Friday, March 26, 2010

Mickey Lee

I really should be cleaning. Actually, I should be in bed asleep, but if I don't write this down I'm pretty sure I will forget it.

The boys and I are driving out of our apartments and we see a large furry dog. It just so happens to be a Chow. Cole asks what kind of dog it was and I tell him. I also go on to tell him that they are known for being mean and agressivie dogs. He says "Do they bite". I tell him "yes, they can bite"

Cole says "Is Mickey a chow?"

WHAT?!?!

Guppy

We had popcorn Friday at Cole's school and poor Brad has to sit for 2 hours in the cafeteria waiting for me to finish. As a reward, I took Brad to the pool. It's a nice indoor pool with a kid area that's perfect.

I even remembered to bring some pool toys. I forget all the fun things like that so I'm pretty proud of myself for thinking ahead and actually doing it! It's a rare deed these days. Back to the kids - Inside the bag is a pair of goggles. Now, Brad doesn't like to get his hair or face wet while swimming. You might ask how that's possible, but he has it down to a science. It's a Chamness trait. He's related to a long line of above-head swimmers. I could out them all right now, but I won't ;-)

Today Brad decides he's going to put the goggles on and go underwater. I help him get the mask on and he jumps right into the pool. I'm sitting there stunned he went under the water! Yea Brad!!! He comes up coughing. It seems he forgot to close his mouth. It happens. He rips the mask off and it's several minutes before he tries again. He walks over and hands me the mask. I help him put it on and while he's standing there I tell him he has to fill his cheeks with air and hold his breath. He jumps in again, comes up coughing ripping his mask off. When he's built up more confidence he brings the mask back over. As I am putting it on I notice he's holding his breath with big puffy cheeks. "YES, Brad - hold your breath just like that." He jumps in, comes up coughing. I can't figure it out.

Yet again, I assist him with the mask and he's holding his breath while standing there. Then it dawns on me, "Brad, honey, you have to hold your breath when you go under the water, not when you're standing here getting your mask on" He replies "OOOOOOOOHH" Sweet Brad. He jumps in and holds his breath. Success!

We picked Cole up from school and Brad was so excited to tell Cole what he did. He says "Co-by I went underwa-ther with the mask" Cole, dead serious, looks at me and says "Did he close his mouth?"

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

1.5 down, 1.5 to go!

I told Cole there were three things he needed to learn how to do before we left Korea so he will be ready for first grade. Do you like how I impose lists and goals upon my young children. Not that I have any goals, but I like a good list from time to time.

I told him:
1. He needed to be able to tie his shoes
2. He had to be able to wipe his hiney - we're still working on it.
3. He had to be able to read

Solid yet important goals. It just so happened that the velcro wore out of his tennis shoes and we had to go to the BX to find a replacement. Warning, small rant ahead. I really do not like the selection at the BX. They have the $10 generic shoes or the $40 name brand. Nothing in between. I've purchased the $10 shoes before and they fell apart in two weeks. So you're pushed into buying the $40 CHILDREN'S SHOES. I can't get over it. I can't remember the last time I bought myself a pair of $40 shoes.

Of course Cole falls in love with the $40 pair because it came with a key chain. Genius marketing ploy. I was slightly irritated that I was about to spend that much money, so I told him that if I bought this pair he had to learn to tie them on his own. The next morning it was time to get ready for school and guess who takes his new shoes out of the box and immediately ties them on his own?! Cole. Little stinker, holding out on me all these months. He learned to tie his shoes and never said a word. He now has new shoes and he's tying them like a pro. $40 well spent.

We also bought some new books and Cole's been reading them on his own each night!! We're still working, but I think he'll be more than ready for first grade!!

Ahh... the toughest parenting trick yet. The wiping of the hiney. Let's just say that the bidet hasn't been used in a while. I'm still having to do a "final inspection", but he's at least doing something on his own. Mucho progress.

Monday, March 22, 2010

RockStar

I was telling Cole that it was time for a hair cut. Our conversation went like this:

C: I don't want my haircut. I want to grow it long like a girl
M: What? Why?
C: I want to be a Rock Star.
M: You can grow it long when you learn to play an instrument.
C: I already know how.
M: What can you play?
C: I can play the violin, but without using the chin thing.

I'm confused. Either that's not playing at all or else he's thinking of the mandolin, which I'm fairly certain he's never played before. End result: Hair chopped.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

1st Crush

It seems as if Cole has his first crush. Now, unknown to me at the time, he's already had a "girlfriend" in Idaho. Little Miss. Cameron Cool. Her mom was his teacher. Her dad was the commander of the Tigers. I think she was running the show in that "relationship". Slightly older attractive woman, bossing him around - reminded me too much of me ;-)

This time it's a little different. There is a set of triplets in his class. Hands down, the girls are all beautiful. I would be pulling my hair out if I were their parents in 10 more years!! They are the sweetest of the sweetest and easily make you immediately want triplets. Here's the tricky part. He and his best friend Jake both like the same girl. If you even say her name around him, Cole's face gets red and you can't wipe the smile off. They fight to sit next to her at lunch, stand next to her in line, and play with her during the same quarter at the soccer games. Jake might be scoring more points with sweet little "K". He sits next to her in class. Cole told me the other day that I should talk to Dr. Stapleford about moving him to the red table so he can see the board better. Guess who sits up front at the red table? Little stinker. I'm onto him!

I would like to stir up the drama and tell him to open his eyes. Her sister "A" obviously likes him. She plays legos and war with him. And she's a really good goalie on their team. He did tell me that he likes "K" the best because she's the best jump-roper. Every man has his standards. However, all this is just too much too fast. Let's wait a few years.... or in this case 7 more weeks. We'll be back in Texas by then ;-)

Other funny's from Cole:

He told me he wanted to start "kwi con co" and boxing when we get to the States. When I asked him why he wanted to get punched in the face he said "no I want to punch someone in the face". Interesting.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Fired

Ever have one of those World's Worse Mom days? Today could have been one. I was having trouble going to bed last night so thought it would be a good idea to watch Desperate Housewives to ease my mind. Didn't work. It was so hard to get up this morning so I didn't. I turned off the alarm and Cole missed the bus. It just so turns out MOPS was today. I got us all dress and dropped Cole off at school before a nice 3 hour mommy break. You know, a break from all the sleeping in and tv watching. I walked into the school and noticed something was so strange. All these kids were wearing green - head to toe, except for mine. Opps. It seems I forgot it was St. Patrick's Day. To make matters worse I accidentally dressed in green so it appeared as if I was just looking after Team Me. Nice one.

I spent the better part of the morning listening to supermom's talking about how they all picked out their green clothes and had Lucky Charms for breakfast. Sorry boys. The topic at MOPS was "playing with your kids" and how much time you physically play with your children instead of cleaning, or cooking... (or searching the MLS listings for new houses in Wichita Falls). Reminders of how quickly time passes and the chores will always be there. I must admit there was another scoop on mommy guilt.

As if that wasn't enough - something happened today that threw me into a panic. The fear of my baby growing up. It started out innocent enough, Cole went to Robbie's house to play after school. After an hour his mom calls me and asks if Cole can stay for dinner and then go to AWANA's with them. I can hear him begging in the background. She would return him home close to 8pm. I didn't want to say yes, but had to. My baby would be gone all day long and he wanted it that way. I would get to see him for 20 minutes before bed. That wasn't enough time! How did that happen? I wanted to call back and say I changed my mind, but knew Cole would be so upset. I guess God was easing me into this transition because it started snowing and AWANA's was canceled. Whew. Cole came home earlier than expected. I was able to ask him a million questions he refused to answer and put him to bed. Brad missed him more than I did.

I don't know how Keith does it. He leaves for days/weeks/months at a time without seeing his boys. I guess because of the military lifestyle I've been the only option for so long. Just me and the boys. It's been nice and I swear I wouldn't change a thing. Other then forgetting to dress them in green and spending a little less time on this crazy internet.

Today was my warning. I'm about to be fired from my job. He's needing me less and less. Overall it is my goal right? To raise them so I'm out of work - so he doesn't need me to clean up after him, cook, or wash his clothes. I'm suppose to make sure he can work and think for himself. I've got to teach him life lessons hoping he applies them to his everyday living. Cole is well on his way. Brad might learn everything but I'm fairly certain he'll keep me employed longer. Just cause he likes it.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Finished and Lost

I wrapped up reading Gone With The Wind tonight. Oh my lands!! Now that's a story. I can't believe she contained it in only 1400 pages. The history, the characters, the heartache..... excellent. I will have to post a picture of my pathetic paperpack book. It did not hold up well. My book literally broke into two. The binding split, pages ripped, and it might have been half submerged in the Indian Ocean then dried out with a hotel hairdryer.

I can not get over this story and not believe these characters are fictional. They were honestly so real to me, the interpretation of the lifestyle was astounding. Why wasn't this required reading in high school? Not that I would have read it back then, but oh... I think the year we were suppose to read it I had Ms. Sinclair for English 10th or 11th grade. It was her first year of teaching and she cried every class. She quit after her first year. Marcus High School ate her alive. If you could imagine a class of complete chaos - that was hers. We basically watch movies all year round. That's all I remember... and her crying everyday. Wait, was that even her name? Back to the report she probably tried to have us do:

The characters are so deeply developed. Rhett. Dear Rhett, loving Scarlett all those years. Helping her when she didn't even know it, honoring her for her mind, and then letting her self destruct. Seriously, any man who buys that big of a ring just to make a point is a keeper in my book ;-) A father so against the grain during that era. Loving and doting, even to Wade. Scarlett, what were you thinking? Ashley? Please, you've wasted a life. This lady is a fighter, determined, and tough. A 17 inch waist after all those kids. Doubtful. Can you get over the way of life when it came to pregnancy and how they stayed hidden and in bed after delivery? That's CRAZY to me. Melanie, the truest of friends. A lady with grace and tact. I so wish Scarlett was a better girlfriend to her, and told her as much at the end... Communication, the most important aspect in a relationship. I wish she would have told Rhett sooner.

I'm equally impressed with the language. How Mammy and their other slaves would "speak", you could read it and "hear" the words off the pages. The dialects when a "white trash" would talk and the elders like Miss Pitty. Without even knowing it, I'm hearing them all page after page. Hundreds of characters in and out of the book, and you know them all.

I could go on! Please read this book. Erin, thank you for the New Year's Resolution. Please Tell Pat the Bunny to hide her ornament collection before I bribe her with salt and pepper shakers ;-)

As soon as I can find a free 233 minutes to enjoy the movie, my mission will be complete.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Unpredictable

Brad. That alone could wrap up this whole post. My sweet Brad. You never know what will come out of his mouth. Did I ever post that in gymnastic class they play a color game while they stretch? The kids shout out their favorite colors... red, green, orange. Not Brad. Every time - EVERY TIME - Brad wants to be hazel. Ask him the difference between black and white and you might not get a response, but he'll be hazel till the cows come home.

I figured since we'll be around lots of friends and family on his birthday, I should throw him his first ever birthday party!! It appears we're in the middle of a move on all of his birthdays. Well, for his second we went to the River with the Thomas family and had ice cream cone cupcakes. It was fun for the rest of us! This year he's excited, but I'm not sure he knows what for... that's my Brad.

I asked him where he wanted to have a birthday party and his first response was "school". I will remind him of that when I can't get him out of bed for school in 4 years. I'm leaning towards having one at Going Bonkers in Lewisville. We've been sheltered. I'm already nervous it will be crowded. Is it wrong for wanting the party to be a 9:00am as soon as they open?

My next question was what kind of party does he want. His response "sharks". Only Brad. I better get to planning a shark birthday party!! I can't wait - grey. blue, teeth, and a cake from Candy Haven!! Wait, what if Candy Haven isn't cool anymore?

Locker Room Living

I feel like I live in a men's locker room. Not that I've been in one to find out, but I could only imagine this kind of behavior goes on in there.

Cole - Last night at dinner he decided he would only swallow his food whole instead of chewing. Want to know why? That way his food would come out whole and he wouldn't have to wipe. He's tired of all that poop getting smeared all around. Can someone please pass the carrots?

Brad - Is on a mad hunt for budding "man hair". I can't keep pants on the kid. Right now they are drawing pictures. He's doing self portraits of himself complete with a "johnson" Yes, my children know all the slang for their genitalia.

They only think girls have "girl penises". I've told them several times the proper terms and still "girl penis" sticks around. So help me. Is this normal? Does anyone else talk about other events at dinner? Do man hair checks start at the age of 3? I feel a need to hide all the rulers in the house.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Mission Impossible

Keith finally joined the ranks of the 33 year olds this past weekend! Happy Birthday!! He truly feels middle aged and old. Please. It's a good thing I don't.

I did the impossible and I'm sharing my advice to his family. I found Keith a gift he A) likes B) didn't want to return C) surprised him and D) uses. I know. We bought him the wireless magic MAC mouse. Anything MAC related excites him and is on his wish list. There. That's all I know about my husband. Happy Birthday Keith. We are forever grateful for each of the years you've been alive!!

Headache

As if were possible to sit in front of the computer any more, my days have gotten longer. We've been house hunting and preschool shopping ALL THE TIME. I already picked out the elementary school for Cole, so don't think he's been forgotten. My head hurts from reading reviews, MLS listings, and staring at fuzzy Google Earth pictures. I'm pretty certain we could be hired on the spot for our street knowledge at any post office or fire department in Wichita Falls.

Combined with a little game I just discovered: Words with Friends. It's all-scrabble all the time with people who want to play me (not like when I force Keith) and people who can't cheat (like Keith). I'm fairly impressed with my word knowledge. Considering my spelling record combined with the fact that my writing skills read exactly like I speak, you would think I only knew 3-5 letter words. That might be my ploy, like Paris Hilton acting dumb.

To top it off, I'm still trying to finish Gone With The Wind. O my lands has it gotten exciting! I can't say anymore without spoiling it, but alas! You should see this poor book. The pages are warped, the binding has broken, and it's been toted all over Asia. There's no way it could hold up to a re-read. I'm just hoping the pages stay in place before I finish. I already bought the movie from My Korean Blockbuster. There's no way to cram the whole story in a film, so I'm anxious to see what's been cut. I can't imagine editing one single event out of it!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

I Don't Get It

Lunchroom humor I heard today:

Cole's Friend: Knock Knock
Cole: Who's there?
Cole's Friend: D'Vonte
Cole: D'vonte who?
Cole's Friend: D'Vonte Carter.

That just happens to be his name. Either way, it got tons of giggles at the lunch table. Then Cole told his joke.

Cole: Knock Knock
D'Vonte: Who's there?
Cole: Gun Show
D'Vonte: Gun Show who?
Cole: Gun Show Exit.

AHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA! Again, it was hysterical to the boys at the table. I'm already afraid of the possible suspension for saying the word "gun" in a school when we return to the States. Then again, it's Texas. Is it possible to go throughout the day without saying that word?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Mind is Racing!

Now that we have our assignment and my head is already back in the States, it's time to start the countdown. The next two months are going to fly by! There's places to visit still and things to stock up on.... blankets, cashmere coats, pottery, soccer socks, fake watches, and maybe another purse. Or two.

How many more trips to Everland can we get? What about more antiques from Kojeon? I have to decide when to pull Cole out of school and the paperwork that goes with that. We have cars to sell, flights to arrange, condiments to use up ;-)

I started looking at houses in Wichita Falls. Idaho might have spoiled me because we had such a nice rental with the 3 car garage. It's like moving from a king size bed back to a full. Who does that? Everything is so different here. If it has a backyard, disposal, and washer and dryer I promise I'll be happy. Happy right after I incorporate the kick-start kitchen sink we have here in Korea.

I'm researching preschools. My precious Brad, I'm going to find the best for you buddy. I'll look high and low for just the perfect place to get you started on the right track. I've been praying for the teacher with the gentleness and willingness to get to know you and understand you. We will all work together so you can grow and develop with your creativity intact. I'm excited for this new chapter for you!! And maybe we'll get a pet frog.

OH - and we also found out that one of Cole's best buddies here in Korea with us will also be PCSing to Sheppard. He'll have a friend! They are in the same class now and could end up in school again together! He can't wait to get his bike back and to catch bugs in the backyard. I hope it helps when we have to say goodbye (or see you later) to Jake.

I'm beyond ready to find a church that fits us. I'm needing the guidance and ready to dive back into the word, being taught!

Oh, there's so much to do here and there! (because it's Dr. Seuss week, I really want to finish that sentence with a rhyme)

And let me just say:
I made a post on facebook about us moving back to Texas and I am stunned. I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of excitement! I am a blessed blessed girl to have supportive friends and family who take me back again and again. I don't feel like a good friend moving and leaving so often. I don't get to call or visit like I want to. I'm missing their kids growing up and not knowing the small things going on with them. And they still miss me. Crazy to wrap my head and heart around. I love you all. Knowing you care is As Good As It Gets. And for my military family (because that's exactly what friends become), I miss you all as well and can't wait for the times we reconnect in person or via internet.

I'll end with a funny story. We went to have lunch with Cole at school today. While we were there a little girl asked Keith if Cole could have a sleepover at her house this weekend. She even said she had GI Joe boy-movies he could watch. Cute? Thank goodness Cole has no interest in that.... yet!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Not Sucky

We are moving to Texas!!

Carry on.