Fun Times Usually End in Tears

Why is it that whenever I think, "Oh, this will be so much fun!!!" by the end of the "fun" activity at least on kids is crying? I'll give you a few examples to illustrate my point.

The other day Michael and I were eating ice cream and watching a show after everyone except Baby B had gone to bed. Michael got a phone call, so we paused the show.

Then the noise starts.

B wants some ice cream!

She knows what is in the bowls.

Daddy let her taste his last time.

So, since Michael is trying to hear the person on the phone, I give B small bites of my ice cream to keep her quiet. It works great! Until I run out of ice cream.

I don't know that I have ever seen such a sad face on such a small person.

Her face scrunches up.

She looks at my with betrayal in her eyes.

Then she throws her face on to the blankets next to her and weeps.

Poor girl!

How dare I run out of ice cream!!!

Next example:

Every road trip we ever take (be it 2 hours or 24 hours), our kids do great! At least until the last 45 minutes.

We watch movies.

We sing songs.

We play games.

We eat food.

We even nap.

But come the last 45 minutes of any trip, an alarm goes off in at least one child's head and the start to scream. That usually starts another kids screaming. Which then makes Z start yelling, "Quiet!!! It's too loud! Stop crying!" Which sets of kid #4.

It doesn't really matter if we are going or coming, this seems to happen. But if we are returning from trip, around this time S realizes that we are almost home and cries uncontrollably about missing what ever family or friends we have just left.

Fun times!

Third example:

This past weekend we baby sat a friend of S's from school overnight. It was so fun! She was with us for about 24 hours. It was a Saturday and Sunday, so we had a "movie party" then went to church the next day. S LOVED it.

Then her friend's dad showed up.

Time to leave.

Never mind that S would be seeing her friend he next morning on the bus. She was going to miss this friend. So crying ensued.

I tried to explain that we can't cry every time a friend leaves or we leave his/her house. We all have families that would miss us if we didn't go home.

That really didn't help.

Now, why does this happen? Because my kids are still small yes. And because they are usually tired from staying up late on vacation and in the car and with their friends. And because they don't understand things like ice cream running out. But still.... It happens just about every time.

So you'd think I'd stop coming up with great plans thinking, "This will be so much fun!"

But I don't.

I have hope.

One day the crying will stop and I will finish an adventure thinking, "This was so much fun, right to the end."

For now, I'll just enjoy the middle.

A Day for Remembering

Veteran's day is a day for remembering. I think a lot about my Granddad who fought in World War II. I think about my Grandpa Averett who served in the Navy. I think about the family I married in to. Many of them, including my father and brother-in-law, have served in the military. What a blessing to have a rich heritage. I'm so thankful to them, and so many others who have served our country. What a blessing to live in The United States of America.

For my family, today is not just a day to remember our veterans. It is a day to remember my sweet niece, Ethne. Today would be Ethne's 5th birthday. When she was two years old, Ethne returned to live with a loving Heavenly Father. And today, instead of celebrating with her, we celebrate by remembering her.

My sister-in-law and brother have an amazing blog (I would highly recommend checking it out; this is a link to the challenge she posted: http://prayersforthefamily.blogspot.com/2014/11/ethnes-5th.html). Last week my sister-in-law issued a challenge to do 5 acts of service to remember Ethne on her 5th birthday. And that is just what I did! Now I want to share them with you; not to brag, but to show you how easy it is to love and serve others.

The first thing my family did was feed a set of missionaries from our church. These young men have given two years of their lives to serve the Lord. To help them with that, we try to feed them about once a week. What a blessing it is to have such a spiritual feast in our home every week!!! I think they bless us way more than we bless them.

The next act of service was giving a garbage bag of clothes away. It doesn't get any easier than that! I had so many boys clothes that I took what I needed from the hand-me-downs I got from family and friends. The left overs have sat in my closet for over a month now. So, with a push from my sister, I gave them away. It was easy and the family that took them couldn't be more grateful!

The third act of service was so fun I didn't feel like I was taking time away from anything more important. I volunteered in Z's preschool. I read the same book 9 times to all the kids in his school, and had a blast doing it. The book was called Roar of a Snore. Of course, talking to 3 and 4 year old kids about snoring was about as entertaining as it comes! I got to hear all about dads, brothers, and even a dog that snores.

Act number four was not something I had planned to do. This is an example of how just being a friend is an act of service. I went to pick up something from a friend today and could tell she was feeling a little down. I asked her what I could do for her. She said all she needed was a hug. So that's what a did. Of all the acts I did this week, this was the sweetest, and most simple of all. It also reminded me so much of my niece. She was always willing to hand out a hug, even if you could tell she wasn't in the mood. She never turned me down. So today, that hug was for my friend, but it was also for Ethne.

My final act of service was an opportunity that fell in my lap! I was on a Facebook yard sale page posting pictures of some hats I had made, hoping to make a little money for Christmas, when I came across a post asking for free/cheap toys to donate to the Children's Hospital NICU in Columbus, OH. I have kids, so I have toys! Way more toys than we could ever need. So I took S and we went through the toys and books and sent several to these kids who will be spending their Christmas in the hospital.

Even though Ethne isn't physically with us now, I know that she would be so happy to see the acts that so many people have done to remember her this past week. And I issue the challenge to you. Even if you didn't have the blessing of knowing my niece, I challenge you to look around. Open your eyes to the opportunities to serve. They will fall in your lap and you will be blessed. Then share your experience and inspire someone else.

Reasoning with a Two Year Old or Pointless

W seems to be ending up in my room way too often at night lately. This is a little sampling of what  our conversations are like:

Me: Go get in your bed.

W: Mine pillow!

Me: No, that is Daddy's pillow.

W: Mine!

Me: Do you want to go lay on your pillow.

W: No.....My bed (referring to my bed).

Me: You want to go get in your bed?

Silence. He's thinking. Grunt.

Me: Let's go get in your bed.

W: No! Mine! (Pointing to the pillow or bed; either way it doesn't matter much).

Me: Let's go get yours.

W: This is mine!

Me: No. That is Daddy's pillow.

Grunt.

Repeat until one of us gives up (usually me).

Now, why do I even reason with him? I actually have no idea. I know it doesn't work (he is the third child I've had to deal with at this stage). I don't want him screaming in his room and waking up with brother or sisters. If it is his idea to get in his bed, he will comply quietly, or so I assume. Of that I am not sure either, since it has never happened.

W and I have many similar conversations throughout the day. He has discovered the word "Mine!" and turned in to what I call the "Mine Monster."

Everything  belongs to him. I try to remind him that something is not his and get the response, "No. Mine!"

Every mom has heard this.

Every mom hates this.

Every mom wonders where their child learned that annoying word.

So, for now, arguments with the Mine Monster will probably be useless. Now here's hoping he gets some reasoning skills soon so I can get some sleep!

The Vacuum

The good news is, Z is no longer afraid of the vacuum. The bad news is, he isn't afraid any more because he has had to use it so much.

I was on the phone with my sister this afternoon while the boys were watching a show. Or so I thought. After hanging up with my sister, I walked into the next room to find oyster crackers spread from the dining table, into the living area. They were on the floor, yes, but they were also on the couch. Not just the seat of the couch, but up on the back of the couch.

What do I do? Yell. Of course. Because it is so effective. (Okay, maybe because it just took my so off guard, and, let's face it, I am ashamed to say I am a yeller. Just ask my poor neighbors).

Anyway, I get the yelling under control and ask what he was doing.

He was hungry.

Obviously.

Because who doesn't spread food far and wide when hungry.

I grab a broom and sweep the wood floor. Z is instructed to go get the vacuum for the couch and rug.

All the way to and from the closet with the vacuum, I hear Z say, "It makes me so sad," in a very subdued voice. His fear of the vacuum is coming out.

You see, for some reason all of my children, thus far, have had a fear of the vacuum. I don't know if it is the noise, the look, or the fact that they may not have seen it very often as babies. Nevertheless, they have had the fear. When Z was first switched to a toddler bed so W could have the crib, I put a vacuum in the door way so he wouldn't wander off. It only worked for a couple of nights, but it worked! And I didn't have to worry about my 2 year old wandering the house in the middle of the night. That is how scared he was of coming near it. Eventually, he realized that when it was off it didn't make noise and was easy to climb around. But the fear wasn't completely gone yet.

Back to the story from today.

He hands over the vacuum, then puts both hand on his ears. But he's not getting off that easy. I put both hands on the nozzle and make him vacuum off the couch. Once in a while he tries to do it one handed so he can cover an ear with the other hand. It take a while, but he gets the job done.

On to the rug.

I put his hands on the vacuum and tell him to push (with some help from me since he really isn't quite big enough to maneuver it alone). After a few seconds of pushing the big vacuum, he announces he isn't afraid anymore!

Great!

I am glad he overcame his fear. Now let's see if he can overcome his tendency to make such far reaching messes. If he could do it before he teaches his brother any more mess making habits, that would be great.

Walking

When I tell people that my youngest "walker" was Z at 16 months, W and S were 18 months and S didn't even crawl on her hands and knees until she was 12 months, I get a lot of mixed reactions.

Horror.
Shock.
Awe.
Surprise.
Laughter.
Disbelief.
Sympathy.
Silence.
Etc...

You get the idea.

Well, it is true. Apparently I'm not on top of the tummy time, getting them to crawl so they can walk, stuff. Of course I have my excuses. And it could also just be how they came (which is what I think). But then I hear of friends bragging about their kid walking at 10 months! My response, "I'm sorry!!!"

That is horrible!!!

Why do I say that?

I forget, then I have another baby who, eventually starts moving, and I suddenly remember. Oh yes. Because they can move. Because now baby can get in to things that you don't want them to get in to. Because now when you sit down to type a blog post you can't just put baby down on the floor with a toy or two and expect them to be there when you turn around to check on them a minute later.

(Break taken to go find crying baby who is no longer by my side).

Where was I...?

Oh yes.... moving babies.

So what brought on this post? Well, I just had to rescue Baby B. From the bathroom. Where she crawled in, closed the door, and sat right in front of the door. You know the situation.

I tried to push the door open.

Bump.

I see if there is room to squeeze in.

Oh yeah, I'm not skinny. But I can fit an arm in! Too bad the counter is in the way.

Pull arm out.

Try pushing Baby B back with the door.

 She is not screaming and hasn't budged.

Finally I reach in enough to push her a little, stand her up a little, and maneuver her out of the way enough to open the door and save her from eating any more toilet paper than is necessary.

So next time you look at your newborn (or someone else's) and think, "I can't wait until they can crawl/walk," stop yourself. Remember they at when they walk/crawl that means the move. And enjoy the time you get plopping them down with a toy or two.

Friends in Far Places

When I first moved here, I had four kids (our oldest turned 5 the day the moving truck arrived), one of which was a newborn. The holidays had just ended. I was in a place I had never heard of, let alone seen, before the job offer. I was sad. I was depressed. I was lonely. And I was completely unaware of how much I would grow to love some of the people here.

Do I love it here? No. I wouldn't say I love it here.

Do I want to raise my family here? No. I feel like there is somewhere else we are supposed to do that (I just don't know where yet).

Do I regret moving here? Absolutly not!!! I have made some of the dearest friends I have ever had.

Living so far away from my family that I have to get on an airplane to go see my parents if I don't want to be in the car for three days has taught me a lot. But above all, it has taught me how to make friends and how to rely on those friends.

What inspired this post? Since moving here I have made two dear friend who have had to move. I have made so many friend here and I am thankful for each of them. But the imminant move of my friend has had me thinking about what I have experiened in the last few months.

As soon as I moved in I became the best of friends with Ashley. Right from the get go I could tell that we needed each other. We both needed someone in our lives to just sit and visit with for hours on end without caring what our houses looked like or worrying about what was for dinner. And trust me, that is just what we did. Many afternoons were spent sitting in my livingroom while our kids played in the play room. Then...she moved. I couldn't believe that I would be blessed so quickly with such a friend just to have her leave just as quickly.

So, I cried. I got a little down hearted. And I just kept going, though I was dragging my feet a bit.

During this period of time I started Mommy Day (which I wrote about in an earlier blog post: http://mylife-plana.blogspot.com/2014/06/mommy-day.html ). Ashley had come with me a few times, but I didn't often have a friend join me. I decided to invite a few ladies. Eventually, Tisha and I went out every week. We are soon joined by Megan and sometimes a few other ladies. It's so great to have that support system, as well as a moment away from the kids.

During these outings, I got close to a few of the ladies, Tisha being one. She has kids old enough to babysit so we are able to get together more often. When Z ended up in the ER a couple weeks ago, her family came to get and take care of the other three kids. Tisha became my go to. My "sister away from home" you might say. And now...she's moving. In 9 months I have made and lost 2 close friends.

Am I sad? Of course!

Am I alone now? Of course not! I'm so blessed with more friends. But I am still sad to see this friend go.

I have learned from these two ladies (and so many more that I have crossed paths with in my different moves), that when you are far away from family, it will be okay. There are people that will come in to your life, if you look for them and let them, that will be like family. They will be there at a moments notice if you need them. They will take your kids overnight when you have a family emergency (without you even having to ask). They will bring you dinner when you don't expect it, but need it. They will let you sit on their couch and watch movies for hours with you just so you aren't alone. They will ask for your help because they trust you. They cry with you. They will laugh with you. They will pray for you. They will love you, whether you think you need them or not.

As a teenager my mom always told me that friendds will come and go, but you always have your family.

That is true. I have had many friends come and go in my life. But there are a few friends that no matter how far away they are. No matter how long we are parted, they feel like family. And I think they always will.

How thankful I am to have been put in a situation where I have had to learn that!

So thank you Ashley, and Tisha, and so many other friends that I am thinking of at this moment. I hope you know who you are. Because I will forever love you. I will forever be thankful for the way you have shaped my life. And I hope the next time we meet, it will be with a smile and hug and a new memory to be made.

Sweet W

W is so sweet!!!

I hear this all the time. And he is. So sweet! Except when he isn't.

I saw a saying on Facebook the other day that said, "The terrible two's are just a warm up for the terrorist three's." I laughed, thought, "How true!" then realized I have a two year old and a three year old. Awesome!

Well, I think W didn't want to waste a moment of his "warm up" time.

W's disposition reminds me of a poem I often heard my mom repeat as a child. It refers to a little girl, but in this case we will just think of it about a boy.

There was a little girl (or in our case a boy)
With a little golden curl (well, actually his hair is brown, but that doesn't flow as well)
Right in the middle of her forehead.

And when she was good,
She was very, very good.
But when she was bad,
She was horrid!

Oh, the times I heard that poem referring to....my sisters of course! Never me. But I digress....

See this picture?

See this picture?

Taken moments apart, on W's 2nd birthday.

Notice how everyone in picture #2 is crying. Want to know why? W. We started singing "Happy Birthday" to W and he didn't like it. In fact, he not only started crying, he turned back and forth hitting, kicking, and screeching at his older siblings. Feel the love!

W is what we like to call an "Angry Elf."

Funny boy!

Now what inspired this post? Well, I'll tell you.

Yesterday W fell asleep in the middle of the day. Great, except he fell asleep right before it was time to pick up S from the bus stop and take S and Z to their music class. I decided to just load him in the car as is, and hope he sleeps through the class while we hang out in the car.

Success!

It's a Wednesday Miracle! He sleeps the entire time.

As we drive home, W wakes up. Screaming!

We get home right as Michael is unlocking the front door.

He helps unload kids.

Walk in the house.

Screaming is still going. The articulate, "AAAHHHHH" is often interrupted with a, "MOMMY!!!"

Michael hands W to me.

"DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!"

I hand W back.

"MOMMY! MOMMY! MOMMY!"

Michael hands him back.

You get the idea.

After playing hot potato with W for a minute, he starts adding "I ready to go!!!" between his screams for mom or dad. And, you seems ready to go. To bed. But I don't think that is what he meant.

Finally, Michael to the rescue! He takes W and Z to get some dinner for everyone. By the time they return, Sweet W is actually being sweet again. Because when he is good, he is very, very good. But when he is bad...

Dr. Patel

I just love taking all four of my kids to the doctor, all together! In fact, I look forward to it.

Now, I'm sure you are assuming there is much sarcasm in that comment, but there isn't. Actually it's true! Am I crazy, you ask? No. I'm just always looking for something to blog about and a trip with all four kids to the doctor will never disappoint.

On Monday, Baby B had her 10 month check up. And all the kids got a flu shot.

B's check up was very routine. Fast. Easy. Painless.

Dr. Patel then asks who is going to be the most "destructive" while getting their shot. We said, probably the boys. I had talked to S ahead of time and she was staying pretty calm. She had asked before we came if she could be last. So, that was the plan.

Dr. Patel goes to get the shots.

While he's gone, S begins getting crazy upset.

And it begins!

Doctor comes back.

Michael grabs Z.

Shot.

Scream.

Grab W.

Shot.

Scream.

I already have B.

Shot.

No scream.

Grab S.

B realizes everyone else is screaming and joins.

Shot.

Now all four are in complete melt down mode.

Doctor turns to leave, then does a sudden about face at the door. In a booming voice he yells, "Listen!"

Crying.

"Listen!"

Crying.

"Everybody listen!!!"

Crying quiets significantly.

"Stop crying!"

W whimpers.

"Stop crying or I will bring another shot."

Michael and I are dying of laughter at this point. I just can't help it. My kids are petrified.

Doctor repeats, "Stop crying or I will bring another shot."

Complete silence.

Except our laughing of course.

Doctor leaves.

I get B dressed. Other kids are still petrified.

"Why don't you go get a sucker," I suggest.

Kids head to the front desk with Michael; I soon follow. While standing at the desk making the next batch of well child check appointments, Dr. Patel comes out and has a grin on his face. He thinks he's pretty funny too. And he would be right! That was awesome!!! And there was no more crying about shots for the rest of the day (which is a big deal for us, especially our brave Miss S).

Z Overload

This last week had three different experiences with Z that I have meant to blog about, but haven't. Actually, more than three, but today we will keep the Z overload to three. I've got to keep a couple of funny tales in reserve for the "boring" week I may experience at some point.

Story 1:

On Tuesday, Michael didn't have to go to work, so we decided to go to lunch. While eating, as often happens, an older lady came up and asked about the kids. I told her we had four, one was just in school. Two boys, two girls. As she left, Z said we have 3 boys. I said, "No, we have two boys."

Three little Z fingers pop up. "We have three," he repeats. Then, pointing to each finger, speaking like it is so obvious he is right, "This is daddy, this is Z, and this is W."

Michael starts laughing, turns to me, and says, "You just got schooled!"

Yes I did.

Story 2:

On Friday night, after dinner, Z wasn't feeling well and went to bed without really eating dinner. Soon after, Michael went to meet a guy I made a hat for (I have a little crochet business). Z came down stairs, and his face looked a bit red. As I got closer to him, I realized his face and ears were very swollen (think of the main character on Hitch) and his body was breaking out in an awful rash.

Immediately, I realize I need to get him to the hospital and decide what is important to do and what I am just not going to worry about (remember, I am home alone with all four kids; and, I don't really know my neighbors). I call Michael and tell him to turn around and come home right away.

I then ditch the diaper changing I was about to give W (he was ripe)! I grab Baby B (who happens to be in just a diaper) and Z (who is in pajamas and no shoes). Run them to car while yelling at S to put on her shoes without socks since her flip flops are not in plain sight. I put Z and Baby B in the car. Run back for Stinky W (who has not pants, by the way). Run back to buckle everyone in the van. S is right behind me, jumps in and puts on her seat belt (thank goodness at least one kid knows how to buckle up by herself). I run to the house debating whether to even take time to lock the door, lock the door, run back to the van (we don't have a garage, we park on the street), then turn on the van right as Michael pulls up. I quickly debate and decide that I will drive and let him be the passanger for once (I'm a little controlling in such situations, and I know it). He jumps in and I tell him to figure out where the hospital is on his phone. I head the direction I remember seeing the blue H signs on the way to church.

Of course, we hit a stop light and I am freaking out. Fortunately, Z was crying up to this point, so I knew his tongue and throat were not swollen and he was still able to breath. That stop light went on forever! I told Michael we needed to have a family prayer, and he needed to say it. (Bossy me again! Good thing my husband is so good natured). He prays, the light turns green, and we get to the hospital. Later I was asked how far it was to the hospital, and I really don't know. Probably not far, but it seemed like it took forever to get there, when in all reality it was probably under 10 minutes.

Anyway, we get to the hospital, I jump out, grab Z, and run into the ER while Michael parks the car. I interrupt the ladies being helped at the desk.

"My son is having an allergic reaction and I'm afraid he might stop breathing if he doesn't get help soon."

We are taken straight to a room at the back of the ER. They get things pulled out to get started. First they put a pulse monitor on his finger. Not okay with him. So it is moved to his toe. Still not okay, but he eventually forgets about it. Then they put five sticky monitors on his chest and stomach to monitor is heart after he gets an epinephrine shot. He is not happy to take his shirt off. Then he gets the epinephrine shot. He is not happy about that, but I'm relieved. His tongue never swelled.

By then, Michael and the other three kids are in the room with us. W stinks, but Michael scoured the van and found an unused, slightly haggard looking, one size too small diaper. He changes W in the bathroom while S holds Baby B (I love that she is big enough to help).

The nurses and some guy (I don't even know his title) came in to put in an I.V. Three of us hold Z down while the guy tries the first time.

Poke.

Wiggle I.V.

Much screaming and attempted thrashing.

Switch sides.

Repeat.

All the while I am checking his heart rate and it is getting very close to 200. That worries me a bit, but no one else seems concerned.

Babies are crying. I call a friend from church. She is shopping, but her kids are home. Her son can drive. They will pick up the three kids.

Michael takes kids out and waits.

Repeat I.V. attempt in arm (they have been trying in his hands).

Failure again.

I am assured he has really good veins, but he is just moving too much.

Of course he is! He's three and you are shoving needles in him and wiggling them around!!!

Repeat one more time in hand.

Success!!!

Finally!

They give him a steroid through the I.V. (which I am informed stings, so of course they guy administers is slowly, a little at a time). Then some Benadryl. And finally just fluids through the I.V. to help move the medicine through his body.

He's a bit hoarse from screaming, but calming slowly. I tell him we will let him watch Netflix on my phone when Daddy gets back from the car.

Daddy's back, but Netflix isn't working.

Fortunately the hospital has an acceptable substitute: Disney Junior.

The guy that did the I.V. brings in a funny looking frog with a flower in his mouth. Awesome!

Princess Sophia.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

Mickey Mouse Club House.

Maybe he will sleep. Turn T.V. off.

We talk. Z names his frog Froggy (we love Froggy books).

Eventually the doctor comes in. Z is looking so much better. His ears are still thick and his body has a bit of a rash, but he still looks amazingly better than he did.

We get to go home!

In the car, Z tells Michael he didn't get any "supper." Of course that is his concern after hours at the hospital. Where he learned the word supper I have no idea!

Today, two days later, Z talked to my mom on the phone and told her about his experience. His first comments are about the shows he watched (priorities), then about the "hospital teacher doctor" that poked him, and finally about his frog.

Now, to find about what the reaction was too! At least the experience didn't seem to bother him after the fact. He's a pretty resilient kid.

Story 3:

Michael has meetings before church starting at 7:30, so I get all the kids up and ready by myself. It's no big deal, just routine. But some days I am running a little late and attempt to get kids to do things on their own. This morning was such a morning.

I brought clothes downstairs to the living room for W, Z, and Baby B to get dressed after W and Z eat breakfast

I get W dressed, then Baby B starts to cry in her crib upstairs. I go up to get her, but first tell Z that he needs to take his pajama pants off and put his church pants on before I get back downstairs.

As soon as I give these instructions, I assume they will be ignored. Z doesn't often like to get dressed without putting up a fight.

I am surprised to find him in his church pants when I come downstairs. Fabulous!!! Church shirt and bow tie on, and he's ready to go.

Fast forward 45 minutes or so.

We are sitting in the chapel with Michael. Z is bending over doing something. Michael asks, "Is he wearing his pajama pants?"

"No. He has his church pants on," I reply, a little confused about the question.

Then I look at Z. There is Mario fabric poking out of his pants. It takes me a minute to realize, Z does not own Mario underpants. But he did wear Mario pajama pants to bed last night.

Yes, indeed. Z does have his pajama pants on.

Later, during Sacrament Meeting, Z needs to go potty. So I take him to the restroom and he pulls down his church pants. With a surprised voice he says, "Oh!" Apparently the fact that he had pajama pants on under his church pants was as much a surprise to him as it was to me.

And to top it off, he still has them on as I write this post hours later.

Making Friends

My biggest fear in sending my oldest to Kindergarten actually had nothing to do with school itself. It had to to with making friends.

We didn't know a single person attending her school. S wants friends so much, but she is kind of shy when she doesn't know anyone. Once she gets to know you, she does great. So, the idea of sending her to a school where she knows no one terrified me!

What do you do when you know you are sending your child into a situation that could be hard for them? You talk to them about it, and you pray!

Before school started we talked to S about how to introduce herself to other kids. We took her to the playground before school even started so she wouldn't be afraid to climb up or play on the slides with the other kids. And we did a lot of praying that she would find a friend.

Well, yesterday she came home from school pretty dejected. Every day of school had ended this way. She has been sad. No one wants to play with her.

Monday: "I asked some kids to play and they just ran away from me. They ran to fast and I couldn't catch up. It was just too hot, so I walked around by myself."

Tuesday: "I asked A to play with me, but she wanted to play on the swings and the swings pinched my fingers. So I asked other kids to play and they said no, and I asked another and they said no, and I asked another and they said no. So I played on the slide by myself and a kid stepped really hard on my pinkie finger and I cried for my Mama."

These are the kind of reports I have been getting. She is near tears, and I am near tears.

Why wouldn't they want to play with my sweet girl?!? Don't these kids realize what they are missing out on!?!

But we just talk about what else she can do. I try to spin everything in as positively as possible.

"No one sat by me on the bus today."

"You mean you got a whole seat to yourself!?! Lucky!!! I always wanted my own seat on the bus!"

Things like that.

But when it comes to kids just turning you down flat at recess, that is hard to spin.

So we talked about finding friends at lunch and breakfast (her school serves breakfast to all of the students).

We talked about sitting by a girl from her class on the bus.

We talked about praying for help, even if she is at recess, and how Heavenly Father can hear her thoughts.

It has only been a couple of days. Everyone else is still new too. Don't give up yet!

Wake up this morning.

She complains about everything!

It is too hot!

She doesn't want to have to go to recess.

Etc....

I have a special surprise lunch and a fun new hair-do for you!!!

That cheers her up enough to get in gear and get ready for school.

We walk to the bus stop.

Today is going to be a great day, I can feel it!

She is hopeful, but still a little leery.

Then she climbs the steps of the bus, finds the girl we talked about in her own seat right in front, plops down with a grin, and the bus pulls off.

That was all the confirmation I needed. Today was going to be a good day.

And I am happy to report, it was!

When she got home she said, "I think the kids saw me and thought, 'That's a cute girl, I think I will play with her.'"

She had friends at recess today and didn't just wander around by herself! I'm so proud of her for not giving up.

I'm thinking tomorrow morning won't be as hard for either of us. I say that is a huge win!!!

Our FIRST First Day of School

I'm sure we are not the only family that experienced the first day of school last week. For us, it was our very first, first day of school S is in Kindergarten!!! She did preschool a couple days a week for a few months before we moved, but it has just been the kids and me every day together since January. So having her gone all day, every day will be an adjustment. But, I'm sure I'll get used to it.

It's funny to me how many people told me, "It's okay to cry."

I'm not really a cryer, plus I still have three little ones at home with me all day. So crying wasn't really on my "To-Do" list. Though, in retrospect, it would have been nice if she wasn't so ready to see me leave her.

I think I will miss her help at home most. S is probably my most helpful child. She's a girl (I know it's a stereotype, but it is for a reason! She is way more help then the boys), and she is my oldest. They get to the finally being able to help with things other than putting away a couple of toys and throwing the diapers in the garbage stage, then you send them away all day. Now I have to train the next one. I'm sure he'll figure it out in about two years (just in time for Kindergarten).

Oh well! I'm very excited for S to be in school. These are a few things I look forward to experiencing the upcoming months:

• Watching boy shows without a fight breaking out in the middle of the day.
• S getting good enough to read a book without me being there to help (she is so excited to be able to read to her brothers).
• S overcoming some fears (that automatic toilet might be a tough one, but I think she will get there...she's already over her fears of the slides on the playground!!!).
• Walking to the bus stop twice a day and getting to know a few neighbors.
• Actually having a reason to get dressed (though I do think that yoga pants may have to count as "dressed" some mornings).
• Actually having a reason to dress my kids (though, again, they may be at the bus stop in pajamas some mornings).
• Having a reason to dance in the rain (it rains a lot here, so walks to the bus are going to be fun! And I mean that with all sincerity)!
• Getting on a schedule (I have a hard time with this if I'm just sitting around the house all day).
• Watching S teach her brothers what she has learned at school!

S is so excited to learn, which makes me excited as well. I'm sure all you moms out there can relate! It's hard to send them to a place full of strangers, but it is fun to meet new people and do new things. So here's to a year full of learning, for our whole family!

In Case You Were Wondering...

In case you were wondering, crayons indeed CAN write on skin. Just thought I'd let you all know.

Hurt Feelings

We've had a lot of sickness and fevers in our family the last month or so. Because of that my kids have become familiar with Tylenol and Ibuprofen. And since medicine for kids tastes so delicious now days, my kids love it! I haven't had them try to take it without me being around, since I usually have it out of reach plus they have child proof lids, but they do ask to for medicine.

The other day Z started complaining about his feelings being hurt. I just dealt with it and moved on. Over the next day or two he kept complaining about hurt feelings.

Then, the other night, he walks into my room holding they Tylenol I had just given W in his arms. He looked at me and said, "My feelings are hurting."

That is the moment I realized, he has no idea what "hurt feelings" are.

"Z, do you know what it means to have hurt feelings?"

"Huh?"

"Hurt feelings means that you are sad. Medicine isn't for hurt feelings."

"Oh," is his dejected reply.

Interestingly, he has not complained of hurt feelings since!

Bug Bites and Washcloths

If you have read my blog much at all, you have a bit of an understanding of S's fear. Well, along with her fears she has a very low tolerance for pain. This pain can come from bumping her head, stepping on a toy, or a bug bite.

Mosquitoes are awful! I think we can all agree on that. They bite. We itch. It is annoying.

Well, for S it is more than annoying, it is just about the worst thing that can happen (or so she thinks).

Every time S gets a bug bite (and she has had dozens of them this summer), she is inevitably in tears for a the majority of at least one day.

This first time this happened I got on Pinterest (my go-to web site for "home remedy" ideas) to see what I could do for her. I tried everything I could find that I had on hand: oils, slap it, ignore it, creams, etc... None of it alleviated the itch for more than a couple of seconds. After a lot of crying, screaming, and late night tantrums, we tried a cold, wet washcloth. Amazingly, it worked!

Now, at least one day a week S can be seen with a wet cloth, usually wrapped around her leg. It seems a little strange, and looks a little funny, but it keeps the tears away and it doesn't cost me a cent! Free remedies are my favorite!

So next time you visit me, if you see a washcloth or two laying around my house, feel free to use it for any bug bites that are bothering you! Apparently it help! Just ask S.

On a side note, the reason I thought of writing this post is because my sister-in-law asked for a picture of my kids yesterday morning and I sent this one. She asked if S's leg was in a cast. Nope! It's just in a wet washcloth.

Family Pictures

It has been a year and a half since we last took family pictures. The picture on my wall is with three kids, and W is a newborn. So while we were in Idaho, we had new pictures taken.

I was so excited! I scoured Pinterest for fun picture ideas. I toiled over the outfits we would all wear in order to "co-ordinate" not match. I had everything planned. But apparently the rest of my family failed to get the memo.

I get every one dressed at the last possible minute (we don't need the boys to stain their outfits before pictures are taken). Here we go.

Luckily we are using my parent's place for all the backgrounds. So no sitting in crumby car seats that may have a stray fruit snack that will stick to a back pocket. Avoiding such things. It is all in the plan!

Walk out the back door.

So far, so good.

Kids run to swings, slide, etc...

No problem. Let them play while we get everything else ready.

Gather kids.

Decided where and how to stand for first picture.

Then it starts...the crying.

Z cries for no apparent reason. He doesn't want to stand still. I guess that is a reason.

W doesn't know how to stand still.

B doesn't know how to stand.

Great start!

I try bribery.

I try reasoning.

I try yelling.

I give up.

Z and I go in the house to "talk."

Grandma to the rescue.

I go back outside to witness my little diva, S, finishing up her photo shoot! The camera loves her and she loves the camera!

Grandma and Z come out with a small bowl of marshmallows.

Good idea Grandma!!!


I decided a "nice" family picture isn't going to happen and try for a fun idea I remember from my Pinterest hunt. Hang Z upside down! That will get him to smile. Put W on my shoulders so he can't wander off. And of course hold Baby B. We can do this!

Main picture done! If we don't get any others, I can live with that. At least I'll have an updated picture for my wall.

Time to take Z's picture. After he gets a few marshmallows, of course.

How to get him to "pose?" Give him a truck! If there is one thing my boys loves, its anything with wheels and a motor.

Eat a marshmallow.

Put him by an old truck!

Eat a marshmallow.

He's in Heaven!!! Why didn't we do this before?!?

Eat a marshmallow.

Put W next to him and take a picture fast!

W wanders off. Time to lure him back with...a marshmallow.

Repeat.

Boys are in a good mood, so let's try a few more family pictures. We head to the field. One step in and S is in tears!!! She stepped on a "hard grass" in her flip flops. Apparently it hurt enough to make her fall apart.

Reasoning.

Bribing.

Eventually, she gets carried.

We pose.

S cries.

We give up.

Marshmallows all around.

Move to a bench in the yard.

Kids don't want to sit on the grass. I don't blame them, I think we found a hidden ant village. Oops! Sorry kids!

Hand out the marshmallows.

W pictures.

He can't hold still, so we try a ball. That helps him move even more, but if I roll it to where I want him, he follows. We can a few cute pictures.

He remembers the bowl of marshmallows. There is no going back to the ball after that.

Baby B's turn.

She can't walk or crawl! And she has no idea what a marshmallow is (thank goodness, since her brother just finished them off). She just needs some peek-a-boo and kissy noises to make her happy. Cute baby!!! So many great shots.

Time for lunch. Couple pictures with Michael and I after we eat. I think we can handle it, even with out marshmallows.

 Skip a few hours.

Couple pictures. That means just Mom and Dad! Finally the kids want to come stand by us. Of course. They eventually play and we get pictures done.

So what did we learn from this experience? Family pictures and marshmallows go hand in hand. Next time I will be prepared!


***Pictures were done by Kathryn Stone Photography. Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynstonephotography

Traveling with Little Kids

Michael is from Illinois and I am from Idaho. So, no matter where we live we will have family far away. Because of that, we have been taking long road, and air, trips ever since we were first married. I don't even know how many times S has been in the car for a 20+ hour trip.

That being said, I have had people ask me what kinds of things I take to entertain my little kids. They aren't really old enough for finding license plates from every state, or other games like that, that can entertain older kids. So I decide to come up with a list of things that seem to keep my crazy family from becoming not completely crazy when we travel together.

• LeapPads - I know that you may or may not own these for your kids so this may or may not apply. But, LeapPads have saved us on trips! They have educational games and my kids can play them for hours. I bought our LeapPads with road trips in mind. They don't get to play them for hours at home, but in the car, as long as they are happy, I don't care!
• Crayons and a notebook - This will cost you $0.50 at Walmart. You can't get better than that. Fifty cents for some quiet in the car. I got a set for each of my 3 kids that color. No fighting because Z won't share the blue crayon with S or because W ripped a page out of Z's notebook.
• FOOD - And plenty of it! For our upcoming trip, I made "trail mix" bags for my kids. I let each of the big kids pick a treat from the $0.99 candy section at Walmart, then filled in the rest with animal crackers (Aldi's has the best if you live in the east, just FYI), yogurt raisins, teddy grahams, etc... I don't know about your kids, but my kids LOVE TO EAT!!! I think they would just eat all day if I would let them. Traveling amplifies this. So, to avoid whining, I bring food. This time we are traveling on an airplane, but usually when we travel in the car I have a cooler full of fruits and veggies that are easy to eat on the go (grapes, clementines, carrots, cut up cucumbers and broccoli, etc...).
• Backpacks - Since we are traveling by air this time, each of my bigger kids gets their own back pack to carry their own stuff. We started packing these bags early and they have been carrying them around the house, knowing not to take anything out. They are so excited! Plus, I let them each pick a few toys to play with on the plane. Z wasn't so happy when I told him a full size soccer ball was not a toy he could take. So he settled for some cars. S is taking a baby, and some polly pocket sized people. W doesn't really have anything since he is sharing daddy's carry on. In all reality, I hope W will sleep!
• DVD Player - I know, not the greatest or most profound item. But it works, so why knock it.
• Headphones - These are great for the car and for the airplane. Obviously, the kids don't get to play on their LeapPad and watch a show on the airplane without headphones, but even in the car it is nice to have them. Especially when the babies are sleeping! Its amazing how much quieter it makes the ride, plus you can listen to a book on CD or music over the car speakers and the kids don't complain about only being able to hear your stuff!
• Books - Sometimes they like them, sometimes they just throw them. But a couple of books is usually not a bad thing.
• Mix CDs - Although we are flying, we do have 4 drives to the airport and to our destination after the flight. Mix CDs with kid and "mommy and daddy music" has really been a hit in our family. I try to put lots of variety on our CDs. I think we have over a dozen mix CDs. Every time a song comes on the kids don't know, they ask who's music it is. They've even learned to like some "mommy and daddy music!" And when we get sick of the CDs, we just take turn picking songs ourselves. True, we do sing "Twinkle, Twinkle" way more often than some of us would like, but if it makes kids happy, then why not!?!

I hope that gives you a few ideas for your next, long trip. As we travel, I try to ration everything so they don't get it all at once and bored. Other than that, there really is not rhyme or reason to it. Just bring things they like and that are travel sized and you should be set! There probably will be a little weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, especially with little kids, but at least you can minimize it if you are prepared. At least, that's what I keep telling myself as our next long trip nears!

Vacations

My family got home last night from a weekend in Illinois with family. I've always thought, especially since having kids, I need to plan at least one day to recover from "vacation." This is why:

Take 4 kids, 2 adults and put them in a car for 9 hours (not the longest road trip we've taken, but still significant).

Add movies, toys, food, potty breaks, singing, yelling, stinky diapers, crying, laughing, sleeping, and every other thing that goes in to that 9 hours on the road and you will be exhausted.

That is what we call "Day 1" of our vacation.

Then we get to try to get kids to sleep in a place that is not their house in things that are not their beds. (Even if it is Grandma and Grandpa's house, sleeping it hard when you aren't home).

Then "Day 2" begins.

At least with this day you don't have to been crammed in the car the entire time. But you do have to get in to go see the sights, go out to eat, see other family, etc... Fortunately, the kids find "left overs" crushed in the car seat and cup holder from the day before (at least, you hope that is when they were left) so they are happily chewing for the first few minutes of the ride. Then they realize they are strapped down once again. Chaos ensues, until they fall asleep that is. Sleep usually happens about 5 minutes before the next destination is reached.

After being out and about for a while, the kids are tired and so are you. So, back to "home base," also known as The Grandparents' House.

15 kids run around having the time of their lives.

Water plus dirt equals mud, in case you didn't know.

Bug bites.

Scrapes and bruises, or "fun marks" as we call them.

Frizzy hair.

Black socks (Note to self: Don't buy Z any more white socks; they don't stay that color for long).

Yelling.

Crying.

Laughing.

Allergies.

Playing.

Fighting.

Hugging.

Eating (every good vacation has pleanty of good food too)!

Messes.

Laundry.

Games.

Bugs.

Memories made.

Minimal sleep.

Start all over.

Repeat until vacation is over.

Time to drive home.

This time, on top of the fun 9 hours ahead, you add exhausted kids, and parents, who haven't slept well in days.

Put this all together and what do you get? A vacation! And the reason why I need a day to recover from my vacation.

So why do we do this to ourselves? Because it is so much fun!!! Despite S's legs being covered in welts from bug bites, Z's socks being black from playing outside without shoes, W's soaked clothes from playing in the pool without a swim suit, and Baby B's diaper rash from eating new foods and not getting changed right away, we really did have a blast!

Cousins are some of the best friends our kids will ever have. Siblings are best friends that we will have longer than any other friend. Parents and grandparents are the people we have loved since birth. So there may be a lot of crying over silly things like fireworks and dogs (yes, both S and Z were terrified of both), but there is also a lot of laughing over memories made and recalled. There may be yelling over who gets to pick the next movie during the drives (W and Z will get over the fact that their big sister didn't want to watch Strawberry Shortcake with them), but the destination is well worth the ringing ear drums. So, we will keep calling this chaotic event a vacation. And we will keep repeating it. Hopefully, when we are old and have grandchildren of our own, they will take vacations just like ours! And the chaos will just keep repeating itself.

Sidewalk Chalk

Since having kids, I've considered sidewalk chalk a fun, cheap, easy way to entertain my children during the summer. And best of all, you aren't ever really to young or too old to enjoy it!

With this as my view of sidewalk chalk I, of course, bought a huge box of it at the beginning of the summer. Since it is such a great activity, last summer we went through multiple boxes of it. So, I stocked up. The problem is, I no longer have a fenced in back yard. If my kids are going to go outside, I have to go with them. And we live in humidity! Yuck! If you have never lived in humidity, be grateful. It's awful. But I digress...

Earlier this week Z discovered the huge box of chalk. And why wouldn't he? It was stashed high on a shelf in a box and forgot about it. I should have see this coming.

Since he had sidewalk chalk and no sidewalk, he just made due.

Have I ever mentioned we only have one room in our house with carpet? Well, we do. And its the really short kind of carpet, so sidewalk chalk draws on it nicely. Just ask Z and W.

When I entered the play room to find drawings all over the floor and treadmill, I was not a happy mama. What was I to do? Have Z clean it up, of course!

Now, if you know Z, you know that he is a rambunctious little boy with lots of energy and not much fear. Except when it comes to lawn mowers and vacuums! Yep! Even at age 3, he screams and cries every time the vacuum goes on and he is in the room. Maybe he just didn't see it in use enough during the first few years of his life. Oops!

Back to the story.

I pull out the vacuum and grab Z. He is upset before the cleaning even begins. But I am not going to let him slide. I've done that too many times lately, and he needs to learn there are consequences to his actions.

I plug it in.

Put Z's hand on the vacuum, holding it in place.

Turn vacuum on.

The frightful humming is accompanied by screams of horror.

I can still see it now: Z in his red shirt, arm outstretched as far as it can go, holding the vacuum handle, me trying not to make too big of movements so he can hang on, his little arm moving back and forth causing more of a hindrance than help. But he sticks to it. He doesn't even fight me.

Push, pull, push, scream, pull, push, pull, scream!

We vacuum the part of the room that has no toys covering the floor and the chalk in this manner.

It only takes a few minutes, but I'm sure it seemed like hours to my boy.

He is exhausted from fear.

My floor is basically clean.

Done!

Bed time!

He has learned his lesson, right?!?

Wrong.

Next day, chalk all over my wood floors.

We try the vacuum again, but this time it doesn't do much good.

Get the spray mop.

I have Z help at first, but he thinks it is way too much fun to push the spray button.

I just finish by myself.

Later that day, I have spray mop cleaner all over my floor.

Glad he learned a lesson!

I'm sure he will never again draw with chalk inside the house. At least until he finds and climbs to the chalk's current hiding place. Let's hope it lasts at least a week or two. Longer if I'm really lucky!

When I got discouraged, I just reminded myself: At least it wasn't marker.

Comprehensive Literacy Class: Assessment and Intervention

I have been taking a Comprehensive Literacy Class to renew my teaching certification, and the final assignment was to share my understanding about assessment and intervention using some form of technology, like a blog. So here we go!

During this final section of my class, I had to do a lot of research about No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, and Common Core. You would think, with all of the scouring I did on the internet, that I would feel like I have a grasp of each of these topics. But I still feel lacking. The hardest part about researching these topics is that everything I find is political! There are always people for or against each legislation, and their voices are loud. It is hard to avoid or not listen to them.

As I researched these topics, I tried to look at everything from an objective perspective. I really didn't know much about RTTT or Common Core, other than what so-and-so posted on Facebook that one time. I also tried to go right to the source. I used the official web page for Common Core, and the presidential summaries of RTTT and NCLB. They were all informative. The web site was especially great to navigate. I would recommend looking at it to any of my family, friends, and readers that have kids or just want to know about Common Core. Here is a like to the site: www.corestandards.org.

So on to what I've learned.

Most importantly, I've learned is that as a teacher (which I might be one day) and a parent, we don't get to make the laws for assessment, but we do have to abide by them. So we might as well take advantage of the good parts they have to offer. For example, I interviewed my mom while researching this topic. She told me about a lot of amazing changes that are happening at her school, including the introduction a lot more technology in the classroom. Each teacher in her school is going to have an iPad next year and will receive training on how to use it in their classroom. That's awesome!!! The students are going to love it and they are going to learn from it. Double awesome!

One thing that I have decided that I like about Common Core, at least in how it is being implemented in Idaho's standardized testing, is that the reading that students are doing is of value. I remember doing the ISATs and reading passages about nothing that had to do with anything. In fact, I can't even remember an example to give you. Now, with the SBAC, students are reading passages about things like history that really is important. That seems extremely obvious to me, have students read something of worth when we are testing them, but it wasn't done before.

I also love that students are actually having to write something when they are being tested. They don't just do a hundred multiple choice questions. They have to think deeply about what they have read. They have to understand the content. They have to form opinions and build a foundation for their life long learning process!

In school, I was pretty good student. But I was never the best, and I was never a fast reader. I remember taking the ACT and I didn't even come close to finishing the Reading section. I was so embarrassed, even though I knew no one would know unless I told them. Just the idea of not finishing was horrible! But, I still got a pretty good score because my understanding was high. We don't need to have fast readers, we need to have good, thinking readers. I would rather have my child be a super slow reader that understands what she is reading that a super fast reader who has no idea what the last 5 pages were about.

 

Now, as with any sort of mandate, legislation, etc..., there are things that I don't like about Common Core, but ranting about them here isn't going to change them. I believe in advocating change. If you feel strongly about something, do it! But the point of this blog post is not to sway anyone in one direction or another. It is to expound on my personal understanding, and for me I learned a lot of possitive things I wasn't aware of before.

 

As far as intervention goes, we as parents and teachers should not be afraid to get that help for our children. There are options for intervention. Not only in school, but at home. In a day where technology is rampant, it is so easy to find a web site or an app or something that can help our students succeed. And the best part is, it is fun!!!

Kids LOVE technology! Z can sit on my Nook for hours playing letter, number, color, rhyming, and any other kind of game he can find. He is only 3 years old, but he knows how to get the Nook to read him a book.

Just yesterday, we were driving by some construction and he said, “Mom, what is that?”

“A back hoe, I think.”

“No, it's an excavator!”

How did he know that? Star Fall. An app on my Nook that my sister-in-law told me about.

Assessment and intervention seem like such daunting terms, but they shouldn't be.

We need to assess the situation of our children. We need to intervene if necessary. We need to facilitate learning!

No Child Left Behind.

Race to the Top.

Common Core.

These are all things that are in our lives, like it or not.

Yes, you can advocate for change if you don't like it. But, until it changes, as it most likely will since politics are involved, find the good in it, deal with the rest, and teach your kids!

Pictures

If you are a parent, then you know that the pictures you want to take versus the pictures you get are often drastically different. Here are some fun examples of just what I mean!

 

Nothing like a butt in your face

 

Who needs a teddy bear when you can have...a cucumber!

 

 It is amazing to me how fingers seem to fit perfectly in our noses.

Poor W just wanted to run away, not do "Thriller!"

 

Z often puts his cars to bed.

BOOGERS!!!

 

 Don't ask me what is happen here. Z doesn't seem to know either.

In this case, what I thought I was getting, and what I got turned out to my benefit. S in the back after dressing up Z...priceless!

We love Daddy, yes sir-ee!

This picture is one of my favorites!