I am so, so, so proud! Jonathan swam today, both underwater and on top of the water. I could not believe my eyes! This was his third lesson with the private instructor (Miss Leslie, and she's fabulous! She also taught my niece how to swim.) and she was so amazed also. I bought him some Speedo goggles on clearance at Kohl's yesterday, and he had them on during this lesson, and he just went underwater and started swimming. He kept telling Trystan (who is also taking lessons) "It's easy to swim underwater, T, you just need some goggles." He thinks the goggles made him suddenly able to swim. If that's true, best 5 bucks I've ever spent! This is the same kid who flunked out of lessons two summers ago. Leslie tried a few times and he screamed the entire time until she finally told me that she did not think he was ready. Which I think showed some integrity considering how much she gets paid an hour. Last summer, we took lessons at the Satellite High pool, and he made huge progress in getting over his fear of the water and building up his confidence. But this summer, he has just taken off! All of the sudden he is able to use his arms and his legs together, which up until this point, I think was just too hard to coordinate. I knew we had come a loooong way during his lesson last week when he floated on his back briefly. Laying on his back used to always be his freak out trigger during lessons. Judging from all of the other kids at the Sherwood Pool a few weeks ago, this is pretty common.
Every time he would go under water and swim today, I wanted to go run and jump in the pool and get him out. All of my energy the past 4 and a half years has been focused on keeping him from going under (in the pool, bathtubs, ponds, the ocean, fountains), so it was a little unnerving to suddenly seeing him moving around under the surface of the pool. He was so proud of himself. The look on his face when he saw that he could do it, he really can swim, was priceless.
I am so proud of him! I was clapping and cheering like crazy. After his terrible week of disobedience and defiance, he is suddenly my sweet and darling boy again (his behavior has improved), and then he goes and SWIMS! He has totally redeemed himself.
OK, to sum up! My baby boy can swim! And I could not be more proud of him!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Jonathan's Interview
I saw this on Jessica's blog and I wanted to try it on Jonathan.
Here is the honest, unedited truth (as he sees it).
1.) What is something Daddy always says to you?
No kicking butts but only punching bags.
2.) What is something Mama always says to you?
Don't go to bed. Stay up ALL week. (Said with much giggling.)
3.) What makes Daddy happy?
Don't knock down pictures.
4.) What makes Mama happy?
No breaking the 'puter.
5.) What makes Daddy sad?
Saying poopyhead to him.
6.) What makes Mama sad?
When I say Damnit.
7.) What does Daddy do that makes you laugh?
Going underwater in the pool.
8.) What does Mama do that makes you laugh?
When you flip under your float. When you're on the float and you go underwater.
9.) How old is Daddy?
He's a big boy (holding out his hand to indicate 5).
10.) How old is Mama?
5. Both of you are 5.
11.) How tall is Daddy?
4 feet tall.
12.) How tall is Mama?
5. You're a big girl.
13.) What is Daddy's favorite thing to do?
Clean the pool. Or play Legos. (The first one is completely off, the second one, he does seem to enjoy!)
14.) What is Mama's favorite thing to do?
Poop in her diaper (laughing hysterically! When??? Will?? The?? Potty?? Humor?? END???!!!!)
And this is where I ended the interview. I don't think I need to tell you that the response to #14 is NOT TRUE. I figured he was going to say play Webkinz, which would have been a little embarassing, but at least somewhat accurate.
Here is the honest, unedited truth (as he sees it).
1.) What is something Daddy always says to you?
No kicking butts but only punching bags.
2.) What is something Mama always says to you?
Don't go to bed. Stay up ALL week. (Said with much giggling.)
3.) What makes Daddy happy?
Don't knock down pictures.
4.) What makes Mama happy?
No breaking the 'puter.
5.) What makes Daddy sad?
Saying poopyhead to him.
6.) What makes Mama sad?
When I say Damnit.
7.) What does Daddy do that makes you laugh?
Going underwater in the pool.
8.) What does Mama do that makes you laugh?
When you flip under your float. When you're on the float and you go underwater.
9.) How old is Daddy?
He's a big boy (holding out his hand to indicate 5).
10.) How old is Mama?
5. Both of you are 5.
11.) How tall is Daddy?
4 feet tall.
12.) How tall is Mama?
5. You're a big girl.
13.) What is Daddy's favorite thing to do?
Clean the pool. Or play Legos. (The first one is completely off, the second one, he does seem to enjoy!)
14.) What is Mama's favorite thing to do?
Poop in her diaper (laughing hysterically! When??? Will?? The?? Potty?? Humor?? END???!!!!)
And this is where I ended the interview. I don't think I need to tell you that the response to #14 is NOT TRUE. I figured he was going to say play Webkinz, which would have been a little embarassing, but at least somewhat accurate.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
But It's Your Birthday!
So, my birthday is finally over. We can all move on with our lives! My birthday was great, even though I have not been feeling well this week. Dave took me out to Cedar Cafe, and I really, really, REALLY enjoyed my meal. They had the best baklava there. No honey in the recipe, they just make a simple syrup out of rosewater and sugar instead. So they were really light and just delish! Great service, excellent food and the best hummus ever. And the Greek salad! Don't get me started on the Greek salad!!! It had the coldest, crispiest Romaine ever! I also got some very nice suprises on the day of my actual birthday. My kids presented me with two Webkinz and they were so cute about the whole thing. It was really sweet. When I came home, my neighbor, and dear friend, Jamie, had brought me a balloon bouquet, with a Hello Kitty one in the middle! So now that my birthday has actually passed, maybe I can blog about something else... after this last one. And there may be another one tomorrow, with the actual birthday dinner at my Mom's house taking place.
Lately, every time I want Dave to do me a favor, or if I want to indulge in something I really shouldn't, I'll say "But's it's my birthday!" Tonight, right before dinner, Jonathan and Anna decided they were both ravenous. J chose a Coke Zero from the fridge, and Anna started chowing out of a bag of Kashi Go Lean. I did not know which kid to yell at first (not supposed to open the fridge, get stuff without asking, drink diet caffienated beverages, carry the cereal box around eating out of it...). All of my canned nagging statements intersected in my brain at once and I could not get anything out! By the time I decided to focus on the 20 ounce Coke, which he KNOWS is Daddy's, I could barely get the words, "Put that back! It has caffiene!," out of my mouth. I guess when choosing between my kids possibly spilling whole grain goodness on the floor (Mmmm, Kashi!) and ingesting a stimulant, I chose to stop the kid with the soda.
Jonathan quickly replied,"But it's your birthday!"
So cute! Look at him trying to use my own trick against me. But I still did not let him have the Coke. That would have only worked if it was one of my many birthday requests to have an over-caffienated kid three hours before bedtime on a day with no nap and church in the morning.
Lately, every time I want Dave to do me a favor, or if I want to indulge in something I really shouldn't, I'll say "But's it's my birthday!" Tonight, right before dinner, Jonathan and Anna decided they were both ravenous. J chose a Coke Zero from the fridge, and Anna started chowing out of a bag of Kashi Go Lean. I did not know which kid to yell at first (not supposed to open the fridge, get stuff without asking, drink diet caffienated beverages, carry the cereal box around eating out of it...). All of my canned nagging statements intersected in my brain at once and I could not get anything out! By the time I decided to focus on the 20 ounce Coke, which he KNOWS is Daddy's, I could barely get the words, "Put that back! It has caffiene!," out of my mouth. I guess when choosing between my kids possibly spilling whole grain goodness on the floor (Mmmm, Kashi!) and ingesting a stimulant, I chose to stop the kid with the soda.
Jonathan quickly replied,"But it's your birthday!"
So cute! Look at him trying to use my own trick against me. But I still did not let him have the Coke. That would have only worked if it was one of my many birthday requests to have an over-caffienated kid three hours before bedtime on a day with no nap and church in the morning.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Anna's 1st Haircut
Above: All Done, But Still Screaming!
Check out this video clip of Anna Banana's first professional hair cut. We just got her bangs trimmed. I don't ever, ever want to cut the back of her hair. This was a month ago, right before we left for Cory's wedding, and I did not want to risk one of my usual bang-trims in the bathroom with kitchen shears on her. We went to one of those special kiddy hairshops. I even tried to bribe her with a Belle princess crown, which she refused to accept from me. She was so angry with us all for subjecting her to this ordeal! How dare we!!!
Am I a bad Mommy for thinking the whole thing was pretty much hysterical? I did not feel bad for her in the least. I guess it's probably because I can tell the difference between when she is scared and when she is just having a hopping mad fit. And could the hairdressers have been any nicer or more accomodating? She was kicking the poor lady the entire time! And they just kept blowing bubbles and trying to calm her down.
Now, I know I should not compare my two kids, but when they are opposites like mine, it is really difficult not to do so. Check out this picture of Jonathan (at 18 months) getting his first real haircut. Notice the difference? He sat so still and stared at himself in the mirror the entire time, with his boo (pacifier) in place. 
Thursday, June 19, 2008
I miss...
I was thinking today about what I miss most. Some of the things I miss I would not necessarily want back, but I still miss them anyways.
I miss....
My pre-pregnancy stomach (even when it was fat, it was still an improvement on its current state, which I would have to describe as somewhere between odd and gross. Anna put her head on my stomach the other day and said, I love you squish-squish tum tum, Mama. Silver lining? My kids like my fat. It provides a comfy spot to recline.)
** My old metabolism (I could literally eat whatever I wanted to and not get humongous, although I always thought I was such a big fatso) Specifically, I miss being able to eat that whole other meal sometime between 9 PM and midnight (which Taco Bell has dubbed Fourthmeal, and ironically enough, was often actually from Taco Bell, or TB as we called it back in the day) **Records and record players. I would actually like these back. CDs suck.**
**My childhood: sleepovers; drinking Coca-cola through a Twizzler straw; having the capacity to be absolutely covered in sand and not minding one bit (in fact, I miss being able to really relax. As an adult, I think I am getting more uptight by the minute); swimming and playing in the ocean (I'm too scared now; I only go in pools); all of my days at Creel Elementary, with the tote trays and the cubby holes and the open classrooms and the cool playground and the school song (You're our school and we love you, we're loyal and we're true, our emblem is the eagle, our colors red, white and blue... Does anyone know the words??); playing Monopoly so late into the night, all hopped up on Faygo soda and junk food, until my eyes were gritty with exhaustion; and I miss the feeling of being carried in my Dad's arms; of snuggling with my Mom at nap time; of sneaking into my parent's room and watching Nick at Nite (I did this until I was in the fifth grade, I am sure they probably did notice my 90 pound self in their bed)
I miss...
**All the dogs I have loved before (no, not my ex-boyfriends, I don't miss ANY of those), especially Maggie, because even though she was one spazzy and pain-in-the-butt mutt, I loved her so much. She was my one constant between the ages of 15 and 25 and I cried many a tear into her stinky (but such a good stinky) coat! Sniff. Okay, let's move on before I start crying!!!** Speaking of crying, I sort of miss how sensitive I used to be. I used to be able to cry about anything, anytime, but now I can go weeks and weeks without a tear. It's almost like my tear ducts (glands??) are constipated. Gross.**My size 26 by 30 LEVI 501 jeans. Oh, I would like to have those back.**Lara's junior high bedroom, with its awesome mauve and green color scheme and that daybed with those pillows with the cool pokey flower napkin rings around the pillowcases. I really loved her room so much. I thought it was the best decorating ever. (I am not joking around here!) I adored Lara's house and family so much. I wanted to live there.**
I miss...
My Aunt Vernie and Uncle Jim. I miss Vernie for her zaniness. She was the one completely and utterly unique person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I miss Jim for his pure heart. He was the one completely and utterly good person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.** Driving a manual transmission. But no, I never want to own one again! I can't possibly parent from the front seat, talk on my cell, drink my coffee and shift at the same time. I know, I know...** Being able to get away with not wearing a bra. Those were the days.**Bladder control. Not that I am walking around wearing Poise pads or anything, just after giving birth to Jonathan, things just aren't the same (have you seen the size of his head?? It's a miracle that anything is the same at all!)**The smell of my childhood home. My brother lives there now and it is a completely different smell. Not a bad smell, just different.**Dave and I's first apartment together, with the bean bag chair and the bumper pool table and the bed that had a bookshelf headboard, and the world's ugliest (but sturdy and very functional) entertainment center, and the blue floral velvet furniture with the plywood under the cushions. I miss all of that stuff. I even miss living in the hood. No, I take that back. But those were some good times.**Being able to fall asleep without mentally calculating how many hours of sleep I will get if I fall asleep right now. Or a half hour from now. Or forty-five minutes. What if it takes me 2 hours to fall asleep! Then I will only get 4 hours of sleep! Seriously, I lay awake at night annoying myself. ** Being brave enough to paint my bedroom a very questionable shade of purple simply because I liked the name on the paint chip. And actually being happy having insanely purple walls. Now I obsess for weeks (months, really) whether to paint the walls one blah neutral non-color or the other. When really, there's no point because you can't even tell the difference between the 14 paint chips from a foot away and I don't take any joy in the color I choose anyway. Maybe I need to paint my bedroom Grape Soda Fizz again. But then again, I am not seven years old anymore and I do have to take my grown-up husband into account when I paint a room.
So I guess, in summary, I miss being carefree. I miss being innocent and fearless in only the way a secure and well-loved child can be. I miss my loved ones that have died and I miss my loved ones that are still in my life. I miss the way they used to be. I miss the way I used to be.
But, on the eve of my 28th birthday, I realize that I would not ever want to go back. We can miss things and people and even our old (or rather, our young) selves from afar, but we don't ever have the luxury of going backwards. Only forwards. And I love my life. If I took all of my 28 years and accounted for all of the happiness, the joy, the laughter, and the gifts in one column, and all of the sadness, the pain, the tears, and the trials in another column, I realize with much, much gratitude that the good stuff would far outmeasure the bad. I've had a good life, an extraordinarily blessed and happy life in so many ways.
PS I lied about something: I don't miss all of my days at Creel Elementary. I certainly don't miss the day someone put a dead baby bird in my cubby hole. Now tell me that they just happened to choose my particular cubby hole. Oh, man, that was almost TWENTY YEARS AGO and I am getting so worked up just thinking about it. I would just like to know, who did it? And WHY? Who does something like that? Was it just a dead bird they happened to find on their way into the classroom, or did they actually murder this bird? Chilling!!!
I miss....
My pre-pregnancy stomach (even when it was fat, it was still an improvement on its current state, which I would have to describe as somewhere between odd and gross. Anna put her head on my stomach the other day and said, I love you squish-squish tum tum, Mama. Silver lining? My kids like my fat. It provides a comfy spot to recline.)
** My old metabolism (I could literally eat whatever I wanted to and not get humongous, although I always thought I was such a big fatso) Specifically, I miss being able to eat that whole other meal sometime between 9 PM and midnight (which Taco Bell has dubbed Fourthmeal, and ironically enough, was often actually from Taco Bell, or TB as we called it back in the day) **Records and record players. I would actually like these back. CDs suck.**
**My childhood: sleepovers; drinking Coca-cola through a Twizzler straw; having the capacity to be absolutely covered in sand and not minding one bit (in fact, I miss being able to really relax. As an adult, I think I am getting more uptight by the minute); swimming and playing in the ocean (I'm too scared now; I only go in pools); all of my days at Creel Elementary, with the tote trays and the cubby holes and the open classrooms and the cool playground and the school song (You're our school and we love you, we're loyal and we're true, our emblem is the eagle, our colors red, white and blue... Does anyone know the words??); playing Monopoly so late into the night, all hopped up on Faygo soda and junk food, until my eyes were gritty with exhaustion; and I miss the feeling of being carried in my Dad's arms; of snuggling with my Mom at nap time; of sneaking into my parent's room and watching Nick at Nite (I did this until I was in the fifth grade, I am sure they probably did notice my 90 pound self in their bed)
I miss...
**All the dogs I have loved before (no, not my ex-boyfriends, I don't miss ANY of those), especially Maggie, because even though she was one spazzy and pain-in-the-butt mutt, I loved her so much. She was my one constant between the ages of 15 and 25 and I cried many a tear into her stinky (but such a good stinky) coat! Sniff. Okay, let's move on before I start crying!!!** Speaking of crying, I sort of miss how sensitive I used to be. I used to be able to cry about anything, anytime, but now I can go weeks and weeks without a tear. It's almost like my tear ducts (glands??) are constipated. Gross.**My size 26 by 30 LEVI 501 jeans. Oh, I would like to have those back.**Lara's junior high bedroom, with its awesome mauve and green color scheme and that daybed with those pillows with the cool pokey flower napkin rings around the pillowcases. I really loved her room so much. I thought it was the best decorating ever. (I am not joking around here!) I adored Lara's house and family so much. I wanted to live there.**
I miss...
My Aunt Vernie and Uncle Jim. I miss Vernie for her zaniness. She was the one completely and utterly unique person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I miss Jim for his pure heart. He was the one completely and utterly good person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.** Driving a manual transmission. But no, I never want to own one again! I can't possibly parent from the front seat, talk on my cell, drink my coffee and shift at the same time. I know, I know...** Being able to get away with not wearing a bra. Those were the days.**Bladder control. Not that I am walking around wearing Poise pads or anything, just after giving birth to Jonathan, things just aren't the same (have you seen the size of his head?? It's a miracle that anything is the same at all!)**The smell of my childhood home. My brother lives there now and it is a completely different smell. Not a bad smell, just different.**Dave and I's first apartment together, with the bean bag chair and the bumper pool table and the bed that had a bookshelf headboard, and the world's ugliest (but sturdy and very functional) entertainment center, and the blue floral velvet furniture with the plywood under the cushions. I miss all of that stuff. I even miss living in the hood. No, I take that back. But those were some good times.**Being able to fall asleep without mentally calculating how many hours of sleep I will get if I fall asleep right now. Or a half hour from now. Or forty-five minutes. What if it takes me 2 hours to fall asleep! Then I will only get 4 hours of sleep! Seriously, I lay awake at night annoying myself. ** Being brave enough to paint my bedroom a very questionable shade of purple simply because I liked the name on the paint chip. And actually being happy having insanely purple walls. Now I obsess for weeks (months, really) whether to paint the walls one blah neutral non-color or the other. When really, there's no point because you can't even tell the difference between the 14 paint chips from a foot away and I don't take any joy in the color I choose anyway. Maybe I need to paint my bedroom Grape Soda Fizz again. But then again, I am not seven years old anymore and I do have to take my grown-up husband into account when I paint a room.
So I guess, in summary, I miss being carefree. I miss being innocent and fearless in only the way a secure and well-loved child can be. I miss my loved ones that have died and I miss my loved ones that are still in my life. I miss the way they used to be. I miss the way I used to be.
But, on the eve of my 28th birthday, I realize that I would not ever want to go back. We can miss things and people and even our old (or rather, our young) selves from afar, but we don't ever have the luxury of going backwards. Only forwards. And I love my life. If I took all of my 28 years and accounted for all of the happiness, the joy, the laughter, and the gifts in one column, and all of the sadness, the pain, the tears, and the trials in another column, I realize with much, much gratitude that the good stuff would far outmeasure the bad. I've had a good life, an extraordinarily blessed and happy life in so many ways.
PS I lied about something: I don't miss all of my days at Creel Elementary. I certainly don't miss the day someone put a dead baby bird in my cubby hole. Now tell me that they just happened to choose my particular cubby hole. Oh, man, that was almost TWENTY YEARS AGO and I am getting so worked up just thinking about it. I would just like to know, who did it? And WHY? Who does something like that? Was it just a dead bird they happened to find on their way into the classroom, or did they actually murder this bird? Chilling!!!
So Savage, Yet So Refined
I overheard a conversation between my nephew Trystan and Jonathan today that made me laugh. They had dumped all of the popcorn shrapnel from the bottom of a bag of Smartfood popcorn (which I love, and I considered eating the little bits off the floor. Which I did not do.) and they were eating it like dogs, face down on the floor, no hands, growling.
Suddenly, Jonathan jumped up and ran over to get a toy. Then he walked back and said to Trystan: Is this the popcorn store?
T said: Yeah, it is.
J says: Can I have some, please?
T: Sure you can! (picking some off the floor and handing it to Jon)
J: Thank you, Trystan.
I mean, one minute they are smashing their faces into the floor and barking, and the next, they are so polite, they practically sound British!
Anna is this way also. She's two and a half now, and she is able to express herself very well. Just this morning, she asked for a Kid's Meal for breakfast (a Kid's Cuisine frozen dinner). I said nooo, how about some cereal? I woke up with a headache this morning and thought of microwaving chicken nuggets made me queasy. In response to my no, Anna threw herself down on the tile, screaming in complete and utter despair, big, fat tears rolling down her neck. I honestly have not one clue as to what she was saying. It was instant hysteria. The screaming was making my head worse, so I gave in (I fling open the freezer door and slam a Kid's Cuisine on the counter and huff and puff all over the kitchen. Fine, Anna! I'll make you a stupid Kid's Meal! Just BE QUIET PLEASE!). My parenting is always the best before 7 AM. I am such a delightful morning person.
When Anna saw she was getting her way, she immediately jumped up, and in the sweetest little voice imaginable, blinking up at me with those big baby blues and that little angel face, Mama, can you please make me a Kung Fu panda one with chicken nuggets cut up and a baby fork and spoon?
It amazes me how my kids can swing back and forth to such radical extremes everyday. It's like they are bipolar or something. Sometimes Jonathan can be the most mature, thoughtful, reasonable kid around, and other times, he just acts like a loon and completely throws me. Sometimes Anna can be this terrible tantrum-throwing two-year old toddler and other times, she is just a perfect little lady and an absolute delight. I guess the thing to be grateful for here is that they do transition. Jonathan does not act like a wild beast and Anna does not act like a terror all the time. I'd really be crazy then.
Suddenly, Jonathan jumped up and ran over to get a toy. Then he walked back and said to Trystan: Is this the popcorn store?
T said: Yeah, it is.
J says: Can I have some, please?
T: Sure you can! (picking some off the floor and handing it to Jon)
J: Thank you, Trystan.
I mean, one minute they are smashing their faces into the floor and barking, and the next, they are so polite, they practically sound British!
Anna is this way also. She's two and a half now, and she is able to express herself very well. Just this morning, she asked for a Kid's Meal for breakfast (a Kid's Cuisine frozen dinner). I said nooo, how about some cereal? I woke up with a headache this morning and thought of microwaving chicken nuggets made me queasy. In response to my no, Anna threw herself down on the tile, screaming in complete and utter despair, big, fat tears rolling down her neck. I honestly have not one clue as to what she was saying. It was instant hysteria. The screaming was making my head worse, so I gave in (I fling open the freezer door and slam a Kid's Cuisine on the counter and huff and puff all over the kitchen. Fine, Anna! I'll make you a stupid Kid's Meal! Just BE QUIET PLEASE!). My parenting is always the best before 7 AM. I am such a delightful morning person.
When Anna saw she was getting her way, she immediately jumped up, and in the sweetest little voice imaginable, blinking up at me with those big baby blues and that little angel face, Mama, can you please make me a Kung Fu panda one with chicken nuggets cut up and a baby fork and spoon?
It amazes me how my kids can swing back and forth to such radical extremes everyday. It's like they are bipolar or something. Sometimes Jonathan can be the most mature, thoughtful, reasonable kid around, and other times, he just acts like a loon and completely throws me. Sometimes Anna can be this terrible tantrum-throwing two-year old toddler and other times, she is just a perfect little lady and an absolute delight. I guess the thing to be grateful for here is that they do transition. Jonathan does not act like a wild beast and Anna does not act like a terror all the time. I'd really be crazy then.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Pool Fences, Part Two
Okay, so again Jonathan attempts to open the pool fence. This time I left to go to the gym. I was gone under an hour. At least this time he had somewhat of an excuse. JoJo's friend was there, and she asked Jonathan to open it to show her how this remote control pool toy worked. Jonathan, thinking that 10 year old girls are grown ups, listened to her. I did not get this detail until after I had spanked him. I rarely ever spank him but I am just thinking, what else can I do at this point? So then I felt bad that I had disciplined him. I am so ready to go to Kentucky to get away from pools and fences and just have a change in routine. Maybe slow things down a little and just try to enjoy being with the kids.
For any of you that caught my little rant earlier (a now deleted blog post), I really can't give any details, but you might have sensed that I was pretty mad at certain people. I am still angry but I am not willing to confront anyone so instead I will just stew about it, writing snarky little posts and then erasing them hours later.
My birthday day had better be better than my birthday week has been.
For any of you that caught my little rant earlier (a now deleted blog post), I really can't give any details, but you might have sensed that I was pretty mad at certain people. I am still angry but I am not willing to confront anyone so instead I will just stew about it, writing snarky little posts and then erasing them hours later.
My birthday day had better be better than my birthday week has been.
Pool Fences
So I left Jon and Anna with my Mom to get an adjustment yesterday. I came back and my Mom was very upset. Here's what happened: My Mom had the kids on the patio and went in the house to get her swimsuit on. Jonathan apparently decided to open the pool gate (the supposedly kiddy-proof one; the ones that cost a ton of money?) and when my mom came back, Anna was in the pool, playing on the island. My Mom freaked. Understandably. The thing that baffles me, other than that we have told Jonathan over and over and over again the he never to touch the pool fence, is that my kids had just finished a very expensive private swimming lesson. I watched them sit and listen intently to the instructor teach them all about water safety. Yesterday was one of those times where I just watched my kid flop and fail and blow it. I watched my parenting in action, all my efforts and hard work to try and teach him the right way, and I just felt like a failure. How will he act when I am not around to tell him what to do? Like when he's at school, or when I leave him at Grandma's house. Will he make me proud, or ashamed?
He intentionally disobeyed us and put himself and his sister in real danger. And my Mom, he almost gave her a heart attack. The day before yesterday I had the kids in the pool. I turned my head to talk to Ed for maybe 30 seconds? Jonathan started shouting Mama! Mama! He was so flustered he could not even sputter anything out, but when I turned to look, Anna had slipped out of her water ring and was flailing around under the surface of the water. How many seconds passed before I could get in the pool to get her out? Maybe 10 or 15, at most? But it felt like an eternity. It was like a bad dream where I needed to run but I could not get my arms and legs to work properly. She was okay, basically, but I can't stop thinking about what could have happened, and kicking myself for turning away. Jonathan immediately said, I think we should just go inside now, Mama. He was totally pale and he said, I was so worried about Anna. He really got it, he really seemed to understand how serious this was. But then one day later, he makes this bad choice.
What was his punishment? We packed his Transformers, his Legos, his GameBoy and put them in Dave's trunk. His computer was turned off and he has no computer, Webkinz, or video game privileges. I canceled a birthday outing on Friday to Pump It Up. He can't go swimming except for his lesson on Thursday. His punishment ends Saturday. Normally, I am pretty lax, but he really needs to know that this is a very serious thing! My Mom called this morning and petitioned on his behalf, saying, I was thinking, maybe you really shouldn't take all those things away. But there is no way we can go back on what we said now. The funny thing is, Jonathan knew he was in big trouble. I was so upset I called his Daddy home early so we could figure out what to do. He was to come in and sit down on the couch and don't you dare get up!!! I think by the time we told him what we had decided, he was so anxious that he was relieved. He probably thought we were going to beat him or make him sleep outside or something. He was very solemn about his punishment, and did not cry or have a fit. He just seemed to accept it.
PS There is just a very small part of me, and no one tell Jon this, that is a teensy bit proud of my clever son. He is just very mechanically inclined, as his Poppa Ed said yesterday! He is just too smart sometimes. I just have to learn how to help him channel his genius, to use it for good and not evil.
He intentionally disobeyed us and put himself and his sister in real danger. And my Mom, he almost gave her a heart attack. The day before yesterday I had the kids in the pool. I turned my head to talk to Ed for maybe 30 seconds? Jonathan started shouting Mama! Mama! He was so flustered he could not even sputter anything out, but when I turned to look, Anna had slipped out of her water ring and was flailing around under the surface of the water. How many seconds passed before I could get in the pool to get her out? Maybe 10 or 15, at most? But it felt like an eternity. It was like a bad dream where I needed to run but I could not get my arms and legs to work properly. She was okay, basically, but I can't stop thinking about what could have happened, and kicking myself for turning away. Jonathan immediately said, I think we should just go inside now, Mama. He was totally pale and he said, I was so worried about Anna. He really got it, he really seemed to understand how serious this was. But then one day later, he makes this bad choice.
What was his punishment? We packed his Transformers, his Legos, his GameBoy and put them in Dave's trunk. His computer was turned off and he has no computer, Webkinz, or video game privileges. I canceled a birthday outing on Friday to Pump It Up. He can't go swimming except for his lesson on Thursday. His punishment ends Saturday. Normally, I am pretty lax, but he really needs to know that this is a very serious thing! My Mom called this morning and petitioned on his behalf, saying, I was thinking, maybe you really shouldn't take all those things away. But there is no way we can go back on what we said now. The funny thing is, Jonathan knew he was in big trouble. I was so upset I called his Daddy home early so we could figure out what to do. He was to come in and sit down on the couch and don't you dare get up!!! I think by the time we told him what we had decided, he was so anxious that he was relieved. He probably thought we were going to beat him or make him sleep outside or something. He was very solemn about his punishment, and did not cry or have a fit. He just seemed to accept it.
PS There is just a very small part of me, and no one tell Jon this, that is a teensy bit proud of my clever son. He is just very mechanically inclined, as his Poppa Ed said yesterday! He is just too smart sometimes. I just have to learn how to help him channel his genius, to use it for good and not evil.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Kashi Go Lean CRRRRRRUNCHHH!!!!
My current cereal obsession is Kashi Go Lean Crunch. I really like the Honey Almond Flax flavor. I am normally very loyal to Frosted Mini Wheats or Grape Nuts. But for the past month or so, it's been Kashi, Kashi everyday. Anna loves to drink my cereal milk from my spoon while I eat breakfast. (I think this is disgusting, I would never slurp out of someone else's cereal bowl. All of those little soggy bits of cereal floating about. It gives me chills!)
Normally she waits until I am all done with the cereal to start drinking the milk. Today she started asking for the milk earlier, and she must have accidentally gotten a spoonful of cereal.
She looked at me with this wide-eyed, concerned expression on her face, and said:
That cereal could break your teeth, Mama.
I actually think the very same thing every time I eat this cereal. When they say crunch, they aren't kidding.
Normally she waits until I am all done with the cereal to start drinking the milk. Today she started asking for the milk earlier, and she must have accidentally gotten a spoonful of cereal.
She looked at me with this wide-eyed, concerned expression on her face, and said:
That cereal could break your teeth, Mama.
I actually think the very same thing every time I eat this cereal. When they say crunch, they aren't kidding.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Turtle Bars, or Turtle Cake, or How to Gain 5 lbs Overnight
Today I made Turtle Bars for Father's Day at my Mom's. I let Anna have one, and she was very amused by the name.
A:What these called, Mama? Is this cake?
Me: No, honey it's more like a cookie. They are called Turtle Bars.
A: Turtle Cake, Mama? What it has in it?
Me: Well, graham crackers, chocolate, butter, nuts, and sugar....
A: Where you get the turtle, Mama?
Me: What?
A: It called Turtle Cake, where you get the turtles? It has turtles in it?
(She is not concerned about the turtles. Anna is making a joke. She is looking at me and grinning and giggling. She is so funny. She is always trying to make little jokes.
Anyways, the bars were really good. I am trying my darndest not to eat them all before the party tomorrow. Especially since I had the most delicously disgusting dinner ever. Jonathan and I went on a little date tonight. We went to Get Fired Up!. He has never been, and he was so mature about it. He selected a very realistic lizzard, and he chose very appropriate colors for it. He was patient during the three coat painting process, and he loved using the hairdryer to dry his lizzard between coats. I was able to finish my mermaid for Anna. Then we went to Mustard's Last Stand, which has been in Brevard along US1 forever! They moved in downtown, and so we went through the drive-thru. I ordered a chili cheese (if you are going to do something wrong, do it right!) dog, a cherry coke and we split an order of fries. SO! VERY! GOOD! We ate in the car with the radio turned up (Jonathan wanted to listen to disco music on the radio) and Jonathan said we should go to that place again! I totally agree. Mustard's Last Stand kicks Longdogger's hot dog serving butt anyday, as far as I am concerned.
So now that you are thinking about hot dogs, here is the turtle bar recipe:
1 ROLL of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 BAG semisweet chocolate chips
1.5 CUPS chopped pecans
1 STICK butter
1/2 CUP packed brown sugar
1 JAR Caramel Ice Cream Topping
1 CUP graham cracker crumbs (about 15 squares of crackers crushed up)
Heat oven to 350. Press cookie dough into bottom of ungreased 13X9 Pyrex dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup (1/2 of the bag) of chocolate chips and 1/2 of the pecans over dough and press them lightly into the dough.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-hi heat. Stir in brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and caramel topping. Heat till boiling while stirring constantly.
Pour mixture over crust in pan and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips and nuts on top.
Bake about 25-30 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown (all caramellized goodness!). Cool on cooling rack in pan about a half hour, then use a knife to cut edges away from pan. Leave in the pan until completely cool, about 3 hours or so. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows, or if you are a pig, into 4 rows by 4 rows. If you are really, really a pig and don't plan to bring this to any potluck, stand in the kitchen in your underwear and eat it out of the pan. But please use caution not to burn yourself while trying to lick the spoon that you used to stir the caramel mixture with (like I did). Also, don't trust your husband when he agrees to leave some in the saucepan for you to scrape out, because he will not do so. He will really, really try but will apparently lose all self-control and hand you the pan and say, apologetically, sorry, there's not much left. Not much left will be a huge understatement and you will think seriously about licking the drizzled, drippy bits off the stovetop.
Enjoy!
A:What these called, Mama? Is this cake?
Me: No, honey it's more like a cookie. They are called Turtle Bars.
A: Turtle Cake, Mama? What it has in it?
Me: Well, graham crackers, chocolate, butter, nuts, and sugar....
A: Where you get the turtle, Mama?
Me: What?
A: It called Turtle Cake, where you get the turtles? It has turtles in it?
(She is not concerned about the turtles. Anna is making a joke. She is looking at me and grinning and giggling. She is so funny. She is always trying to make little jokes.
Anyways, the bars were really good. I am trying my darndest not to eat them all before the party tomorrow. Especially since I had the most delicously disgusting dinner ever. Jonathan and I went on a little date tonight. We went to Get Fired Up!. He has never been, and he was so mature about it. He selected a very realistic lizzard, and he chose very appropriate colors for it. He was patient during the three coat painting process, and he loved using the hairdryer to dry his lizzard between coats. I was able to finish my mermaid for Anna. Then we went to Mustard's Last Stand, which has been in Brevard along US1 forever! They moved in downtown, and so we went through the drive-thru. I ordered a chili cheese (if you are going to do something wrong, do it right!) dog, a cherry coke and we split an order of fries. SO! VERY! GOOD! We ate in the car with the radio turned up (Jonathan wanted to listen to disco music on the radio) and Jonathan said we should go to that place again! I totally agree. Mustard's Last Stand kicks Longdogger's hot dog serving butt anyday, as far as I am concerned.
So now that you are thinking about hot dogs, here is the turtle bar recipe:
1 ROLL of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 BAG semisweet chocolate chips
1.5 CUPS chopped pecans
1 STICK butter
1/2 CUP packed brown sugar
1 JAR Caramel Ice Cream Topping
1 CUP graham cracker crumbs (about 15 squares of crackers crushed up)
Heat oven to 350. Press cookie dough into bottom of ungreased 13X9 Pyrex dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup (1/2 of the bag) of chocolate chips and 1/2 of the pecans over dough and press them lightly into the dough.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-hi heat. Stir in brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and caramel topping. Heat till boiling while stirring constantly.
Pour mixture over crust in pan and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips and nuts on top.
Bake about 25-30 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown (all caramellized goodness!). Cool on cooling rack in pan about a half hour, then use a knife to cut edges away from pan. Leave in the pan until completely cool, about 3 hours or so. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows, or if you are a pig, into 4 rows by 4 rows. If you are really, really a pig and don't plan to bring this to any potluck, stand in the kitchen in your underwear and eat it out of the pan. But please use caution not to burn yourself while trying to lick the spoon that you used to stir the caramel mixture with (like I did). Also, don't trust your husband when he agrees to leave some in the saucepan for you to scrape out, because he will not do so. He will really, really try but will apparently lose all self-control and hand you the pan and say, apologetically, sorry, there's not much left. Not much left will be a huge understatement and you will think seriously about licking the drizzled, drippy bits off the stovetop.
Enjoy!
Friday, or the beginning of my birthday week
Yesterday, Friday the 13th, was the beginning of my birthday week. My Mom had the kids overnight, and after stopping at the gym and coming home to shower, Dave and I went out for the evening. Normally, whenever the kids sleep over at my Mom's, we are so focused on the Alone Time that we are going to get to have that we don't leave our house. But I wanted to go paint ceramics at Get Fired Up, and Dave was very nice to go along with me. We went to dinner first at Harbor City Diner, which is right by our house, and if you live in Brevard, you should give it a try. They have really, really good food. I got the chicken soulvaki platter, which comes with a very delicious Greek salad. Dave got his usual, the French dip and french fries (he's very cultured) which made me happy because then I got to steal some of his fries. They have one of those cake refrigerators, with the cakes and pies that rotate in the glass case? So we ordered two pieces to go, one German chocolate for me, and one Triple Chocolate for Dave. After the monstrous portions we had for dinner, we needed to wait a while before indulging in the cake (which by the way, I had some last night, and there was still more than enough to give each of the kids a piece that they could never hope to finish). After dropping the cake off at our house, we went to Get Fired Up. We have not been there together in years (like, probably at least 5?) and we had a relaxing evening. Dave painted an F-something fighter plane? I don't know; he could tell you the exact name. He is going to give it to Jonathan, and I started work on an Ariel mermaid for Anna. I wanted to paint her hair blonde to look like Anna, but Dave suggested that this might anger her. I think he's right. She would probably say, Not Princess Mermaid! I can just picture her throwing it down on the floor in anger, and it smashing into a hundred pieces. So I went with Rocket Red for her hair. I really enjoyed our evening together, and I am so happy to be married to someone that I love to spend time with.
Saturday, the second day of my birthday week, is not proving to be quite as fabulous, but still good. I woke up early (and was very, very tired) and went to a VBS meeting for church. But like all things with our church, even though I had to drag myself there, I left feeling positive and glad that I went. Not that I always have to drag myself to church stuff. I just mean that even if I don't feel like going, I always leave with the same happy feeling every time. It's just a good place to be. After the meeting, I had to go grocery shopping. I was alone! At Publix! By MYSELF! To me, this is about as good as a pedicure. I came home and made a really, really yummy new recipe. A barbeque chicken pizza. The sauce was made of raspberry preserves, chipotle chiles and BBQ sauce. It had red onions and pineapple on it, and was smothered in mozzerella and shredded parmesan. We had mango salsa and chips and fresh pineapple on the side. It was really GOOD! A combination of sweet and spicy hot, which is my favorite! Now I am making some Turtle Bars and Bean Salad for tomorrow's Father's Day party at my Mom's house. (I will have to give up one day of my birthday week for Father's Day festivities.)
Later I am going to float in the pool with a yummy drink and read my book. I am suddenly wanting to sunbathe, which is very strange. I have never been the type to lay out. Even as a teen, I was very sensible with the sunblock. I guess I just feel like I never feel well, so I might as well indulge in a little self-destructive behavior anyways. (Yes, I really do think tanning is a self-destructive behavior.) I had better stop thinking about it before I talk myself out of it. Of course, I will keep my face well protected. I don't want to get all wrinkly.
Saturday, the second day of my birthday week, is not proving to be quite as fabulous, but still good. I woke up early (and was very, very tired) and went to a VBS meeting for church. But like all things with our church, even though I had to drag myself there, I left feeling positive and glad that I went. Not that I always have to drag myself to church stuff. I just mean that even if I don't feel like going, I always leave with the same happy feeling every time. It's just a good place to be. After the meeting, I had to go grocery shopping. I was alone! At Publix! By MYSELF! To me, this is about as good as a pedicure. I came home and made a really, really yummy new recipe. A barbeque chicken pizza. The sauce was made of raspberry preserves, chipotle chiles and BBQ sauce. It had red onions and pineapple on it, and was smothered in mozzerella and shredded parmesan. We had mango salsa and chips and fresh pineapple on the side. It was really GOOD! A combination of sweet and spicy hot, which is my favorite! Now I am making some Turtle Bars and Bean Salad for tomorrow's Father's Day party at my Mom's house. (I will have to give up one day of my birthday week for Father's Day festivities.)
Later I am going to float in the pool with a yummy drink and read my book. I am suddenly wanting to sunbathe, which is very strange. I have never been the type to lay out. Even as a teen, I was very sensible with the sunblock. I guess I just feel like I never feel well, so I might as well indulge in a little self-destructive behavior anyways. (Yes, I really do think tanning is a self-destructive behavior.) I had better stop thinking about it before I talk myself out of it. Of course, I will keep my face well protected. I don't want to get all wrinkly.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Report on the First Week of Swim Lessons
We finished our first week! I say we because I have to be in the water with Anna.
Jonathan has made great progress already. He can jump off the edge to his teacher, and she makes him let go and he has to get to the wall himself with his head underwater and climb out. He is very cooperative and I am very proud of the way he listens to his teacher. She is very cute and I think that helps (I really, really do). I think he wants her to like him. He wants to please her and make her happy with him, and this means that we are getting our money's worth out of the class. Thank goodness they did not give him some ugly old teacher.
Anna, however, is not phased by her cute teacher. Perhaps if her teacher were the young male lifeguard who is insanely ripped (in a way that seems almost wrong for a teenager to be) she would feel more cooperative (I really, really don't think so). She is doing really well even if she complains the entire time and glares at her teacher and sulks. I want to tell the teacher, she really is cute, really! I know she just seems like a little brat to you, but I assure you that she is actually adorable! I push her towards the wall, and she has to kick and reach with her arms and climb out all by herself. It takes all of my will to keep from helping, from giving a gentle nudge to her rear to assist her. But I know it is good for her, and my hope is with both of the kids that should they ever fall in, they will be able to stay calm and get out.
Jonathan has made great progress already. He can jump off the edge to his teacher, and she makes him let go and he has to get to the wall himself with his head underwater and climb out. He is very cooperative and I am very proud of the way he listens to his teacher. She is very cute and I think that helps (I really, really do). I think he wants her to like him. He wants to please her and make her happy with him, and this means that we are getting our money's worth out of the class. Thank goodness they did not give him some ugly old teacher.
Anna, however, is not phased by her cute teacher. Perhaps if her teacher were the young male lifeguard who is insanely ripped (in a way that seems almost wrong for a teenager to be) she would feel more cooperative (I really, really don't think so). She is doing really well even if she complains the entire time and glares at her teacher and sulks. I want to tell the teacher, she really is cute, really! I know she just seems like a little brat to you, but I assure you that she is actually adorable! I push her towards the wall, and she has to kick and reach with her arms and climb out all by herself. It takes all of my will to keep from helping, from giving a gentle nudge to her rear to assist her. But I know it is good for her, and my hope is with both of the kids that should they ever fall in, they will be able to stay calm and get out.
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