Yesterday was one of those days when Ethan wouldn't let me forget he was a 2-year old. He was inspecting Isaac's "electricity" play set when he decided to bite into the tiny light bulb. Yes, he bit the light bulb--crushed it between his teeth. As I fished crushed glass out of his mouth I resisted the urge to shout, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING"? --knowing it would only be rhetorical.
Later, as I was making my daily blueberry smoothie (thanks Mom for the recipe) Ethan decided to help. Mind you, it isn't easy to turn on my blender. You have to first push on, then push another button for the speed. I guess I've let Ethan help too often, because as I was putting the bag of blueberries back in the freezer Ethan reached up and pushed just the right buttons. Sadly, the lid was not yet on. So blueberries and flax meal sprayed around the kitchen.
Fortunately, my darling angel redeemed himself of all earlier offenses when he called to me while in the bath, "Mom, poopy is coming". HOORAY! We snatched him out of the bath, placed him on the potty where he did his business (normally he lets me know after it's already floating in the bath water...ah, it's fun to be a mom on those days!). I was so proud of the little guy (and so thrilled I didn't have to pull out the bleach yet again).
In the midst of typing this posting Ethan came up to me clutching a 9v battery in his fist as he exclaimed, "Mom, this is hot, put it in your mouth". Ha! Wonder which of his siblings taught him the tongue on the 9Volt trick. Wow, it will be a challenge keeping this one out of life threatening danger!!!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Half Empty or Half Full?
Today we went on a bike ride and half way through I realized we had to turn around to get back in time for soccer and gymnastics. Isaac started complaining, "that was the worst bike ride ever, it wasn't even fun". A week ago Morgan and friends wanted to go to the mall, so I told them I'd take them as long as they were okay that we'd only be there an hour. The girls were so cute with their little purses and so excited to be "out shopping". When our hour was up Morgan lost it because she didn't get a chance to buy anything. She complained, "This was the worst day ever!".
My poor kids know all about being underprivileged. Their house is smaller than many on the street, and the houses on their street are 40-years old. Their mom rarely buys clothes that aren't on sale, and sometimes they even wear hand-me-downs (gasp). They are about the only kids they know who have never been to Florida (never mind that they've been to Europe and visited Disneyland in California). And guess what else they have to live with? Their mom "ALWAYS" says no (or so they think). She always says no when they ask for ice cream, cookies, and candy all in one evening (can you imagine, what trauma this must cause them). What's more, when they ask for toys and treats she ALWAYS says, "great, start saving and you can buy it with your own money".
While they are normally pretty grateful kids, nothing sets me off more than when my kids focus on what they don't have. I've been trying to teach them the principle of focusing on the glass that's half-full, but as with most things in motherhood it is a lesson that must be taught over and over again before it fully sinks in (and who am I kidding, I understand the principle fully but still on occasion get in a "poor me" mood).
I just came across a poem I was given this summer. It is perfect for helping us focus on being thankful for all we have.
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment come to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. - Author Unknown
My poor kids know all about being underprivileged. Their house is smaller than many on the street, and the houses on their street are 40-years old. Their mom rarely buys clothes that aren't on sale, and sometimes they even wear hand-me-downs (gasp). They are about the only kids they know who have never been to Florida (never mind that they've been to Europe and visited Disneyland in California). And guess what else they have to live with? Their mom "ALWAYS" says no (or so they think). She always says no when they ask for ice cream, cookies, and candy all in one evening (can you imagine, what trauma this must cause them). What's more, when they ask for toys and treats she ALWAYS says, "great, start saving and you can buy it with your own money".
While they are normally pretty grateful kids, nothing sets me off more than when my kids focus on what they don't have. I've been trying to teach them the principle of focusing on the glass that's half-full, but as with most things in motherhood it is a lesson that must be taught over and over again before it fully sinks in (and who am I kidding, I understand the principle fully but still on occasion get in a "poor me" mood).
I just came across a poem I was given this summer. It is perfect for helping us focus on being thankful for all we have.
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment come to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. - Author Unknown
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Up Up and Away
A few days ago Ethan came running upstairs with a Superman cape in hand. He was headed for the back door saying, "I go fly up in sky Mommy". I helped him get the cape over his head before he darted outside to the driveway--or should I say, "runway". He ran around for a minute then marched back inside, deflated, saying, "It not working". Apparently he thought the cape would send him sailing through the sky. I think he's watched Sky High a few too many times, it's his favorite movie right now. (This photo was shot a few months ago when Ethan was wearing the same cape).
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
It's Over!
Monday afternoon (Labor Day) we arrived home sweaty and dirty from camping. Morgan had just come out of a much needed shower when a neighbor asked if we'd like to join them at the pool. It seemed like a great way to soak all the grime off the boys bodies, and I didn't have to feel guilty about polluting the pool since it would be closing for the season that evening. Apparently, we weren't alone in our idea to sneak in one last plunge of the summer. The parking lot was completely full and there was hardly room in the pool to move (and it's a really big pool!). But nevertheless we had a great time swimming, diving, and sliding.
When 5:30 came an announcement came over the loud speaker, "It is now 5:30 and Adler Pool is closed for the evening, and the 2007 season. See you next year." I felt the emotion swell up in my chest, and was close to becoming teary eyed (seriously). Nothing signifies summer's arrival more than the opening of the pool on Memorial Day. When we drive by the pool in early May the kids survey the scene with eagerness as the umbrellas are set-up, volleyball nets are hung, and the pools begin filling with water. Of course, it's usually still too cold on Memorial Day for anyone in their right mind to actually go swimming, but at least the pool is open which means school will soon be out and warm sun is just around the corner. Alternatively, the close of the pool indicates the impending doom of winter lurking behind a corner ready to emerge without notice or warning.
My first reaction is to run the other direction (South I guess would work...maybe California or Florida) to escape the doom that awaits me. But, then I'd miss out on the fall which is an amazing season here. Our block transforms as the huge trees that canopy our street change colors and the air becomes crisp. The kids head out to the bus stop in the morning warmed by fleece only to arrive home in the afternoon with the unnecessary jackets discarded and stuffed in their backpacks. The cool morning air gives way to warm afternoon sun--the perfect temperature for just about anything (except for swimming :-).
So, for now I'm going to focus on fall. The amazing season at hand. And I'll choose to ignore the fact that the long long LOOOONG winter will follow too close on fall's heels.
When 5:30 came an announcement came over the loud speaker, "It is now 5:30 and Adler Pool is closed for the evening, and the 2007 season. See you next year." I felt the emotion swell up in my chest, and was close to becoming teary eyed (seriously). Nothing signifies summer's arrival more than the opening of the pool on Memorial Day. When we drive by the pool in early May the kids survey the scene with eagerness as the umbrellas are set-up, volleyball nets are hung, and the pools begin filling with water. Of course, it's usually still too cold on Memorial Day for anyone in their right mind to actually go swimming, but at least the pool is open which means school will soon be out and warm sun is just around the corner. Alternatively, the close of the pool indicates the impending doom of winter lurking behind a corner ready to emerge without notice or warning.
My first reaction is to run the other direction (South I guess would work...maybe California or Florida) to escape the doom that awaits me. But, then I'd miss out on the fall which is an amazing season here. Our block transforms as the huge trees that canopy our street change colors and the air becomes crisp. The kids head out to the bus stop in the morning warmed by fleece only to arrive home in the afternoon with the unnecessary jackets discarded and stuffed in their backpacks. The cool morning air gives way to warm afternoon sun--the perfect temperature for just about anything (except for swimming :-).
So, for now I'm going to focus on fall. The amazing season at hand. And I'll choose to ignore the fact that the long long LOOOONG winter will follow too close on fall's heels.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Painting Help
Yesterday as I was painting our front porch posts when Isaac came outside very interested in the project. When he asked if he could help I told him the paint was messy so this really needed to be an adult-only project. He gave an indignant huff and asked, "Then why does Ethan get to help?". I wheeled around to find Ethan clutching a dripping stir stick busily "painting" the brick. ARUGH!!!
Oh yea, the paint is still in his hair and on his forehead--as it was all night last night as we went out to dinner with friends and did some shopping. Ah, the joys of being the third child!
Oh yea, the paint is still in his hair and on his forehead--as it was all night last night as we went out to dinner with friends and did some shopping. Ah, the joys of being the third child!
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