Showing posts with label The Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Kids. Show all posts
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Big Boss of the Fam
Okay, so I know that he has two little ow-ow's on his nose from rubbing it so much. It's "sinus-problems" season! But, I had to post this picture, because it is SO him and I figured he could bring a smile to your face today!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
What Do You Keep In YOUR Baby Bag?
My wonderful mother-in-law sent three boxes chock full of stuff out to our family - and the past few days have been like Christmas for all of us around here!
One of the things that she sent was a baby bag....
But, there was another bag that she sent that would be perfect for packing up a day trip for the whole family, as it is very large and has super-cool large zippered pockets inside...apparently, Kodi-bear decided that THIS one needed to be the *real* baby bag!
So, my question to you is: what do YOU keep in your baby bag?
One of the things that she sent was a baby bag....
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| Isn't it beautiful??? |
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| That's what he does when I say, "smile".... :) |
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| Another original smile |
So, my question to you is: what do YOU keep in your baby bag?
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Birthday Boy...
Just a quick post to share the pics of blowing out the "Magic Candles" on Dylan's 4th birthday cake last night...
You know those trick candles that just won't blow out? Of course, I HAD to get them!
Fun for all! Happy birthday, my little "big boy"!
You know those trick candles that just won't blow out? Of course, I HAD to get them!
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| They were blowing... |
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| And blowing... |
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| And had to recruit more help... |
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Storyland Yoga DVD Review: We Loved It!
My children and I had the opportunity to review Playful Planet's Storyland Yoga DVD...and I can't say enough about it!
The moment we popped it in and started playing it, the children were intrigued. The ages of my children range from 2 to 11, so you can forget the age "limits" that are imposed on the DVD, and every single one of them started participating! There are cute story lines that are accompanied with movements that are easy for the children to do and colorful pictures and scenes throughout...the entire concept is wonderful!
Eco-Friendly Stories
"Condor Trek" and "Save the Whale" were the two stories on the DVD, and both are adventures that share an eco-friendly concept on a child's level. So, beyond sharing a calming yoga routine with your children for family time, you can also help them learn about nature and the environment in a fun and engaging way. The scenery and the music are peaceful and the entire experience is a breath of fresh air.
In lieu of (and due to the lack of) work-out mats, we just threw some blankets on the floor and the kids were more than happy with that! Then, Ahmed Fahmey (certified children's yoga instructor) and a group of children on the DVD led my children on the captivating adventure, accompanied with the soothing (and quite pretty) music, interesting story and body-stretching yoga moves.
The Kid's Opinions
Usually, I will ask the children for their opinions after we review something, but that discussion was unnecessary. As the old adage says, "Actions speak louder than words". I have either one thing or the other in my house: a houseful of children who are playing video and computer games or watching television or a houseful of raging monkeys who are running a mock and acting - and sounding - like...well, you guessed it: wild monkeys.
During the entire length of the DVD, the children were completely engaged, but they weren't jumping all over the place...they were doing exactly what the children were doing on the video screen: YOGA! Seriously, my group of six children (five of them being boys) were all enticed by this DVD! My daughter, who is ten years old, very artistic in nature and loves anything that is like her dance classes, was in her glory.
Even the Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old...
The cutest part had to be when Kodi-Bear (our two-year-old) got right down on the floor and started slithering like a snake and mimicking all of the moves that the children were doing on the DVD (and on our own floor). He was a trooper and participated throughout the whole DVD, as well.
Three-year-old Dylan loved it, too! He was giggling and working hard to keep up with the rest of the kids, listening carefully to the story line while playing along.
My Opinion
As a mom (of six children), I can tell you that it is extremely difficult to find one solitary thing that will keep all of the children engaged at the same time - and keep them calm too. As a matter of fact, it is one of those "almost extinct" phenomena...but Playful Planet did it. They immediately caught the kids' attention, kept their attention and engaged them in a peaceful, calming routine that is so wonderful to take advantage of, especially on rainy/snowy days (or even when Mommy is not feeling well).
I find the DVD not only educational and engaging, but also so very "healthy" for families...Seriously, there should be a whole series of these on television for the children on a daily basis! Wouldn't I love that???The bottom line here? I loved it!
Buy It
If you want to buy the Storyland DVD for your own children, you can find it at Amazon for only $14.99.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, Playful Planet...and thank you for creating a DVD that gives us parents a breath of fresh air!
I received a copy of Storyland Yoga DVD from Playful Planet through the Tomoson.com website. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions in this post are mine (and, of course, my children's).
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Eco-Friendly Stories
"Condor Trek" and "Save the Whale" were the two stories on the DVD, and both are adventures that share an eco-friendly concept on a child's level. So, beyond sharing a calming yoga routine with your children for family time, you can also help them learn about nature and the environment in a fun and engaging way. The scenery and the music are peaceful and the entire experience is a breath of fresh air.
In lieu of (and due to the lack of) work-out mats, we just threw some blankets on the floor and the kids were more than happy with that! Then, Ahmed Fahmey (certified children's yoga instructor) and a group of children on the DVD led my children on the captivating adventure, accompanied with the soothing (and quite pretty) music, interesting story and body-stretching yoga moves.
The Kid's Opinions
Usually, I will ask the children for their opinions after we review something, but that discussion was unnecessary. As the old adage says, "Actions speak louder than words". I have either one thing or the other in my house: a houseful of children who are playing video and computer games or watching television or a houseful of raging monkeys who are running a mock and acting - and sounding - like...well, you guessed it: wild monkeys.
During the entire length of the DVD, the children were completely engaged, but they weren't jumping all over the place...they were doing exactly what the children were doing on the video screen: YOGA! Seriously, my group of six children (five of them being boys) were all enticed by this DVD! My daughter, who is ten years old, very artistic in nature and loves anything that is like her dance classes, was in her glory.
Even the Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old...
The cutest part had to be when Kodi-Bear (our two-year-old) got right down on the floor and started slithering like a snake and mimicking all of the moves that the children were doing on the DVD (and on our own floor). He was a trooper and participated throughout the whole DVD, as well.
Three-year-old Dylan loved it, too! He was giggling and working hard to keep up with the rest of the kids, listening carefully to the story line while playing along.
My Opinion
As a mom (of six children), I can tell you that it is extremely difficult to find one solitary thing that will keep all of the children engaged at the same time - and keep them calm too. As a matter of fact, it is one of those "almost extinct" phenomena...but Playful Planet did it. They immediately caught the kids' attention, kept their attention and engaged them in a peaceful, calming routine that is so wonderful to take advantage of, especially on rainy/snowy days (or even when Mommy is not feeling well).
I find the DVD not only educational and engaging, but also so very "healthy" for families...Seriously, there should be a whole series of these on television for the children on a daily basis! Wouldn't I love that???The bottom line here? I loved it!
Buy It
If you want to buy the Storyland DVD for your own children, you can find it at Amazon for only $14.99.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, Playful Planet...and thank you for creating a DVD that gives us parents a breath of fresh air!
I received a copy of Storyland Yoga DVD from Playful Planet through the Tomoson.com website. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions in this post are mine (and, of course, my children's).
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Gender Confusion?
I'm taking a one-day break from the giveaways for three reasons:
I was simultaneously watching What Would You Do? last night on ABC - and if you've never watched this show, you should really sit down one Friday night and check it out!- and trying to put Dakoda down to sleep. The producers of WWYD set up real-life situations that are controversial and secretly video tape the reactions of the people that are within earshot (or sight).
Well, they set up this Dad and Son in a toy store, where the son was begging Dad to buy him a Barbie doll. The women that piped up and threw out their opinion (LOL) were all fairly supportive of the Dad buying the Barbie for the Son. One even wrote down the name of a book, William's Doll, and put the small piece of paper in the Dad's hand.
William's Doll is about a little boy with a doll..."William wanted a doll, he wanted to hug it and cradle in his arms..."
And? What's wrong with that? Maybe he wants to practice being a good Daddy when he grows up. Maybe he's a sensitive nurturer...don't we want a husband like that?
I have a 3 year old son who runs around saying, "I'm the girl!", referring to the television show the kids are watching or the games that they are playing, or simply because he feels like playing the girl...who cares?
I don't have doll-loving boys, but I do have an 8 year old who loves his little Bean Baby - isn't that what they are called? - teddy bear.
I don't discourage my sons from playing with Zu-Zu Pets or Little {whatever} pets that my daughter plays with. They're toys! They're overly commercialized toys that children see all over tv...and they're fun to play with!
Seriously, I'm not going to discourage my sons from finding their inner sensitivity...because there's nothing wrong with that! You cannot force your child to be a certain way. And, let me ask you this: if you keep a child from playing with someone or something, don't they want it more? If you don't allow your sons to play with dolls, they will feel unfulfilled. They will continue to want something that you keep from them.
But, if you let them have what they want...just like every other toy that your child plays with, it will get tiring and they will most likely move on...so what's the big deal?
Should Boys Be Allowed to Play Dress Up?
Okay, so the same segment of the show had the little boy dressed in a dress (staged, of course) and it showed the reactions of people. For the most part, people said, "Let the boy play!" And, that's how I feel. If my boys want to dress up in a dress, we can all have a good laugh...because that is what would happen. Make it fun...it's no big deal!
Let them be kids, you know?
My Son Is Gay
Oh, yeah, and then the storyline of What Would You Do went here: there is a blog called Nerdy Apple Bottom. If you didn't watch the show and you have never heard of this blog, you need to go over there and check it out - *ahem* after you finish reading my rant! So, the mother let her son dress up as Daphne from Scooby Doo...and she caught {bleep} from the other mothers at the school Halloween function. Then, she posts a blog post on her blog: "My Son Is Gay". Yes, she did.
But, she did it to be facetious. And, the blog post went viral and stirred up a ton of controversy. She certainly got her 15 minutes of fame!
Needless to say, she said nothing wrong. Nothing. Okay, you can take a break and go read it...go ahead and come back...
You Can't Avoid It...
You can't make your boy gay. You can't make him un-gay. (Or your girl, for that matter.) Hopefully, what you can do is make him/her the best, well-rounded, intelligent child that you can raise them to be. And, hopefully, you will allow them to fulfill their curious - and possibly nurturing - personality by permitting them to play with dolls and dress up like princesses. Or let your daughters play with army trucks and shoot those brand new awesome Nerf Stampede guns that Santa brought for Christmas.
I will never feel the urge to do anything but giggle when I hear my 3 year old say, "I'm the girl!" (It makes me giggle inside now).
There is absolutely nothing wrong with imaginative/creative play! He knows that he is a boy, and that's that.
And, regardless of how my children turn out, I will never turn my back on them! Would you?
- I'm getting burned out on reviewing items every single day.
- I'm really not feeling too well and cannot wait until summer gets here, so this ongoing "cold" can "go on".
- I had a response to my question on Facebook: Should I do an extra week of giveaways (I only planned to do 2 for Valentine's Day)...or go back to blogging? The one answer that I received (thank you, Andrea!) is that I should go back to blogging, because she misses my blog posts. Awww!
I was simultaneously watching What Would You Do? last night on ABC - and if you've never watched this show, you should really sit down one Friday night and check it out!- and trying to put Dakoda down to sleep. The producers of WWYD set up real-life situations that are controversial and secretly video tape the reactions of the people that are within earshot (or sight).
Well, they set up this Dad and Son in a toy store, where the son was begging Dad to buy him a Barbie doll. The women that piped up and threw out their opinion (LOL) were all fairly supportive of the Dad buying the Barbie for the Son. One even wrote down the name of a book, William's Doll, and put the small piece of paper in the Dad's hand.
William's Doll is about a little boy with a doll..."William wanted a doll, he wanted to hug it and cradle in his arms..."
And? What's wrong with that? Maybe he wants to practice being a good Daddy when he grows up. Maybe he's a sensitive nurturer...don't we want a husband like that?
I have a 3 year old son who runs around saying, "I'm the girl!", referring to the television show the kids are watching or the games that they are playing, or simply because he feels like playing the girl...who cares?
I don't have doll-loving boys, but I do have an 8 year old who loves his little Bean Baby - isn't that what they are called? - teddy bear.
I don't discourage my sons from playing with Zu-Zu Pets or Little {whatever} pets that my daughter plays with. They're toys! They're overly commercialized toys that children see all over tv...and they're fun to play with!
Seriously, I'm not going to discourage my sons from finding their inner sensitivity...because there's nothing wrong with that! You cannot force your child to be a certain way. And, let me ask you this: if you keep a child from playing with someone or something, don't they want it more? If you don't allow your sons to play with dolls, they will feel unfulfilled. They will continue to want something that you keep from them.
But, if you let them have what they want...just like every other toy that your child plays with, it will get tiring and they will most likely move on...so what's the big deal?
Should Boys Be Allowed to Play Dress Up?
Okay, so the same segment of the show had the little boy dressed in a dress (staged, of course) and it showed the reactions of people. For the most part, people said, "Let the boy play!" And, that's how I feel. If my boys want to dress up in a dress, we can all have a good laugh...because that is what would happen. Make it fun...it's no big deal!
Let them be kids, you know?
My Son Is Gay
Oh, yeah, and then the storyline of What Would You Do went here: there is a blog called Nerdy Apple Bottom. If you didn't watch the show and you have never heard of this blog, you need to go over there and check it out - *ahem* after you finish reading my rant! So, the mother let her son dress up as Daphne from Scooby Doo...and she caught {bleep} from the other mothers at the school Halloween function. Then, she posts a blog post on her blog: "My Son Is Gay". Yes, she did.
But, she did it to be facetious. And, the blog post went viral and stirred up a ton of controversy. She certainly got her 15 minutes of fame!
Needless to say, she said nothing wrong. Nothing. Okay, you can take a break and go read it...go ahead and come back...
You Can't Avoid It...
You can't make your boy gay. You can't make him un-gay. (Or your girl, for that matter.) Hopefully, what you can do is make him/her the best, well-rounded, intelligent child that you can raise them to be. And, hopefully, you will allow them to fulfill their curious - and possibly nurturing - personality by permitting them to play with dolls and dress up like princesses. Or let your daughters play with army trucks and shoot those brand new awesome Nerf Stampede guns that Santa brought for Christmas.
I will never feel the urge to do anything but giggle when I hear my 3 year old say, "I'm the girl!" (It makes me giggle inside now).
There is absolutely nothing wrong with imaginative/creative play! He knows that he is a boy, and that's that.
And, regardless of how my children turn out, I will never turn my back on them! Would you?
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Preparing Children for Surgery: A Prayer Request
I have held several little talks with Dylan to "prepare" him for the day and he is being so brave! He knows that the doctors are going to "fix" him and he says that he is ready to be a big boy and show how brave his is tomorrow.
I'm not sure if there is a "real" way to prepare a child for surgery, but even at three years old, Dylan understands that he needs surgery to "fix" him.
Here are my recommendations if you ever need to prepare your child for surgery, even at a very young age:
Preparing Your Child For Surgery
- Talk to your child. Explain the problem on their level and ask if they have any questions.
- Answer their questions to the best of your ability and try to dispel any fears that they have.
- Assure your child that you will be with them all the way through. Let them know that they will not be alone, at any point of the surgery (even if you can't physically be right next to them during the surgery, you will be there for the parts that they will actually remember.)
- Allow your child to express their feelings and talk through their fears.
- Dispel their fear of pain by telling them that the surgery is to make them better, not worse.
- Some children think that they are getting punished for being bad, rather than getting surgery to fix an issue. Make sure that this misconception is cleared up and that your child completely understands why they need the surgery, to the best of your abilities.
- Read them books about surgery and hospitalization. Here are some suggestions:
Deborah Hautzig. A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital. Random House, Inc., 1985
Sara Bonnett Stein. A Hospital Story. Walker and Company, 1974
- You and your child can participate in a hospital tour prior to the surgery. This may or may not be good for your child. It can cause even more anxiety and seem overwhelming, so the decision whether or not to participate in one of these tours is up to you, the parent.
- Most of all, give your child lots of hugs, kisses and reassurance that you will be with them through the whole process. Make them feel special and loved.
- On the day of surgery, be sure to bring anything your child uses for security; a blanket, a pillow or a favorite stuffed animal. This will come in handy after the surgery is over.
God bless you for your prayers!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Happy Birthday!
It's my oldest's 11th birthday today! Do you know how old that makes me feel?
Yes, he is not far from those wretched teenage years and 7 years away from becoming an adult. And, he's always mentioning that it's not long until he's driving (scary thought)...don't grow up too fast, my Lucas. Enjoy your childhood while it lasts!
This is my "technical child"...the one that can download BitTorrents and games (on a computer) like nobody's business. Not to mention, he can pull apart and put together a computer like a technician! He actually told me one day during a conversation about sports that he would rather be technical than physical. LOL He's wayyyy beyond his years and always has been...
He's been a Principal's Scholar, which means all A's since the day he was born - he might have received a B or two in his entire life!
He has also been a big brother to the whole group of 5 other kids. He's wonderful to his baby brother, who he doesn't mind rocking in the rocking chair or holding until he falls asleep. He also has the magic touch with Dylan - who is 3. He'll be an amazing Dad and husband one day, if he finds a gal that can pass my standards!
I love my Lukey! And, I hope that he has the birthday of all birthdays today!
This is my "technical child"...the one that can download BitTorrents and games (on a computer) like nobody's business. Not to mention, he can pull apart and put together a computer like a technician! He actually told me one day during a conversation about sports that he would rather be technical than physical. LOL He's wayyyy beyond his years and always has been...
He's been a Principal's Scholar, which means all A's since the day he was born - he might have received a B or two in his entire life!
He has also been a big brother to the whole group of 5 other kids. He's wonderful to his baby brother, who he doesn't mind rocking in the rocking chair or holding until he falls asleep. He also has the magic touch with Dylan - who is 3. He'll be an amazing Dad and husband one day, if he finds a gal that can pass my standards!
I love my Lukey! And, I hope that he has the birthday of all birthdays today!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A Very Diva Birthday!
Okay, I promise I'm not going to cry...
It's officially my little Diva's birthday.
Back to the Birthday Girl...She's my arts and crafts child. The one that can make anything out of a piece of paper. She loves music and has a way of trying to weasel her way out of every bit of housework she is delegated. She's absolutely wonderful with her two littlest brothers and little kiddos in general. She's strong minded, and I love that about her, and yes, beyond being a Diva, she's definitely a Drama Queen.
As the only girl squished into a pack of 6 children, we have surrounded her with brothers who she will one day be glad she has to look out for her...(I promise, you'll be glad one day!)
Happy Birthday, my Diva, my Princess, and my Little Lady packaged all in one 10 year old! Ten years ago, your Dad and I had the opportunity (at 11:55 pm November 30, 2000) to choose whether to have a November baby or a December baby...so I held you in for a few more minutes to give birth to you at 12:00 a.m. on December 1, 2000. (Thank God for epidurals!)
I Love You, Veronica. Hoping you have a wonderful birthday (and birthday weekend) this year!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Happy Easter? Are You Serious?
The Funny Things That Kids Say!
Here's our little conversation:
Wes: Mom! I'm so excited tomorrow is Easter! I can't wait to have turkey!
Me: Really? Me too! Only, are you sure that the Easter Bunny is coming? (trying not to laugh)
Wes: (a bit perplexed, slowly shaking his head "Yes")
Me: I think that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, not Easter. (Smiling)
Wes: Oh, yeah, Thanksgiving. Are we still having turkey?
Hope we could make you smile!
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Seven Wonders of My World
WHY IS IT:
1) When I have a laundry list of 101 things to do in a day, the two little guys (my buddies) who are at home with me during the day are more demanding than ever? (This does not include the million phone calls and emails per day).
2) When my world seems to be spinning around and turning upside down and I stand on my hand to straighten it all out...things just get more confusing?
3) When I really want to take a calm and relaxing bath, my children decide that they need baths right that moment, too?
4) No matter how early I start making dinner, I simply can't cook fast enough for the "troops"?
5) When I go to the bathroom...I can't ever go by myself and the arguments between to the kids start to erupt immediately?
6) Regardless of how much I do for my kids, I can always think of just one more thing that they need?
7) No matter how much they drive me crazy, I still love all six of these brats (LOL) more than anything else in the world?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Surgery Date Set and Birthdays!
Just a quick update on the impending child surgery for our little Dylan...it's scheduled for December 15th, which also happens to be Lucas' birthday. (And, we have Veronica's on December 1st, too. I won't mention that mine falls in December, because I stopped "celebrating" it when I turned 30. LOL
Any prayers are certainly welcome!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Impending Child Surgery
Phew! After months and months of worrying and stressing about Dylan's need for a surgery, we've finally neared the surgeon appointment on November 11th. The poor guy has been through some things. This is another thing that I am thankful for: We have finally straightened out the medical insurance issues and are on the countdown to the surgery.
I'm not sure if facing the surgery is harder for him or for me. I have told him as much as a little mind at 3 years old can understand, but I know the risks and the pain that can be associated with it, and he is oblivious to those things...which is definitely for the best. This is the second surgery that he will go through - and hopefully, the last. Memories of the last one is enough for me to shudder. If I could go through the surgery for him, I would.
The hoops we have jumped through...
You know what is completely and disturbingly annoying, though? In order for this poor little guy to get this surgery, despite the fact that we have been to the emergency room several times, we STILL had to take him to the PCP for a consultation (once the insurance issues were squared away, which is a whole new story!). It took him 2 minutes to agree that Dylan needed surgery. Now, we have to go to a surgeon for them to say the same thing!
The same surgeons that saw him at the ER...except, at the ER, they had some stand-in surgeons on duty the times that we went, so we have to go to one of the "regular" surgeons in order to get the same answer from them that we did from the stand-in ER surgeons and the PCP...he needs surgery. (Duh!) Without insurance, can you imagine the costs???
I will keep you posted on the actual surgery date when we get it on November 11th. The receptionist told me that the particular surgeon whom we are scheduled to see is booking surgeries pretty fast. Although it's pushing it to hope for this whole situation to be done and over with before Thanksgiving, he has been quite uncomfortable lately, so I'm going to push hard for it to happen as soon as possible. Nothing happens fast enough...especially when your child is uncomfortable.
Say a prayer for our little Dylan. I know he's in God's hands. Thanks!
I'm not sure if facing the surgery is harder for him or for me. I have told him as much as a little mind at 3 years old can understand, but I know the risks and the pain that can be associated with it, and he is oblivious to those things...which is definitely for the best. This is the second surgery that he will go through - and hopefully, the last. Memories of the last one is enough for me to shudder. If I could go through the surgery for him, I would.
The hoops we have jumped through...
You know what is completely and disturbingly annoying, though? In order for this poor little guy to get this surgery, despite the fact that we have been to the emergency room several times, we STILL had to take him to the PCP for a consultation (once the insurance issues were squared away, which is a whole new story!). It took him 2 minutes to agree that Dylan needed surgery. Now, we have to go to a surgeon for them to say the same thing!
The same surgeons that saw him at the ER...except, at the ER, they had some stand-in surgeons on duty the times that we went, so we have to go to one of the "regular" surgeons in order to get the same answer from them that we did from the stand-in ER surgeons and the PCP...he needs surgery. (Duh!) Without insurance, can you imagine the costs???
I will keep you posted on the actual surgery date when we get it on November 11th. The receptionist told me that the particular surgeon whom we are scheduled to see is booking surgeries pretty fast. Although it's pushing it to hope for this whole situation to be done and over with before Thanksgiving, he has been quite uncomfortable lately, so I'm going to push hard for it to happen as soon as possible. Nothing happens fast enough...especially when your child is uncomfortable.
Say a prayer for our little Dylan. I know he's in God's hands. Thanks!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Brotherly PayBack
My devilish youngest two boys are now about the same weight. Amazingly, Dakoda (17 months) has rapidly caught up - and seems like he is slightly bypassing - skinny, little 3 year old Dylan.
This also means that the little punks are starting to fight like cats and dogs. It's not the easiest position in the world for Dakoda - coming in at boy #5. He has to be rough & tough and stand up for himself. And, believe me, he does just that!
So far, this morning, he has popped Dylan in the face, thrown Legos around the playroom, turned the television off while Dylan was playing the Wii, sat on top of Dylan, pulled his hair, and otherwise tortured his older brother. And I can't say I blame him! Dylan used to think it was funny to take Dakoda's toys away from him and do other brotherly mean-type things to him not too long ago.
So, what do I do when they start to tangle? I giggle and observe the two of them duking it out, that's what I do. What am I supposed to do? Get in the middle and chance getting decked myself? No way, I'm not stepping in the middle of the brotherly payback! (giggle giggle)
It's not unusual to hear Dylan calling out, "Help! Get Da-Ko-Da Off. Of. Me!"
Other times, I have to chastise Dylan for the brotherly payback that he doles out, which is always followed by, "But Koda hit me first!"
And, I remind him, "Well, you taught him how to hit." He never seems to have much to say about that.
Right this moment, as I type this, though, the two of them are happily jumping on a bed together - yes, safe play is a priority - and giggling with each other, only about 30 minutes after the torture session. Dakoda (A.K.A. Kodi-Bodi, Kodi-Bear, Kodi-Monster) is playing scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs...but it's just a matter of time...
I often think to myself: Isn't brotherly love wonderful? I love observing my children interact with each other, during the good behaviors and the bad...but I mostly love the fact that no matter how rough they are with each other, no matter how mean they can get, no matter how mad they get at each other, way deep down beyond the fighting and the torturing, they love each other.
Dylan shows me that quite often. He knows that he was rough with "the baby" and he also knows that Dakoda is his little l brother...no matter what Dakoda does, not matter how upset Dylan is with him, no matter how annoying Dakoda can be, sweet little (devilish) Dylan will still tell Dakoda how much he loves him shortly after the battle...sharing his cupcakes and cookies with him...and giving him hugs and kisses.
It's always one extreme or the other...brotherly payback or brotherly love. Regardless of which end of the spectrum they are on at any point in time, I'm definitely not getting in between the two of them.
So far, this morning, he has popped Dylan in the face, thrown Legos around the playroom, turned the television off while Dylan was playing the Wii, sat on top of Dylan, pulled his hair, and otherwise tortured his older brother. And I can't say I blame him! Dylan used to think it was funny to take Dakoda's toys away from him and do other brotherly mean-type things to him not too long ago.
So, what do I do when they start to tangle? I giggle and observe the two of them duking it out, that's what I do. What am I supposed to do? Get in the middle and chance getting decked myself? No way, I'm not stepping in the middle of the brotherly payback! (giggle giggle)
It's not unusual to hear Dylan calling out, "Help! Get Da-Ko-Da Off. Of. Me!"
Other times, I have to chastise Dylan for the brotherly payback that he doles out, which is always followed by, "But Koda hit me first!"
And, I remind him, "Well, you taught him how to hit." He never seems to have much to say about that.
Right this moment, as I type this, though, the two of them are happily jumping on a bed together - yes, safe play is a priority - and giggling with each other, only about 30 minutes after the torture session. Dakoda (A.K.A. Kodi-Bodi, Kodi-Bear, Kodi-Monster) is playing scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs...but it's just a matter of time...
I often think to myself: Isn't brotherly love wonderful? I love observing my children interact with each other, during the good behaviors and the bad...but I mostly love the fact that no matter how rough they are with each other, no matter how mean they can get, no matter how mad they get at each other, way deep down beyond the fighting and the torturing, they love each other.
Dylan shows me that quite often. He knows that he was rough with "the baby" and he also knows that Dakoda is his little l brother...no matter what Dakoda does, not matter how upset Dylan is with him, no matter how annoying Dakoda can be, sweet little (devilish) Dylan will still tell Dakoda how much he loves him shortly after the battle...sharing his cupcakes and cookies with him...and giving him hugs and kisses.
It's always one extreme or the other...brotherly payback or brotherly love. Regardless of which end of the spectrum they are on at any point in time, I'm definitely not getting in between the two of them.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Bowdabra Update
My daughter stood me up.
Last Friday afternoon, right after school, Veronica came home and asked if she could go play at one of her friend's houses. I took my immediate cop-out, "Ask your Dad when he gets home." (I do that all the time when I really don't want to deal with something.)
Would you believe that, not more than 15 minutes later, the phone rings. Here's some weird irony for you: it was the mom of the girl whom Veronica wanted to go over and play with. She wanted to know if Veronica could come over for the night.
Ummm...was I missing something? I must have been out of the loop. (Which is never out of the norm, considering I can't seem to keep up with who's going where.) I asked her if they had planned something that I didn't know about, because Veronica had asked AS SOON AS she returned home from school if she could go over there.
They hadn't. Completely unplanned. Weird weird.
Well, how could I say NO? So, I told Veronica to pack up an overnight bag and get ready to go. The mom would be over in about a half hour to pick her up...
Rewind for a moment...
Remember, we had planned to make some hair bows last weekend? I was really looking forward to it. Really.
Fast forward...
Do you know that my daughter did not come back home until 8pm Sunday night? Of course, the mother and I were in contact all weekend long, however the two girls became inseparable and the sleep over snowballed into a weekend get away for Veronica.
But, that meant no Bowdabra fun for us girls (and possibly even the boys). I reminded her about our plans when she got home. "I thought we were going to make hair bows this weekend?"
"Why didn't you remind me?" she asked me. Like I had time to remind her before she left for the entire weekend? Like I was going to call her up and say, "Hey, remember our hair bow date?" LOL
So, needless to say, our "Bowdabra date" is pushed off until this coming weekend...unless she decides to escape the craziness again. Honestly, I don't blame her. In a house full of boys, I'm sure it's nice once in a while to pack up the bags and flee from the Bustling Boydom in the house. Maybe next time, I'll figure out a way to sneak myself into her bag and take off on a weekend getaway, too! :)
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| www.pinksuitcases.co.uk |
Last Friday afternoon, right after school, Veronica came home and asked if she could go play at one of her friend's houses. I took my immediate cop-out, "Ask your Dad when he gets home." (I do that all the time when I really don't want to deal with something.)
Would you believe that, not more than 15 minutes later, the phone rings. Here's some weird irony for you: it was the mom of the girl whom Veronica wanted to go over and play with. She wanted to know if Veronica could come over for the night.
Ummm...was I missing something? I must have been out of the loop. (Which is never out of the norm, considering I can't seem to keep up with who's going where.) I asked her if they had planned something that I didn't know about, because Veronica had asked AS SOON AS she returned home from school if she could go over there.
They hadn't. Completely unplanned. Weird weird.
Well, how could I say NO? So, I told Veronica to pack up an overnight bag and get ready to go. The mom would be over in about a half hour to pick her up...
Rewind for a moment...
Remember, we had planned to make some hair bows last weekend? I was really looking forward to it. Really.
Fast forward...
Do you know that my daughter did not come back home until 8pm Sunday night? Of course, the mother and I were in contact all weekend long, however the two girls became inseparable and the sleep over snowballed into a weekend get away for Veronica.
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| exclusives.lc.com |
"Why didn't you remind me?" she asked me. Like I had time to remind her before she left for the entire weekend? Like I was going to call her up and say, "Hey, remember our hair bow date?" LOL
So, needless to say, our "Bowdabra date" is pushed off until this coming weekend...unless she decides to escape the craziness again. Honestly, I don't blame her. In a house full of boys, I'm sure it's nice once in a while to pack up the bags and flee from the Bustling Boydom in the house. Maybe next time, I'll figure out a way to sneak myself into her bag and take off on a weekend getaway, too! :)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
My Children Think I'm MEAN
Last night, my 3 year old Dylan, with his new-found fascination with the gaming world was extremely mad at me. He has formed a habit of getting frustrated and screaming about the games or getting mad at whoever is playing with him for "beating him" or "pushing him" (or pushing his "guy").
By 8 p.m., I had had enough.
Me: Dylan, time to turn the games off.
Dylan: You're mean!
Me: If all you can do is scream and cry, apparently the game is not fun anymore. Time to turn it off.
Dylan: You're a big meanie, mom.
Me: Yep, I'm mean. Turn the game off.
Dylan: Youuuuuuuuuuuuuu MEAN! (now screaming) Meanie!
That wasn't the end of it. He pulled his little 3 year old screaming fit, reminding me over and over again how mean I really am.
Up walks little Dakoda, my youngest at 1 1/2 years old. He looks at me and says, "Mee-mee."
Did he? He did. He says about 4 words, including Mom, Dad, peeeese (please), and now "Meanie".
Well, it's no secret that I'm a "Mean Mom". I'm mean because I expect my kids to behave, help clean the house and get along with each other. I'm mean because I have expectations, period. I'm mean because I don't say yes to everything...and I'm mean because I turn the games off.
I'm okay with being a Mean Mom. Am I the only Mean Mother in this world?
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| He Says I'm Mean |
Me: Dylan, time to turn the games off.
Dylan: You're mean!
Me: If all you can do is scream and cry, apparently the game is not fun anymore. Time to turn it off.
Dylan: You're a big meanie, mom.
Me: Yep, I'm mean. Turn the game off.
Dylan: Youuuuuuuuuuuuuu MEAN! (now screaming) Meanie!
That wasn't the end of it. He pulled his little 3 year old screaming fit, reminding me over and over again how mean I really am.
Up walks little Dakoda, my youngest at 1 1/2 years old. He looks at me and says, "Mee-mee."
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| He Thinks I'm Mean, Too |
Did he? He did. He says about 4 words, including Mom, Dad, peeeese (please), and now "Meanie".
Well, it's no secret that I'm a "Mean Mom". I'm mean because I expect my kids to behave, help clean the house and get along with each other. I'm mean because I have expectations, period. I'm mean because I don't say yes to everything...and I'm mean because I turn the games off.
I'm okay with being a Mean Mom. Am I the only Mean Mother in this world?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Six Little Monkeys
I gave birth to monkeys!
Or, so you would think. With a 5 year old down the hall jumping on the bed. Boing! Boing! Boing! (No more monkeys jumping on the bed!) A 2 year old that likes to, somehow, climb everything. Ah, yes! He's currently standing on the kitchen counter. How did he get there???
You can hear them talking to each other..."ooo ooo ooo, ah ah ah ah!" Pounding on their chests...
And, the youngest? Uh-huh, at merely nine months old, he is making the monkey sounds, and trying to figure out how to imitate his primate siblings. You can see in his eyes how he wishes he could climb and jump around like the rest of them, creating havoc wherever he is.
Oh, and right on cue, as I type this, my wonderful 5 year old just came up to me and said "Ah ah ah!" in my face.
Let's not leave out the way my little monkeys will not keep their clothes on...monkeys are more comfortable in their own climate in the buff.
They spend their free time figuring out how they can get from here to there without touching the floor. What can I swing on? I can make it over there to that couch in ONE BIG MONKEY STEP!
Once in a while, my little monkeys settle down quietly and I wonder...what happened to my monkeys? And, then I find one of them in the corner, sticking play dough up their nose or in their ears. And I think, There's my little monkey!
Enjoy your babies when they are in the infant stages, because when they start "talking" and moving around, you may find out that you, too, gave birth to monkeys!
Or, so you would think. With a 5 year old down the hall jumping on the bed. Boing! Boing! Boing! (No more monkeys jumping on the bed!) A 2 year old that likes to, somehow, climb everything. Ah, yes! He's currently standing on the kitchen counter. How did he get there???
You can hear them talking to each other..."ooo ooo ooo, ah ah ah ah!" Pounding on their chests...
And, the youngest? Uh-huh, at merely nine months old, he is making the monkey sounds, and trying to figure out how to imitate his primate siblings. You can see in his eyes how he wishes he could climb and jump around like the rest of them, creating havoc wherever he is.
Oh, and right on cue, as I type this, my wonderful 5 year old just came up to me and said "Ah ah ah!" in my face.
Let's not leave out the way my little monkeys will not keep their clothes on...monkeys are more comfortable in their own climate in the buff.
They spend their free time figuring out how they can get from here to there without touching the floor. What can I swing on? I can make it over there to that couch in ONE BIG MONKEY STEP!
Once in a while, my little monkeys settle down quietly and I wonder...what happened to my monkeys? And, then I find one of them in the corner, sticking play dough up their nose or in their ears. And I think, There's my little monkey!
Enjoy your babies when they are in the infant stages, because when they start "talking" and moving around, you may find out that you, too, gave birth to monkeys!
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