I'm going back to a previous post about the breaching of security by the twins.
The door knobs were our only saving grace as they weren't tall enough/strong enough to open the doors. Well of course, this soon changed. So, the child door knob covers went on. These are 2 halves of plastic that fit very snugly together. They are larger than the doorknob so there are two rubberized finger grip things that you have to squeeze together as you turn the knob. Ask some adults...this is not an easy task always!
I went to get the babies up from their nap. As I was leaving the room, I noticed something. Or rather, I noticed something was missing. The doorknob cover was NOT on the back of the door anymore! Where was it? How did it come off? This was only the second day of having them on. Surely this was just a fluke. I found one half under Payton's bed and one half under Jackson's bed. I don't know how they did it. I don't know which one did it or if they worked together for that matter. But by darned, these little Houdini's managed to breach yet another level of security! I put it back on. The next day, off again!
Showing posts with label Mommy Story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mommy Story. Show all posts
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Signs of Critical Thinking
Kids think quite a bit. They soak things up like little sponges. But sometimes young learning is very black and white. Last night, as we were getting ready for bed, Jordan & Mikayla were showing off their color blending knowledge.
"Red and white makes my favorite color, pink" says Mikayla.
"Blue and yellow make green" says Jordan.
"What colors make violet?" asks Mikayla.
"Blue & purple make violet, Mikayla. Violet is a purply blue" replies Jordan.
This continues through many color blends. Then Jordan said, "Red and white and purple make magenta".
Mikayla looked to me for confirmation, "Wow, JT! That was a hard one. You learned that at school."
"I didn't learn that at school and I didn't guess. I thought about it. I know purple and pink make magenta and red and white make pink. So, red, white, and purple make magenta."
I believe that may be basic algebra! His black & white learning has just gotten a little grey =)
Patterns
They teach kids patterns now. I must admit, I would get the notes home from school every week about what they learned. "This week we discussed AB patterns." I had no idea what the teacher was talking about. Is this what they call the new math, I wondered. It was just never described to me like that.
Jordan comes home and talks about what he learned and tells Mikayla. So she is learning right along with him. Mikayla had on a striped shirt and she said, "Mom, I have on an ABC pattern shirt." I looked, silver, light blue, blue, silver, light blue, blue. Sure enough she had on an ABC pattern shirt.
Then Jordan said, I have an ABCDEF pattern shirt. His sleeves had very thin clumps of stripes. Sure enough, I looked at each grouping of stripes and they were the same. It was an ABCDEF pattern shirt.
Sweetness
Jordan talks fondly about a lot of his classmates. But when he was asked to draw a picture and name his best friend, this is what he drew:
"Red and white makes my favorite color, pink" says Mikayla.
"Blue and yellow make green" says Jordan.
"What colors make violet?" asks Mikayla.
"Blue & purple make violet, Mikayla. Violet is a purply blue" replies Jordan.
This continues through many color blends. Then Jordan said, "Red and white and purple make magenta".
Mikayla looked to me for confirmation, "Wow, JT! That was a hard one. You learned that at school."
"I didn't learn that at school and I didn't guess. I thought about it. I know purple and pink make magenta and red and white make pink. So, red, white, and purple make magenta."
I believe that may be basic algebra! His black & white learning has just gotten a little grey =)
Patterns
They teach kids patterns now. I must admit, I would get the notes home from school every week about what they learned. "This week we discussed AB patterns." I had no idea what the teacher was talking about. Is this what they call the new math, I wondered. It was just never described to me like that.
Jordan comes home and talks about what he learned and tells Mikayla. So she is learning right along with him. Mikayla had on a striped shirt and she said, "Mom, I have on an ABC pattern shirt." I looked, silver, light blue, blue, silver, light blue, blue. Sure enough she had on an ABC pattern shirt.
Then Jordan said, I have an ABCDEF pattern shirt. His sleeves had very thin clumps of stripes. Sure enough, I looked at each grouping of stripes and they were the same. It was an ABCDEF pattern shirt.
Sweetness
Jordan talks fondly about a lot of his classmates. But when he was asked to draw a picture and name his best friend, this is what he drew:
In case you can't make it out he says "My best friend's name is Mikala". That does a mom's heart good. I LOVE that they are so close!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Medicine at School
I guess it's been awhile since I was in a minor-aged school environment. Not to mention, times have changed (how cliche')! But, really , times have changed! I remember having my tin of Sucrets at my desk, chewing them one after another like they were candy when I was in elementary school. Yummmm...cherry Sucrets. In Jr. High & Sr. High I carried tylenol and the such in my bag for those rough days and I moved on from Sucrets to Luden's Cherry or Honey Lemon- call me a drug dealer!
Jordan has a bad, congested cough that sometimes is uncontrollable. I kept him home yesterday and attempted to make an appointment with his doctor. Of course, there weren't any appointments available. There never are! But I got that ever so helpful call back from his nurse. NOT! Where do they get some of these nurses from? When do we switch health care providers? Anyway, the over-the-counter Triaminic seemed to help a bit. So last night I went to the store, bought a new, sealed container of Triaminic chews. Jordan insisted on going to school today. He is a "Zero Hero" (meaning he has no write-ups or referrals). Today is the Zero Hero party. They get to watch Surf's Up and eat popcorn. I'd want to go to school too, I think.
So I take Jordan to school, equipped with a what-did-I-miss note to the teacher, a why-I-was-absent note for the office, his library book (he missed library yesterday and "You know, Mom, the Librarian said the books have to be back every library day or we lose our privileges. See this post), and his medicine. I knew I'd have to fill out a form. Ok, I had NO idea.
First of all, I had to wait until the super dooper security ID scan was completed for every volunteer or parent that was in the building. It really is a good system, but I think it's a bit much. They take your scannable, government issued picture ID, scan it, run it against some databases (I think the registered sex offender list is one of them), you tell them where you will be in the building, and then it prints out a custom visitors badge complete with your vital statistics. It's great, but a bit time consuming for those poor secretaries. Gone are the days of scratching their heads with a pencil, wondering what to do next. It's also time consuming to wait in line to acquire your badge...or worse, be the second person there and the 18th person to be helped. Wow, I'm ranting today. Sorry!
So it's finally my turn. I ask for the medicine form. I felt like I was going through a security clearance. Fill this form out in triplicate. Ok, I'm exaggerating. But here's the thing. It asks the basic questions - child's name, age, DOB, grade, teacher, the exact name of the medicine, why they should get the medicine, how often they should get the medicine, and duration. Then you have to sign the waiver. For the how much and how often, I wrote he could have 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed for cough, sore throat, runny nose beginning at 11am on 12/19 and continuing through 12/22. I guess they can't do "as needed". They need exact times. My first question is, then why do you pay a nurse if you can't do something as simple as a prn over-the-counter med? My second question is, then why don't you change your form to reflect the exact data you want? Anyway, it's done. Jordan will get medicine at 11 and 3 regardless of whether he needs it or not.
I get why the schools have some of this ridiculousness. They have been found liable in too many lawsuits. Freakin' lawyers and greedy bastard parents! But haven't they gone a bit too far? We have many of the problems in our society because no body is held accountable for their own actions. There is no sense of self responsibility. Then we foster that attitude by never allowing people to be responsible. Granted, I'm talking about a Kindergartner...but he should be able to have a sealed cough drop, clearly labeled, and be able to take it if he has an out of control coughing attack. Instead, they send him to the office to get a cough drop, or they send him home! Put a big, fat, black, permanent line throughSCHOOL NURSE as one of my future job considerations! They aren't allowed to do anything except hold back hair for puking kids and call the janitor for that foul smelling saw dust stuff. Maybe it's the vomit that is foul smelling.
I'm done! This rant was prob. a little overreactive considering I pulled an all-nighter trying to make 130 treat bags for teachers and staff for their "Happy Holidays" for PTO after I got home from errand running and shopping at 11:15pm. Now I have a to do list with 122 things on it for the day. Oh, and I have to take care of 4 kids. Did I mention I didn't sleep last night? Oh, but I did try out my new Tassimo machine. The chai tea latte was yummy. Darin said the hot chocolate was good too. Just needed some whipped cream, which I didn't have.
Jordan has a bad, congested cough that sometimes is uncontrollable. I kept him home yesterday and attempted to make an appointment with his doctor. Of course, there weren't any appointments available. There never are! But I got that ever so helpful call back from his nurse. NOT! Where do they get some of these nurses from? When do we switch health care providers? Anyway, the over-the-counter Triaminic seemed to help a bit. So last night I went to the store, bought a new, sealed container of Triaminic chews. Jordan insisted on going to school today. He is a "Zero Hero" (meaning he has no write-ups or referrals). Today is the Zero Hero party. They get to watch Surf's Up and eat popcorn. I'd want to go to school too, I think.
So I take Jordan to school, equipped with a what-did-I-miss note to the teacher, a why-I-was-absent note for the office, his library book (he missed library yesterday and "You know, Mom, the Librarian said the books have to be back every library day or we lose our privileges. See this post), and his medicine. I knew I'd have to fill out a form. Ok, I had NO idea.
First of all, I had to wait until the super dooper security ID scan was completed for every volunteer or parent that was in the building. It really is a good system, but I think it's a bit much. They take your scannable, government issued picture ID, scan it, run it against some databases (I think the registered sex offender list is one of them), you tell them where you will be in the building, and then it prints out a custom visitors badge complete with your vital statistics. It's great, but a bit time consuming for those poor secretaries. Gone are the days of scratching their heads with a pencil, wondering what to do next. It's also time consuming to wait in line to acquire your badge...or worse, be the second person there and the 18th person to be helped. Wow, I'm ranting today. Sorry!
So it's finally my turn. I ask for the medicine form. I felt like I was going through a security clearance. Fill this form out in triplicate. Ok, I'm exaggerating. But here's the thing. It asks the basic questions - child's name, age, DOB, grade, teacher, the exact name of the medicine, why they should get the medicine, how often they should get the medicine, and duration. Then you have to sign the waiver. For the how much and how often, I wrote he could have 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed for cough, sore throat, runny nose beginning at 11am on 12/19 and continuing through 12/22. I guess they can't do "as needed". They need exact times. My first question is, then why do you pay a nurse if you can't do something as simple as a prn over-the-counter med? My second question is, then why don't you change your form to reflect the exact data you want? Anyway, it's done. Jordan will get medicine at 11 and 3 regardless of whether he needs it or not.
I get why the schools have some of this ridiculousness. They have been found liable in too many lawsuits. Freakin' lawyers and greedy bastard parents! But haven't they gone a bit too far? We have many of the problems in our society because no body is held accountable for their own actions. There is no sense of self responsibility. Then we foster that attitude by never allowing people to be responsible. Granted, I'm talking about a Kindergartner...but he should be able to have a sealed cough drop, clearly labeled, and be able to take it if he has an out of control coughing attack. Instead, they send him to the office to get a cough drop, or they send him home! Put a big, fat, black, permanent line through
I'm done! This rant was prob. a little overreactive considering I pulled an all-nighter trying to make 130 treat bags for teachers and staff for their "Happy Holidays" for PTO after I got home from errand running and shopping at 11:15pm. Now I have a to do list with 122 things on it for the day. Oh, and I have to take care of 4 kids. Did I mention I didn't sleep last night? Oh, but I did try out my new Tassimo machine. The chai tea latte was yummy. Darin said the hot chocolate was good too. Just needed some whipped cream, which I didn't have.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Who Ate The....
Wrapping Paper?
That's right. I got my container of wrapping paper out from the closet. It's one of those containers that stands upright and holds the rolls. I placed it in my bedroom, apparently a little too close to the pack n play where Ryne takes his naps. When I went to lay him down for his nap today, I noticed all of these little shreds of paper on the pack n play mat. Sure enough it was wrapping paper...and from looking at the edge of the roll he singled out and the amount of paper in his bed...he consumed a good couple of bites. Nobody can claim he's a picky eater - dog food and wrapping paper. Maybe I should have him tested for pica.
Oh, and Jackson has enjoyed the raspberry preserves out of the center of the cookies I made. Good thing he raided the stash AFTER I took the amount out I needed for the cookie exchange. Poor Darin is left with the outsides of the cookies and the wet remnants from thedouble triple many times dipped centers.
That's right. I got my container of wrapping paper out from the closet. It's one of those containers that stands upright and holds the rolls. I placed it in my bedroom, apparently a little too close to the pack n play where Ryne takes his naps. When I went to lay him down for his nap today, I noticed all of these little shreds of paper on the pack n play mat. Sure enough it was wrapping paper...and from looking at the edge of the roll he singled out and the amount of paper in his bed...he consumed a good couple of bites. Nobody can claim he's a picky eater - dog food and wrapping paper. Maybe I should have him tested for pica.
Oh, and Jackson has enjoyed the raspberry preserves out of the center of the cookies I made. Good thing he raided the stash AFTER I took the amount out I needed for the cookie exchange. Poor Darin is left with the outsides of the cookies and the wet remnants from the
Monday, December 17, 2007
Breach of Security
The twins have officially broken every level of security we have in place at our house -minus the door knobs. They still aren't tall enough or strong enough to twist the door knobs...but that's only a matter of time.
1. Stair Gate
We, ok I, chose the stair gate we have in place because it folds away when not in use. Darin hates this thing because it's a little loud and it works best if you have 2 available hands. I hate having to step over or fuss with gates when the kids aren't even awake. I know...lazy. It's also more attractive. You barely notice the gate when it's folded away. Looks like this:
1. Stair Gate
We, ok I, chose the stair gate we have in place because it folds away when not in use. Darin hates this thing because it's a little loud and it works best if you have 2 available hands. I hate having to step over or fuss with gates when the kids aren't even awake. I know...lazy. It's also more attractive. You barely notice the gate when it's folded away. Looks like this:
Payton and Jackson found a way to squeeze under the gate. So sometimes I'll catch them downstairs when they aren't supposed to be. Payton also uses it as a pull-up bar. She uses her arms to pull herself up and hangs on to greet you on the other side. I'm telling you, she's STRONG!
2. Cabinet Locks
These things are supposed to be difficult enough for the kids not to open the cabinets and easy enough for adults to unlock for everyday use.
The twins first began breaching this level of security by wedging their little hands in the small gap that is created when you open the cabinet and the lock latches. They would just reach in and blindly pull stuff out. Then Jackson figured out how to push down on the lock as you pull out the cabinet. Now they are totally useless. Even Ryne has figured these things out.
3. Today's Kid Play Yard
We originally used these to fence in our living room. It gave the kids space to play while keeping the kitchen, dining room, and office area off limits. These worked great when the kids were little.
Now, let me count the ways how they get around these. When used as a gated area, the twins can lift them up and unlatch the segments or they just climb up and over them. We still are trying to use them to shield our TV gadgets like the receiver, DVD recorder, and DVR. Unfortunately, their little hands fit through there too easily. It still usually gives me enough time to see they are reaching for something before too many buttons are pushed.
4. Crib Tent
Never heard of them? I didn't either until I joined my Mom's of Multiples group. Most people use these to keep kids in cribs a little bit longer so they don't climb or fall out. We use it to keep kids out of the cribs, specifically Payton. Payton kept climbing into Ryne's crib. It was cute...until one day she scratched the heck out of his face in a couple seconds! Jackson would occasionally be in the crib too. But not as often.
We put the crib tent up...and 3 weeks later, they were found in Ryne's crib yet again. I think Payton climbs up the side of the crib, holds on with one hand, and unzips the opening. It has got to take great strength and determination. This tent ends up being about as tall as I am...but she has done it twice now. This last time both Jackson & Payton were keeping Ryne company. We still are going to use it though. It at least keeps them at bay a little longer.
So our house has officially been taken over. Time to start looking for the door knob covers. They may keep us sane for a few more months. I'll cross my fingers anyway.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
More Christmas Fun
Where else would you have about 70 kids and 40 adults all in the same room? The Mom's of Multiples Holiday Party of course! We had the party at House of Bounce - a family favorite. You'll see Mikayla's birthday photos from there just as soon as Darin stops hogging them on his MAC =) Anyway, we arrived a tad late because of all days, our kids actually slept in on a morning when we had something planned. Isn't that how it always works? Everyone still had a great time and enjoyed getting their books from Santa. They enjoyed their books...not necessarily Santa.
Here are some pictures. We didn't have it all together that day, so we didn't take any pictures ourselves. But here are a few that a friend shared with us. Notice the kid to parent ratio. This would scare many people away.
Here are some pictures. We didn't have it all together that day, so we didn't take any pictures ourselves. But here are a few that a friend shared with us. Notice the kid to parent ratio. This would scare many people away.
Our family picture with Santa...not so great this time =)
After the Multiples Club party I took Mikayla to see The Nutcracker performed by the Manassas Ballet Theatre. When Jordan heard me say that we were going to see The Nutcracker, he said he wanted to go too. Then when he discovered it was a ballet and not a movie, he changed his mind. It was Mikayla's first ballet experience. And considering it was a little over 2 1/2 hours....she did great. At first she was confused because they weren't talking. She wanted to know why they couldn't dance and talk. I explained that we were supposed to interpret what was going on based on their movements. She asked me to help her out, so I whispered different scenes to her. One of the dancers, the Arabian, didn't wear a shirt. So today Mikayla had her shirt off and she said..."I look like one of the dancers from yesterday. You know, one of the boy dancers." I guess that made an impression on her. God help us get through those teenage years! Mikayla also really enjoyed seeing the Orchestra in the pit. That was a first, too. She knew a lot of the instruments - the piccolo, flute, clarinet, trumpet, drums, xylophone, heart (how she refers to the harp no matter how many times I correct her), violin, cello, and the electric piano. She was thrown by the bassoon. She didn't realize how big a bassoon was. She also didn't know what a bass was. It's just a big violin =) All in all, Mikayla enjoyed it. It was a bit long for her attention span. But she really did great!
Mikayla and I got home just in time for Darin to get to his office party. He had a good time and prob. enjoyed the night to himself.
Today was filled with more holiday fun. We ventured into D.C. to a friends house. They had a small gathering with 60 of their closest friends in attendance. It was a bit of a zoo, but we had a great time. I have to say thanks for all the extra eyes and ears on the kids. It's always a bit crazy when you go to a home where kids don't reside. Jackson found the M&M's and I think he ate half a bag before I realized what he was in to. Payton snagged a brownie from an unsuspecting guest that sat his plate on an end table within Payton's reach. Ryne tried to unwrap a gift they had sitting under their tree. He didn't get very far. The bow got stuck to his hand and he cried because he couldn't get it off. Jordan and Mikayla kept occupied with their Leapsters. A little boy was so fascinated by Jordan's game. He watched intently, almost putting his nose on the screen. Jordan offered to share and the little boy took him up on it - and played the rest of the night =) Again, my hands were full but I did manage to snap a picture of Jackson trying the Santa hat on for size. Get ready for some holiday cuteness!
The kids' cuteness must make up for their occasional cries and attempts to get into things they shouldn't because we were invited to a regift party on the 5th...with the kids =) Sounds like fun. I can't wait to see what gift I will regift =)
Oh but today's fun doesn't stop here. It's almost midnight (blogger thinks I live on the West Coast. I've tried to change it so it posts the correct time...but it hasn't worked yet) and my cookie dough is chilling in the fridge. I still have to make cookies tonight for a cookie exchange tomorrow evening. I made enough dough for 10 dozen cookies according to the recipe. I don't know if I make my cookies too big or what...but I always get about 1/2 the number of cookies the recipe says it will make. I only need to take 5 dozen tomorrow. I hope it makes a few extra to have here at home. We'll see. Well I'm off to bake cookies - Raspberry Preserve Thumbprint cookies to be exact. YUMMY! I have to keep Darin away or I'll only have 3 dozen to take tomorrow!
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Nightmare before Christmas
There are so many things to do and see this time of year. Last year we drove through a lights exhibit and ended up at a carnival type place. The kids rode rides and ate chicken fingers and french fries. It was nice, but a little pricey. This year we thought we'd try something different. Last year I remembered a bunch of friends talking about Gum Drop Square. Low and behold, guess what comes up on my twins club message board?!? A couple of moms were planning a trip to Gum Drop Square. Perfect. I'm in. I thought I would just take Jordan & Mikayla...but after finding out their plans, they were going to leave right after the kids got off the bus, I wasn't so sure I would join them. Darin can't get home that early, and I've never been there and don't know exactly what to expect. I talked to a friend that goes every year. She assured me that it would be fine - maybe a little tight with the stroller - but encouraged me to come with all the kids. Great! I get Jordan off the bus, make sure all the little people are good to go, tell Jordan & Mikayla to grab there coats, load into the car and away we go!
We drive the 1/2 hour it takes to get there and get to the general vicinity. I only had to circle once to figure out where to park. That's not too bad. We're off to a great start. We're parked. I give my friend a call. No answer. No worries, we'll find each other. I get the babies dressed in their coats and hats. Now it's time for Jordan & Mikayla to get out...Where are their coats? So I ask, "Where are your coats?" "Our coats?" they reply together. "Yeah, your coats. I told you both to grab your coats!" "Oh, we didn't hear you." "So you mean to tell me that it's winter and you guys didn't bring your coats? What does winter mean? It means it's cold." I stop the lecture and try to find some way to keep them warm. Jordan at least has a shirt and a sweatshirt with a hood. And I found his hat. Mikayla has on a turtleneck and I managed to find her hat in the car too. But I know she's going to be cold. So, like any good mother would do, I offer her my coat. My coat that's 10 times too big. But she'll be warm. She'll be warm...but now I'm going to be cold! UGH! I hate to be cold!!
I try my friend's cell again. No answer. Alright, I'll head in the general direction of the events. It is just a short jaunt to Main Street. Just as I get to Main Street, my phone rings. It's my friend telling me the group is already in line at Gumdrop Square and be prepared, it's a long line. She then directs me to the exact location of the line. OK. Not TOO bad. I've stood in worse. But it's a bummer we won't be together.
I take in the sights....it's very Norman Rockwell-like. Small town. To the left is a children's choir lined up on the steps of City Hall. Their parents are gathered at the bottom of the stairs, intently listening to their carols. To the right is a young dance troupe performing on a patio in town square, their parents also aligned as an audience. Shortly after the dance troupe's bows, the kid's hand bell choir begins their concert of carols. Families are greeting each other. The Lion's Club is selling hot chocolate and nachos. A horse-drawn wagon is circling Main Street with loads of riders taking in the sights.
Meanwhile, this is my chaos...
All the little kids have by now performed their Houdini acts of getting out of their buckles. They all have their unique way of bypassing the security, but all manage to escape before the stroller comes to a stand still in line. I send Jordan & Mikayla off to watch the dancers. They're still within clear view and earshot of me. I hear one woman say. "Look at that girl. That coat is as big as she is." referring to Mikayla. Jackson is rocking back and forth. On his back swing he is hitting the chair so hard he is bumping Payton. Ryne is standing, grabbing at Payton's hat. Payton is whining because she is being bumped by Jack in the front and being picked at by Ryne from the back. By now people in line have begun to notice that which is the triple stroller. The whispers are getting louder and louder "look at her, triplets bless her heart" "oh my, that's a lot of kids" I pick up Ryne to help relieve some of Payton's annoyances. Ryne decides to play the mommy fetch game of let me drop lovey and see how many times mom will pick it up. As I reach down to pick up the lovey, I see out of the corner of my eye, Payton plummeting towards the cement. Bonk! "AHHHHHHH" The woman in line in front of me scoops her up and almost starts crying, "Ohmygod". I put Ryne down. I am concerned, but at least she's crying. That means she's breathing and able to feel pain. I look her over, feel her head. No blood, no bumps, her pupils look fine. I give her her milk cup and lovey and a kiss and place her back in the stroller. Jordan & Mikayla have now made their way back to me to see what was up. Meanwhile, the woman in front of me in line is trying to buckle all of the kids. She asked why the buckles were already together. I let her know that at the beginning of our adventure they all were strapped in, but they all wriggle out of them. As she talks I hear a hint of disdain in her voice. I'm now annoyed because as if we didn't already have enough attention, now we have the attention that nobody wants. The "bad mom" attention.
Just as everyone has settled back down, I notice that people are parking their strollers at the bottom of the stairs and holding their child in line. Notice I said child, because no one has more than one young child. I begin to wonder, can you not take strollers at all? My friend said it will be tight, but she didn't mention that I couldn't have any stroller...my wheels are turning. Jackson & Payton aren't in the mood to just stand beside me and hold my hand. And I can't hold all three for any period of time. Not by myself. I give my friend a call, as by now they are all inside. "Do you see anyone with strollers or did you see a ramp to get the strollers inside?" "No, oh no" The conversation went on for a little bit longer. I haven't given up yet, but I am starting to consider just heading back home. I should have. Instead, I found a gentleman that was helping. He informed me of a handicapped accessible area around the back and said they would be more than happy to help me inside. My hope of salvaging this experience was renewed.
I venture to the side of the building and wait for a handicapped person to vacate the area. As I get inside I notice that they have a chair lift. Basically it's a platform with a little half door at the bottom and a half door at the top. I'm sizing things up and am not optimistic the stroller will fit. Gumdrop square utilizes pre-teen volunteers dressed as elves. So our little elf greets us at the platform and tells me to go on in. I manage to wedge it in there. Jordan and Mikayla can't fit so I sent them up the stairs on their own. We slowly make our way to the top. The platform latches...but the door doesn't open. Our elf is frantically trying to open the door. He decides to try to send us back down and then back up. Nope...not working. The elf goes for help. In comes a nice woman. But she doesn't know how to operate the lift. She asks me to read the large sticker on the lift. I tell her that it just says if the door remains locked I should use the call button. She asked me to try that and I explained that the call button probably just notified someone in the building that assistance was needed. She was my help =) Oh...so after trying several things, I told her that I could take the kids out of the stroller and lift the stroller out of the lift. She asked me to hang on as she went to get 4 more pre-teen elves. Each elf took a child and I managed to lift the heavy stroller up and over the half-door. The kids get put back in the stroller and the one elf opens the door to the main hall. As soon as the door opens, there is a short line of elves and Santa is right there. Everyone in line is staring at us. There is no where to go with this stroller. The elves shoo me past Santa to wait. The nice woman is now looking frazzled and midly annoyed comes over and says "You'll just have to wait here until we get to your spot in line." That's fair. I will wait my turn. Then she gets flustered and says..."There just isn't enough room here for the stroller. What are we going to do?" I stayed calm, hoping that she would have the same effect. "Just tell me where you would like us to wait and we will." As the nice turned panicked woman is trying to figure it out, one of the elves escorts Jordan & Mikayla to Santa's lap. Now we're starting to not only skip the line but hold up the line, because I wasn't prepared. I ask if we should go. The woman hims and hauls and says "Well, ok! Some people will be mad, but you should go" I tell her that we would be more than happy to wait our turn. She says shortly "No, just go". Well great, nothing like being made to feel like a pain in the butt!! Doesn't she know that I'm just as frustrated with the situation as she is.
I put the kids on Santa's lap one by one and held my breath as I placed Payton. See when we went on the Santa train last week, she screamed bloody murder when Santa entered our car. Payton didn't cry and miraculously, they all relatively co-operate and we got this decent photo:
Whew! That was nice. A moment of good settled in and as I asked the photographer how much the pictures were, he said they were free. They were his gift for Christmas. That was mighty nice. I gave him a warm smile, said Thank You, and wished him a Merry Christmas!
Only one more thing left in this building, Santa's secret workshop. Jordan & Mikayla were looking forward to this. They were anxious to go in the store all by themselves, pick out the gifts, and pay on their own. One elf escorted us from Santa to the Workshop and asked for our tickets. I ask her what tickets? She says "Oh, yeah, you didn't wait in line. Just a minute. How many tickets do you want?" I give her the money and she gets the tickets. The nice then panicked now condescending woman from before shows her face and says "Be sure you have your tickets." I feel like I asked for a Red Rider BB Gun!
Again I feel like we are holding things up. The elf comes back with the tickets and Jordan & Mikayla happily enter the store. I venture back down the chairlift. This time I tried a different angle and we went down no problem. Then all of a sudden, Ryne screamed. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Then I figured it out. An elf gave Jackson, Payton & Ryne candy canes and I didn't know it. Ryne's candy cane was missing, but his sticky fingers and the red goop on his arm gave away the fact that he once did have a candy cane. I looked down. Yep, there it was, on the floor of the lift. And Ryne was crying because he was not done with the candy cane. The lift eeks to the bottom. I get out and scoop up the remnants of the candy cane so nobody else has to crush it and get all sticky. But now I'm sticky, and all the babies are sticky. Thank goodness for wipes. (All you pre-teen-elf-wanna-be's, don't give kids candy canes without asking or at least informing their parents! Ryne can handle it, but not too many 11-mos.-olds should handle a candy cane unsupervised. )Just as I'm cleaning them up, the phone rings. It's my friend. "I heard you took the elevator. Some people in line were talking about you." Great!! That's what I want to hear. Strangers were talking about me...YES!
I felt like Chevy Chase on Christmas Vacation (one of the best Christmas movies ever) when he goes into his rant: "Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny **** Kaye. "
The group was headed to the horse drawn carriage ride. Why not. By darned we were here to have fun, so let's have at it. By the time we got to the horse, the group was already on the ride. When they got off, they offered to watch the little ones while I took Jordan & Mikayla. So that's what we did, I didn't really have the energy left to struggle with the babies to give them this experience. Until Payton started screaming. So Payton joined us for the ride too. Here is a pic of Jordan & Mikayla on the ride:
It was a quick ride. At this point, I was freezing and my Christmas Cheer was drained. Jordan & Mikayla begged for hot chocolate. I didn't give in. I promised them hot chocolate at home. So home we drove. On the way home I pondered how many times I made the wrong decision and looked at how many times I could have avoided some of the chaos. Maybe we should have just spent the extra money and gone to the light drive and rides again. Who knows.
Tomorrow we are making more efforts to invoke the holiday spirit. The Mom's of Multiples holiday party is tomorrow, then I'm taking Mikayla to see the Nutcracker ballet, and in the evening Darin is going to an office holiday party all by himself. Hopefully all of these events will go off without a hitch and the Spirit will be revived!
Oh, all the kids did get their hot chocolate and as a special treat - a chocolate chip cookie. And as I sit here typing this blog, my husband is so lovingly, combing his fingers through my hair, as though I have lice, pointing out my grey roots that are now showing. He's laughing and trying to kiss me. Saying he 'still loves me' anyway. Will the night get any better? I don't think so. It's time for bed and I'll start again tomorrow!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Trademarks - not to be understood by a 5 year old.
Now that Jordan is trying to spell and read everything and Mikayla is following in his footsteps, the questions are non-stop. What's this spell? What does that spell? How do you spell _(fill in the blank)__? What does that mean? and on and on and on...
They ask about things they see on TV and around the house like HD - high definition or DVR - digital video recorder. Well they asked about the trademark symbol. I tried to explain that a trademark meant that a product or idea was owned by a company. And if you want to use that item for something that would make you money (like in a movie) you would have to pay money to the company to use that item.
A couple of days later she was going through some toys to throw away or give away. She came across a doll that had the tm right on the tag. She said, "Mom, we can't give this one away, we have to sell it cause it has a trademark." I tried to re-explain the concept to her. Next thing I know Mikayla is walking around with her beloved Strawberry Shortcake blanket. I noticed that it had an M with a circle around it written in marker. I asked her why she wrote on her blanket. She said, "Oh, that's my trademark so if anyone else wants to use it they have to pay me money!"
Too cute!
I think it may be a few more years until this concept sinks in =)
They ask about things they see on TV and around the house like HD - high definition or DVR - digital video recorder. Well they asked about the trademark symbol. I tried to explain that a trademark meant that a product or idea was owned by a company. And if you want to use that item for something that would make you money (like in a movie) you would have to pay money to the company to use that item.
A couple of days later she was going through some toys to throw away or give away. She came across a doll that had the tm right on the tag. She said, "Mom, we can't give this one away, we have to sell it cause it has a trademark." I tried to re-explain the concept to her. Next thing I know Mikayla is walking around with her beloved Strawberry Shortcake blanket. I noticed that it had an M with a circle around it written in marker. I asked her why she wrote on her blanket. She said, "Oh, that's my trademark so if anyone else wants to use it they have to pay me money!"
Too cute!
I think it may be a few more years until this concept sinks in =)
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Jordan's First Missed Day of School
Jordan was so sick this weekend. I had already decided that I would let him wake up on his own and then would ask if he would like to go to school. So that's what I did. Jordan seemed tired and said he didn't want to go to school today. I didn't push it. It's ok. For me, attendance isn't a huge deal - as long as you do you work and do your work well. (Darin and I differ on this a little bit).
Jordan seemed pretty tired in the morning, opting to lay on the couch and hang out. Then he started to play like his usual self. At lunch, I asked him "Jordan, were you still feeling sick this morning or did you just not feel like going to school today?"
His eyes went to the up and left position. He bit his lip. You could seriously see those wheels a turning upstairs. He carefully picked his words "What happens if I lie?"
I said that the most important thing was that he tells the truth. When he tells the truth, he may still get in trouble, but he will be in less trouble than if he lies. And mommies and daddies usually find out when kids lie.
He pondered again...."What happens if I lied before but tell the truth now?"
I laughed and said "The most important thing is that you tell me the truth now." my voice turning more stern, "Were you still feeling sick or did you just not feel like going to school?"
Timidly he replied, "I was just still feeling a little tired - not sick. But I feel good now. I want to go to school tomorrow. Sorry I lied before."
I gave him a hug and wasn't sure what to say. See my question to him was "Do you feel like going to school today?" So when he responded "No." He didn't really lie to me. I didn't ask him if he felt sick. But...I didn't really want to teach him that nuance just yet. He'll figure it out soon enough and I'm sure I'll be the one duped soon.
Jordan seemed pretty tired in the morning, opting to lay on the couch and hang out. Then he started to play like his usual self. At lunch, I asked him "Jordan, were you still feeling sick this morning or did you just not feel like going to school today?"
His eyes went to the up and left position. He bit his lip. You could seriously see those wheels a turning upstairs. He carefully picked his words "What happens if I lie?"
I said that the most important thing was that he tells the truth. When he tells the truth, he may still get in trouble, but he will be in less trouble than if he lies. And mommies and daddies usually find out when kids lie.
He pondered again...."What happens if I lied before but tell the truth now?"
I laughed and said "The most important thing is that you tell me the truth now." my voice turning more stern, "Were you still feeling sick or did you just not feel like going to school?"
Timidly he replied, "I was just still feeling a little tired - not sick. But I feel good now. I want to go to school tomorrow. Sorry I lied before."
I gave him a hug and wasn't sure what to say. See my question to him was "Do you feel like going to school today?" So when he responded "No." He didn't really lie to me. I didn't ask him if he felt sick. But...I didn't really want to teach him that nuance just yet. He'll figure it out soon enough and I'm sure I'll be the one duped soon.
Monday, December 3, 2007
I'm Itchy
A conversation with Mikayla:
Mikayla: I'm itchy!
Me: You're itchy? Maybe it's from the new PJ's. (Mikayla got new PJ's and demanded to wear them before I washed them.)
Mikayla: I don't think so. I'm itchy all over. I think I have the ticks.
Me: Ticks?
Mikayla: Yeah the ticks.
Me: What are ticks?
Mikayla: You know...the ticks...bugs. I don't remember what exactly they're called. (pause) Oh yeah, they're called ticks. That's all. I forgot.
Me: How did you get ticks?
Mikayla: From Keisha. Mommy!! You know they only get on animals that have fur. Keisha has fur so Keisha must have gotten ticks and gave them to me. I saw her scratching earlier.
Me: Where did you learn about ticks?
Mikayla: A long time ago, on an episode of Spongebob, Sandy the squirrel went to Texas and when she came back she had the ticks. Then Patrick and Spongebob got the ticks too, even though they don't have fur. They were really itchy just like I am. And the only way to get rid of ticks is lots and lots of water. They had to use all the water in Bikini Bottom.
Me: Well then I guess it's time to get a bath. But I really don't think you have ticks.
Mikayla: Alright!! I really wanted a bath.
I looked her over really well - no ticks =) My theory is staying with the unwashed PJ's. The funny thing is, she did have a tick, a couple years ago. Guess she doesn't remember. It's fun to see kids' perspectives. And who says you don't learn anything from television.
Mikayla: I'm itchy!
Me: You're itchy? Maybe it's from the new PJ's. (Mikayla got new PJ's and demanded to wear them before I washed them.)
Mikayla: I don't think so. I'm itchy all over. I think I have the ticks.
Me: Ticks?
Mikayla: Yeah the ticks.
Me: What are ticks?
Mikayla: You know...the ticks...bugs. I don't remember what exactly they're called. (pause) Oh yeah, they're called ticks. That's all. I forgot.
Me: How did you get ticks?
Mikayla: From Keisha. Mommy!! You know they only get on animals that have fur. Keisha has fur so Keisha must have gotten ticks and gave them to me. I saw her scratching earlier.
Me: Where did you learn about ticks?
Mikayla: A long time ago, on an episode of Spongebob, Sandy the squirrel went to Texas and when she came back she had the ticks. Then Patrick and Spongebob got the ticks too, even though they don't have fur. They were really itchy just like I am. And the only way to get rid of ticks is lots and lots of water. They had to use all the water in Bikini Bottom.
Me: Well then I guess it's time to get a bath. But I really don't think you have ticks.
Mikayla: Alright!! I really wanted a bath.
I looked her over really well - no ticks =) My theory is staying with the unwashed PJ's. The funny thing is, she did have a tick, a couple years ago. Guess she doesn't remember. It's fun to see kids' perspectives. And who says you don't learn anything from television.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Pushed to the Edge- (Just let me vent!)
*Sigh*
I love all my children! (really..my kids..not the soap opera) But each and every one of them has their "thing" that pushes my buttons. Well yesterday, they all decided to push that button and I was, well, pushed to the brink. Warning - some of this content is gross!
Jackson - wakes up kicking the door. I mean kicking the door like you think someone is breaking it down. No sweet call for "mama" - just a rhythmic loud BANG, BANG, BANG... and repeat until I get him. He does this in the morning and again when he wakes up from nap.
Mikayla - screams at the top of her lungs and cries over little things. Definitely the epitome of crying wolf. I warn her that someday she will be REALLY hurt and nobody is going to come running because she always screams over little things. One example of this yesterday, she was playing with model magic and was using some of the playdoh tools to make masterpieces. All of the sudden I hear a screaming and crying like the world is coming to an end. She runs up to me, all disheveled. I ask her what happened. She can't even talk, she is that worked up. I look her over and don't see any outward signs of trauma. I have her sit on the couch. After a couple minutes (not an exaggeration) she calms down enough to speak. "I broke my *sniffle* cookie I was making *sniffle* for you and now it is ruined. AHHHHHHHH!!" *screaming and inconsolable crying resume* That's it? No broken bones? No bumps? No bruises? Nope...just a ruined piece of model magic that is designed to be cut and torn and shaped and then reworked to become something else. I tell her she can make another one and she says she doesn't remember exactly how she made the last one. I have her cleanup and go to her room. Of course, she was asleep in less than 5 minutes. As is usually the case, this behavior is exacerbated with tiredness. But I refuse to let her use that as an excuse!
Ryne - not his fault and definitely the most benign annoyance. He is exhibiting natural behaviors for his age. But how many times a day can I dig stuff out of his mouth? Particularly dog food. It's time to find a new location to feed the dog. I just haven't come up with a good option yet.
Jackson & Payton together - they (not sure which one but I think it's Jack) has figured out a way to defeat the "child-proof" cabinet locks. We keep snacks and individually wrapped stuff for Jordan's lunches in a lower cabinet. I confiscated about 30 packs of Doritos, chips, pretzels, granola bars, fruit snacks, etc from the twins yesterday. Some of the times, they were gnawing at the chips from the outside of the packet. Yummy! I can't wait to open those bags. Chip crumbs anyone? I might as well just store this stuff on the counter. Now wait, they have figured out how to get the stool, open it up, climb up, and reach onto the counter also. Basically, no place is safe and unless I want my cups and dishes in a lower cabinet, I have no choice.
Payton - ok so here is where it gets gross. Payton hates clothes and is constantly undressing herself - including her diaper. Most of the time she keeps her diaper on. But there is the occasional, find Payton naked moments. Yesterday I go get the twins up from their nap. (Jackson's BANG BANG BANG indicates they are awake.) I walk up the stairs and the pungent smell immediately annihilates my nostrils! Whew! Somebody pooped. I open the door and the sight and smell is beyond disgusting. Payton is naked, a poopy diaper laying in the middle of the floor. Poop is smeared all over the window and curtain, dresser and door, bed sheets and bed railing slats and is worked into several spots of the carpet. Jackson is fairly clean, except for that one goop of poop that is acting like glue in his hair. Payton on the other hand is covered in poop, some of which has begun to dry and looks like dried mud. All over her belly, legs, 2 clumps in her hair, her one foot, and then...perhaps the grossest - her fingernails look like she painted them with poop. UGH! This is not the first time she has done this...but it is perhaps the most expansive episode. I have 10 minutes before I have to leave to get Jordan off the bus. I get the worst of it off of them, throw the linens in the washer with lots of bleach, get Jordan, and resume the cleaning.
Jordan - by this point I've had enough of poop. Since I have the bath/shower train running, I decide to give Jordan his bath before dinner. He takes off his clothes and I find his underwear - streaked with poop stains. I have had the 'wipe until the paper is clean' speech two times already this week and had to throw away 1 pair of underwear. He's so shy and humiliated at this issue he can't even describe to me what the problem is. So I'm not sure how to help him. I've had Darin demonstrate. We tell him use lots of paper and flush each time to not clog the toilet. We have flushable wet wipes in every one of our bathrooms. But I think this happened at school and they don't have wet wipes. Perhaps I should try to arrange for that to happen. I know he's not alone. In fact, the other day, one little girl got off the bus wearing a different shirt than what she went to school wearing. Her mom asked what happened and she loudly and proudly said that she pooped and when she was wiping she got poop all over her shirt. Her shirt?!? Ok..so maybe Jordan is doing better than some. So I know he isn't alone in this problem. My one friend doesn't even let her kids try to wipe, she does it for them. But that doesn't change my frustration and wanting to help fix the issue. And someday he will hate me for having record of this! Sorry, man! I love you!
So I'm pretty frazzled by this point. Dinner hasn't even been started and it's now almost 7pm. Darin, of all nights, worked late. So the kids had hot dogs, chips, apples and milk for dinner. Darin got home around 8:15pm. I think I fell asleep by 9:30. This morning I was awakened with the *Boom Boom Boom* I open the door to the twins room. Payton is again, naked. Thankfully it was only a pee pee diaper, but the clean sheets were off her mattress and the mattress was in shreds. She tore the white plastic off of the mattress?! How long was she awake?
So I'm off to get a new mattress and duct tape. I swore I would never resort to that, but it's a lot more sanitary! Payton will have her diapers duct taped at nap and bedtime. Then I get to go to work tonight to clean up adult poop. Yes! I can't wait =)
I love all my children! (really..my kids..not the soap opera) But each and every one of them has their "thing" that pushes my buttons. Well yesterday, they all decided to push that button and I was, well, pushed to the brink. Warning - some of this content is gross!
Jackson - wakes up kicking the door. I mean kicking the door like you think someone is breaking it down. No sweet call for "mama" - just a rhythmic loud BANG, BANG, BANG... and repeat until I get him. He does this in the morning and again when he wakes up from nap.
Mikayla - screams at the top of her lungs and cries over little things. Definitely the epitome of crying wolf. I warn her that someday she will be REALLY hurt and nobody is going to come running because she always screams over little things. One example of this yesterday, she was playing with model magic and was using some of the playdoh tools to make masterpieces. All of the sudden I hear a screaming and crying like the world is coming to an end. She runs up to me, all disheveled. I ask her what happened. She can't even talk, she is that worked up. I look her over and don't see any outward signs of trauma. I have her sit on the couch. After a couple minutes (not an exaggeration) she calms down enough to speak. "I broke my *sniffle* cookie I was making *sniffle* for you and now it is ruined. AHHHHHHHH!!" *screaming and inconsolable crying resume* That's it? No broken bones? No bumps? No bruises? Nope...just a ruined piece of model magic that is designed to be cut and torn and shaped and then reworked to become something else. I tell her she can make another one and she says she doesn't remember exactly how she made the last one. I have her cleanup and go to her room. Of course, she was asleep in less than 5 minutes. As is usually the case, this behavior is exacerbated with tiredness. But I refuse to let her use that as an excuse!
Ryne - not his fault and definitely the most benign annoyance. He is exhibiting natural behaviors for his age. But how many times a day can I dig stuff out of his mouth? Particularly dog food. It's time to find a new location to feed the dog. I just haven't come up with a good option yet.
Jackson & Payton together - they (not sure which one but I think it's Jack) has figured out a way to defeat the "child-proof" cabinet locks. We keep snacks and individually wrapped stuff for Jordan's lunches in a lower cabinet. I confiscated about 30 packs of Doritos, chips, pretzels, granola bars, fruit snacks, etc from the twins yesterday. Some of the times, they were gnawing at the chips from the outside of the packet. Yummy! I can't wait to open those bags. Chip crumbs anyone? I might as well just store this stuff on the counter. Now wait, they have figured out how to get the stool, open it up, climb up, and reach onto the counter also. Basically, no place is safe and unless I want my cups and dishes in a lower cabinet, I have no choice.
Payton - ok so here is where it gets gross. Payton hates clothes and is constantly undressing herself - including her diaper. Most of the time she keeps her diaper on. But there is the occasional, find Payton naked moments. Yesterday I go get the twins up from their nap. (Jackson's BANG BANG BANG indicates they are awake.) I walk up the stairs and the pungent smell immediately annihilates my nostrils! Whew! Somebody pooped. I open the door and the sight and smell is beyond disgusting. Payton is naked, a poopy diaper laying in the middle of the floor. Poop is smeared all over the window and curtain, dresser and door, bed sheets and bed railing slats and is worked into several spots of the carpet. Jackson is fairly clean, except for that one goop of poop that is acting like glue in his hair. Payton on the other hand is covered in poop, some of which has begun to dry and looks like dried mud. All over her belly, legs, 2 clumps in her hair, her one foot, and then...perhaps the grossest - her fingernails look like she painted them with poop. UGH! This is not the first time she has done this...but it is perhaps the most expansive episode. I have 10 minutes before I have to leave to get Jordan off the bus. I get the worst of it off of them, throw the linens in the washer with lots of bleach, get Jordan, and resume the cleaning.
Jordan - by this point I've had enough of poop. Since I have the bath/shower train running, I decide to give Jordan his bath before dinner. He takes off his clothes and I find his underwear - streaked with poop stains. I have had the 'wipe until the paper is clean' speech two times already this week and had to throw away 1 pair of underwear. He's so shy and humiliated at this issue he can't even describe to me what the problem is. So I'm not sure how to help him. I've had Darin demonstrate. We tell him use lots of paper and flush each time to not clog the toilet. We have flushable wet wipes in every one of our bathrooms. But I think this happened at school and they don't have wet wipes. Perhaps I should try to arrange for that to happen. I know he's not alone. In fact, the other day, one little girl got off the bus wearing a different shirt than what she went to school wearing. Her mom asked what happened and she loudly and proudly said that she pooped and when she was wiping she got poop all over her shirt. Her shirt?!? Ok..so maybe Jordan is doing better than some. So I know he isn't alone in this problem. My one friend doesn't even let her kids try to wipe, she does it for them. But that doesn't change my frustration and wanting to help fix the issue. And someday he will hate me for having record of this! Sorry, man! I love you!
So I'm pretty frazzled by this point. Dinner hasn't even been started and it's now almost 7pm. Darin, of all nights, worked late. So the kids had hot dogs, chips, apples and milk for dinner. Darin got home around 8:15pm. I think I fell asleep by 9:30. This morning I was awakened with the *Boom Boom Boom* I open the door to the twins room. Payton is again, naked. Thankfully it was only a pee pee diaper, but the clean sheets were off her mattress and the mattress was in shreds. She tore the white plastic off of the mattress?! How long was she awake?
So I'm off to get a new mattress and duct tape. I swore I would never resort to that, but it's a lot more sanitary! Payton will have her diapers duct taped at nap and bedtime. Then I get to go to work tonight to clean up adult poop. Yes! I can't wait =)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Mommie Faux Pas
So Jordan almost missed the bus today! Why? Not because he didn't wake up on time. Not because he didn't eat his breakfast quickly enough. Not because he took his time getting dressed. Nope, Jordan almost missed the bus because I gave him Mikayla's pants to put on by accident. We were already outside on the sidewalk walking to his bus stop. I glanced down and something at the bottom of his pantleg caught my eye. I thought one of our foamy craft stickers managed to get stuck on his pants. Upon closer inspection, this is what I found:
A cute little embroidered girly detail. UGHH! Luckily Darin was still home. He began to help take off Jordan's shoes and pants while I tracked down his pants. Then together we redressed Jordan. I think that was record kid dressing time! We hopped in Darin's car and he drove us to the bus stop. Just as Jordan opened the car door, the bus arrived. I gave him a quick kiss and told him to have a good day. He gave his typical smile and wave as he got on the bus. Whew! Minor disaster averted.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Feeling Thankful - a serious post
I belong to a Mothers of Multiples group. Among the many hats I wear for the club, 'Philanthropy Chair' is the one I have recently donned the most. I LOVE this responsibility. Over the years, I have found that there is a fine line between selflessness and selfishness. And that line is beginning to blur for me right now; because while I'm helping others, it makes me feel really good! If you are a philosopher, I believe act utilitarianism is at work here. It's all for the greater good, right?
For Thanksgiving, our club donated all of the perishable items to a transitional home that houses 12 women and their young children whom are trying to pick themselves up out of their varied difficult situations to make a better life for their family. I received the wishlist, did the grocery shopping, stored and delivered the food just before Thanksgiving. Jordan and Mikayla knew what I was doing and Mikayla (and the 3 little ones) were with me when I delivered the food. Three big turkeys and three big hams. 20 lbs of potatoes, gallons and gallons of milk, etc. There was a lot of food. I got to meet several of the women while I was there. One thing stood out. These women don't have many things. They arrived with literally the clothes on their backs. One woman requested a particular veggie. Another woman saw it and said how she would love to have that same veggie but she didn't request it. Without hesitation, the first woman handed over her veggies to the second woman. I had a moment of pause. Now that was selfless!
It just so happens that the woman whom handed over her food is also the woman that our club is sponsoring for Christmas. Her actions spoke volumes to me that day. And I have been working hard to try to get everything on her wishlist and make this a wonderful Christmas for her and her family. Our club and it's members have been extremely generous. I am thankful for that.
I'm also thankful for this dose of reality. It's so easy to get wrapped up with material things. We live in a townhome and have constantly been talking about how we have outgrown it. How we need a bigger single family home. We have been frustrated that we are stuck where we are because of the lull in the housing market, among other things. But you know what...we have a nice, warm home. We are comfortable. We are healthy and our bellies are full. It would be nice to have a larger home...but it certainly is far from a NEED. It was nice to step back and be thankful for all that I have instead of mourning the things that I don't have.
Censoring Toys for the Needy - a post within a post
I have tried to teach Jordan and Mikayla the concept of giving. They are starting to get it. They will both be picking out a toy and giving it to Toys for Tots. Jordan knows exactly what he is going to get. Mikayla on the other hand had to go shopping to scout out the possibilities. She pointed at everything we saw and said "...that would be good for a little girl..." "...I bet she would like that..." Then we came to the Bratz dolls. Mikayla said "Mom, I'm definitely not going to get her a Bratz doll. 'Cause what if her mom doesn't let her have Bratz? Then she wouldn't get a toy at all, and that wouldn't be good!"
I don't let Mikayla have Bratz =)
Another example of Mikayla's rudimentary understanding of giving goes back to when we were talking about what was on her Christmas list. She said she wanted a Barbie dollhouse. I pointed out that she already had 3 different doll houses and she didn't need another one. Mikayla said, "Well how about I give my Dora Castle away to a kid that doesn't have anything." I said, "That would be nice Mikayla." Then she said, "And then I could get the new dollhouse." I laughed and then explained to her that giving things away was really nice and thoughtful but that didn't mean she would get an upgrade on the item she gave away. She gave her typical "Oh" response. She's learning.
For Thanksgiving, our club donated all of the perishable items to a transitional home that houses 12 women and their young children whom are trying to pick themselves up out of their varied difficult situations to make a better life for their family. I received the wishlist, did the grocery shopping, stored and delivered the food just before Thanksgiving. Jordan and Mikayla knew what I was doing and Mikayla (and the 3 little ones) were with me when I delivered the food. Three big turkeys and three big hams. 20 lbs of potatoes, gallons and gallons of milk, etc. There was a lot of food. I got to meet several of the women while I was there. One thing stood out. These women don't have many things. They arrived with literally the clothes on their backs. One woman requested a particular veggie. Another woman saw it and said how she would love to have that same veggie but she didn't request it. Without hesitation, the first woman handed over her veggies to the second woman. I had a moment of pause. Now that was selfless!
It just so happens that the woman whom handed over her food is also the woman that our club is sponsoring for Christmas. Her actions spoke volumes to me that day. And I have been working hard to try to get everything on her wishlist and make this a wonderful Christmas for her and her family. Our club and it's members have been extremely generous. I am thankful for that.
I'm also thankful for this dose of reality. It's so easy to get wrapped up with material things. We live in a townhome and have constantly been talking about how we have outgrown it. How we need a bigger single family home. We have been frustrated that we are stuck where we are because of the lull in the housing market, among other things. But you know what...we have a nice, warm home. We are comfortable. We are healthy and our bellies are full. It would be nice to have a larger home...but it certainly is far from a NEED. It was nice to step back and be thankful for all that I have instead of mourning the things that I don't have.
Censoring Toys for the Needy - a post within a post
I have tried to teach Jordan and Mikayla the concept of giving. They are starting to get it. They will both be picking out a toy and giving it to Toys for Tots. Jordan knows exactly what he is going to get. Mikayla on the other hand had to go shopping to scout out the possibilities. She pointed at everything we saw and said "...that would be good for a little girl..." "...I bet she would like that..." Then we came to the Bratz dolls. Mikayla said "Mom, I'm definitely not going to get her a Bratz doll. 'Cause what if her mom doesn't let her have Bratz? Then she wouldn't get a toy at all, and that wouldn't be good!"
I don't let Mikayla have Bratz =)
Another example of Mikayla's rudimentary understanding of giving goes back to when we were talking about what was on her Christmas list. She said she wanted a Barbie dollhouse. I pointed out that she already had 3 different doll houses and she didn't need another one. Mikayla said, "Well how about I give my Dora Castle away to a kid that doesn't have anything." I said, "That would be nice Mikayla." Then she said, "And then I could get the new dollhouse." I laughed and then explained to her that giving things away was really nice and thoughtful but that didn't mean she would get an upgrade on the item she gave away. She gave her typical "Oh" response. She's learning.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Vacation's Over
I bet you were worried my blogging jaunt was over! Never fear, I was just not home. And it's not real easy to blog from an unfamiliar computer...OK..well it is real easy to blog from, well, pretty much any computer. None-the-less, I took a break and now I'm back with 90% of my Christmas shopping done and 100% of the gifts in my possession wrapped. Can I get a Who Hoo?!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a very wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. I will post some pics and stories from our holiday shortly.
Oh, an update on the Santa Train tickets! Today was the day they went on sale. I scrambled to get all 5 kids dressed and fed and out the door in time for Jordan to get his bus at 8:45am. Which of all days was a little late, of course. Doesn't the driver know I have some place to be and that line is only growing longer by the minute? Jordan got on the bus and we promptly pulled away. I parked in a parking spot that was marked "Special Event Parking". Well, wasn't this a special event? It took me about 5 minutes to get all the kids out of the car with jackets, socks, and shoes on. See, if I put these items on beforehand, they not only wind up off but they will be missing by the time we get out of the car. Then we braved the line and cold rain for about an hour to purchase our Santa Train tickets. I only had to put Jackson's shoes back on once, Payton's back on 4 times, and Ryne decided he would rather chew on his right shoe than leave it on. Oh well, I tried. So we wait in line and get the typical comments. "Oh wow, you brought the whole nursery with you!" (That was a new one!) "Wow, are all of them yours?" "My you have your hands full!" "Are they triplets?" (all of which are definitely not new ones) I answered each and every one of them politely with a smile. Finally, we get to the front of the line. Mikayla walked up to the woman and waited very patiently to be helped. The woman looked around and looked at me and said "Who is this little girl with?" I said "She's with me, but she is purchasing tickets on her own". Mikayla said "I would like 3 tickets to the 10:30 Santa train please" and handed the woman $15. The woman gave Mikayla the tickets and said "Enjoy the train!" Mikayla was so proud of herself! She did a great job! I was up next and was able to get my 6 tickets. You might be doing the addition quickly in your head...3 + 6 = 9. No, we aren't expecting another set of twins. Grandma Wagner and Great Grandma Ague will be visiting that day and will be joining us on the train. So, mission accomplished! WHO HOO!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a very wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. I will post some pics and stories from our holiday shortly.
Oh, an update on the Santa Train tickets! Today was the day they went on sale. I scrambled to get all 5 kids dressed and fed and out the door in time for Jordan to get his bus at 8:45am. Which of all days was a little late, of course. Doesn't the driver know I have some place to be and that line is only growing longer by the minute? Jordan got on the bus and we promptly pulled away. I parked in a parking spot that was marked "Special Event Parking". Well, wasn't this a special event? It took me about 5 minutes to get all the kids out of the car with jackets, socks, and shoes on. See, if I put these items on beforehand, they not only wind up off but they will be missing by the time we get out of the car. Then we braved the line and cold rain for about an hour to purchase our Santa Train tickets. I only had to put Jackson's shoes back on once, Payton's back on 4 times, and Ryne decided he would rather chew on his right shoe than leave it on. Oh well, I tried. So we wait in line and get the typical comments. "Oh wow, you brought the whole nursery with you!" (That was a new one!) "Wow, are all of them yours?" "My you have your hands full!" "Are they triplets?" (all of which are definitely not new ones) I answered each and every one of them politely with a smile. Finally, we get to the front of the line. Mikayla walked up to the woman and waited very patiently to be helped. The woman looked around and looked at me and said "Who is this little girl with?" I said "She's with me, but she is purchasing tickets on her own". Mikayla said "I would like 3 tickets to the 10:30 Santa train please" and handed the woman $15. The woman gave Mikayla the tickets and said "Enjoy the train!" Mikayla was so proud of herself! She did a great job! I was up next and was able to get my 6 tickets. You might be doing the addition quickly in your head...3 + 6 = 9. No, we aren't expecting another set of twins. Grandma Wagner and Great Grandma Ague will be visiting that day and will be joining us on the train. So, mission accomplished! WHO HOO!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Largish Family Discrimination
The local train has a Santa train every year on one day in December. It's fun. You get to ride on the train. Get a coloring book and candy cane. And Santa pays a visit to each car.
In order to get tickets you must find out ahead of time when tickets go on sale, be at the sale location early to get in line, and purchase the tickets. Hopefully you noted on their website where it says “cash and checks only”. Because someone like myself – the person that NEVER has cash and is lucky to remember where the checkbook is because you NEVER EVER use the checkbook – could get stuck waiting for nothing. You would think that these were Hannah Montana tickets as quickly as they sell out. Ok. Not quite. And they’re only $5 per person instead of like $13,000 for 4.
But anyway, this year we have one more hurdle to jump. You can only purchase 6 tickets per person. So I called the train station and explained that I have 5 children so for our whole family to go on the train I need to purchase 7 tickets.
“I’m sorry ma’am, we cannot sell more than 6 tickets to anybody except for the 1:30 train” was her response.
So why don’t I want the 1:30 train you may ask. Because it’s right in the middle of the day where all the kids are more likely to melt down. I might as well spend $35 to stab myself in the eye. So I nicely said to the woman that the policy wasn’t really fair to large families and hung up.
I started thinking about this. I will have all the kids with me in line (minus Jordan). Mikayla can talk. Mikayla can purchase her own ticket. So I told Mikayla that I would give her money but she would have to ask for a ticket on the 10:30 train and give the woman the money. She said “Sure mom, just write me a note so I remember what to say.”
Did I mention she can’t read?
In order to get tickets you must find out ahead of time when tickets go on sale, be at the sale location early to get in line, and purchase the tickets. Hopefully you noted on their website where it says “cash and checks only”. Because someone like myself – the person that NEVER has cash and is lucky to remember where the checkbook is because you NEVER EVER use the checkbook – could get stuck waiting for nothing. You would think that these were Hannah Montana tickets as quickly as they sell out. Ok. Not quite. And they’re only $5 per person instead of like $13,000 for 4.
But anyway, this year we have one more hurdle to jump. You can only purchase 6 tickets per person. So I called the train station and explained that I have 5 children so for our whole family to go on the train I need to purchase 7 tickets.
“I’m sorry ma’am, we cannot sell more than 6 tickets to anybody except for the 1:30 train” was her response.
So why don’t I want the 1:30 train you may ask. Because it’s right in the middle of the day where all the kids are more likely to melt down. I might as well spend $35 to stab myself in the eye. So I nicely said to the woman that the policy wasn’t really fair to large families and hung up.
I started thinking about this. I will have all the kids with me in line (minus Jordan). Mikayla can talk. Mikayla can purchase her own ticket. So I told Mikayla that I would give her money but she would have to ask for a ticket on the 10:30 train and give the woman the money. She said “Sure mom, just write me a note so I remember what to say.”
Did I mention she can’t read?
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Can you smell what the Jack is cookin'?
I should preface this story (and many others) by saying that I do have control over my children. They are just fast little buggers and I happen to be about 1 step behind them. I've become a lot less judgemental about some of the stories you read about. "It all happened so quickly." "I turned my back for a second." Sometimes it truly is just 1 second! So...don't judge me =)
10/24/07
“Mommy, what smells like onions?” asked Mikayla. I go to the kitchen to explore the alleged odor. “Why that would be the gas to our oven, Mikayla. Stand back!” I replied. Yep. Turns out Jack was playing with the knobs to the stove. He put the front burner on ignite. At least he didn’t turn the flame on. Bad news – I have no idea how long he bled the gas line and can only be thankful there wasn’t a spark that would have set the whole house on fire. Good news – my sister found these plastic inserts that keep the knobs from being pushed in to ignite the burner. Now we can all rest a little easier!
10/24/07
“Mommy, what smells like onions?” asked Mikayla. I go to the kitchen to explore the alleged odor. “Why that would be the gas to our oven, Mikayla. Stand back!” I replied. Yep. Turns out Jack was playing with the knobs to the stove. He put the front burner on ignite. At least he didn’t turn the flame on. Bad news – I have no idea how long he bled the gas line and can only be thankful there wasn’t a spark that would have set the whole house on fire. Good news – my sister found these plastic inserts that keep the knobs from being pushed in to ignite the burner. Now we can all rest a little easier!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
“Do as I say, not as I do” from a 19-month-old
The other day, Ryne got a hold of the Desitin that we so lovingly refer to as “Butt Cream”. Payton went up to him and said “NO”, took it away from him, and handed me the tube of cream. What a helper! She's already acting as another set of eyes for me. Oh, but 10 minutes later, this is what I find:
Payton, holding the tube, with butt cream all over her face and Ryne next to her. Ryne had a couple finger swoops of cream on his face, too. At least she shared!
Where was Jack when all of this was going on? On the dining room table of course!
Later that day, Mikayla lovingly buckled Jackson in the child rockers we have. She then proceeded to buckle herself in the one next to him. Why am I writing about this? Because she couldn’t unbuckle herself. Oh the temptation to not leave her in there for a long long while…but then, what kind of mother would I be?
You're supposed to check out a book?
Jordan’s first trip to the school library was great. He was able to see all of the wonderful books at his disposal and learned the process of checking out a book. When Jordan got home from school that day, I expected to find a library book in his backpack. I looked through every pocket (my there are a lot) to no avail. I asked Jordan where his book was. He said “Mom, the librarian said the books have to be back at a certain time and I was worried I would forget it”. He's such a conscientious little boy. So I reassured him that I would help him remember to take his book back on time. Hopefully next library day I will find a book in his backpack.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Why I Blog
I have been thinking about blogging for a while and finally decided to go through with it. It's a commitment that I had to be ready to make. Sometimes life gets too hectic to document everything. I mean, Jordan has a baby book. Mikayla has a library of pictures that we took, albeit they're still on the computer and have yet to be printed. Jackson, Payton & Ryne...well we rely on my mother to take pictures at visits and family events. I'm already getting the mommy brain -that is scattered in a million different directions- and I don't want to lose these precious moments forever. So if for no other reason, I blog to snapshot the bits and pieces of our lives so we can relive them long after the details have faded from our memory. Hopefully in the process, our friends and family will enjoy reading about our adventures and seeing our family grow (older...not in numbers! There will be no more little Brownies)!
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