Let me take you back.... A long time ago my husband was deployed. I had to wear many hats and do many things that I feel are "his" job. One of which was to teach my son to wipe his bottom. I don't why, but my line of thinking was well indented. Boys are different so he should do it different than I know. He should be wiping from back to front. I taught my young student and he quickly caught on. He was wiping his own rear and that was one less chore I had to worry about.
Then Daddy came home. He saw one look at Cole's accomplishment and screamed "STOP!" That's not how we do it! Daddy informed us all that it was wrong. Do it that way and you'll get poop all over your balls. (ps, if you know Keith you would not be surprised or offended by that statement) Cole being the good listener did just that. He stopped. He stopped wiping his own rear for a year and counting. Cole always would say "when I turn six I will wipe myself." Well, that day came and went. Cole still was refusing to wipe his hinney. I ever so nicely told my husband that he broke it - he's in charge of fixing it. After two days he informed me that the problem was solved.
Today I found out the problem was NOT solved. Cole went over to a friend's house to play after school. He felt... a need... and asked the mother where the bathroom was. He's been over there before, but she graciously pointed it out again. Then Cole asks "but where's the seat thing?" "What seat thing Cole?" This mom said "Do you need a protector?" as she started to put toilet paper on the seat. "No, the seat thing when you wipe" The mom "like toilet paper? How do you do it at school?...Um... do you mean the wet wipes? "NO, the seat thing and I don't go at school!" As this point she sees the panic set into his eyes as she tells him that she doesn't think she has what he's talking about.
As the mother was telling me this story I was torn do to all three things at once (A) call my husband to gripe his head off. It seems he taught Cole to use the bidet. What an easy way out! Daddy the teacher solved the problem by showing him the correct button to push. (B) cry a little bit because my poor son holds it all day because he still doesn't know how to wipe. And (C) laugh at the slightly funny situation my friend found herself in and my poor Cole's face of panic. And the fact that my son uses.a.bidet.
((((SIGH)))) I guess I better put on my jack of all trades hat and teach my son what to do when he's stuck in the wilderness without a bidet. Keith.... you make me laugh.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Man's Best Friends
I miss my dogs. I do. I miss every stinkin' part about them (and they do tend to stink from time to time). I even miss that cat. The LOUD, soft, sassy, and slightly crazy cat who tolerated my boys. I miss her too.
This morning Cole crawled into bed with me and randomly said "Mom, what would you do when we get back to Texas and Merlin doesn't like you anymore? He only likes GG." I had to assure him that of course Merlin would like GG, but he'll always remember his mama. He could never forget us and he misses you too.
That kid breaks my heart. I'm really thinking we were not meant to be a pet-free family. I've reached the point of wondering why we didn't bring them to begin with. Keith should be soaking up the next few months. That poor guy has no idea that I'm putting my foot down to a houseful of Yorkies for the rest of my days. And a sassy Marty Cat.
This morning Cole crawled into bed with me and randomly said "Mom, what would you do when we get back to Texas and Merlin doesn't like you anymore? He only likes GG." I had to assure him that of course Merlin would like GG, but he'll always remember his mama. He could never forget us and he misses you too.
That kid breaks my heart. I'm really thinking we were not meant to be a pet-free family. I've reached the point of wondering why we didn't bring them to begin with. Keith should be soaking up the next few months. That poor guy has no idea that I'm putting my foot down to a houseful of Yorkies for the rest of my days. And a sassy Marty Cat.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Seoul
I love this town. It's so busy and fun. We had a fabulous time on our girls trip. I can not believe how much were were able to cram into a day without kids in tow! I'm tired from thinking about all the walking, shopping, talking, and laughing.
We rode the bus from Osan directly into the Yongson Army base in the heart of Seoul. We dropped our bags off and hit the streets. We went to Dongemun and walked around the shops. Christa wanted some cool fabric for her photography business. We were directed to this old building that may or may not have been a sweat shop. I'm just saying - we didn't belong! These people LIVED in this building with thousands of sewing machines going off like crazy. There were walls of the fake jeans pockets and all the fake labels. It was very cramped and not a shopper to be found. All workers. We left and had lunch at a Vietnamese place. Again, so nice to not have to make a decision on what the kids may or may not want to eat. The weather could have been better. It snowed off and on all day long.
Next up was Meyongdong. MORE SHOPPING! This place was my favorite. There was even a Forever 21 store with clothes you would find in Amercia. I hit a sleepy nap wall and had to buy and drink my first Starbucks coffee. I think I am in love. It was REALLY good. It gave me that much more energy to hit up and bargain with all the street vendors. We shopped there well into the night. All the Christmas lights came on and people were singing Korean carols in the streets. Seoul is beautiful at night. We finally figured out the Subway we needed and went back to check into the hotel. A quick freshen up and we were off to Itaiwan. The fake watch place was closed so we went to a very cool restaurant for dinner. Itiawan at night has so much character. The atmosphere is beautiful and chic. After dinner we found a little bar and sat down for a couple of drinks. GIRL TALK. It was nice to get to know people on a friend level vs. their comparable mommy level. Could you believe we all had former lives with likes and interests? Our low key evening was about to come to an end. We paid our tab and as we were walking out the door, someone befriended the table behind us. Turns out they were headed to "The Hill" for some dancing. Sounds perfect. The night got a little wild, but for the safety of the women I will have to harbor the remainder of events in my mind.
I will say this. At one of the bars I left my purse with almost $500 in it. LEFT IT. Like just got up and walked off with it sitting in the bar. I didn't realize it till much later and when we went back - the guy just handed it over. UNTOUCHED! That would never happen in the States. Shocking since Seoul's population is close to 20 million! We made it back and got to sleep in till 9:30! IN THE MORNING! We enjoyed a brunch at Dragon Hill, checked out, went back to fake watch place, more shopping at the PX toy mart, and found the bus to go home.
It was such a great girls getaway. The boys missed me and I missed them. At night we usually ask them what the best part of their day was. I was totally ready to tell them that mine was coming home, but Cole beat me to the punch. That sweet guy said "my favorite part of the day was seeing you"... then I had to change my answer. My favorite part was two seconds ago.
I love my boys. The break was needed on both sides. Keith had a good time with them as well. It was good bonding time since he's headed to the States tomorrow. A quick TDY and home before Christmas. Our time here is flying by!
We rode the bus from Osan directly into the Yongson Army base in the heart of Seoul. We dropped our bags off and hit the streets. We went to Dongemun and walked around the shops. Christa wanted some cool fabric for her photography business. We were directed to this old building that may or may not have been a sweat shop. I'm just saying - we didn't belong! These people LIVED in this building with thousands of sewing machines going off like crazy. There were walls of the fake jeans pockets and all the fake labels. It was very cramped and not a shopper to be found. All workers. We left and had lunch at a Vietnamese place. Again, so nice to not have to make a decision on what the kids may or may not want to eat. The weather could have been better. It snowed off and on all day long.
Next up was Meyongdong. MORE SHOPPING! This place was my favorite. There was even a Forever 21 store with clothes you would find in Amercia. I hit a sleepy nap wall and had to buy and drink my first Starbucks coffee. I think I am in love. It was REALLY good. It gave me that much more energy to hit up and bargain with all the street vendors. We shopped there well into the night. All the Christmas lights came on and people were singing Korean carols in the streets. Seoul is beautiful at night. We finally figured out the Subway we needed and went back to check into the hotel. A quick freshen up and we were off to Itaiwan. The fake watch place was closed so we went to a very cool restaurant for dinner. Itiawan at night has so much character. The atmosphere is beautiful and chic. After dinner we found a little bar and sat down for a couple of drinks. GIRL TALK. It was nice to get to know people on a friend level vs. their comparable mommy level. Could you believe we all had former lives with likes and interests? Our low key evening was about to come to an end. We paid our tab and as we were walking out the door, someone befriended the table behind us. Turns out they were headed to "The Hill" for some dancing. Sounds perfect. The night got a little wild, but for the safety of the women I will have to harbor the remainder of events in my mind.
I will say this. At one of the bars I left my purse with almost $500 in it. LEFT IT. Like just got up and walked off with it sitting in the bar. I didn't realize it till much later and when we went back - the guy just handed it over. UNTOUCHED! That would never happen in the States. Shocking since Seoul's population is close to 20 million! We made it back and got to sleep in till 9:30! IN THE MORNING! We enjoyed a brunch at Dragon Hill, checked out, went back to fake watch place, more shopping at the PX toy mart, and found the bus to go home.
It was such a great girls getaway. The boys missed me and I missed them. At night we usually ask them what the best part of their day was. I was totally ready to tell them that mine was coming home, but Cole beat me to the punch. That sweet guy said "my favorite part of the day was seeing you"... then I had to change my answer. My favorite part was two seconds ago.
I love my boys. The break was needed on both sides. Keith had a good time with them as well. It was good bonding time since he's headed to the States tomorrow. A quick TDY and home before Christmas. Our time here is flying by!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Girl's Trip
I am leaving for a girls shopping trip in Seoul in 12 hours. This is VERY exciting and needed. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. It will be odd to talk to adults without interruptions. I can't figure out what it will feel like to not have a child crawling on me while I eat. I'm wondering how long before their fighting will stop ringing in my ears.....
I'm not sure, but I'm going to test this out. I'm also going to shop without having to look over my back every 2 seconds to make sure a child hasn't run off. I could possibly even make a purchase to two for myself as I take more than 30 seconds to make a decision. I am also planning on having an adult beverage or two for enjoyment instead out of need.
Please pray for Keith. He's a great Dad and a good hubby to go along with this trip. However those boys have gotten crafty. They're smart enough to know his buttons. I'm sure he can make it till Sunday. I'm curious to see how the house holds up.....
I'm not sure, but I'm going to test this out. I'm also going to shop without having to look over my back every 2 seconds to make sure a child hasn't run off. I could possibly even make a purchase to two for myself as I take more than 30 seconds to make a decision. I am also planning on having an adult beverage or two for enjoyment instead out of need.
Please pray for Keith. He's a great Dad and a good hubby to go along with this trip. However those boys have gotten crafty. They're smart enough to know his buttons. I'm sure he can make it till Sunday. I'm curious to see how the house holds up.....
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Free To Good Home*
One 3 year old male child. He's very cute and potty trained. This three year old loves affection and is very creative in his play and speech. He also has great hair. He lives for clean houses in which to destroy. If you have a back yard with lots of dirt, that would be preferred. I must warn you: You should live outside city limits without noise ordinances. Alerting CPS of his screaming fits might save them a few trips when the neighbors grow concerned. Some hearing loss might occur to those around him. When provoked he will throw his shoes at the back of your head in the car with remarkable aim. He demands attention, lots of attention, along with Aquaphor by the case. Interests include cats, lizards, slugs, Lego's, and worms. You should be willing to adapt your schedule around all his needs and tiptoeing around potential meltdowns will be a learned trait.
I will also include several hundred dollars worth of parenting books for no extra charge. They aren't helpful, but make you look really smart in a library. Included is a picture that makes him worth all the effort:
*you must return him after 3 days to his mama who can't live without him. She just needs a break.
I will also include several hundred dollars worth of parenting books for no extra charge. They aren't helpful, but make you look really smart in a library. Included is a picture that makes him worth all the effort:
*you must return him after 3 days to his mama who can't live without him. She just needs a break.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Culture Class
Cole's school schedule is rather unique for a kindergartner. They have a separate Spanish class every morning. Side note: I find it odd they teach Spanish in Korea but what do I know. They have class time, station time (play with toys time), lunch, recess and a separate "special" class. The special class rotates between Art, Music, PE, Library, and Culture Class.
I'm not sure what they do in Culture Class, but it soon became my most dreaded day. It appears a Korean teacher teaches them about "Korean Stuff" according to Cole. Then this teacher hands out Culture coins to students doing good work. These coins are small pieces of cardboard. They are thin, cheap, and flimsy. Every 5 year old's obsession. There's no rhyme or reason to getting a coin, nor does the teacher make sure everyone gets a coin.
Poor Cole would come home upset and angry after every dang Culture Class Day. He wanted a coin so badly. He tried his best in class and he still never got one. So I became one of those parents. I marched straight into the school and brought this up to Dr. Stapleford. Dr. Stapleford does not believe in that sort of reward system and doesn't practice that in his class. Culture teacher can. I guess he has no reign over Mr. Culture Teacher.
There's obvious favorites who get them each week and those quieter children (with darker sandy hair) that don't. Cole had never gotten a coin.... that is until yesterday! Whew! I can't believe the fuss over a dang piece of paper, but he worked hard for it and LOVES it.
Congratulations Cole! I'm so happy for your culture coin experience. I still hate Culture Class day..... and library day when he brings home a book I NEVER would pick out. Then he expects me to read it to him... ugh. Sometimes the use of their own free will drives me batty. But that's a whole other counseling session ;-)
I'm not sure what they do in Culture Class, but it soon became my most dreaded day. It appears a Korean teacher teaches them about "Korean Stuff" according to Cole. Then this teacher hands out Culture coins to students doing good work. These coins are small pieces of cardboard. They are thin, cheap, and flimsy. Every 5 year old's obsession. There's no rhyme or reason to getting a coin, nor does the teacher make sure everyone gets a coin.
Poor Cole would come home upset and angry after every dang Culture Class Day. He wanted a coin so badly. He tried his best in class and he still never got one. So I became one of those parents. I marched straight into the school and brought this up to Dr. Stapleford. Dr. Stapleford does not believe in that sort of reward system and doesn't practice that in his class. Culture teacher can. I guess he has no reign over Mr. Culture Teacher.
There's obvious favorites who get them each week and those quieter children (with darker sandy hair) that don't. Cole had never gotten a coin.... that is until yesterday! Whew! I can't believe the fuss over a dang piece of paper, but he worked hard for it and LOVES it.
Congratulations Cole! I'm so happy for your culture coin experience. I still hate Culture Class day..... and library day when he brings home a book I NEVER would pick out. Then he expects me to read it to him... ugh. Sometimes the use of their own free will drives me batty. But that's a whole other counseling session ;-)
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Watcher & Astronaut
Brad - Dad, I like to watch movies
Keith - you do?
Brad - Yes, I'm a good watcher.
He also wants to be an ass-er-not (astronaut) when he grows up. Cutie pie.
I have decided that Cole can never leave. He's turned into quite the Brad-Whisperer. Cole is such a great big brother. He's supportive and understanding. I love to hear Cole praise Brad for his attempts at trying new things. They are the best of buds. These two still sleep together and play well together. Brad is protective of Cole's lego designs. I'm not allowed to clean them up or break a "ship" he made. I often think that I know those boys better than anyone else on this earth, but I'm wrong. They know each other the best. Peas in a Pod.
Keith - you do?
Brad - Yes, I'm a good watcher.
He also wants to be an ass-er-not (astronaut) when he grows up. Cutie pie.
I have decided that Cole can never leave. He's turned into quite the Brad-Whisperer. Cole is such a great big brother. He's supportive and understanding. I love to hear Cole praise Brad for his attempts at trying new things. They are the best of buds. These two still sleep together and play well together. Brad is protective of Cole's lego designs. I'm not allowed to clean them up or break a "ship" he made. I often think that I know those boys better than anyone else on this earth, but I'm wrong. They know each other the best. Peas in a Pod.
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