Do you ever just want to complain about a thousand things that are driving you crazy? I guess that's why rich people have therapists....to listen to them complain and then they can be all smiles on TV.
My poor husband and patient girlfriends are usually the recipients of this hostility, but today is your lucky day.
First up on my OMG list.....Why are the two roads to my house literally lined with trash? I mean, who actually throws soda bottles out their car window? .It is 2011. Everyone knows that litter is bad for the environment and wildlife. If you don't know this by know, read a book. Then find a trash can. OR, you can follow my example and let it pile up in your car for a month. Either way, throwing it out the window is not acceptable.
Secondly, I live in the country. One of the perks to living in the country is that you can burn fires on your property. However, for the past three nights someone has been burning what smells like rubber tires and releases a terrible gray smoke that we have to breathe. Seriously, you can't really think that is OK.
Finally, in a completely unrelated topic, why when I punish my child, I am the one who feels terrible? I asked Luke to pick up his cars and he replied, "Nah, I don't feel like it." I in turn, took two of his most special cars as punishment for not listening and arguing with me. Twenty minutes of crying later, the end result is that he went to bed early, still crying, and I feel terrible. Being the Mom is hard.
Thanks for listening. I feel better now.
February 20, 2011
February 18, 2011
My Confession
Confession: I am a hoarder. Maybe not to the extent that I would be on the show Hoarders, but in my own quirky way, I certainly have a hard time letting things go.
Recently, while yielding to my parents request that I finally go through my things in their basement, I came across some ridiculous items to have saved.
For example, I saved dozens of little folded notes from my friends all the way back to elementary school. (Meghann, if you are reading this, we wrote A LOT of notes in fifth grade. And just to answer your last question, no, I do not want to 'go with' Brad. And yes, I do want to spend the night with you Friday.)
What sane person would keep these notes for over twenty years?
What about the carved, wooden key chain that says 'Stephanie' from King's Island? There's a keeper.
Has anyone ever actually gone back and read their seventh grade social studies binder?
How about a program from a high school sports banquet or my fourth grade cheerleading uniform?
Why did I keep these things?
As a VERY young child, I can remember hoarding Halloween candy until Easter. I would not use stickers or special markers because I didn't want to waste them. I would hoard them until they just never got used. Seriously, it's not like I grew up in the Great Depression
If my hoarding practices continue, I will never be able to get rid of anything my children have ever made, touched, watched or played with. This is how it happens - how people get buried in their houses.
I have nearly every paper Luke has ever colored or painted. I realize this is not practical and I also had a revelation recently of how insane my sentimental hoarding is. My sweet husband had cleaned the kitchen, and gasp, threw out some of Luke's art. While I know this was probably the right decision, tears literally sprang to my eyes.
Selling and giving away my children's clothes is a heart wrenching affair. While I am doing pretty well, let's just say the 'keep forever' pile is pretty big.
I am curious. Are there certain items any of you have a hard time parting with? Any good methods of sorting the special from the expendable?
Maybe I will practice this weekend by finally parting with my VHS collection.
Footnote: I did get rid of many things when Jon and I got married. I had to sell my house and most of the things in it to move to Europe with him. I felt like I had sold all my worldly possessions except the nine boxes I mailed myself. I guess I didn't get rid of as much as I thought.
Recently, while yielding to my parents request that I finally go through my things in their basement, I came across some ridiculous items to have saved.
For example, I saved dozens of little folded notes from my friends all the way back to elementary school. (Meghann, if you are reading this, we wrote A LOT of notes in fifth grade. And just to answer your last question, no, I do not want to 'go with' Brad. And yes, I do want to spend the night with you Friday.)
What sane person would keep these notes for over twenty years?
What about the carved, wooden key chain that says 'Stephanie' from King's Island? There's a keeper.
Has anyone ever actually gone back and read their seventh grade social studies binder?
How about a program from a high school sports banquet or my fourth grade cheerleading uniform?
Why did I keep these things?
As a VERY young child, I can remember hoarding Halloween candy until Easter. I would not use stickers or special markers because I didn't want to waste them. I would hoard them until they just never got used. Seriously, it's not like I grew up in the Great Depression
If my hoarding practices continue, I will never be able to get rid of anything my children have ever made, touched, watched or played with. This is how it happens - how people get buried in their houses.
I have nearly every paper Luke has ever colored or painted. I realize this is not practical and I also had a revelation recently of how insane my sentimental hoarding is. My sweet husband had cleaned the kitchen, and gasp, threw out some of Luke's art. While I know this was probably the right decision, tears literally sprang to my eyes.
Selling and giving away my children's clothes is a heart wrenching affair. While I am doing pretty well, let's just say the 'keep forever' pile is pretty big.
I am curious. Are there certain items any of you have a hard time parting with? Any good methods of sorting the special from the expendable?
Maybe I will practice this weekend by finally parting with my VHS collection.
Footnote: I did get rid of many things when Jon and I got married. I had to sell my house and most of the things in it to move to Europe with him. I felt like I had sold all my worldly possessions except the nine boxes I mailed myself. I guess I didn't get rid of as much as I thought.
February 10, 2011
Wanted: Neighbors with Kids
Having good neighbors when you have children is a lifesaver. If you are considering a move and you have small children, I highly encourage you choose a house primarily based on your neighbors. OK - maybe not primarily, but good neighbors can make life sooo much easier!
Survey the neighborhood, conduct interviews if necessary, or lurk in your car in the evenings before you make an offer! Good neighbors that also have kids will keep you sane - especially if you live the nomadic existence of a military family.
These are just a few of the reasons I LOVE my neighbors with kids.
1. You do not have to plan a play date in advance with your neighbors. Your conversation or text goes something like this, "Hey neighbor, are you guys dressed? Great, let's meet outside in 10 minutes." This is much easier than trying to coordinate a play date for next week. You can wait until the very last minute to make plans and take out the variables of your child's mood and health that always interfere with scheduled play dates.
2. Very little time is invested if one of your children decides to act like a heathen. You just walk home.
3. You aren't expected to provide snacks.
4. You aren't expected to provide entertainment. No complicated craft project for the neighborhood kids! They can play with toys or play outside.
5. You house is not expected to be 'clean' for company. Your neighbors can see your house as it really is. I mean, I can't fake being a good housekeeper forever. If I invite 'new people' over for a play date, I spend all day cleaning. If you know me very well, you know this is really like lying.
6. Once sports, activities and school starts, imagine the car pooling possibilities!
7. You always have a handy sitter if something comes up.
8. You get to enjoy watching your kids grow up together.
Thank you to my great neighbors! What would I do without you?
Survey the neighborhood, conduct interviews if necessary, or lurk in your car in the evenings before you make an offer! Good neighbors that also have kids will keep you sane - especially if you live the nomadic existence of a military family.
These are just a few of the reasons I LOVE my neighbors with kids.
1. You do not have to plan a play date in advance with your neighbors. Your conversation or text goes something like this, "Hey neighbor, are you guys dressed? Great, let's meet outside in 10 minutes." This is much easier than trying to coordinate a play date for next week. You can wait until the very last minute to make plans and take out the variables of your child's mood and health that always interfere with scheduled play dates.
2. Very little time is invested if one of your children decides to act like a heathen. You just walk home.
3. You aren't expected to provide snacks.
4. You aren't expected to provide entertainment. No complicated craft project for the neighborhood kids! They can play with toys or play outside.
5. You house is not expected to be 'clean' for company. Your neighbors can see your house as it really is. I mean, I can't fake being a good housekeeper forever. If I invite 'new people' over for a play date, I spend all day cleaning. If you know me very well, you know this is really like lying.
6. Once sports, activities and school starts, imagine the car pooling possibilities!
7. You always have a handy sitter if something comes up.
8. You get to enjoy watching your kids grow up together.
Thank you to my great neighbors! What would I do without you?
February 07, 2011
Spinning, Spinning
Spinning class is the ultimate class for shedding pounds at the gym. For obvious reasons, I have been terrified to actually try it. I much prefer to fool myself into thinking I have worked out by be-bopping around on the treadmill watching the Today show or taking a Zumba class.
For SIX MONTHS, I would casually glance into the spinning class, and from the looks on poor souls faces, I just didn't think I could hack it. These people were in really good shape and look how difficult it seemed for them!
Last week, my kids were driving me absolutely crazy. I decided to go to the gym so I could unload them on the poor, unsuspecting child care worker for an hour. This hour - would be during spin class.
I psyched myself up. Today was the day. I thought if I could take my frustrations with the children out on the bike, I might feel better.
Of course, we were late, so I almost didn't go in, but I knew if I didn't do it that day, it would be six more months. So......I DID IT! I didn't fall off the bike, I didn't pass out, I didn't even have to take a real break! I took all of my negative energy a put it into those pedals.
I am so glad I finally got the first one out of the way. It was tough, but I felt great afterwards. Conquering a fear, even one as minor as spin class felt amazing AND it renewed my energy to take on parenting.
At least for a few more hours.
For SIX MONTHS, I would casually glance into the spinning class, and from the looks on poor souls faces, I just didn't think I could hack it. These people were in really good shape and look how difficult it seemed for them!
Last week, my kids were driving me absolutely crazy. I decided to go to the gym so I could unload them on the poor, unsuspecting child care worker for an hour. This hour - would be during spin class.
I psyched myself up. Today was the day. I thought if I could take my frustrations with the children out on the bike, I might feel better.
Of course, we were late, so I almost didn't go in, but I knew if I didn't do it that day, it would be six more months. So......I DID IT! I didn't fall off the bike, I didn't pass out, I didn't even have to take a real break! I took all of my negative energy a put it into those pedals.
I am so glad I finally got the first one out of the way. It was tough, but I felt great afterwards. Conquering a fear, even one as minor as spin class felt amazing AND it renewed my energy to take on parenting.
At least for a few more hours.
Deep Thoughts.......by Luke
My three year old often reminds me that children perceive an entirely different world than we do.
This morning, we were driving home from the gym, talking about who he shared his trains with. After a thoughtful pause, he asked, "Mommy. Why did you marry Daddy?"
Hmmmm....good question....I should choose my words carefully. "I married your Daddy because I love him and I wanted to be able to live wherever he lives." This is true.
Luke quickly responded, "Was everybody else already married?"
OK, clearly the idea I would choose to marry Jon over other people was not one Luke could accept.
"No Luke, lots of people weren't married then. I picked Daddy because I liked him the best. And, some people never get married, and that's OK too."
"But Mommy, why did you pick the one with no hair?"
This morning, we were driving home from the gym, talking about who he shared his trains with. After a thoughtful pause, he asked, "Mommy. Why did you marry Daddy?"
Hmmmm....good question....I should choose my words carefully. "I married your Daddy because I love him and I wanted to be able to live wherever he lives." This is true.
Luke quickly responded, "Was everybody else already married?"
OK, clearly the idea I would choose to marry Jon over other people was not one Luke could accept.
"No Luke, lots of people weren't married then. I picked Daddy because I liked him the best. And, some people never get married, and that's OK too."
"But Mommy, why did you pick the one with no hair?"
February 03, 2011
"You BETTER say........"
What do you MAKE your kids say?
Of course, we say please and thank you, yes sir, no mam, and all those goodies. But what about making them say things that should come from their own feelings?
Do you make them say "I love you" to each other? Or at least back when one person says it?
If we do, are we teaching them to say things they don't mean? If we don't, are we letting them get by with anti-social behaviors and hurting the feelings of others?
I mean, I know they do love each other, but do we make them say it to spare the other one's feelings? I am confused.
Hearing my own words, "LUKE! Tell your sister you love her, too." sounded really absurd. You can't make someone tell another person they love them. But she was so wounded by his lack of affection. What to do?
Do you make your kids say "I'm sorry" when they don't mean it? I do, but should I? Really?
It's not just as simple as a mumbled apology from my three year old. That kid is NOT saying anything he doesn't want to. It turns into a full out battle over something that may have been minor.
Just thinking......what do you make your kids say?
Of course, we say please and thank you, yes sir, no mam, and all those goodies. But what about making them say things that should come from their own feelings?
Do you make them say "I love you" to each other? Or at least back when one person says it?
If we do, are we teaching them to say things they don't mean? If we don't, are we letting them get by with anti-social behaviors and hurting the feelings of others?
I mean, I know they do love each other, but do we make them say it to spare the other one's feelings? I am confused.
Hearing my own words, "LUKE! Tell your sister you love her, too." sounded really absurd. You can't make someone tell another person they love them. But she was so wounded by his lack of affection. What to do?
Do you make your kids say "I'm sorry" when they don't mean it? I do, but should I? Really?
It's not just as simple as a mumbled apology from my three year old. That kid is NOT saying anything he doesn't want to. It turns into a full out battle over something that may have been minor.
Just thinking......what do you make your kids say?
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