I meant to download pictures today but it's not working. They just wont open and rather then be frustrated I've turned on Firefly, wrapped myself in a blanket and decided not to worry about it.
In the background:
Zoe "River honey, he's putting the hair away now"
River " Doesn't matter, it'll still be there - waiting"
I think people feel that way about my hair.
I love Joss Whedon, whats not to love about man who renames himself "Luck" ? Of course, I'm more of a determinist myself.
I'm tired after a night of work and then tea and way too many cookies with friends. MMmm. Willow was up much of the night again . I think it's another tooth. I would love to just stay home tonight, drink hot chocolate, finish watching the last two episodes of Angel and go to bed when Willow does. Thinking about it is almost as good.
I'm going to try and slip in a nap. These words are getting fuzzy
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
banana split
My grandmother sent me a chain mail about how good bananas are for your body and mind - so I just had a banana split. Calcium + banana= good for me? I was up much of the night with the Willow bug who has a second tooth coming in and really needed to nurse all night along. At 3 am she decided it was party time and headed out to the family room, mom in tow - I was tired of nursing and better a happy distracted baby than an in bed fussy one. She settled down by four but then I picked up " The hunt sisters" and couldn't stop reading.. So now i'm tired but I can't sleep and feel a bit off.
Little things are making me sad today. For example - during play group, we were playing with a parachute - the kids would go in the middle and we'd walk around in circle so they'd get a "ride". One little boy didn't like it and was crying, but his mom wouldn't take him out. She wouldn't pick him up. This was not something we *had* to do. It was supposed to be fun. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and picked him him up. That's all he needed. Usually, I am not a vocal critic of other parents. I have my thoughts but I know too that everyone does things differently. Today this just upset me a lot. When kids need affection they should get it. Maybe I need a hug today. Yeesh.
Also today I wish I didn't have to work. I like my job honestly, and I like having money of my own but if I could afford it, I would stay home because when I think about what makes me happy, it is being with my child. I tried last night to think of how much money would make it worthwhile to leave Willow all day. Not even a million dollars, because I can't buy back my time with her. There is nothing I want more than to watch her learn, help her grow, hug her close. I understand though that I have to help provide a home for her, monetarily and I have a good balance right now.
I'm lucky and the banana split will kick in soon!
Little things are making me sad today. For example - during play group, we were playing with a parachute - the kids would go in the middle and we'd walk around in circle so they'd get a "ride". One little boy didn't like it and was crying, but his mom wouldn't take him out. She wouldn't pick him up. This was not something we *had* to do. It was supposed to be fun. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and picked him him up. That's all he needed. Usually, I am not a vocal critic of other parents. I have my thoughts but I know too that everyone does things differently. Today this just upset me a lot. When kids need affection they should get it. Maybe I need a hug today. Yeesh.
Also today I wish I didn't have to work. I like my job honestly, and I like having money of my own but if I could afford it, I would stay home because when I think about what makes me happy, it is being with my child. I tried last night to think of how much money would make it worthwhile to leave Willow all day. Not even a million dollars, because I can't buy back my time with her. There is nothing I want more than to watch her learn, help her grow, hug her close. I understand though that I have to help provide a home for her, monetarily and I have a good balance right now.
I'm lucky and the banana split will kick in soon!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pirates DO wear glasses
pirates who wear glasses - for Max - Jack Sparrow wears glasses most of the time. He's the coolest pirate around.
Other cool people who wear glasses
Harry Potter
Mummy
Daddy
Kathy
Emily
Arthur ( the aardvark)
Arnold from the magic school bus books
Arrow
Tyren when he was little
Mudmama - you might want to check out this site full of cool books and links http://littlefoureyes.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
To do
With the kids gone things are too quiet. I know, I said I didn't like too much noise, we need more space, I want some time to sit down ..
And now they are gone and I am spacey and weird - starting to fold the laundry only to wander and tidy the kids room and then do some dishes, eat a cookie, wander back to the laundry. I'm checking facebook way too much again. I think about how much I'd like to read but I can't sit still and besides, I should clean the kitty litter.
When the kids are here I'm busy and life is full by default. I miss their long lanky bounding. I miss morning cuddles and endless questions. I miss garbled movie descriptions. I miss having a reason to enjoy silly things like green food and table forts. ( We ate so much green food on st patty's day.. green eggs and ham people)
Yeesh. I just have to re set my schedule. I'll be happy when morning playgroup starts up tomorrow and we'll be back to our routine. Willow is clingy right now - I think she misses the extra kisses, sword fights and dino attacks. On the other hand she's chatting lots ( not in English mind you) happy to hear herself I think.
And now they are gone and I am spacey and weird - starting to fold the laundry only to wander and tidy the kids room and then do some dishes, eat a cookie, wander back to the laundry. I'm checking facebook way too much again. I think about how much I'd like to read but I can't sit still and besides, I should clean the kitty litter.
When the kids are here I'm busy and life is full by default. I miss their long lanky bounding. I miss morning cuddles and endless questions. I miss garbled movie descriptions. I miss having a reason to enjoy silly things like green food and table forts. ( We ate so much green food on st patty's day.. green eggs and ham people)
Yeesh. I just have to re set my schedule. I'll be happy when morning playgroup starts up tomorrow and we'll be back to our routine. Willow is clingy right now - I think she misses the extra kisses, sword fights and dino attacks. On the other hand she's chatting lots ( not in English mind you) happy to hear herself I think.
stabbed!
Willow woke me up this morning by stabbing me in the eye with a window marker. Must put window markers away. She had such a grin on her face too
"Hey mom, you finally woke up! Happy to see me too?" If only I could see...
The eye is fine - she didn't actually get me, but from now on I'm going to be more careful about catching a little more shut eye while she plays independently ( plots my demise) in the morning. Sleep vs eyesight. It's close.
"Hey mom, you finally woke up! Happy to see me too?" If only I could see...
The eye is fine - she didn't actually get me, but from now on I'm going to be more careful about catching a little more shut eye while she plays independently ( plots my demise) in the morning. Sleep vs eyesight. It's close.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Things I learned
There are no pictures yet - W is away for a bit and he has the computer with the pictures- there will be lots to see though!
In the meantime, I wanted to share a bit of what I learned this week, so that I don't forget for the next time.
1. Ask questions. A was having trouble the second day with mini meltdowns. at work that night, I had a discussion with a friend a mine, a straightforward sailor type. Our politics don't always match, but his parenting advice was a gift.
"Ask her what she's afraid of" he told me. " When people are angry they are usually afraid of something. Help her with that. A kid's job is to be a kid and have fun. A kid's job is to learn," he added " but mostly to have fun, and learning should be fun too. Remind her of that. "
So A and I had a chat the next day, which is private, between her and I. But I learned a lot, modified my approach and reminded her to be a kid. From then on, I asked the kids why when they were frustrated and "Is there anything you need to help?" I also asked " what is a good solution?" and helped them problem solve. It takes longer than a direct order but is more likely to lead to a workable solution.
2- Listen to the answers. Take the time to listen to what the kids are saying *carefully*. They may not know why they feel the way they feel. But you can help them find a solution. also, i found that it made less work for me sometimes.
3- Do everything with love. Redirecting frustration, cooking dinner, doing dishes, going on outings, sending kids to their room to calm down .. do it with love. it feels calmer.
4 - take time for yourself - five minutes for a coffee and food - in that order i admit - saved my life. i figured out that i needed time too in my whirlwind house and that i could take it.
5- take time with each of the kids alone when you can. I didn't fully suceed in this but A and I did get some reading time and some swimming time in. m and read some books alone too - I think it helped us connect.
I'm not a perfect (step)mom but i am willing to learn. i just wanted to share the valuable lesson, write it down and remember it.
ask
listen
love
learn
pictures and tales of pirates, dinosaurs and swimmers to follow. All my love.
In the meantime, I wanted to share a bit of what I learned this week, so that I don't forget for the next time.
1. Ask questions. A was having trouble the second day with mini meltdowns. at work that night, I had a discussion with a friend a mine, a straightforward sailor type. Our politics don't always match, but his parenting advice was a gift.
"Ask her what she's afraid of" he told me. " When people are angry they are usually afraid of something. Help her with that. A kid's job is to be a kid and have fun. A kid's job is to learn," he added " but mostly to have fun, and learning should be fun too. Remind her of that. "
So A and I had a chat the next day, which is private, between her and I. But I learned a lot, modified my approach and reminded her to be a kid. From then on, I asked the kids why when they were frustrated and "Is there anything you need to help?" I also asked " what is a good solution?" and helped them problem solve. It takes longer than a direct order but is more likely to lead to a workable solution.
2- Listen to the answers. Take the time to listen to what the kids are saying *carefully*. They may not know why they feel the way they feel. But you can help them find a solution. also, i found that it made less work for me sometimes.
3- Do everything with love. Redirecting frustration, cooking dinner, doing dishes, going on outings, sending kids to their room to calm down .. do it with love. it feels calmer.
4 - take time for yourself - five minutes for a coffee and food - in that order i admit - saved my life. i figured out that i needed time too in my whirlwind house and that i could take it.
5- take time with each of the kids alone when you can. I didn't fully suceed in this but A and I did get some reading time and some swimming time in. m and read some books alone too - I think it helped us connect.
I'm not a perfect (step)mom but i am willing to learn. i just wanted to share the valuable lesson, write it down and remember it.
ask
listen
love
learn
pictures and tales of pirates, dinosaurs and swimmers to follow. All my love.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Anticipation
They are 35 minutes away or so - Mudmama called a bit ago to say they were an hour away. They will look taller and all legs and arms, sleepy maybe?
"Where's my sword?"
"Yee!" and
"Hey. My stomach hurts" - that's what I'm anticipating. The kids are on their way and I am so excited. W can't sit still and Willow is fast asleep - she will wake up confused and then thrilled to see her siblings again. I am ready to pounce down the stairs and carry up a big red backpack. Beds are made, jammies are out, hugs are waiting.
"Where's my sword?"
"Yee!" and
"Hey. My stomach hurts" - that's what I'm anticipating. The kids are on their way and I am so excited. W can't sit still and Willow is fast asleep - she will wake up confused and then thrilled to see her siblings again. I am ready to pounce down the stairs and carry up a big red backpack. Beds are made, jammies are out, hugs are waiting.
March break
The kids are on their way here as I type .
Yay!
So much to do though so here is relaxing list of things left
- meal plan - pizza tomorrow night as all will be just getting in the groove and a treat is in order and then I think we'll sit down together and work on a plan so that the kids can help Emily and Wes with meals while I'm at work. Less work for me!
- Laundry - kids stuff is clean - just slowly work my way through the pile that is left in hopes that if things start clean they'll stay cleaner.
- make Arrows bed - sheets are clean but top bunk - Wes can do that tonight
- Playdate for A and M? Yup. Facebook should solve that.
- garbage has to go out
- clothes to the church - that will be our afternoon walk and maybe Emily and Willow could take a second load tonight?
- Activities for the kids
-Sunday is family day at the gallery
-Friday night there is a family movie at the Glebe community centre
-Science and tech looks really cool all week!
-Nature museum has some good documentaries and hands on stuff
-Centertown community centre is having a board game day and Tuesday and Thursday is playgroup for kids up to six
- Sledding still possible - with helmets due to tree magnet tendencies!
and of course hanging about home, doing crafts, playing together and enjoying the cozy chaos.
- ooh and swimming at Jack Purcell!
Must ask Tarek if there are geek things going on about town
If anyone has suggestions, please comment or e-mail me. Pictures will follow for all fans of the family. I am so excited and calmer now that I see that there's not so much left to do. Must eat. Haven't even had time to chew gum today - which is silly.
Yay!
So much to do though so here is relaxing list of things left
- meal plan - pizza tomorrow night as all will be just getting in the groove and a treat is in order and then I think we'll sit down together and work on a plan so that the kids can help Emily and Wes with meals while I'm at work. Less work for me!
- Laundry - kids stuff is clean - just slowly work my way through the pile that is left in hopes that if things start clean they'll stay cleaner.
- make Arrows bed - sheets are clean but top bunk - Wes can do that tonight
- Playdate for A and M? Yup. Facebook should solve that.
- garbage has to go out
- clothes to the church - that will be our afternoon walk and maybe Emily and Willow could take a second load tonight?
- Activities for the kids
-Sunday is family day at the gallery
-Friday night there is a family movie at the Glebe community centre
-Science and tech looks really cool all week!
-Nature museum has some good documentaries and hands on stuff
-Centertown community centre is having a board game day and Tuesday and Thursday is playgroup for kids up to six
- Sledding still possible - with helmets due to tree magnet tendencies!
and of course hanging about home, doing crafts, playing together and enjoying the cozy chaos.
- ooh and swimming at Jack Purcell!
Must ask Tarek if there are geek things going on about town
If anyone has suggestions, please comment or e-mail me. Pictures will follow for all fans of the family. I am so excited and calmer now that I see that there's not so much left to do. Must eat. Haven't even had time to chew gum today - which is silly.
Monday, March 2, 2009
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