. Thankfully, I was brave enough to take one for the team, and be the videographer. That's when I caught this triumphant moment. I think he does pretty well for a three year old, and since baseball is a summer sport (mostly), he will be allowed to play.
(Our rules for which sports our kids are allowed to play aren't really based on if the sport is dangerous or could be harmful, but mostly on what season they are in because I am a weenie, and I don't want to sit out in the cold and snow to watch any sort of practice or games.)
(I believe that style of parenting is not generally grouped together with the other styles of parenting that have anything to do with self-sacrifice.)
(I'm going to hang onto this rule until my children call me out on it. Plus, there are so many wonderful warm weather sports, I hope they will find one they really like and not want to be apart of any of those cold weather sports.)
(Yes, I know I live in a cold and wintry state, and the likelihood of me watching a game in the cold is very high. It's about as high as my chance of my kids wanting to play a cold weather sport, but I am trying hard to guide them in a different direction.)
(Plus, The Girl has played a winter sport. She played basketball. That sport is right where it should be in the winter, indoors.)
(Obviously, I feel extremely guilty about this rule and I am trying to justify it, so I will just stop now.)
At first, I just sat back and watched, enjoying the family time together. I was also enjoying the fact that it wasn't me chasing after the ball and fighting with the kids as to who's turn it was next. I was a casual and peaceful observer. Then, I thought, "You know, I would like some video and pictures of this fun evening we are sharing together."
I managed to catch this on video.
Didn't I already know that was going to happen? Thankfully, no one was injured, but did you see how close that thing came to my face? Maybe not because really all you see is the flinching part, but it did indeed come very close to hitting my face.
I figured since I already had a close encounter, I may as well keep on pushing the envelope, and I just kept on video taping because, let's face it, if I don't video tape who will? Also, if I don't video tape and take pictures, then I get wrangled into being the ball girl, and I've already been there and done that this week. Thankfully, I was brave enough to take one for the team, and be the videographer. That's when I caught this triumphant moment. I think he does pretty well for a three year old, and since baseball is a summer sport (mostly), he will be allowed to play.
(Our rules for which sports our kids are allowed to play aren't really based on if the sport is dangerous or could be harmful, but mostly on what season they are in because I am a weenie, and I don't want to sit out in the cold and snow to watch any sort of practice or games.)
(I believe that style of parenting is not generally grouped together with the other styles of parenting that have anything to do with self-sacrifice.)
(I'm going to hang onto this rule until my children call me out on it. Plus, there are so many wonderful warm weather sports, I hope they will find one they really like and not want to be apart of any of those cold weather sports.)
(Yes, I know I live in a cold and wintry state, and the likelihood of me watching a game in the cold is very high. It's about as high as my chance of my kids wanting to play a cold weather sport, but I am trying hard to guide them in a different direction.)
(Plus, The Girl has played a winter sport. She played basketball. That sport is right where it should be in the winter, indoors.)
(Obviously, I feel extremely guilty about this rule and I am trying to justify it, so I will just stop now.)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
She's Doing Free Consultations Until the End of Kindergarten
The Girl realized today that she LOVES to talk on the phone. Before today she has had a few random phone calls that have come in just for her. Mostly birthday wishes or a congrats for a special day/occasion. Today though, she got a call from her cousin, just because.
She lit up, like all the other times in the past, when I told her the phone was for her. Then it was this whole thing of, "For me? Really? Me?" And, "Well, who would call me? Who is it?" And again with the "Me? The phone is for me?" All said with a smile and a bit of drama. You do know that The Girl has been described as dramatic by some, right?
At first she put the phone up to her ear and was kind of shy and quiet, "Hello?" Then that melted in about half a second when she realized it was her cousin on the other line and he wanted to ask her some questions about Rattlesnakes and Kindergarten. He's going to his first day of Kindergarten tomorrow, and he thought he should ask the pro. Apparently, he thought he was going to the pro with his Rattlesnake question as well. I don't think she let him down.
Her side of the conversation went like this:
"Oh, Rattlesnakes? Ya, I know about them."
Pause.
"Oh, well they have this rattle on the end of their tails, and when they get mad they will shake that rattle at you to give you a warning. If you don't listen to that warning and don't respect their space then watch out! If they keep rattling and decide they are done rattling next they will curl up and the BAM they will reach out and bite you with big fangs. Their bite will inject venom into your blood, and then if you don't go to the doctor, you will die!"
Pause.
"Ya, that's what they do."
She went on to talk about how she hasn't seen one in real life, but she has seen them on TV and in some books she got from the library. She also gave him a good encouraging chat about Kindergarten, her garden, how to catch moths the correct way, and how her bug garden/swimming area was coming along. Oh ya, she also talked about how to collect rain in a rain gauge so you could measure how much water all the plants and bugs were getting.
She was just about to start another really random topic when her cousin cut her off and asked to talk with The Little Man.
Smart kid.
I think when he asked his mom if he could use the phone, he thought that he would be able to do some of the talking.
After non-stop chat about science and Kindergarten, and not getting a word in edgewise, he realized if he was going to get to do any talking he better get the three year old boy on the phone. All The Little Man had to say was, "Oh hi, Cousin." and "Wha'chu do today?" and then a few "Uh-huh"'s were thrown in to show he hadn't left his post.
When The Girl got off the phone, she was glowing and said, "I just looooove talking on the phone!"
Really.
I better get an additional line put in the house.
She lit up, like all the other times in the past, when I told her the phone was for her. Then it was this whole thing of, "For me? Really? Me?" And, "Well, who would call me? Who is it?" And again with the "Me? The phone is for me?" All said with a smile and a bit of drama. You do know that The Girl has been described as dramatic by some, right?
At first she put the phone up to her ear and was kind of shy and quiet, "Hello?" Then that melted in about half a second when she realized it was her cousin on the other line and he wanted to ask her some questions about Rattlesnakes and Kindergarten. He's going to his first day of Kindergarten tomorrow, and he thought he should ask the pro. Apparently, he thought he was going to the pro with his Rattlesnake question as well. I don't think she let him down.
Her side of the conversation went like this:
"Oh, Rattlesnakes? Ya, I know about them."
Pause.
"Oh, well they have this rattle on the end of their tails, and when they get mad they will shake that rattle at you to give you a warning. If you don't listen to that warning and don't respect their space then watch out! If they keep rattling and decide they are done rattling next they will curl up and the BAM they will reach out and bite you with big fangs. Their bite will inject venom into your blood, and then if you don't go to the doctor, you will die!"
Pause.
"Ya, that's what they do."
She went on to talk about how she hasn't seen one in real life, but she has seen them on TV and in some books she got from the library. She also gave him a good encouraging chat about Kindergarten, her garden, how to catch moths the correct way, and how her bug garden/swimming area was coming along. Oh ya, she also talked about how to collect rain in a rain gauge so you could measure how much water all the plants and bugs were getting.
She was just about to start another really random topic when her cousin cut her off and asked to talk with The Little Man.
Smart kid.
I think when he asked his mom if he could use the phone, he thought that he would be able to do some of the talking.
After non-stop chat about science and Kindergarten, and not getting a word in edgewise, he realized if he was going to get to do any talking he better get the three year old boy on the phone. All The Little Man had to say was, "Oh hi, Cousin." and "Wha'chu do today?" and then a few "Uh-huh"'s were thrown in to show he hadn't left his post.
When The Girl got off the phone, she was glowing and said, "I just looooove talking on the phone!"
Really.
I better get an additional line put in the house.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
We Managed to Stay Injury Free
I realized that we haven't been taking advantage of the beautiful summer weather as much as we should. We had three straight days of yucky rain and pretty cool temps. It was at that moment I was afraid the season had changed, and I didn't get to say goodbye to summer. No more messing around. We are going to soak it in as long as we can from here on out.
I made the kids go outside today after lunch. They were actually excited as well. I guess it had been a long time since we'd been outside to play. Why do we take the beautiful weather for granted come the end of the summer? They did their usual things; The Girl looking for bugs and mud, and The Little Man trying to find rocks to throw.
Then The Little Man went into the garage and found his baseball bat and ball. He came out with a gleaming grin on his face and said, "This is my baseball bat and ball dat Grandma gave me for my birdday!" Then he went on to ask, "Do you want to pway with me and use my stuff?"
How do you say no to that?
As The Little Man and I got started, with me throwing the ball and he trying to hit the ball, The Girl saw what we were doing, and quickly wanted to join in on the action. So I made her the catcher. Each child got 10 swings before they had to give up the bat for their sibling to have a turn.
First, I wished I had a camera. I also wish that the camera had someone else behind it besides me. I would have loved to see us. I also would love to have that memory as a picture. After thinking about how I wished I had a camera and what we would look like, I also couldn't help but think of America's Funniest Videos.
Weird, but true.
I can blame it on my Spin instructor who put an AFV video on this morning in class.
Seriously though, I kept thinking about all the videos I have seen where there is this cute little family just trying to have some fun playing America's favorite past time. Then WHAM-O! Someone gets hit in the head, gut, or crotch with either the bat or ball. Somehow, there was a camera there taking in all the footage to keep for all of time, and now is trying to win money as a result of their injury.
Even though there wasn't a camera present, I thought about what was going on. We had a mom, a five and a half year old, and a three year old...and we were playing baseball.
I made everyone take a few steps back and away from one another before we continued on.
I made the kids go outside today after lunch. They were actually excited as well. I guess it had been a long time since we'd been outside to play. Why do we take the beautiful weather for granted come the end of the summer? They did their usual things; The Girl looking for bugs and mud, and The Little Man trying to find rocks to throw.
Then The Little Man went into the garage and found his baseball bat and ball. He came out with a gleaming grin on his face and said, "This is my baseball bat and ball dat Grandma gave me for my birdday!" Then he went on to ask, "Do you want to pway with me and use my stuff?"
How do you say no to that?
As The Little Man and I got started, with me throwing the ball and he trying to hit the ball, The Girl saw what we were doing, and quickly wanted to join in on the action. So I made her the catcher. Each child got 10 swings before they had to give up the bat for their sibling to have a turn.
First, I wished I had a camera. I also wish that the camera had someone else behind it besides me. I would have loved to see us. I also would love to have that memory as a picture. After thinking about how I wished I had a camera and what we would look like, I also couldn't help but think of America's Funniest Videos.
Weird, but true.
I can blame it on my Spin instructor who put an AFV video on this morning in class.
Seriously though, I kept thinking about all the videos I have seen where there is this cute little family just trying to have some fun playing America's favorite past time. Then WHAM-O! Someone gets hit in the head, gut, or crotch with either the bat or ball. Somehow, there was a camera there taking in all the footage to keep for all of time, and now is trying to win money as a result of their injury.
Even though there wasn't a camera present, I thought about what was going on. We had a mom, a five and a half year old, and a three year old...and we were playing baseball.
I made everyone take a few steps back and away from one another before we continued on.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Some Girls Like to Play with Barbies
I still make The Girl take a nap everyday. I know, I am pushing my luck, but she doesn't know any better than at 2:00 pm everyday the whole world take naps. I don't plan on cluing her in anytime soon that it's just her and her brother and the infant/baby crowd. I know that she usually only sleeps one or two times a week, but the quiet time just to herself is needed regardless of if she chooses to sleep or not. Plus, the quiet house helps her brother take a nap, and for him, napping isn't an option.
Oh ya, and did I mention that's when I regain all sanity lost up until that point in the day.
So ya, naps are a requirement for everyone in this home.
Today, she enlightened me as to what she was up to while she was in her room for two hours.
D: Mom, I didn't sleep today. I just rested.
me: That's fine. It's important to get rest.
D: Ya, I just read some books.
me: That's a great choice for nap time. It's nice and quiet.
D: I decided not to wait for you to read me that chapter book. You know that one we got from the library?
me: Really? What do you mean?
D: I mean I just got started on it without you. I read chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4, and then half of chapter 5.
me: You read all of that by yourself?
D: Ya, I guess I can read chapter books all by myself...
Great! Couple that with her not wanting me to walk her into school anymore, and I am pretty much useless these days.
The more they grow up, the more I realize I am not really cut out for this whole "Mommy" business.
Oh ya, and did I mention that's when I regain all sanity lost up until that point in the day.
So ya, naps are a requirement for everyone in this home.
Today, she enlightened me as to what she was up to while she was in her room for two hours.
D: Mom, I didn't sleep today. I just rested.
me: That's fine. It's important to get rest.
D: Ya, I just read some books.
me: That's a great choice for nap time. It's nice and quiet.
D: I decided not to wait for you to read me that chapter book. You know that one we got from the library?
me: Really? What do you mean?
D: I mean I just got started on it without you. I read chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4, and then half of chapter 5.
me: You read all of that by yourself?
D: Ya, I guess I can read chapter books all by myself...
Great! Couple that with her not wanting me to walk her into school anymore, and I am pretty much useless these days.
The more they grow up, the more I realize I am not really cut out for this whole "Mommy" business.
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