Belle practicing her trumpet (which belonged to her daddy).
taken by Lillian
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Overhearing about Overheads
Anna: Can I come into your overhead?
Belle: No, my overhead's too small.
Anna: But I can't make a overhead!
Sophia: I can make you overhead Anna.
Me: What's an overhead?
Isabelle: You know, the thing on a house that goes over your head.
Me: You mean a roof?
Isabelle: Yeah, exept I couldn't remember what it was called so we're calling it a overhead.
15 minutes later ...
Isabelle: Hey guys, come in. My overhead is bigger now!
5 seconds later ...
Anna, Belle & Sophia: (screaming) overhead falls
Belle: Everyone get out! We have to make a bigger overhead.
Belle: No, my overhead's too small.
Anna: But I can't make a overhead!
Sophia: I can make you overhead Anna.
Me: What's an overhead?
Isabelle: You know, the thing on a house that goes over your head.
Me: You mean a roof?
Isabelle: Yeah, exept I couldn't remember what it was called so we're calling it a overhead.
15 minutes later ...
Isabelle: Hey guys, come in. My overhead is bigger now!
5 seconds later ...
Anna, Belle & Sophia: (screaming) overhead falls
Belle: Everyone get out! We have to make a bigger overhead.
Beating the Mommy Blues
Sometimes I get the "Mommy Blues." Not because I don't like being a mommy but just because its hard! Yesterday a friend of mine was having a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." I know during "the blues" I feel better after I pray, take a nap, drink coffee, go out for an hour, etc. But one thing that helps me feel better that also includes spending time with my kids is reading to them! I especially like reading Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Olivia because I KNOW I have a "Lilly/Olivia" type personality child!!
I got the baby bug IMMEDIATELY after Craig and I were married. I was crocheting baby layettes, reading Dr. Sears' The Baby Book and praying for a "special" baby all before we were actually pregnant. 3 months before our 1st anniversary we became pregnant and I was sooooo happy ... for about 2 weeks. Then I became soooooo sick!! I only had one semester left (2 classes) of graduate school. My plans had been to finish the two classes, take my comps and have my degree before the baby was born. Instead, I had to take 2 semesters off, have a midline I.V. for 3 months and have weekly nurse visits to my home during that time. I was very worried that the baby would not be okay. So I told/prayed to God that I would accept ANY baby as long as He would just let me keep her (I knew Belle was a girl). I knew I had enough love for a "special" baby (i.e. down syndrome, etc.) and wanted her to make it through.
Well, God gave me a very "special" baby. I sometimes forget that I specifically prayed for this!! ;-) So whenever I'm having a "character building day" (as a friend used to call them), reading those two books help me remember that what I have is "special" and nothing to be blue about. Of course she has NO IDEA why I like to read these books. She just thinks I love "Lilly" and "Olivia." And I do. I LOVE my
"Lilly/Olivia" very much!!
***My "Lilly" has about half a dozen purses and wears her sunglasses everywhere!
I got the baby bug IMMEDIATELY after Craig and I were married. I was crocheting baby layettes, reading Dr. Sears' The Baby Book and praying for a "special" baby all before we were actually pregnant. 3 months before our 1st anniversary we became pregnant and I was sooooo happy ... for about 2 weeks. Then I became soooooo sick!! I only had one semester left (2 classes) of graduate school. My plans had been to finish the two classes, take my comps and have my degree before the baby was born. Instead, I had to take 2 semesters off, have a midline I.V. for 3 months and have weekly nurse visits to my home during that time. I was very worried that the baby would not be okay. So I told/prayed to God that I would accept ANY baby as long as He would just let me keep her (I knew Belle was a girl). I knew I had enough love for a "special" baby (i.e. down syndrome, etc.) and wanted her to make it through.
Well, God gave me a very "special" baby. I sometimes forget that I specifically prayed for this!! ;-) So whenever I'm having a "character building day" (as a friend used to call them), reading those two books help me remember that what I have is "special" and nothing to be blue about. Of course she has NO IDEA why I like to read these books. She just thinks I love "Lilly" and "Olivia." And I do. I LOVE my
"Lilly/Olivia" very much!!
***My "Lilly" has about half a dozen purses and wears her sunglasses everywhere!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
A few funny quotes from Kolbe today ......
This morning at breakfast: "Mommy, can I have some of my poo-poo cake?"
Today in library parking lot: While I'm buckling Catherine in her carseat, Kolbe is "relieving" himself in the parking lot!!
Me: "Kolbe!! What are you doing!"
Kolbe: "Mommy, I had to go wee wee. See!"
**This is my first "boy" incident. While not proper etiquette, boy was that easier than having to run back into the library bathroom!
At dinner time after catching a yellow jacket in a cup and releasing it outside: "Wow Mommy! You stronger than daddy!"
Today in library parking lot: While I'm buckling Catherine in her carseat, Kolbe is "relieving" himself in the parking lot!!
Me: "Kolbe!! What are you doing!"
Kolbe: "Mommy, I had to go wee wee. See!"
**This is my first "boy" incident. While not proper etiquette, boy was that easier than having to run back into the library bathroom!
At dinner time after catching a yellow jacket in a cup and releasing it outside: "Wow Mommy! You stronger than daddy!"
Monday, July 10, 2006
Proud Mother with Important Announcement!!
I am happy to announce that Kolbe has finally pooped in the potty!! This is a BIG, BIG, BIG deal!! He's been potty trained on everything except this. Actually, we were having alot of issues because he knew he wasn't supposed to poop in his diapers but was refusing to poop in the potty. So where was the poop you ask? Exactly!! Major discomfort for my poor little boy!
Actually, we had the same problem when Anna was little. So I used the only thing I knew ... bribery!! It worked with Anna and I was hoping it would do the same for Kolbe. I told Kolbe weeks ago that we would have a Poo-poo Party if he went poo-poo in the potty. At first Sophia was a little disgusted because she misunderstood what kind of cake we'd be having! ;-)
So, I'm off to make a cake for my little boy's Poo-poo Party!! He was so proud as all of us were clapping and congratulating him! I had the honors of flushing! The girls are so excited about the party! They've even made him cards and want balloons for him. I'm not quite that prepared! A cake will have to do!
Actually, we had the same problem when Anna was little. So I used the only thing I knew ... bribery!! It worked with Anna and I was hoping it would do the same for Kolbe. I told Kolbe weeks ago that we would have a Poo-poo Party if he went poo-poo in the potty. At first Sophia was a little disgusted because she misunderstood what kind of cake we'd be having! ;-)
So, I'm off to make a cake for my little boy's Poo-poo Party!! He was so proud as all of us were clapping and congratulating him! I had the honors of flushing! The girls are so excited about the party! They've even made him cards and want balloons for him. I'm not quite that prepared! A cake will have to do!
Comfy Read-Aloud
I have to admit that I have not been too successful at reading chapter books to ALL my kids. In the past I would read them to Belle or Anna individually. As a result I haven't always finished the chapter books started and had to "cheat" with books on tape!
I used to envy all the other homeschooling moms and their family reading sessions! How did they do it? Well, today, while reading the Latin Centered Curriculum, he kept mentioning reading aloud for an hour at least 3 times per week. WHAT!%#?! How?
I told myself I just HAD to do it. So today I announced reading time and everyone came running. I do read to them as a group but never chapter books. How would it go?
I set the timer for one hour and started reading. Thank God for Isabelle!! She decided to go get a blanket and pillow and lay on the floor. Five minutes later Anna did the same. Five minutes later Kolbe and Sophia copied. By now fifteen minutes had gone by and I had only read a couple of pages. In the past I would have stopped because progress was slow or due to interruptions. But not this time! I still had 45 minutes to go.
My kids did surprisingly well! Isabelle, Anna and Sophia listened. Kolbe kept trying to get into everyone elses "beds." Catherine kept screaming because she did not want to be forced into a bed (by Sophia). I had to stop several times to rescue Catherine or save the girls from Kolbe. But I kept reading!! I felt like the fighter waiting for the bell to ring and save me from this round!
Not only did I persevere but I was able to teach the girls to be more patient with Kolbe. I told them that if we were going to do this everyday they had to be patient with him and let him "sleep" with them and share their blankets with him. They couldn't believe I was going to read to them everyday! So they were patient!
If only I had known that blankets and pillows and floor space were all I needed to be successful. I would have done this a long time ago! I need to find our style of learning instead of trying to be like the schools or Barnes and Noble reading time!
Just for the record, I do read to my kids daily but those books consist of picture books. Chapter books were done individually (sporadically). I did read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the girls but that had been during Kolbe's naps. Today I read with ALL of them in the room!!
How exciting! I can't wait until tomorrow's reading time!! This time I'll be ready with the blankets and pillows!
I used to envy all the other homeschooling moms and their family reading sessions! How did they do it? Well, today, while reading the Latin Centered Curriculum, he kept mentioning reading aloud for an hour at least 3 times per week. WHAT!%#?! How?
I told myself I just HAD to do it. So today I announced reading time and everyone came running. I do read to them as a group but never chapter books. How would it go?
I set the timer for one hour and started reading. Thank God for Isabelle!! She decided to go get a blanket and pillow and lay on the floor. Five minutes later Anna did the same. Five minutes later Kolbe and Sophia copied. By now fifteen minutes had gone by and I had only read a couple of pages. In the past I would have stopped because progress was slow or due to interruptions. But not this time! I still had 45 minutes to go.
My kids did surprisingly well! Isabelle, Anna and Sophia listened. Kolbe kept trying to get into everyone elses "beds." Catherine kept screaming because she did not want to be forced into a bed (by Sophia). I had to stop several times to rescue Catherine or save the girls from Kolbe. But I kept reading!! I felt like the fighter waiting for the bell to ring and save me from this round!
Not only did I persevere but I was able to teach the girls to be more patient with Kolbe. I told them that if we were going to do this everyday they had to be patient with him and let him "sleep" with them and share their blankets with him. They couldn't believe I was going to read to them everyday! So they were patient!
If only I had known that blankets and pillows and floor space were all I needed to be successful. I would have done this a long time ago! I need to find our style of learning instead of trying to be like the schools or Barnes and Noble reading time!
Just for the record, I do read to my kids daily but those books consist of picture books. Chapter books were done individually (sporadically). I did read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the girls but that had been during Kolbe's naps. Today I read with ALL of them in the room!!
How exciting! I can't wait until tomorrow's reading time!! This time I'll be ready with the blankets and pillows!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Bah Hum Bug to Self Control
Well, I haven't been very successful with my Month of Motivation goal(exercising with kids daily) so I thought I would try at least being more careful about what I eat. Too bad I decided to start today! I just got back from Blockbuster and wasn't able to indulge myself with Marble Slab. You see, Marble Slab is right NEXT DOOR to Blockbuster and its become somewhat of a habit to stop and get myself an ice cream. I started this when I was 7 mos. pregnant with Catherine. Catherine is now 9 mos. old!!
I'll miss my new friend (banana ice cream w/ nuts in chocolate covered cone) but I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning. I guess its back to my old friend ... popcorn. Its only 3 pts and I can make it last the entire movie!!
N.B.
HOW COOL!!! I just recieved a Marquee from my fil and posted it on my blog. Please ignore some of the links. I will be replacing them with those of my own. THANKS.
*******Since it is taking me longer than I thought, I've removed the marquee until I am finished editing. I don't want you thinking I'm into JFK conspiracy theories ;-)
*******It's back!! I know it has a VERY LONG delay before scrolling. I'm working on it!
Stay tuned ...
*******Since it is taking me longer than I thought, I've removed the marquee until I am finished editing. I don't want you thinking I'm into JFK conspiracy theories ;-)
*******It's back!! I know it has a VERY LONG delay before scrolling. I'm working on it!
Stay tuned ...
Mother who cried WOLF!
Just wanted to say hello after being gone for the holiday. We had a wonderful time visiting our families. We spent a few days looking at houses (old and new). While we were at the last house Craig and I had to take turns looking at the house since our little ones were asleep. When I got back into the car he told me he had been listening to Dave Ramsey. He reminded me that we are just about to complete baby step 2 of Ramsey's Financial Plan (debt elimination) and wouldn't it be better to stay where we are and follow "the plan" rather than move into something bigger and more expensive. After a big *sigh* I agreed. I tend to get my head in the clouds and Craig is sooooo grounded!
I did protest a little at first. "I've told everyone we're moving! I've started packing! This will be the second time I've said we're moving!" Craig (who doesn't care what anybody thinks, unlike me) said, "Well unpack. We're not moving just to save face." So, I've unpacked the kids' toys. I'm a little sad because I was looking forward to being closer to friends and family. I love it here but feel soooo lonely. Its amazing that I can know so many people that I never see. I'm trying to keep myself busy. I'm organizing the homeschooling room and have turned our formal dining room (which is so formal it was never used) into a playroom. We will move one day. Just not right now. Now how to tell my homeschooling group we're not moving. If I didn't say anything I wonder if they'd notice??
Looking on the bright side, my kids were elated. This is home for them. They love their piano and ballet teacher. I love our pediatrician and dentist. The parks in the area are some of the best. I admit I was nostalgic about leaving. I was already missing our bike rides to the pizza place around the corner, the local county fair, walks to the park, and Easter egg hunts. I feel I've been granted a reprieve. I'm going to enjoy the time we have here and try a little harder to visit with friends. I don't think of myself as an introvert but I don't like telephones or even email. Maybe I can buy myself a pigeon and send out little notes?
Next time we get ready to move I'm not saying anything until a contract has been signed and a "For Sale" sign is on the lawn.
I did protest a little at first. "I've told everyone we're moving! I've started packing! This will be the second time I've said we're moving!" Craig (who doesn't care what anybody thinks, unlike me) said, "Well unpack. We're not moving just to save face." So, I've unpacked the kids' toys. I'm a little sad because I was looking forward to being closer to friends and family. I love it here but feel soooo lonely. Its amazing that I can know so many people that I never see. I'm trying to keep myself busy. I'm organizing the homeschooling room and have turned our formal dining room (which is so formal it was never used) into a playroom. We will move one day. Just not right now. Now how to tell my homeschooling group we're not moving. If I didn't say anything I wonder if they'd notice??
Looking on the bright side, my kids were elated. This is home for them. They love their piano and ballet teacher. I love our pediatrician and dentist. The parks in the area are some of the best. I admit I was nostalgic about leaving. I was already missing our bike rides to the pizza place around the corner, the local county fair, walks to the park, and Easter egg hunts. I feel I've been granted a reprieve. I'm going to enjoy the time we have here and try a little harder to visit with friends. I don't think of myself as an introvert but I don't like telephones or even email. Maybe I can buy myself a pigeon and send out little notes?
Next time we get ready to move I'm not saying anything until a contract has been signed and a "For Sale" sign is on the lawn.
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