I've been working on teaching Brad his colors. Disaster. This isn't a new concept or first introduction. He is almost 3 and most kids his age know their colors. This past week we painstakingly went over black and white almost comically getting them wrong every time . I have seriously wondered if he's colorblind. It's crossed my mind that he's a poor "test taker" as in he can't answer questions on the spot. I felt a wave of panic when I think about him not going to preschool next year. The mommy guilt of not knowing how to teach him is enough to make me want to quit. Until today...
Out of the blue, he came up to me and said "The Scorpion that's squishy is orange!" This is his latest attachment. He carries it everywhere and is in his hand at all times. He sleeps with it, bathes with it, and ALWAYS calls it "the scorpion that's squishy". Today he told me it was orange!! Yea! Leave it to Brad to be just off the beaten path. Orange before the primary colors. Orange before black and white. I love that kid.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
He's The Greatest
Every now and then, Keith does something that TOTALLY redeems himself as world's greatest husband. Never in a million years did I suspect my 30th surprise birthday party. He pulled it off and I loved it. Never in a million years did I suspect him to organize a spa day with my girlfriends last summer. I fell for every "set up" along the way. And tonight... again, totally surprised when he's proven time and time again of what he's capable of.
I heard a knock at the door at 6pm. It was Kimmie our babysitter. Dang. I totally thought I told her the wrong date (I need her tomorrow). She said "nope, Keith called and I'm here tonight too" WHAT? She said that Keith called her and said I was going out with my friends..... again, what?
She couldn't remember all the details and asked if she should go home.... NO WAY! I told her I would leave even if if meant I would go sit in the car (not kidding) Shortly thereafter Erin showed up. Turns out Keith emailed her and asked if she would be willing to go out with me for girl time. Thank you Josh for that! And he emailed Ashley to see if she would be up for it too. She was! - with Brooke!
We all went to the little coffee shop in town. We talked and relaxed. It was just the break I needed. I didn't have to go the whole bedtime routine or listen to 2 extra hours of whining. (sidenote: how am I going to say goodbye to these girls?)
I know Keith went way out of his way to find Kimmie's number and reach out to Erin and Ashley. Thanks baby. I needed that more than I realized. You're pretty great and I guess I will stick around for 50 plus years. I am one lucky lady and I love you.
I heard a knock at the door at 6pm. It was Kimmie our babysitter. Dang. I totally thought I told her the wrong date (I need her tomorrow). She said "nope, Keith called and I'm here tonight too" WHAT? She said that Keith called her and said I was going out with my friends..... again, what?
She couldn't remember all the details and asked if she should go home.... NO WAY! I told her I would leave even if if meant I would go sit in the car (not kidding) Shortly thereafter Erin showed up. Turns out Keith emailed her and asked if she would be willing to go out with me for girl time. Thank you Josh for that! And he emailed Ashley to see if she would be up for it too. She was! - with Brooke!
We all went to the little coffee shop in town. We talked and relaxed. It was just the break I needed. I didn't have to go the whole bedtime routine or listen to 2 extra hours of whining. (sidenote: how am I going to say goodbye to these girls?)
I know Keith went way out of his way to find Kimmie's number and reach out to Erin and Ashley. Thanks baby. I needed that more than I realized. You're pretty great and I guess I will stick around for 50 plus years. I am one lucky lady and I love you.
Holding Him to It
I was talking with Cole earlier. I gave him a kiss and commented on how all the girls are going to want to kiss him when he gets older. He let out an "eewww! Girls are stinky. I only want to kiss you." I then ask him if I could pick out all his girlfriends and he told me NO! He said "I will do it!" I asked him what if I don't like his girlfriend, and he replied:
"You will like her. I promise she will not be pregknic" (pregnant)
HA! I am holding you to it little man. Holding you to it.
"You will like her. I promise she will not be pregknic" (pregnant)
HA! I am holding you to it little man. Holding you to it.
Blog = Gripe
Ok - the past few posts seem like I'm only using this place to gripe. Don't fret.... I gripe in real life too!
I bought Dr. Dobson's Strong Willed Child in an attempt to understand Brad and regain my sanity. Now, this is the 3rd book of his I've read, and I have come to my own personal conclusion. A conclusion that I can only make on my own personal blog because it almost goes against the "Christian Card". I can not reccommend this book, or the other 3 I've read to anyone. I don't get it. His books are lots of fluff and little meat. Tons of stories, lots of analogies, dresciptions of behavior.... no FIXING! Sorry Dr. Dobson, but I was wanting you to give me an outline on how to deal with Brad's will. He addresses Brad's age group in a total of 3 pages. He tells a story/apologizes to Dr. Spock for a total of 28 pages. After each chapter he has Q&A - dealing with issues TOTALY unrelated to Strong Willed Children. Example: Do I tell my child that her new sibling is adopted. What? I seriously flipped back and forth thinking it was some kind of misprint. They got a few wrong pages in his book. I respect him and the Biblical backing of his advice. I just don't think I could ever refer to this as my child rearing "bible" (as the lady in the book store stated)
I took the book seriously. I attacked it with a highlighter. Do you know what I've learned? When you decide to take on a battle - WIN. Give him clear understanding of what to expect before you _______ (go to the vet's office). Don't crush his spirit. Got it.
The boys are really cute. They got up and went downstairs. Brad opened jelly beans and Cole had an apple. Brad's extra tooth has poked through. I am not sure how it is going to squeeze into his mouth. I know he has a big gap, but there's two teeth fighting for position. He is my high mantenience child. He requires/demands the most attention. And if ever there was going to be something against the "norm", it's B. He's also the most loving. He has the ability to soften your heart with a blink of his eye. He's funny. He's my Brad. I almost can't wait to watch him grow up!
My Cole. He has the most amazing memory. He recalls things I have long forgotten. He knows names, dates, and ages. He remembers where he was and how old, what else was going on, and what we did next. Everyone is his friend. When I pick him up from school he's always playing with somebody different. He's always moving and jumping around. He's happy and tenderhearted. He a "tell him once" kind of kid. He's a boost to my mommy self esteem, although I can not take any credit. He's textbook perfect. I'm not sure if he's already getting "easier" or it just seems that way compared to others in the house. He's fun.
Now I must get ready for the 3rd soccer game of his 3rd season - and he's number 3! Totally a good day - minus the fact that Daddy is gone.
I bought Dr. Dobson's Strong Willed Child in an attempt to understand Brad and regain my sanity. Now, this is the 3rd book of his I've read, and I have come to my own personal conclusion. A conclusion that I can only make on my own personal blog because it almost goes against the "Christian Card". I can not reccommend this book, or the other 3 I've read to anyone. I don't get it. His books are lots of fluff and little meat. Tons of stories, lots of analogies, dresciptions of behavior.... no FIXING! Sorry Dr. Dobson, but I was wanting you to give me an outline on how to deal with Brad's will. He addresses Brad's age group in a total of 3 pages. He tells a story/apologizes to Dr. Spock for a total of 28 pages. After each chapter he has Q&A - dealing with issues TOTALY unrelated to Strong Willed Children. Example: Do I tell my child that her new sibling is adopted. What? I seriously flipped back and forth thinking it was some kind of misprint. They got a few wrong pages in his book. I respect him and the Biblical backing of his advice. I just don't think I could ever refer to this as my child rearing "bible" (as the lady in the book store stated)
I took the book seriously. I attacked it with a highlighter. Do you know what I've learned? When you decide to take on a battle - WIN. Give him clear understanding of what to expect before you _______ (go to the vet's office). Don't crush his spirit. Got it.
The boys are really cute. They got up and went downstairs. Brad opened jelly beans and Cole had an apple. Brad's extra tooth has poked through. I am not sure how it is going to squeeze into his mouth. I know he has a big gap, but there's two teeth fighting for position. He is my high mantenience child. He requires/demands the most attention. And if ever there was going to be something against the "norm", it's B. He's also the most loving. He has the ability to soften your heart with a blink of his eye. He's funny. He's my Brad. I almost can't wait to watch him grow up!
My Cole. He has the most amazing memory. He recalls things I have long forgotten. He knows names, dates, and ages. He remembers where he was and how old, what else was going on, and what we did next. Everyone is his friend. When I pick him up from school he's always playing with somebody different. He's always moving and jumping around. He's happy and tenderhearted. He a "tell him once" kind of kid. He's a boost to my mommy self esteem, although I can not take any credit. He's textbook perfect. I'm not sure if he's already getting "easier" or it just seems that way compared to others in the house. He's fun.
Now I must get ready for the 3rd soccer game of his 3rd season - and he's number 3! Totally a good day - minus the fact that Daddy is gone.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Side Show to Go
I would like to think that I'm a pretty good multi-tasker. I feel like I can veer off schedule and juggle more than one thing at a time. I am not the best at organization, but I think I can take a hefty load of craziness before I call it quits.
However, nothing brings those thoughts to a grinding halt faster than a trip to the Veterinarian's Office. I loath the idea of taking 2 untrained dumb dogs on leashes with a cat in a crate followed by two children who refuse to listen. I would seriously almost do anything else in the entire world before torchering myself in that manner. But, it has to be done, and some how falls under the job description of mom.
I turn into a 3 ring circus. I feel like the crazy lady freak-show as people watch me trip over dogs while ushering children through the door carrying a cat. There aren't enough arms, there isn't enough patience.
It never fails that the boys immediately drop to their hands and knees to goof around. It grosses me out. I get crazy angry when I see 60 different kinds of pet hair on their pants.... and hands. They refuse to sit in the waiting room chairs like the children of my dreams. Mickey and Merlin drive me crazy before we even pull out of the driveway. Merlin starts whining. Mickey starts panthering and his horrible horrible breath fills my car with a stink so thick you can actually feel the germs when you inhale. Mickey and Merlin also have a wonderfull habit of taking SEVERAL large dumps when they get nervous. This usually happens once we are INSIDE the waiting room - on the floor my children are attracted to like magnets. So I feel like I should clean it, while tending to leashes and boys.
Our appointment today was during Brad's naptime... why do I do this to myself?! He was crabby and wanted to be held. Sure baby, let me grab my purse, two leashes and the cat crate too. What's that? You left two of your toys on the floor under the chairs? Let me stop to grab them first. They are nasty and covered in hair.
The dogs are so uncooperative on a leash. I literally have to drag them on the slick floors because they don't want to follow me. They twist around the chair legs, my legs, and the boys. I spend more time untangling them than it's worth. Cole and Brad don't listen and run up and startle all the other dogs. I know one day they will get bit. Again in the exam rooms the boys like to crawl under the tables, open the drawers, stand behind the door that could open any moment. I have to talk and listen to the Dr and the techs - impossible over my children screaming and fighting (dog whimpering and panthering in the background as well)
Then this experience costs me an arm and a leg. I love the check out process just as much. The boys get excited that it's time to leave..... almost. First I have to set everything down to dig out my wallet, then to sign. Dogs running around, kids running around. It take two trips to load the car.
I'm pretty sure I HATE going to the vet. I know that I can not possibly handle another creature/child on one of these adventures. Sometimes I wish Keith could experience all this fun. He's never had this pleasure. I know for a fact that Keith would not have returned with the car full he left with.
So, we are all spared another vet trip for at least another year. On a side note: the cat was perfect today. The only hassle was carrying her crate. She was quiet and quick. She didn't stink or make a mess. Marty cat wasn't a problem at all. I'm pretty sure it was just because she's female.
However, nothing brings those thoughts to a grinding halt faster than a trip to the Veterinarian's Office. I loath the idea of taking 2 untrained dumb dogs on leashes with a cat in a crate followed by two children who refuse to listen. I would seriously almost do anything else in the entire world before torchering myself in that manner. But, it has to be done, and some how falls under the job description of mom.
I turn into a 3 ring circus. I feel like the crazy lady freak-show as people watch me trip over dogs while ushering children through the door carrying a cat. There aren't enough arms, there isn't enough patience.
It never fails that the boys immediately drop to their hands and knees to goof around. It grosses me out. I get crazy angry when I see 60 different kinds of pet hair on their pants.... and hands. They refuse to sit in the waiting room chairs like the children of my dreams. Mickey and Merlin drive me crazy before we even pull out of the driveway. Merlin starts whining. Mickey starts panthering and his horrible horrible breath fills my car with a stink so thick you can actually feel the germs when you inhale. Mickey and Merlin also have a wonderfull habit of taking SEVERAL large dumps when they get nervous. This usually happens once we are INSIDE the waiting room - on the floor my children are attracted to like magnets. So I feel like I should clean it, while tending to leashes and boys.
Our appointment today was during Brad's naptime... why do I do this to myself?! He was crabby and wanted to be held. Sure baby, let me grab my purse, two leashes and the cat crate too. What's that? You left two of your toys on the floor under the chairs? Let me stop to grab them first. They are nasty and covered in hair.
The dogs are so uncooperative on a leash. I literally have to drag them on the slick floors because they don't want to follow me. They twist around the chair legs, my legs, and the boys. I spend more time untangling them than it's worth. Cole and Brad don't listen and run up and startle all the other dogs. I know one day they will get bit. Again in the exam rooms the boys like to crawl under the tables, open the drawers, stand behind the door that could open any moment. I have to talk and listen to the Dr and the techs - impossible over my children screaming and fighting (dog whimpering and panthering in the background as well)
Then this experience costs me an arm and a leg. I love the check out process just as much. The boys get excited that it's time to leave..... almost. First I have to set everything down to dig out my wallet, then to sign. Dogs running around, kids running around. It take two trips to load the car.
I'm pretty sure I HATE going to the vet. I know that I can not possibly handle another creature/child on one of these adventures. Sometimes I wish Keith could experience all this fun. He's never had this pleasure. I know for a fact that Keith would not have returned with the car full he left with.
So, we are all spared another vet trip for at least another year. On a side note: the cat was perfect today. The only hassle was carrying her crate. She was quiet and quick. She didn't stink or make a mess. Marty cat wasn't a problem at all. I'm pretty sure it was just because she's female.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Scarred
My poor baby. My fair, pure, sweet, innocent, almost newborn, skinned baby is scarred. We had his stitches removed this morning. It's hideous. There is still a large gaping hole on his thigh. It looks like a shark attack. Ok, maybe a small lizard attack, but still.
I have to remember that boys like scars. He'll one day have hair that somewhat covers it. He's going to be tough. I've been tending to it twice daily. I've made several trips to Wal-Mart to get the right stuff, the best bandaids, and now for steri-strips (because I think it can still do a better job of healing with less scarring)
Watch this punk go and put a huge tattoo right over it as soon as he turns 18. I'll kill him.
I have to remember that boys like scars. He'll one day have hair that somewhat covers it. He's going to be tough. I've been tending to it twice daily. I've made several trips to Wal-Mart to get the right stuff, the best bandaids, and now for steri-strips (because I think it can still do a better job of healing with less scarring)
Watch this punk go and put a huge tattoo right over it as soon as he turns 18. I'll kill him.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cranky
Nope, not the kids. Me.
I am cranky about this move. I don't want to go. I'm not ready to go. I don't want to do alot of the things associated with this whole "thing". I am mean and snappy. Watch out.
We have a date, yet no orders. We can't get a visa without orders. Thinking of scheduling movers and cleaning does not make me happy. Imagining saying goodbye to my friends here and leaving my pets for 10 months breaks my heart.
Poor Keith. He's so excited. He's anti-me. Keith has been looking up vacation spots and promising all the cheap manis and pedis my hands and feet can tolerate. He's telling me about the shopping and made to order things we can stock up on. Nope, still not happy.
My attitude is as bad as Mickey's gas tonight. We both hope it goes away soon.
I am cranky about this move. I don't want to go. I'm not ready to go. I don't want to do alot of the things associated with this whole "thing". I am mean and snappy. Watch out.
We have a date, yet no orders. We can't get a visa without orders. Thinking of scheduling movers and cleaning does not make me happy. Imagining saying goodbye to my friends here and leaving my pets for 10 months breaks my heart.
Poor Keith. He's so excited. He's anti-me. Keith has been looking up vacation spots and promising all the cheap manis and pedis my hands and feet can tolerate. He's telling me about the shopping and made to order things we can stock up on. Nope, still not happy.
My attitude is as bad as Mickey's gas tonight. We both hope it goes away soon.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dropped $200
Yep, dropped it like it's hot. The Nano just fell into the bathtub as I was cleaning. You know what that means. I shouldn't be cleaning. I'm so bummed.
Next on the list was to mow the yard, but I'm thinking I should opt for renting a movie with the boys. The grass will still be there tomorrow.
Next on the list was to mow the yard, but I'm thinking I should opt for renting a movie with the boys. The grass will still be there tomorrow.
Weird-o
Brad: "I like to eat bugs Mom. If we kill them we can eat them."
Yesterday I found him in the livingroom with a steak knife through his sock. It seems the stinker got the knife out of the kitchen to open a dvd case. Then the next thing to do was to stab it between his toes. It appears turning my back isn't an option in this house.
Cole: "I have a force field to Heaven"
He's all into Star Wars and talks nonstop about force fields. I just think it's too precious that he really does have a force field to Heaven.
Yesterday I found him in the livingroom with a steak knife through his sock. It seems the stinker got the knife out of the kitchen to open a dvd case. Then the next thing to do was to stab it between his toes. It appears turning my back isn't an option in this house.
Cole: "I have a force field to Heaven"
He's all into Star Wars and talks nonstop about force fields. I just think it's too precious that he really does have a force field to Heaven.
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Case of The Mondays
Man.. it's been a long day and I'm really just looking forward to bed. I have work to do, so I must press on. I feel like such a cowboy on the range taking care of millions of acres.
Keith left today for a really short 4 weeks. He's on a beach, eating and drinking, coming and going, and getting full uninterrupted sleep. He works hard for the money.
I am at home with a broken garage door, a kid with stitches, and the small task of going through every closet, drawer, nook and cranny in the house and garage. We're moving and I have to sort out what goes to Korea, what goes to Texas, what goes in storage. Fun.
Brad went to the dermatologist today. He has what they suspect is Spitz Nevus. It looks like melanoma, acts like melanoma, but it's benign. I'm praying that it is benign and this is our only case of it. He was given a new prescription for his eczema and sent off with 2 stitches in his inner thigh. And for the record, once the numbing medication wore off... he is his father's son. Grouchy.
We cheered his spirits at Chuck E. Cheese where he earned enough tickets to get him and his brother more... plastic bugs! We really don't have enough of those.
I could go on about all the things wrong and broken, missing and lost. But, something happened this past week that puts a big ole smile on my face every time I think about it..... Ashley and Steve welcomed their precious little girl, Brooke, to the world! She's beyond beautiful. I was able to spend time with their families and she's one lucky baby. Ashley is doing great. She's so relaxed and in tune with her little girl. Such a blessing!!
I am off to the store, get dinner ready, bathe the boys, write a newsletter, finish my Bible Study, and go to bed. Almost done!
Keith left today for a really short 4 weeks. He's on a beach, eating and drinking, coming and going, and getting full uninterrupted sleep. He works hard for the money.
I am at home with a broken garage door, a kid with stitches, and the small task of going through every closet, drawer, nook and cranny in the house and garage. We're moving and I have to sort out what goes to Korea, what goes to Texas, what goes in storage. Fun.
Brad went to the dermatologist today. He has what they suspect is Spitz Nevus. It looks like melanoma, acts like melanoma, but it's benign. I'm praying that it is benign and this is our only case of it. He was given a new prescription for his eczema and sent off with 2 stitches in his inner thigh. And for the record, once the numbing medication wore off... he is his father's son. Grouchy.
We cheered his spirits at Chuck E. Cheese where he earned enough tickets to get him and his brother more... plastic bugs! We really don't have enough of those.
I could go on about all the things wrong and broken, missing and lost. But, something happened this past week that puts a big ole smile on my face every time I think about it..... Ashley and Steve welcomed their precious little girl, Brooke, to the world! She's beyond beautiful. I was able to spend time with their families and she's one lucky baby. Ashley is doing great. She's so relaxed and in tune with her little girl. Such a blessing!!
I am off to the store, get dinner ready, bathe the boys, write a newsletter, finish my Bible Study, and go to bed. Almost done!
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