Variations of Luke 2

Our family acts out the Christmas story on Christmas Eve – here are some particularly memorable and humorous excerpts:

On their travels, Mary was in Joseph’s way: “Mary! MOVE!”

Joseph, leaning over to whisper in Mary’s ear at the stable after giving birth – he is already straddling the donkey: “Mary! Mary! Mary, I have to go somewhere, I’ll be right back!”

The shepherd was overly enthusiastic about having his sheep talk to baby Jesus (right in His face!) and Mary was not impressed: “Shepherd! My baby is allergic to your sheep!”

The shepherd ran away for a bit and returned “in a minute” with a favourite toy: “I got Muck! Muck’s here now!”

When it was getting a little too tedious to read from the good book, we started to ad lib... As the wise man, I pointed to the light above the manger and said, “I see a bright star over there!” Mr. Man continued to narrate, but Mary stopped us “STOP! Is it a red light? Is it Rudolph? Mom, what are you seeing?”


Needless to say, our reenactment could use some help… but it is definitely a fun Christmas Eve tradition!

Merry Christmas!

Dreamer that I am, I look forward to the day when I get to decorate my Christmas tree the way I want to. I want it to be gorgeous, elegant and classy. I want it to be co-ordinated, themed and I would love it to stay that way throughout the whole Christmas season. Nowadays I hand out the ornaments – which are about two-thirds homemade by little hands, and cannot wait till the little ones are in bed so I can rearrange and even out the ornaments. Somehow when they awaken, and every day thereafter, the kids have the same idea – and no matter how hard I fight this battle, I always seem to lose. You see, there are three of them and only one of me. Three little people creating numerous new ornaments and “things” to place on our tree; six little hands that feel the need to swaddle and then relocate each handmade crafted delicacy on a much too frequent basis. Three little souls, who love Christmas so much and adore being a part of it with all their hearts that I can’t bear to put an end to it. Someday, I suppose, we’ll have to just have two trees. As promised, here is a picture of our tree this year. Yes, it blocks the entire passage way between the dining area and front room! Note the angel is at the bottom of the tree – not the top!

We are really excited for Christmas at our house and I am thrilled to experience the morning of with our children – they are at such great ages! Little E is our knight in shining armour and looks absolutely adorable as he attempts daily to scare us and be ferocious! (Please don't mistaken the dagger in his hand for a medicine dropper!) Mr. T has been loving his preschool and I nearly died when I went to see his Christmas program last week! He did his part so well and it was really special! (Note he is standing beside a mini-Christmas tree he brought home with about a dozen handmade ornaments to add to our collection!!!) Big J is starting to get better and that is GREAT NEWS! We hope that by Christmas morning she will be able to breathe, smell and hear once again!


Merry Christmas to all!

Six & Sick

My little girl celebrated her birthday today – mostly in bed too! Thankfully she wasn’t sick for her party last Saturday with all her little girlfriends. She came up with the idea for a “cookie decorating” party and planned each detail down to the cake. She has been really spoiled and has loved every gift that has come her way. We were working on a few thank you notes today, and she always included a line like “You are such a good friend” or “Thank you for being my friend”. I’m so happy with how my little girl is turning out. Here are some fun pics of the party and her birthday – including her napping on and off due to being so sick! (While resting, and staying home from school, we did enjoy reminiscing and watching all the home videos from birth to age one – which lasts hours!!!) Tonight she didn’t want cake or ice cream though – so we’ll have to lengthen the celebration to another day when she is feeling better.

Happy birthday my little princess!

Decorating cookies at her party - soooo fun!

Her cake - which she designed and looked easy (as I am NOT a cake-maker) but is held daintily together with several toothpicks so that the cupcakes to fall off the sloping cake and slippery icing - UGGGH!

Huffing and puffing!

Breakfast in bed, as requested!

Her princess robe (which has been on her wish list for months now) - her name is embroidered on the front! This was actually a great gift for a birthday of not feeling well.

Poor girl fell even fell asleep in my arms!

Sleeping angel.

Elves

There are some parents who refuse to lie to their children. I believe in extenuating circumstances. Elves happen to be under that window of allowable exaggeration for me. Truth be told, I downright lie to my children about the existence and duties of elves. I feel absolutely no guilt in this regard and feel entitled to helping my children have a childhood filled with unique mystical moments and giving them the gift of imagination. At present, we have a handful of elves who are up on our roof watching us and giving reports to the big elf about the behaviors and attitudes demonstrated in our home. Our townhomes have pretty slanted rooftops and the children will often peer from our windows to the rooftops adjacent to ours watching for these mystical creatures. They are, as you may know, invisible, but that doesn’t stop them from watching and waiting to see one.

Today as we were walking Big J home from kindergarten, Mr. T was sprawled out in the wagon and suddenly sat upright and declared, pointing, “Mom! I see an elf!” The other two were immediately enthralled and our parade paused as we all gazed in the direction of the “visible” elf. “RIGHT THERE --- I can SEE it!” Mr. T was panting at this point and Big J was straining to see what he saw. Unfortunately she didn’t but she did admit to seeing the elf’s footprints on the rooftop! A few minutes later into our walk Big J stopped, pointed and screamed that she saw elves too! This time we were looking at someone’s playhouse in their backyard where two small children (wearing red jackets) were climbing on the roof of the playhouse! We were far enough away that it looked real. The magic was in the air and the cutest moment ensued when Mr. T excitedly declared, “I can REALLY see those elves!” Needless to say, if any elves were taking notes this evening, our children were being really good, for goodness’ sake!

BELIEVE

Yesterday we had quite the eventful playdate over at our house. Our good friend and neighbor Little Miss E was over and nearing the end of our fun time doing Christmas crafts together she announced to Big J her newfound knowledge: Santa isn’t real. Her basis was simple, it’s just absolutely impossible that Santa can do what he does… in fact, reindeer can not fly, and elves and fairies do not exist. Big J was flabbergasted. Could this be true? I asked her what she thought – and she fervently admitted that she thought her friend was losing it and of course Santa was real. Her friend was losing the battle and so decided to up the ante when announcing that even the Tooth Fairy wasn’t real! She was choosing the wrong little girl to approach this subject with; Big J adores the Tooth Fairy, had lost her sixth tooth the day before, was pen pals with the Tooth Fairy and had even decided to dress up as her for Halloween. It was inevitable that she would throw a fit. Little Miss E stood her ground on all the before-mentioned subjects and even added proof: “MY DADDY TOLD ME IT’S TRUE.” Big J shot right back, “Well I’m going to ask your Daddy for myself!”

Our “friend” left and I made a quick call to her dad to let him know briefly what had taken place and to prepare him for the questioning I was sure Big J was going to put him through. He was extremely apologetic and promised to tell her what she believes is definitely true. Halfway through lunch, Big J couldn’t stand it any longer and got on the phone to call our neighbor. He was so sweet: he told her Little Miss E is very confused right now and not to listen to her. He told her that of course Santa is real, that maybe when Little Miss E loses her first tooth then she’ll believe in the Tooth Fairy, and that he remembers a time when he was a child while standing on his front porch he saw Santa and his reindeer flying in the sky. Big J was not amazed by these stories, only confirmed in her belief. She’s been talking about it a lot since then, but I think we cinched it with the help from the Tooth Fairy.

The other day when her tooth fell out (or actually was pulled out by the school nurse – another story I don’t want to get into) she fell asleep uncharacteristically early and didn’t leave out her tooth. So last night she did. Right before I was to fall asleep, Mr. Man reminded me of my tooth fairy duties. I was out of change and didn’t feel like going out to the car in the rain, so I upped the two quarters to a whole dollar bill. Not only that, but on it I wrote the letters B-E-L-I-E-V-E. (Big J is also obsessed with “the Polar Express” right now – and if you’ve seen it, you’ll understand the significance of that word). She was floored this morning and stated that she’s pretty sure the Tooth Fairy knows that her friend had tried to make her not believe, but she’s really glad that she does. Phew. I’m not ready for my little girl to stop believing. In fact, I’m still convinced that when I was a little girl laying in my bunk bed and looking out my window on Christmas Eve, I saw a red light that could only have been one thing: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. I still believe.

Line Upon Line

The lines my boys use that always melt my heart, even though I know that they really just want something:

"You're the best Mommy ever!"

"You look really pretty today, Mommy!"

Lines I know only because I'm a Mommy:

"Simulation terminated, simulation terminated..."

"Climb aboard, get ready to explore..."

"But Daddy, I love him!"

If you know where those came from, chances are, you're a Mommy too!

Mary Jane

The battle to get everyone ready and out the door is always, well, a battle. I've used every tactic and excuse I can think of to get these kids to hurry up - but they have become pros at throwing our excuses back in our faces. There was once the desperate attempt to declare I would simply leave them and then the police would come and boy would they be in trouble – but my smart 5 year old simply responded (while going as slow as ever) that if they were in trouble, I would definitely be in trouble too!

The other day we were all heading out and Mr. Man announced that whoever wasn’t ready to leave would have to go next door and stay with our elderly neighbor Mary Jane. She is the sweetest thing, and the kids adore her to pieces, but don’t enjoy being in her home very much – and so, the hurried and it worked! This morning as I was rushing to leave early to set-up for Primary, Mr. Man hollered down to the boys who were quite involved in their playing “I hope you’re getting dressed for church!” Mr. T, showing absolutely no sign of movement towards his father’s request, yelled right back , “We’re not going to church; we’re going to Mary Jane’s house!”

So much for that one! Mary Jane had gone to church too, so thankfully he had no choice in the matter! Any ideas for getting three kids out the door without wanting to bang my head on the door in the process?

"If You're Not Dutch You're Not Much"

The kids and I just returned from a wonderful visit up north to Canada. It was unexpected and a little untimely with snow storms beating down and Christmas just around the corner, but worth every minute of it. The purpose of our trip was to meet my mother’s cousin, Wolter and his adorable wife Truus from Holland. Wolter recently found out he won’t be alive much longer and was treated by family to have his lifelong wish to go to Canada and meet the “other” family members. Unfortunately, not much of the family remains in the area he was visiting, and so we made the trek.

I cannot express in words the beauty of Wolter and the inspiration he was to me of living life to the fullest and enjoying each moment – never knowing how much longer we may be able to enjoy it; and still, knowing that with death life does not end. What a sweet sweet man I was able to spend hours playing Phase 10 with, joking and teasing and learning from this relative of mine – who reflects his constant saying of “no problem”. He and his wife adored my kids and not once did I feel like they were “too loud” “to rambunctious” “too rude” or “too” anything. My children learned a few words in Dutch, they discovered how to feed peanuts to squirrels right out of their hands and they grew to love people who hours before had been perfect strangers. Dutch St. Nicholas came and left goodies galore… Oma was there and it was a pleasure to spend time with all the family and even 18 hours in the car with my brother!!!

Today was spent doing laundry, settling back in and getting our Christmas tree of course! It was absolutely freezing outside and quite the adventure dodging stumps and holes (Mr. T even got a bloody lip falling!) But in the end, even though Mr. Man could spend weeks searching for the perfect tree, we were successful! It fills up our whole front room, but is gorgeous! This year was Little E’s first time to put the star on the top of the tree! We’ll post completed pictures later! Merry Christmas!

Car Troubles

The kids and I are taking an unplanned trip for a week. Being unplanned, and since Mr. Man took all the time off he could from school work last week, I'm having to be a "man" and get some little things taken care of on my car - well, take it to the shop to get taken care of anyways! I feel like such a dumb woman when it comes to vehicle talk and was even more humiliated today when the mechanic was a female and I couldn't answer all her questions! I had her laughing when I admitted to being a totally stereotypical female when it comes to cars though! When I picked up my car from another shop last night, Mr. Man told me that "if they tell you it needs more stuff fixed, just play dumb and tell them you have no idea, you're just here to pick up the car, and they should call and talk to your husband". While insulting, it also hit it right on the dot.

Mr. T had a hard time turning our keys over to a stranger today and was ready to cry thinking we wouldn't have our car anymore! It reminded me of when Big J was about his age the summer before we moved here and our engine blew. We kept having to have our car towed away, and that was incredibly traumatic for our little three year old who suddenly became very attached to our vehicle for no reason known to us. Maybe it's the age?

So wish us luck, pray that we don't have a flat tire - and have no need of Mommy turned mechanic or any towing that will result in desperate separation anxiety that even magic medicine can't heal!

Snapshots of a Week without Blogging - for your viewing pleasure!

Cousins

We will be having a lot of family in our home within the next week – several cousins for the kids to enjoy also! One cousin has already arrived... here’s a quick exchange between the cousins that made me laugh:

Little E: “ndanpunpumpninacashusisotten” (one of his favorite stories to tell – translation: “And Dad put the pumpkin in the trash cause it’s rotten.”
Cousin G: “What did you say? I couldn’t understand a word you said.”
Big J: “He’s telling his story about the rotten pumpkin.”
Little E: “Ya! Ndanpunpumpininacashusisotten.”
Cousin G: “What are you saying? I don’t understand anything you say!”
Mr. T: (concerned) “Are your ears working?”
Cousin G: “Maybe I need to clean out the ear wax.”
Big J: “What’s ear wax?”
Cousin G: “It’s the yellow stuff in your ears that tastes gross.”
Big J: “Oh. Right.”
Little E: “Oooooh, ucky!”

Magic Medicine

When Big J was a little girl, but just as over-dramatic as she is now, she needed more than what I felt was enough sympathy for her "owies". It was always this long drawn out process, until I watched another mother (sorry if you're reading this and it was you - but I really can't recall who I stole this idea from) quickly heal her child's owie with some magic medicine. She muttered some magic words and threw the invisible (but obviously sparkly) medicine on her child's present area of soreness and POOF the pain disappeared. I immediately started doing the same with Big J – and it worked! She loved it forever and then after a while it worked in a different way – she would laugh at my antics, knowing it wasn’t working, but thinking I was silly for trying. Regardless, I had her laughing versus WAILING!

My boys haven’t needed much more than hugs to soothe them, but today I put my magic medicine to work with a little boy in Primary. He had bumped his knee and I knew it wasn’t too bad, but you know how it can be for a three year old; clearly the world was coming to an end, and his pain was excruciating (or so my ears told me). I tried the regular tactics but then remembered the magic medicine. I asked him if he wanted some, his head bobbed up and down between sobs and he rolled his pant leg up. At this point, several other children gathered round to see what was to happen. I unbuttoned the pocket on my skirt and looked inside, “yup, still have some left” I announced. Then I beckoned him to reach into my pocket to get some. He did, and as he did I looked to see if he had grabbed some lint or something, because, he was SOOOOOO believable!!! He then tossed it on his knee, stopped crying and sat up nice and tall in his seat. I was shocked! But I kept my composure and told him to let me know if he needed anymore. The whole front row stared at me with dazzled gazes and I heard one child say, “Sister G. has magic in her pocket!”

So whoever you are, thank you for teaching me this special trick that saved my sanity with my daughter and saved a sobbing child today. Yeah for sharing (or stealing) great parenting tips! What are some of your secrets?

VENTULANING

At the dinner table tonight, Mr. Man was asking Big J about her piano lesson. She’s very excited because she now gets to play “Old MacDonald” with both hands together!!! Previously she has expressed concern and frustration over playing with her left hand – as it just doesn’t play as well as her right! When he asked her about how her left hand was holding up playing together, her response was quite interesting:

“My left hand just can’t play very well by itself. I can play fine with both hands together; but when it’s just my left hand alone it’s just much too ventulaning.”

Mr. Man’s eyes flew out of his sockets and he said, “Can you repeat that word? Mommy do you know what that word is?” (Apparently going through his mind was: “Wow there are so many strange music words – I have no idea what they mean!”)

Big J explained while giggling, “Sometimes I just make up my own words to explain what I’m meaning... it’s V-V-V-V-Ventulaning, starts with a V and ends with an N.”

So there you have it. I’m quite proud actually. I went through several semesters as an English major trying, with my fellow students, to invent new words our professors wouldn’t pick out as made-up! Ventulaning may have just been successful. It sure was tonight!

this email made me blush like a 7th grader

Subject: Will you go out with me? From greg

Renee,
I wanted to ask if you wanted to go out on a date with me sometime this weekend? Maybe we can find a babysitter and can spend some time together. I really miss you with all of my work.
love greg

Over the Hump

I'm halfway done blogging every day for the month of November. After that, I think I may be done for another month! So to celebrate I was thinking about what LDS missionaries tend to do on their hump day - or half way point. Some burn a tie, pants... anything, somehow burning is a treat I could never quite understand. Now I do. I want to burn my computer.

Instead I am stealing this idea and calling it my post:

You can only answer with one word. No explanations.

Yourself: Mommy
Your partner: dreamy
Your hair: blonde
Your Mother: giggly
Your Father: religious
Your Favorite Item: bed
Your dream last night: strange
Your Favorite Drink: daiquiri
Your Dream Car: clean
Your Dream Home: precisely
The Room You Are In: master
Your Ex: married
Your fear: bridges
Where you Want to be in Ten Years? Canada
Who you hung out with last night: myself
What You're Not: male
Muffins: homemade
One of Your Wish List Items: laminator
Time: essence
The Last Thing You Did: primary
What You Are Wearing: red
Your favorite weather: lacking
Your Favorite Book: myriad
Last thing you ate: salad
Your Life: gift
Your mood: anecdotal
Your Best Friends: special
What are you thinking about right now: Thanksgiving
Your car: camry
What are you doing at the moment: sitting
Your summer: over
Relationship status: everlasting
What is on your tv: Disney
What is the weather like: gloomy
When is the last time you laughed: today

Let Me Take A Moment

Moments come in all types. It is quite impossible to qualify what exactly a moment is.

“Just a moment” when you are sitting on the toilet, not only doing the obvious, but practicing your breathing techniques so that when you exit to the wriggling fingers under the door, the yelping of siblings not quite getting along and dinner that needs to be made 10 minutes ago… you will be calm, cool and collected.

“At the exact same moment” the phone rang, the baby had a blow-out, your toddler somersaulted off the top of the bunk bed, your preschooler is experimenting with how long the fish can stay out of water and your husband wants some action.

“It was one of those moments” where I knew beyond a doubt that I was meant to be home with my kids. They were singing “I am a Child of God” and cleaning up their bedroom together.

Enjoy the moments.

Regrets

I regret committing to writing every day this month. This is hard work you guys – I need a little encouragement here; perhaps a comment or two?!

Anyways, Mr. Man and I have been talking about making getting a video camera a priority. We really wish we’d kept the used 1980’s one we had out in Hawaii when Big J was a baby. It’s so fun to have that footage and we wish we had more of it and of more of our kids. Some friends of ours told of a tradition on of their parents have: they give their children and spouses video cameras as a wedding gift. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving – you know those parents (now grandparents) are bound to see their grandbabies growing up on video!

So for the record, what do you all know about the new and improved video cameras – what should we be looking for? What kind do you own? I have done zero research and am totally throwing this out there – so help me with my regrets. I need advice and comments!!!

One in a Million

We made the trek up to Riley to see another pediatric orthopaedic surgeon this morning. Two children somehow managed to get in the car without their shoes and so we had to walk the "10 miles uphill both ways in the snow" from the parking garage to the hospital with our almost 6 year old in the flimsy stroller and the boys balancing precariously on our arms and shoulders – also holding the packed to the hilt backpack with toys, snacks and emergency clothing for at least a week. (Mr. Man thinks I’m insane, but if I hadn’t brought it all, we would have needed it!) Our visit didn’t take too long and we made it home in time for lunch, Big J to have a run in with the wall (almost resulting in a trip to the ER), kindergarten drop off and then speech and physical therapy appointments. I’m exhausted. So are my kids. We’re a rather grouchy group right now.

Mr. T got a new brace for his right foot. One specialist recommends it, another says no brace will help and we shouldn’t limit his motion in any way. One specialist says to wait for surgery until he is in excruciating pain daily, another recommends January (since it’s no fun to be in a cast for the holidays). Basically Mr. T’s extra bone and floating cartilage are in a nasty spot – right in the middle of his ankle nice and close to his growth plate. Removing it is nearly impossible. Plus it most likely will grow back continually. De-bulking it is another option, since the extra bone is growing so large his foot is collapsing and he can hardly walk on it. But the surgery also poses risks. Immediate arthritis, possible need for an ankle fusion and every specialists’ announcement that this is “unchartered water” - his condition affects one in a million. They don’t know. They want us to decide. The surgery could either make his pain better, remain the same, or much worse.

I want my little boy to be able to walk to and from the mailbox. I want him to be able to have a chance when he races with his little brother. I would love for him to be able to play any sport he wishes to try out for... and I wish both his legs were the same length so he wouldn’t trip and fall so much. I don’t want him to have to limit himself because it hurts or he’s scared of potential pain. I hate that he feels different and tells stories where he uses his magic to “make my ankle disappear”. Yes I know things could be much worse. Sometimes I forget he has a problem at all, but on days like today, my heart aches as we try to make the best decision for our little boy who still has so much ahead of him. Long-suffering is a good word to describe my sweet boy, and I hope and pray we are guided in making the right choices for him.

Being Primary President

Our first Sunday at Church here just over two years ago, I walked into the Primary trying to find someone in charge to introduce Big J and see where she should go. When I couldn’t find an adult for the first 10 minutes of scanning over what felt like a billion children in kahoots, I knew that I would be called into work in the primary. The following Sunday the Primary Presidency was changed and I was called as a counselor. I knew nothing about primary except for what I remembered from ages 3-12 – and that wasn’t too much. Lots had changed, and I felt overwhelmed... but I also enjoyed being challenged and letting my creative juices flow as I found my groove in that position. There were times I struggled with only offering ideas and not being the one in charge who was able to make the decisions. Often I struggled when I felt that no decisions were being made. Yes, at times I even uttered the words, “If I were Primary President...”

One year later, on my 25th birthday, I received a phone call from our Bishop. It wasn’t to wish me a happy birthday. My 25th birthday was a difficult one for me, but I had no idea how that day would make my life even more difficult: I became Primary President.

I feel like I can never feel like I’m fulfilling this calling. I really struggle with it and feel inadequate a lot of the time. Since returning home after our summer “break” it’s been even more difficult. Every Sunday since I’ve cried. I’ve felt like a failure, like I can’t do it, like I don’t want to do it... the list of emotions goes on. I don’t want your sympathy, and I don’t need anyone to tell me how wonderful they think I am... I’m just expressing how this calling has affected me lately.

I’ve tried numerous Sundays to approach my calling with a different attitude. There was the Sunday I decided that no matter what anyone (child or adult) said to me I wouldn’t let it affect me! It still did. I would wake up rededicated only to feel that once again, even with extra effort, I was failing at this super-humongous job that someone closer to my mother’s age (and ability) should be doing. And, again, I would cry.

Today, somehow, was different.

We had our Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation, and it was perfect. Granted we went over our time limit by a good half hour or so, one child was bleeding at the end of it and several people have commented to me about ways to improve it for next year (all of which have grown children of course!) But I feel great. I feel so much love for the 56 children who had parts to share. I enjoyed hearing them belt out the parts of the songs they know so well and mumble through the lines that nobody really remembers anyways. My heart soared when my daughter did her part and radiated so much calm and confidence. I was overjoyed when our Bishop closed our presentation with an ode to primary and the amazing people who keep it running. The rest of Sunday flowed just as smoothly and it was a really great Primary day! I have been on a high the rest of the day and feel okay even though I just lost two more teachers and still have another to replace. Somehow the weight that has been burdening me has lessened and I’m glad. At least for one day I don’t hate my calling and that’s technically a good thing.

Remembrance Day

They call it Veterans Day here. I grew up with Remembrance Day. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month we would have a moment of silence. I can still hear the trumpet playing the “Last Post”. My heart is full when I think of the sacrifice of so many; sacrifice for the freedom that so few today take a moment to remember. I remember making and wearing poppies, placing wreaths at the graves and statues of soldiers who are both strangers and heroes to me. I remember the stories shared by those who truly remember, because they had been there. I remember the lives and remarkable experiences of my grandparents and ancestors who did what they could to make a difference for their descendants. And as I remember those who have gone before me, I also reflect on those who are still yet to come. The many future generations who deserve the same freedoms we possess and the same reminiscences we cherish. I hope and pray we remember to protect what we have, to respectfully pass it on and to pay tribute to those who made our liberty possible. Remember.

Killer Imaginations

Our boys have been waking up way too early lately. In an attempt to silence them I have allowed them to crawl into bed with us. Two wiggly boys is a little difficult, however, and Mr. Man has declared it unacceptable. The new solution has been to tell them to go either go play in their bedroom or read books. Somehow, they have interpreted that as "go yell and fight with each other so that Mommy and Daddy have to get up!" In my moment of sleep-deprivation this morning, I found myself yelling back "I'm going to cut your heads off it you don't be quiet - that will teach you!"

How do I teach these boys to get along without us there? What are they fighting about?

Mr. Man and I had a moment of insight into the latter question this morning when we heard a shrill scream followed by Mr. T hysterically yelling the following at Little E:

"THEM NOT COOKIES, THEM BROWNIES! THEM HAVE CHOCOLATE ICING ON THEM - SO THEM BROWNIES!!!"

When I finally succumbed, arose and entered their room, there were blocks of all shapes and sizes scattered everywhere. Little E, with hand extended, smiled and offered me a "tootie (cookie) Mama". Mr. T just glared at him with a look that could kill.

How do I enforce love without stifling imagination? Basically, how can I sleep in till 7am without having my boys kill each other or threatening to do it myself?

Shark

The future-lawyer-that-wasn't in me still gets tingly when watching ferocious lawyers! Mr. Man and I live for Thursday nights when we can watch "Shark". It reminds me of when I took my self-defense class last year - I'd work all day not to yell at my kids so that I could let it rip at my class! Shark lets it rip and its almost cleansing for me! If you haven't seen this show yet, I recommend viewing it at least once and seeing if its for you. You'll either love it or hate it.

Suckers for Graduation

J: "Mom, when are we going to go visit our cousins again?"

Mom: "Probably next summer when Daddy has another break from school."

J: "What about Christmas break?"

M: "Daddy has a really big test to write during Christmas break, so we won't be going anywhere."

T: "Why does Daddy have to do testes?"

M: "Because he goes to school."

T: "When will Daddy be done school?"

J: "He won't be done until he graduates."

T: "What happens when he graduates?"

M: "He gets a job."

J: "And then we get to move to a new house - a BIG house!"

T: "Does he get a sucker?"

M: "Pardon?"

T: "Does Daddy get a sucker when he graduates? Can we give him a treat when he gets done?"

M: laughing "Sure, we can give Daddy a sucker when he graduates!"

J: "We should give him a party too - he's been going to school even longer than I have!"

T: "I bet Daddy can't wait to graduate - you know why - cause then he gets a sucker!"

New Chore Charts

Again, my picture taking skills don't do justice to my charts - yes I know what my strengths are!

I stole my friend's octopus idea (which she stole from a preschool book from the 70's that her Mom used!) The hands are removable and they consist of the things that have to be done in the morning - our morning routine. This way though, the kids get to choose which order they do them and can attach the hands as they do. (Hello teaching responsibility through personal choice with a little instant gratification.) When they have completed the chart, I raise my hands up and they get to jump to get some high fives. They are not allowed to cry if they can't do something... but can ask a parent or sibling for a helping hand. It worked well today anyways!



Next I created some weekly job charts for each of the kids. We haven't had any for a while (since the Incredibles ones - and Little E has never had his own!) My begging for help hasn't been going over well lately for anyone - so these were badly needed and the excitement has been astounding!

Little E gets a train of course! Each day he gets to attach another car to his train that tells the job he does! He is thrilled and wanted to do much more than one job - which is typically a gigantic battle! (Hopefully this chart will also help with his colour recognition and naming.)






I had wanted to do a Cinderalla theme for Big J - but she asked for Sleeping Beauty (which is fine as long as she doesn't slack at being my servant)!
I found these cool magnet sets but in the mean time I totally copied them (don't sue me!) and printed and laminated them. Big J gets to change her outfit with each daily job. Plus, each day that she practices piano she can put on Sleeping Beauty's crown! Very clever, n'est-ce pas?

















Mr. T's is probably my most favourite! Each part of the knight's armour has a daily job written on it - when he fights those daily battles he gets to cover them up with the real pieces of colourful armour! I really could put any chore down I want with new charts - they are willing to do anything for these babies! I should have put "Clean Toilets" - oh well! It was an exciting mothering moment to see my kids joyfully doing laundry, cleaning sinks and scrubbing the stool! Again, I bear solemn testimony of charts! I LOVE 'em!