Mom Rule #19

I'm not a mom who has it all, but what I've got is good enough. In fact, it's great.

Mom Rule #152

WD40 really can get Crayon off a plasma tv

Mom Rule #453

Never wear Spanx when trying out a new water pill

Boys don't like Princess Movies

Me: what do you want to watch for movie night tonight?
Thing 2: Belle!
Thing 1: No princess movies!
Me: why not?
Thing 1: Boys don't like princess movies.
Me: why not?
Thing 1: Because I'm a boy and I can't like those movies
Me: who told you that?
Thing 1: Jason from school said boys don't like princess movies.
Me: so if Jason told you that boys don't like robot movies, would you stop watching them?
Thing 1: but I like robots
Me: Well, I guess you can't watch Star Wars anymore
Thing 1: why not? I like Star Wars
Me: Well, it's a princess movie. Without Princess Leia, we wouldn't have a movie.
Thing 1: that's a very valid argument mommy.

LOL I got my kid to say very valid argument at age 4.

Child Musings

#1: I took Thing 1 shopping and to get his eye glasses fixed. The cart was shaking on the way to the cart, and he said "My butt is shaking". I started laughing, and he giggled, too. Then he somberly said "no, seriously, my butt is shaking".

#2: Thing 2 fell off the couch today (while I was cooking dinner). She comes up to me crying that she fell down. Thing 1 tells her "well, really, what did you expect?"

#3: Also, apparently, I'm Bot (from Team Umizoomi). Per Thing 1 "I'm Geo, sister's Millie, and you're Bot because you have the biggest belly for the belly screen". When I asked him who daddy was, he stopped and said "No one, he's always the problem".

#4: Oh, and for the record, I'm the Red Ranger b/c "he's the leader and the one in charge". FYI-he's also told me "you're always right, huh mom?!"

Updated: I'm not a nighlock b/c his BFF at school is the Red Ranger. So much for being the one in charge.

#5: Thing 2 likes to tell everyone she meets that "moms don't fart". The teachers happily shared her revelations with them.

I told him eating dirt was a bad idea...

My husband had to have a liver biopsy. Early in the morning, I had to drop him off at the hospital, which sparked quite a few questions from Thing 1 and Thing 2. I explained that Daddy needs to have a tiny piece of his liver in his belly taken out so that the doctors can make him healthy.

My husband proceeds to take it a step further and say "it looks like a long worm". After all questions answered and we drop Daddy off at the hospital, I take the kids to school. I don't normally do the morning drop offs, so the teachers innocently remark "Mommy's doing drop off's this morning!"

"Oh! Is he okay?" the teacher asks me. Before I could answer, Thing 2 answers "Daddy's got worms in his belly".

Small treasures

It's amazing what a reasonably clean house and a shower can do for the soul.

Thing 2: Uncensored

I went to El Pollo Loco to pick up lunch so that the kids and I can take it to my mom's work and have lunch with her. She still can't get around with the cast on her leg.

I ordered two large sodas. The lady asked what kind of drink do I want, and Thing 2 shouted "Mommy only drinks coffee and wine".

Oh boy!

Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer & Became a Robot

My mom broke her leg. Badly. She required surgery to put a plate in to protect her from future breaks. So, that meant no grandma for Thanksgiving, and for the kids to learn not to rough house with her for the next few months.

My son kept asking me questions over and over about how bad her leg was. I didn't want him to be completely distraught, as I know how sensitive he could be. So, I explained she needed surgery to fix her leg, and she'll be fine after some rest. I mentioned that she'll have a metal plate in her leg and she'll be as good as new in time for his birthday.

Metal parts in Grandma's leg?

A boy couldn't be happier! Grandma was part robot. After all, isn't that what happened to Luke Skywalker when Darth Vader cut his hand off? And, wasn't Darth Vader (his current hero) part robot?!

My son is now pleased to have a cyborg granny.

The Nutcracker

I've decided to try and implement some arts and culture into my kids' lives. First, it was the art museum, which resulted in me getting yelled at and the kids deciding that looking at pictures of birds and "weird people" wasn't their thing right now.

No biggie, that's fine. But, I'm not about to give up.

So, I saw that The Nutcracker was in town. My children were super excited to go. They were hopping up and down in anticipation. Finally, we get there, and they sit through the first few scenes. My son asks me "where's the Nutcracker?" I whisper, you have to wait for him. Finally, there's it is. A little girl dancing with her new Nutcracker gift. Some action on the screen (where the Nutcracker kills the Rat/Mouse King) and then more dancing.

My son whispers again "where's the Nutcracker?" Having never seen it, and not knowing what to anticipate, I reassure him "shh! We have to be patient". The snow falls, as a lovely couple dances on screen. He gets antsy "booooring! Mommy where's the Nutcracker?!"

The Nutcracker doesn't reappear. During intermission, I review the program only to see, that The Nutcracker doesn't reappear, that was the extent of it.

Sitting back during act two. Watching the local performers continue dancing to the beautiful melodies, I feel the same frustration as my kids.

I'll know better next time. Maybe I'll save "the arts" for when they're older and I've done my research.

Bedtime Routine

After our bedtime routine (books, etc.) here's the bedtime dance:

Thing 1 and Thing 2 go to bed.
Thing 2 talking and singing herself to sleep. Gets up. Wants water
Thing 1 needs to pee.
Thing 2 needs to pee.
Thing 1 wants water.
Thing 2 wants a story (whines when I say no).
Thing 1 wants a lullaby (whines when I say I'll be in later after Thing 2's asleep).
Thing 2 wants to hold my hand and wants a lullaby
Thing 1 wants another hug and kiss
Thing 2 wants another hug and kiss
Thing 2 starts to sing
Hubby yells at Thing 1 to go back to bed.
Thing 2 asks if daddy's mad at Thing 1
Mommy loses her cool and tells Thing 2 to stop talking and sleep
Thing 2 pouts and sniffs
Thing 2 finally falls asleep
I sneak out and check on Thing 1
Thing 1 wants a lullaby
Thing 1wants a story (whines for no story)
My leg falls asleep, I leave the room
Thing 1 sneaks out of bed
Both parents shout "Go back to bed!"
Thing 1 sneaks out of bed exclaiming "I can't sleep by myself"
Hubby sits in Thing 1's room to tuck him in
Thing 1 wants a lullaby
Hubby leaves b/c he can't sing
Thing 1 falls asleep
Thing 2 wakes up and wants mommy
Thing 2 gets out of bed again
Thing 2 falls asleep on the floor
Thing 2 wakes up (2o minutes later) and wants water
Thing 2 goes to bed

I wake up in the middle of the night with both kids. The sneak into my bed while I was sleeping again. I swear, they're breaking me down!

Tears of sweet sadness

Last night, as we normally do on Wednesdays, the kids and I had movie night. Toy Story 3 came out on DVD, and so naturally we had to get it and watch it ASAP.

Movie loaded, kids had their cups of milk, popcorn was popped, and we're all snuggled away on the couch with the magic blanket covering us.

We were ready!

And then the sadness started. There's a scene in the movie where the toys tell of how a teddy bear gets lost. I hear little sniffles coming from Thing 2. I look down, and there was the biggest frown on her face, and tears down her cheeks.

I ask if she's okay, and she starts to bawl "NOOOOoooo" as she buries her head deeply into my shoulders, sobbing uncontrollably. I know these cries. These are those cleansing cries I have every so often, usually once a month. These cries are good for the soul, and often over exaggerated by an event (such as a sad movie or story). They are the built up tears that flow uncontrollably, and washes away the sadness from the soul.

I just didn't think that these tears would start so young. At 2 1/2 yrs old, Thing 2 had these soulful sorrowful tears.

It was so sweet to see her tear stained cheeks, wet eyes, and extremely sad frowny face. I looked at her and said "it is sad, isn't it? It's okay to be sad, and it's okay to cry when you're sad". Which, of course, made her cry even more. Once she got it out, she tried to explain (in the best blubbery way she could" that the teddy bear was lost and didn't have his mommy.

I gave her a reassuring hug and told her, that it is sad he didn't have a mommy, but his mommy will always be with him, even when he can't see her. And, that mommy is always thinking about and loving him, just like her mommy loves her. More than words could say. I hugged her so tight and told her that I'm not going anywhere, and that I'll always be with her and love her.

After giving her another piece of cheesy popcorn, we resumed the movie.

Fat Questions

I believe in being honest with your kids about the important things. And, I also know that Thing 1 is at the age where he's learning about judgment, comparisons, opposites, etc. So,when Thing 1 asked me "mommy, are you fat", I felt obligated to answer him honestly "yes, mommy is fat. But, I'm also healthy". Which I think is the important things. I'd like to teach my kids about being healthy and living a healthy lifestyle as being important.

I'm working on a healthy attitude towards body image. I just hope that there are other things that my kids will focus on to be embarrassed about. I mean, it's me, and I have plenty of ammunition to give them.

So for now, I have instructed Thing 1 to answer anyone who mentions that he has a fat mommy with "she's not fat, she's fluffy". That seems to have made him happy.

Red Hot Chili Pepper

My 2 1/2 yr old decided that it would be a good idea to eat a chili packet of peppers left over from one of our Round Table Pizzas today. I doubt she'll be exploring any more packages with her mouth any time soon...the bright side? She wasn't hurt, and the bright tomato red shade didn't last, as she returned back to her normal shade of color within a few minutes (and after chugging a lot of milk). Oh, and her sinuses are clear for the moment...

Jesus Power

I just made the switch to Catholic school with Thing 1 and Thing 2. They both are adjusting differently. Thing 2 has taken off! She loves it, and has learned so much already. My once shy violet has bloomed with open arms to this confident, social butterfly. She doesn't hesitate as much in the world around her, and I can see the effects of positive teaching and a little (more) encouragement.

Thing 1 has had a different experience. My once super popular child is a little more tentative. The teachers are great and he's learning a lot, but they don't cater to him like other teachers before him. He's a little more reserved now, and he's finding it a little difficult to find his groove. I have confidence, though, that he'll find it.

One of the big things that a parochial school teaches is about religion, which I have to admit, I've been lacking. Not for lack of faith, but mostly because the idea of G-d and Jesus is a hard concept to teach without sounding scary (which is apparently the impression I left on my older child).

I am enjoying listening to their concepts about Jesus and the world around them, as it relates to G-d. I love hearing their sweet little voices singing about praise, blessings, and thanksgiving. It's exciting!

Of course, being young, they have a different take on the subject of Jesus. My children were in the back seat of the car, arguing about who was stronger.

Thing 1: I'm strong. I'm stronger than Daddy!
Thing 2: I'm stronger than you.
Thing 1: No, I'm stronger than you. I can make clouds from Jesus.
Me: What? You can make clouds from Jesus? Don't you mean with Jesus?
Thing 1: No, from Jesus, I can make clouds. (makes a muscle) With Jesus, I can do anything!

You know, he's got a point.

Funny things heard around the house that make you go hmm...

Thing 1 approaches my husband and I about 2 hours before bedtime to complain about his sister's toy: Can you tell her to turn it off? I need my beauty sleep.

Um, okay...?

Whining Wednesday

Spouse: someone who'll stand by you through all the trouble you wouldn't have had if you'd stayed single.

Being married takes a lot of work. I admire the people like my parents who make it look easy. I've read something that a long marriage is two people dancing a tango while doing solos. That is so true. There's a lot of compromise and a lot of giving.

With my spouse, I love him and cannot imagine my life without him. Though, there are times, naturally, when I think life would be so much easier. Things in the house would stay where they remain, I wouldn't be disappointed when I came home to yet another mess I didn't create, and I wouldn't have to rely on anyone creating more work for me.

Wednesdays are his nights to play with the guys while I take care of the household. I'm glad he gets to go out and blow off some steam, and in return I ask for a little help. I get disappointed in myself for feeling this way, because he does work hard, like I do. And, I genuinely want the best for him, but I just wish for once, he'd understand, that sometimes, all I really need in life is to walk home and see the good things he does, not see his faults.

Strike an average between what a woman thinks of her husband a month before she marries him and what she thinks of him a year afterward, and you will have the truth about him. ~H.L. Mencken

Don't ban skippy...

To parents whose kids have extreme food allergies, I my heart goes out to you. You have a very difficult task in keeping your kids safe and healthy. However, you go too far when you suggest the world bend to your individual needs. Take for example Lisa Conquet http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/healthy-eating/raising-child-peanut-allergy-risks-food-intolerance/ No doubt do I feel bad for the hoops you and your family jump through. But to suggest that the world stop eating peanuts in public places just to accommodate your need, is a bit extreme. Sadly, you are not alone. The anti-peanut sentiment is on the rise for the small majority of parents whose kids have extreme allergies.

What about parents whose kids are allergic to gluten, and cannot be around any wheat? Should we banish all bread and wheat items? Kids with milk allergies? Soy? Products made with eggs? What about the parents of the kids allergic to bees? Should we ban all bees? Don't even get me started on pets...

There's never going to be a safe environment. And, like a left handed person living in a right handed world will tell you, you have to be adaptable, because the world will not stop for you.

Registering for a good school

I've got school anxiety. For my kids. We've decided to switch Thing 1 and Thing 2 to a different private school so that they can go to this elusive kindergarten. The politics behind a good education is crazy. You have to promise to do everything short of giving your organs. I'm glad we checked into it early, otherwise we'd have never made the donor, er, I mean waiting list.

The amount of research spent on educational points, grades for schools, and teacher to child ratio, I could be doing something more enriching such as learning a new language, taking up knitting, or following up on my fantasy football team.

In the long run, I hope that we're making the right choices now. Parenting is harder than it looks!

Lessons

As parents, we should practice what we preach. I've learned that lesson yesterday when dressing my son for TaeKwonDo, he asked to wear his belt and complete uniform. He was practically insisting that today was Uniform Day.

It was hot, and it's still summery outside, so thinking in the best his best interest (and to avoid an impeding heat rash) that it would be best to continue the tradition of tshirt and TKD pants.

Again, my son pleads with me that today is Uniform Day and that he needs his complete uniform. Again, I refused. We went a few rounds of this until I pulled the shiny trick (distracting him with something else) and we were on our merry way.

Only to discover everyone else was wearing uniforms. My son immediately looks at me and says "see, I told you!"

The instructor mentions it to him, and Thing 1 starts to pout a bit. I step up and say "I take responsibility for that. He told me and I didn't believe him".

My son looks up, gives me a grateful smile for admitting I was wrong and he was right. In that moment of redemption, I saw a little spark of pride in him that I stood up for him and he was right (for a change).

The instructor gives a little laugh, says it's okay...and class continues. No harm. But, there were lessons here. For him, he learned his mom can make mistakes, but I can admit to them.

Lessons learned for me: I need to take more time to listen to my children. I'm not always right.

Humble pie? I'll take a slice.