Today has been a challenge with little miss S. I'm hoping it's a temporary regression. She just wouldn't obey. She ended up throwing a huge tantrum in D's therapist's office. (No, we didn't end up talking as planned. Instead I took her out to the waiting room.) I held her in the waiting room and she screamed, "You're hurting me!" I was just holding her and she was mad. Luckily, I knew that no one there would believe her because they are used to kids like that. Then she started trying to hit me and bite me. Oh so lovely!
She screamed all of the way home for a treat. A treat didn't appear. Imagine that. But what did happen was an early bedtime after being held a bunch at home. She was so tense I was worried what she would do to C. So we stayed as close as peanut butter and jelly.
Tonight I went out running in the freezing (felt that way with the windchill) weather and managed to run 55 minutes. That's my best in over 6 years. It was slow like normal but it felt great to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I almost put off my run until tomorrow morning but then I checked the weather. It says it will be SNOWING. What in the world? Isn't tomorrow May?
T had his first t-ball practice today. I hate to admit it but it was really cute. He has a good little arm but stood way to close to the T when batting. It's kind of funny that he struggled a bit with that because he can hit the ball if someone (not me) pitches it to him.
Positive Note- It would have to be that run. Oh how it feels good to move this tired body.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Just a public commitment
I am going to spark my comida today. I love sparkpeople.com. But I have this habit of sparking breakfast and then not doing much else the rest of the day. If you looked at my record you would think I was wasting away.
So today I will spark. If I can get a week down I will do much better. I had a horrible run last night and need a little motivation. I just couldn't keep myself moving. Then again, it was stormy outside and I was on my treadmill. I dread that treadmill now that I can run outside.
S got mad last night. She had eaten all of her dinner and was picking at crumbs on her plate (worry not, she was full and had eaten more than an adult should). I took the plate away and told her to go and brush her teeth. She went back there and then came out and said she peed her pants. Dh asked her why and she said it was because she got mad at me for taking her plate. She just pushed my buttons with that one so I put a diaper on her. Changed her into zipper jammies and walked to a friends house to deliver, of all things, a pull up.
We are starting over today.
Today I am going to talk to D's therapist about changing the type of therapy he is doing. I spoke with S's for a bit yesterday (and found out that he is D's therapist's supervisor) and he suggested talking to him about outcomes. I told him I really like D's therapist. He's a super nice guy. I just haven't seen improvements from therapy. So I will try to be a grown up today and be more assertive once again.
C just brought me fruit snacks. For almost six months I haven't had them in the house. They are too expensive for what little nutrition they offer. I scored some for a great deal and have since learned that C LOVES fruit snacks. I think we will be going back to a fruit snackless pantry.
Positive Note- Our plumbing is fixed in the basement.
So today I will spark. If I can get a week down I will do much better. I had a horrible run last night and need a little motivation. I just couldn't keep myself moving. Then again, it was stormy outside and I was on my treadmill. I dread that treadmill now that I can run outside.
S got mad last night. She had eaten all of her dinner and was picking at crumbs on her plate (worry not, she was full and had eaten more than an adult should). I took the plate away and told her to go and brush her teeth. She went back there and then came out and said she peed her pants. Dh asked her why and she said it was because she got mad at me for taking her plate. She just pushed my buttons with that one so I put a diaper on her. Changed her into zipper jammies and walked to a friends house to deliver, of all things, a pull up.
We are starting over today.
Today I am going to talk to D's therapist about changing the type of therapy he is doing. I spoke with S's for a bit yesterday (and found out that he is D's therapist's supervisor) and he suggested talking to him about outcomes. I told him I really like D's therapist. He's a super nice guy. I just haven't seen improvements from therapy. So I will try to be a grown up today and be more assertive once again.
C just brought me fruit snacks. For almost six months I haven't had them in the house. They are too expensive for what little nutrition they offer. I scored some for a great deal and have since learned that C LOVES fruit snacks. I think we will be going back to a fruit snackless pantry.
Positive Note- Our plumbing is fixed in the basement.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Spring Run
Tonight I decided to take our extra camera on my run. Here are some reasons to run in the spring. I did, however, learn a lesson about running photography. Don't jog in place while trying to take a picture. You'll notice some of these aren't so precise. It's because I was trying to keep moving.
I managed my 3 mile loop with the camera and walked almost 2 at the zoo today. I owe a couple of great ladies big time for watching my kiddos. Little boys at the zoo are so different from girls. Those dang boys just aren't interested enough in posing for cute pictures. T thought that the white alligator was a fake one because it wasn't moving. He started crying because he was scared to go on the train ride. Two other boys were sweet enough to let him sit in the middle so he would be more comfortable. It was fun to have a day with him. And, of course, it was nice to make sure he didn't find his way into the tiger exhibit.
I took C to the doctor today for her 16 month checkup. (Yes, I know it should have been 15 months.) She really has grown. Something happened and her feet pretty much skipped a size in the last month. That's because she is now in the 75% for height. I'm guessing she'll keep sprouting for another 15% or so and then slow down. No wonder she isn't looking little anymore.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Great little talk with D
The kids were playing ring around the rosie out in backyard and apparently when they all fell down D jumped on M and S. He came in and didn't want to claim anything. (This is normal and the therapist said it would take a lot of time and work to get him to claim things he has done.) He started throwing a huge tantrum. He has been throwing these multiple times a day lately. And although I tell him you never will get your way because of a tantrum, he still tries.
I told him to take a minute and have that tantrum and then his time was up. I said something about how he's doing this multiple times a day every day and it has to stop. He said something like, "Na uh, I didn't do it when I first came." I looked him in the eyes and just told him, "David, we love you and we are keeping you. We aren't going to send you to another family." His eyes perked up. I'm not saying the tantrums will just stop because I think they have become a habit for him. But for just a moment he looked relieved. Then we talked about apologizing and I roll played two ways to apologize. One was a muffled apology facing the opposite direction (his favorite way to apologize). The other was a look the person in the face and say clearly that you are sorry and you are going to try better. He couldn't quite do it with M but he managed to look near her while he apologized.
When M left I picked him up and snuggled him like a little baby for a minute or two and then sent him on his way to get an ice cream popsicle.
We call C 'carrot carrot' for some odd reason. Her hair isn't red or anything. Today she said that. It cracked DH and I up.
I told him to take a minute and have that tantrum and then his time was up. I said something about how he's doing this multiple times a day every day and it has to stop. He said something like, "Na uh, I didn't do it when I first came." I looked him in the eyes and just told him, "David, we love you and we are keeping you. We aren't going to send you to another family." His eyes perked up. I'm not saying the tantrums will just stop because I think they have become a habit for him. But for just a moment he looked relieved. Then we talked about apologizing and I roll played two ways to apologize. One was a muffled apology facing the opposite direction (his favorite way to apologize). The other was a look the person in the face and say clearly that you are sorry and you are going to try better. He couldn't quite do it with M but he managed to look near her while he apologized.
When M left I picked him up and snuggled him like a little baby for a minute or two and then sent him on his way to get an ice cream popsicle.
We call C 'carrot carrot' for some odd reason. Her hair isn't red or anything. Today she said that. It cracked DH and I up.
One 5k down
I managed to finish without walking. It was slow. I mean r-e-a-l-l-y slow. The course was a little more up and down than I am used to. But I finished with a family cheering me on. So now I need to work on speed a bit. This plodding along slower than many walkers is just not going to do the trick forever. I'm hoping to go a little faster at the 5k next month.
Oh, I almost forgot. I won a pair of pearl earrings. Not bad for some slow old lady!
Oh, I almost forgot. I won a pair of pearl earrings. Not bad for some slow old lady!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Night on the Town
Last night I got a break from everyday life. My good friend was in town (okay well about 10 towns away but still close enough) for a conference. DH agreed to let me meet him at work and swap the kids for an empty car.
So I headed up to meet her in silence. Actually, I chatted on the phone part of the time. When I got close I realized that I had forgotten to ask DH for some cash. It's not that I don't have access to money. It's just that I don't generally keep any cash on me. When I had arrived at DH's work he was taking a call. So he continued to talk and I mouthed goodbye. So anyway, downtown is a pay to park type of place and I had no cash except some Cheerio covered change from the bottom of my purse. Fortunately my friend said she had some cash.
We arrive at the restaurant and go to pay and see this really archaic looking money taker. You would just fold the bills up and put it in the rusted out holder. Hmm... friend had a twenty. She went in to break it in the restaurant. By the time she made it out I was down to 3 pennies because a clean cut looking guy came up and said he had missed dinner at the homeless shelter.
We had a great dinner. My friend ordered something new at PF Chang's and it was heavenly. It may just beat out my two favorites, beef a la sichuan and lemon pepper shrimp. It was some walnut somethingrather shrimp with melon balls. Talk about tasty!
It was so great to get out and down 3 or 4 Diet Cokes (okay, probably 4), eat great food, and have nice conversation all sans little ones spilling drinks.
And now to reflect on the rest of the day. D had therapy. I told his therapist that I was starting to feel more comfy with figuring things out. He surprised me and said I was doing great and he wished I could be a peer parent. What the heck? I told him we are just trying to survive as the happiness of our entire family is on the line here. I don't think we are doing the world's greatest job. We're definitely learning along the way. Dang, if I think our family is messed up right now then what in the world is going on with all of these other families in similar circumstances? It doesn't say much for the world. Maybe he just knew I needed a boost to have the courage to keep it up.
The kids had good violin lessons. T has finally matured enough that he needs 30 minute lessons starting this summer. She also said it would be a good time to start the other two if I wanted because her schedule is freed up a bit. While this is great it's also more $$$. So we have to think on it. Luckily we do own violins in each kid's size. M made it through her piece but still had crazy bowings.
M is at work with dad for today. It's take your daughter to work day and she is finally old enough to go. She was pretty excited. Of course he has meetings this afternoon and she requested to be back at school by 12:45 so she could finish her art project. What a little turkey!
Oh, I think I might do a 5k this weekend. There is one that is a race that benefits something to do with the blind. DH found the race for me because I have gotten so I can run 3 slow miles. It's the perfect race for me because I always worry that I will be last. It's not so much being humiliated (okay a little of that too as I am still too prideful) from being slow. It's more that I don't really want to have the cop on my tail as he keeps me safe, someone getting rid of arrows, and lastly, someone announcing for people (who finished and ready to go home) to cheer me on as I finish. The great thing about this race is that well, a bunch of sighted and blind people will be doing it. Most likely I won't be last. For heavens sake it is so much more of an accomplishment to finish a race when you can't see. And well, if I am last, not everyone will even know what I look like. So I think I am going to do it. The nice thing is that part of it is run through professional gardens full of tulips. Yippee!
Positive Note- Only a little snow came down this morning and it wasn't enough to even stick to the ground.
So I headed up to meet her in silence. Actually, I chatted on the phone part of the time. When I got close I realized that I had forgotten to ask DH for some cash. It's not that I don't have access to money. It's just that I don't generally keep any cash on me. When I had arrived at DH's work he was taking a call. So he continued to talk and I mouthed goodbye. So anyway, downtown is a pay to park type of place and I had no cash except some Cheerio covered change from the bottom of my purse. Fortunately my friend said she had some cash.
We arrive at the restaurant and go to pay and see this really archaic looking money taker. You would just fold the bills up and put it in the rusted out holder. Hmm... friend had a twenty. She went in to break it in the restaurant. By the time she made it out I was down to 3 pennies because a clean cut looking guy came up and said he had missed dinner at the homeless shelter.
We had a great dinner. My friend ordered something new at PF Chang's and it was heavenly. It may just beat out my two favorites, beef a la sichuan and lemon pepper shrimp. It was some walnut somethingrather shrimp with melon balls. Talk about tasty!
It was so great to get out and down 3 or 4 Diet Cokes (okay, probably 4), eat great food, and have nice conversation all sans little ones spilling drinks.
And now to reflect on the rest of the day. D had therapy. I told his therapist that I was starting to feel more comfy with figuring things out. He surprised me and said I was doing great and he wished I could be a peer parent. What the heck? I told him we are just trying to survive as the happiness of our entire family is on the line here. I don't think we are doing the world's greatest job. We're definitely learning along the way. Dang, if I think our family is messed up right now then what in the world is going on with all of these other families in similar circumstances? It doesn't say much for the world. Maybe he just knew I needed a boost to have the courage to keep it up.
The kids had good violin lessons. T has finally matured enough that he needs 30 minute lessons starting this summer. She also said it would be a good time to start the other two if I wanted because her schedule is freed up a bit. While this is great it's also more $$$. So we have to think on it. Luckily we do own violins in each kid's size. M made it through her piece but still had crazy bowings.
M is at work with dad for today. It's take your daughter to work day and she is finally old enough to go. She was pretty excited. Of course he has meetings this afternoon and she requested to be back at school by 12:45 so she could finish her art project. What a little turkey!
Oh, I think I might do a 5k this weekend. There is one that is a race that benefits something to do with the blind. DH found the race for me because I have gotten so I can run 3 slow miles. It's the perfect race for me because I always worry that I will be last. It's not so much being humiliated (okay a little of that too as I am still too prideful) from being slow. It's more that I don't really want to have the cop on my tail as he keeps me safe, someone getting rid of arrows, and lastly, someone announcing for people (who finished and ready to go home) to cheer me on as I finish. The great thing about this race is that well, a bunch of sighted and blind people will be doing it. Most likely I won't be last. For heavens sake it is so much more of an accomplishment to finish a race when you can't see. And well, if I am last, not everyone will even know what I look like. So I think I am going to do it. The nice thing is that part of it is run through professional gardens full of tulips. Yippee!
Positive Note- Only a little snow came down this morning and it wasn't enough to even stick to the ground.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
46 minutes!
I have yet to even see how far I went. (Don't worry, it won't be that far. I'm slow remember.) I just haven't been able to fit a run in the last few days. It was my turn to drive to ballet today so I dropped the kids off and 'dashed' off. (I'm laughing about the dashing part because that is so not the right word.)
My plan was to go out 25 minutes with 5 minutes of walking as a warm up and then turn around at the 25 minute mark and just head back. Of course I decided to take a short cut and cross some railroad tracks instead of huffing it over a bridge. I got to the tracks and saw a sign that said I could be charged with trespassing by Union Pacific. So I went around and that took more time. I also couldn't slack off because I would be late getting the girls so I had no choice but to run a little extra. But now I feel great.
I shall gmap-pedometer it in a few minutes. I love that website.
What else? S had a great therapy session. She finally quit the shy act and started acting like herself. Things went really well.
All in all, it was a pretty good day. The boys had a play date this morning. I found someone to watch S and D so I can go with T's class to the zoo on Monday. I still have to find someone to dump the baby on. I had planned on just showing up and not being an official helper. I figured I could take T around the zoo and still get some pictures. I guess they aren't really tolerating that now though and it really is a no other kid field trip. Anyway, I'm down to one kid. I'm hopeful.
Positive Note- S had a pretty good day. She is starting to act more and more attached. Whew! Maybe this is going to work. I had a friend tell me that 6 months is a magic mark. Although I am not expecting perfection I think she is right. The last couple of weeks have been much better.
My plan was to go out 25 minutes with 5 minutes of walking as a warm up and then turn around at the 25 minute mark and just head back. Of course I decided to take a short cut and cross some railroad tracks instead of huffing it over a bridge. I got to the tracks and saw a sign that said I could be charged with trespassing by Union Pacific. So I went around and that took more time. I also couldn't slack off because I would be late getting the girls so I had no choice but to run a little extra. But now I feel great.
I shall gmap-pedometer it in a few minutes. I love that website.
What else? S had a great therapy session. She finally quit the shy act and started acting like herself. Things went really well.
All in all, it was a pretty good day. The boys had a play date this morning. I found someone to watch S and D so I can go with T's class to the zoo on Monday. I still have to find someone to dump the baby on. I had planned on just showing up and not being an official helper. I figured I could take T around the zoo and still get some pictures. I guess they aren't really tolerating that now though and it really is a no other kid field trip. Anyway, I'm down to one kid. I'm hopeful.
Positive Note- S had a pretty good day. She is starting to act more and more attached. Whew! Maybe this is going to work. I had a friend tell me that 6 months is a magic mark. Although I am not expecting perfection I think she is right. The last couple of weeks have been much better.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Too busy
So our weekend was less eventful than it should have been. Saturday morning DH and M did a 5k. M won a bike. The kids and I played in the park while they were running. I must be getting used to these races because I think this is the first time she has finished without me shedding a few tears.
I then sent the kids home with dh so I could run some errands that were near the race. They were just a bunch of miscellaneous things that are hard to do when you have to pack five kids in and out. And well, it's hard to pack my Costco goods in my car when all of the seats are taken.
S was a bit cranky after I got home and wouldn't take a nap. We told her if she didn't take a nap she would be staying home from a birthday party (an older cousin and a boy). She thought it was more important to scream and throw fits. So the girls all stayed home with DH while I took the boys up to their cousin's house.
Oh and I failed to mention another good reason for me taking the kids. M and her buddy busted a part on the car because M couldn't wait for help in getting her bike out of the vehicle. I hate to say it but I was so angry that she didn't obey. I just hate that I got so mad at her.
That night when we went to bed dh rememebered that we had forgotten to go to the ballet that night. We wasted our season tickets. We had talked about it the week before and I hadn't been able to figure out a way for us both to go. I just didn't have a babysitting option. I meant to invite a friend to go but I just got so busy that I forgot.
I guess it wasn't only M that learned a lesson that day.
I then sent the kids home with dh so I could run some errands that were near the race. They were just a bunch of miscellaneous things that are hard to do when you have to pack five kids in and out. And well, it's hard to pack my Costco goods in my car when all of the seats are taken.
S was a bit cranky after I got home and wouldn't take a nap. We told her if she didn't take a nap she would be staying home from a birthday party (an older cousin and a boy). She thought it was more important to scream and throw fits. So the girls all stayed home with DH while I took the boys up to their cousin's house.
Oh and I failed to mention another good reason for me taking the kids. M and her buddy busted a part on the car because M couldn't wait for help in getting her bike out of the vehicle. I hate to say it but I was so angry that she didn't obey. I just hate that I got so mad at her.
That night when we went to bed dh rememebered that we had forgotten to go to the ballet that night. We wasted our season tickets. We had talked about it the week before and I hadn't been able to figure out a way for us both to go. I just didn't have a babysitting option. I meant to invite a friend to go but I just got so busy that I forgot.
I guess it wasn't only M that learned a lesson that day.
Friday, April 18, 2008
New look here
My SIL showed me how easy it is to change my look and so I have copied hers. It's a nice change from my old dots.
We drove back into town today to pick M up from her sleepover. We met my friend and her three cuties for lunch. She commented that when we first met it was two adults and two kids. Today it was two adults and EIGHT kids. We were definitely outnumbered.
Tomorrow M and DH have a 5k. M isn't feeling super great but she wants to do it. I will have my camera handy.
Oh, the lazy susan I bought at IKEA to help me with my dinner didn't help much. T thought it was more of a toy and decided to spin a bowl off of it. LOVELY!
Positive Note- It got warmer and warmer today. Hopefully it will be a great day tomorrow. We have a cousin's birthday party to go to and I know my SIL is looking forward to doing it outside.
We drove back into town today to pick M up from her sleepover. We met my friend and her three cuties for lunch. She commented that when we first met it was two adults and two kids. Today it was two adults and EIGHT kids. We were definitely outnumbered.
Tomorrow M and DH have a 5k. M isn't feeling super great but she wants to do it. I will have my camera handy.
Oh, the lazy susan I bought at IKEA to help me with my dinner didn't help much. T thought it was more of a toy and decided to spin a bowl off of it. LOVELY!
Positive Note- It got warmer and warmer today. Hopefully it will be a great day tomorrow. We have a cousin's birthday party to go to and I know my SIL is looking forward to doing it outside.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Um, we have a WHAT?
Today when DH came home from work, T informed him that we have two new hampsters. HUH? Oh, we bought two new clothes hampers from IKEA (cute ones that look like turtles). Here's the link to these things. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90098506 I have been wanting to buy the kids a hamper for quite some time but I was just too cheap. But six bucks might help me more than a shrink can someday.
That was our fun adventure for today. The kids played at the playland at IKEA. They had a grand time. I was pretty much done shopping by the time there was enough room for the kids but I still let them go. C and I just looked around a little more.
I can't brag about my running time today. I did 20 slow minutes on the mill and walked for 10. I just hate that thing. But it was FREEZING today and well, I was too tired to get up early. C had a rough night. She ate something that hurt her yesterday and so she was up for a chunk of the night.
Positive Note- No choking today!
That was our fun adventure for today. The kids played at the playland at IKEA. They had a grand time. I was pretty much done shopping by the time there was enough room for the kids but I still let them go. C and I just looked around a little more.
I can't brag about my running time today. I did 20 slow minutes on the mill and walked for 10. I just hate that thing. But it was FREEZING today and well, I was too tired to get up early. C had a rough night. She ate something that hurt her yesterday and so she was up for a chunk of the night.
Positive Note- No choking today!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
woo hoo!
40 minutes today. I think it really is that IT band thing so I stretched it a bunch and it feels pretty good. I don't know what made me feel like I was superior to everyone else. Of course I needed to stretch. My run was really slow but I made it up the big hill and was able to keep going. It was also very windy. But it felt great. I'm still a chunky monkey but I feel better inside. Maybe it's the running and maybe it's just getting away from life for 45 minutes. I doesn't matter to me. Tomorrow is my official weigh in day (not that anyone is holding me to it because I'm the only one who ever sees it). UGH! Even with my running I am not so certain it will show my progress. I'm mentioning this as the Biggest Loser is on in the other room. Anyway, I'm going to try to have a good run tomorrow. Most likely it will be on the treadmill though and I just can't jog for 40 minutes on the treadmill, especially since we had to steal the little tv from the basement to replace the one upstairs that died.
We failed on the fun spring break today. DH stayed home and other than a few work calls he pretty much worked on the laundry (a task I HATE). I ran to the store sans kiddos and took D to therapy.
There was bad news at therapy. The program his therapist wanted to get him in for the summer won't take him because he hasn't gone to K yet. They might still take him for a late afternoon program. It will depend on bus service. If they don't have it I might have to pass because I can't be driving 40 miles each day for that and 30 miles 4 times a week for ballet lessons. I had my heart set on the program but maybe it's not what would be best for him. Or maybe it just didn't work out because that's how things are.
Positive Note- It stopped snowing long enough for some sun to shine though. It was great!
We failed on the fun spring break today. DH stayed home and other than a few work calls he pretty much worked on the laundry (a task I HATE). I ran to the store sans kiddos and took D to therapy.
There was bad news at therapy. The program his therapist wanted to get him in for the summer won't take him because he hasn't gone to K yet. They might still take him for a late afternoon program. It will depend on bus service. If they don't have it I might have to pass because I can't be driving 40 miles each day for that and 30 miles 4 times a week for ballet lessons. I had my heart set on the program but maybe it's not what would be best for him. Or maybe it just didn't work out because that's how things are.
Positive Note- It stopped snowing long enough for some sun to shine though. It was great!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring Break Day One
Today we went to the children's museum for an adventure. I told myself I was going to try to make every day fun during spring break.
I have to admit, that when they started complaining in the car about how long it was taking I wanted to just flip my car around and head on home. After all, we were going to be missing naptime because of this adventure.
But it was worth it. Every single kid had fun. I realized M is really growing up. She's a little less into the hands on thing and more into helping watch the kids. And I was really glad she was into that because I really needed her eyes.
T discovered the gears. They became his new favorite thing. He wasn't interested, surprisingly, in the dress up things.
D liked the work station. That was T's favorite thing about a year ago so I am not shocked. Too bad I can't get them to do more work at home :)
S loved the little house with the pretend kitchen. She could have spent all day making fake sandwiches. I wasn't a bit surprised that she loved that spot.
And C, well, she loved the balls. There is a spot where you put the ball in and a bunch of air comes out. She would just smile away each time the air would blow her hair.
After the museum we went outside to the outdoor fountains and let the kids run around in them. They had a super time. It was the first day to be warm enough. The kids were more than thrilled to don their swimsuits today.
But perhaps the best thing today happened when we were in the museum. I had gathered all of the kids to go to the second floor. S was about 5 feet behind me but she couldn't see me. It was just a second and she started to cry. My neighbor reassured her that I was right there but she wanted ME. That is a super good sign. For one moment, she thought she needed me to be safe. That is HUGE!
The bummer today is that I think I am having a minor IT band problem. It's my own dang fault for running too far the other night. Not only did I run much more than I should have but I was running on uneven, downhill surfaces. Add my flat feet in and I am a recipe for disaster in the IT band category. I took tonight off and will stretch a bunch.
Positive Note- DH is taking tomorrow off. Well, he is taking a work call in the morning (dang technology) but will be with the family most of the day. It's my spring break!
I have to admit, that when they started complaining in the car about how long it was taking I wanted to just flip my car around and head on home. After all, we were going to be missing naptime because of this adventure.
But it was worth it. Every single kid had fun. I realized M is really growing up. She's a little less into the hands on thing and more into helping watch the kids. And I was really glad she was into that because I really needed her eyes.
T discovered the gears. They became his new favorite thing. He wasn't interested, surprisingly, in the dress up things.
D liked the work station. That was T's favorite thing about a year ago so I am not shocked. Too bad I can't get them to do more work at home :)
S loved the little house with the pretend kitchen. She could have spent all day making fake sandwiches. I wasn't a bit surprised that she loved that spot.
And C, well, she loved the balls. There is a spot where you put the ball in and a bunch of air comes out. She would just smile away each time the air would blow her hair.
After the museum we went outside to the outdoor fountains and let the kids run around in them. They had a super time. It was the first day to be warm enough. The kids were more than thrilled to don their swimsuits today.
But perhaps the best thing today happened when we were in the museum. I had gathered all of the kids to go to the second floor. S was about 5 feet behind me but she couldn't see me. It was just a second and she started to cry. My neighbor reassured her that I was right there but she wanted ME. That is a super good sign. For one moment, she thought she needed me to be safe. That is HUGE!
The bummer today is that I think I am having a minor IT band problem. It's my own dang fault for running too far the other night. Not only did I run much more than I should have but I was running on uneven, downhill surfaces. Add my flat feet in and I am a recipe for disaster in the IT band category. I took tonight off and will stretch a bunch.
Positive Note- DH is taking tomorrow off. Well, he is taking a work call in the morning (dang technology) but will be with the family most of the day. It's my spring break!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
38 minutes
That's how far I was able to, um, run tonight. That makes it sound like I went really far. In reality, it was 38 very slow minutes plus 13 minutes of walking. I am going to get this behind of mine (and the rest of me hopefully or I will look very funny) in shape.
Last night M got sick. She threw up a whopping 11 times. It was a long night. Luckily she made it to the toilet all but one time. What a blessing. And the one time she didn't make it was one of the later times and there wasn't much left in her tummy.
The boys went skiing today. D graduated from his edgie wedgies. T found out that it's much harder to ski in powder than on the groomed trails. It may be the last day they all go skiing because D can't ski the hard trails and once the snow starts to melt that is all that is open.
S has been having a rough time. We had a couple of choking days this past week and then some purposeful slamming C's head with a door (times 2). It has been frustrating. I went searching for some new ways to deal with her. We are trying the sitting strong idea right now. I don't know if it'll work or not.
Spring must be officially here because today I mowed the lawn and pulled some weeds. I still have not found my checkbook. UGH!
Did I mention I ran 38 minutes? Of course I did. It was the highlight of my day.
Positive note- Days of skiing make for tired little boys that fall asleep quickly.
Last night M got sick. She threw up a whopping 11 times. It was a long night. Luckily she made it to the toilet all but one time. What a blessing. And the one time she didn't make it was one of the later times and there wasn't much left in her tummy.
The boys went skiing today. D graduated from his edgie wedgies. T found out that it's much harder to ski in powder than on the groomed trails. It may be the last day they all go skiing because D can't ski the hard trails and once the snow starts to melt that is all that is open.
S has been having a rough time. We had a couple of choking days this past week and then some purposeful slamming C's head with a door (times 2). It has been frustrating. I went searching for some new ways to deal with her. We are trying the sitting strong idea right now. I don't know if it'll work or not.
Spring must be officially here because today I mowed the lawn and pulled some weeds. I still have not found my checkbook. UGH!
Did I mention I ran 38 minutes? Of course I did. It was the highlight of my day.
Positive note- Days of skiing make for tired little boys that fall asleep quickly.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Conference Chaos
Twice a year we have our church's general conference. For someone not familiar with this it means that we can sit at home and watch a big general meeting (okay 4 of them at two hours a pop for me) with church leaders speaking in while still sitting in our own homes. Now, if we lived in some remote place it would be a different story and we'd have to watch it online or at a church meetinghouse. Thankfully, we live where it is on television and it doesn't matter if we are in our jammies.
There was an activity packet for kids going around online. I thought the whole thing was fabulous. The kids have something more at their level. They are involved in some way. They are busy and somewhat quiet and I can listen to what I need to hear.
That's a bunch of bologna.
I printed out an activity with people's pictures and a tie. When that person spoke the kids were supposed to color the tie to match.
This is how it went (give or take a few dialogues):
"Mom, is this that guy? I can't find so and so. My white crayon won't show up on the blue. C is coloring all over mine.... (waaaaaaaaaaaaaa crying involved here) How much longer. Mom can you show me where this guy is."
D asked me if this man (speaking on television)
was this man in the picture.
It was NONSTOP chatter. They were twenty times louder than normal. Finally I sent them outside to play. The whole thing backfired. And now, well, I laugh because it really was funny.
Then this afternoon I went to Barnes and Noble and bought a book using a gift card that a friend gave me. I called her to tell her she may end up being responsible for saving my family. That's quite a birthday gift. I bought the book "Parenting the Hurt Child." I actually read part of "Adoping the Hurt Child" while I was at the bookstore. I couldn't believe how it seemed that they were writing about my S. Someone finally really knows her. (Granted, this person has never met her. But still, she was described to a T in that book.) I have some new things to try and some things to discuss with the therapists.
I also bought my kids dresses to wear to DH's little sister's wedding reception. I hope they look cute enough. I got them on sale at least.
Did I mention I managed to 'run' 18 minutes yesterday. I might have gone a little more but a big scary dog got in my path and I turned a little early. Still that's my longest run since last summer. It's not the five miles I was doing each day when I moved 7 years ago but it's a start.
Little S did better with her meals today. Yesterday she just couldn't stop eating. The little thing, at three, downed 3 1/2 Costco sized apples and then wanted dinner. Her tummy was hurting so much after that she couldn't let herself slump while sitting on the couch. I made the mistake of telling her that if she had to throw up to do it in the bathroom. DH reminded me that we don't want her thinking she can undo things so easily. He had her sit on the tile so that if she did it we could clean it up more easily. She looked so uncomfortable. Today she mentioned it several times and tonight after she had eaten plenty for dinner I told her she could continue to eat as much broccoli as she wanted but not any of the other stuff. She decided she was done before she made herself sick. Sometimes DH is way smarter than me. Maybe he's just away enough to be able to see the whole picture better.
We played a staring game tonight and it was interesting to see how hard it was for D and S to stare and keep eye contact. I did it with everyone and so we all got a bunch of practice. We need to work more on eye contact. T thought scary noises would make me look away. Silly kid.
Positive Note- Other than the great book and the dresses.... D had a pretty good day.
There was an activity packet for kids going around online. I thought the whole thing was fabulous. The kids have something more at their level. They are involved in some way. They are busy and somewhat quiet and I can listen to what I need to hear.
That's a bunch of bologna.
I printed out an activity with people's pictures and a tie. When that person spoke the kids were supposed to color the tie to match.
This is how it went (give or take a few dialogues):
"Mom, is this that guy? I can't find so and so. My white crayon won't show up on the blue. C is coloring all over mine.... (waaaaaaaaaaaaaa crying involved here) How much longer. Mom can you show me where this guy is."
D asked me if this man (speaking on television)
was this man in the picture.
Do these two look alike at all? I just it would be so easy for them to match the visual on television with the picture. I was so wrong.
It was NONSTOP chatter. They were twenty times louder than normal. Finally I sent them outside to play. The whole thing backfired. And now, well, I laugh because it really was funny.
Then this afternoon I went to Barnes and Noble and bought a book using a gift card that a friend gave me. I called her to tell her she may end up being responsible for saving my family. That's quite a birthday gift. I bought the book "Parenting the Hurt Child." I actually read part of "Adoping the Hurt Child" while I was at the bookstore. I couldn't believe how it seemed that they were writing about my S. Someone finally really knows her. (Granted, this person has never met her. But still, she was described to a T in that book.) I have some new things to try and some things to discuss with the therapists.
I also bought my kids dresses to wear to DH's little sister's wedding reception. I hope they look cute enough. I got them on sale at least.
Did I mention I managed to 'run' 18 minutes yesterday. I might have gone a little more but a big scary dog got in my path and I turned a little early. Still that's my longest run since last summer. It's not the five miles I was doing each day when I moved 7 years ago but it's a start.
Little S did better with her meals today. Yesterday she just couldn't stop eating. The little thing, at three, downed 3 1/2 Costco sized apples and then wanted dinner. Her tummy was hurting so much after that she couldn't let herself slump while sitting on the couch. I made the mistake of telling her that if she had to throw up to do it in the bathroom. DH reminded me that we don't want her thinking she can undo things so easily. He had her sit on the tile so that if she did it we could clean it up more easily. She looked so uncomfortable. Today she mentioned it several times and tonight after she had eaten plenty for dinner I told her she could continue to eat as much broccoli as she wanted but not any of the other stuff. She decided she was done before she made herself sick. Sometimes DH is way smarter than me. Maybe he's just away enough to be able to see the whole picture better.
We played a staring game tonight and it was interesting to see how hard it was for D and S to stare and keep eye contact. I did it with everyone and so we all got a bunch of practice. We need to work more on eye contact. T thought scary noises would make me look away. Silly kid.
Positive Note- Other than the great book and the dresses.... D had a pretty good day.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Compound words
Every kindergartener has something they think is really cool.
For T, right now, it's compound words. He finds them all the time. This week he 'discovered' a new one. He, D, and S were at the table playing with some dough. The boys were making snakes and S was making a pair of panties. Oh, isn't that just so sweet. T gets really excited and says, "Mom, that's a compound word. Pant and tease."
Oh that kid! Can't we go back to sunrise and sunset?
DH is home from Chicago. The kids were each turkeys as some point and so he only brought me a treat. I got a pack of gum.
Oh, and I have sad news. My favorite black long sleeved shirt has a hole in it. I went to put it on yesterday and notice that the fabric is wearing away. It was sad. Heck, I didn't even get that shirt at 75% off. I think I still paid a whopping 6 bucks for that tee. I have this funky thing about clothes and I like to get enough wearings out of something so that I don't pay more than a dime a wearing. I actually probably wore that shirt that many times. Whatever is on top of the dirty clothes pile gets washed the most and it's just part of the cycle. You wear something frequently so it's on top frequently which allows you to wear it more often. What's most frightening is that the hole wasn't in a spot that gets much friction. I'm hoping that the rest wasn't wearing too thin too.
For T, right now, it's compound words. He finds them all the time. This week he 'discovered' a new one. He, D, and S were at the table playing with some dough. The boys were making snakes and S was making a pair of panties. Oh, isn't that just so sweet. T gets really excited and says, "Mom, that's a compound word. Pant and tease."
Oh that kid! Can't we go back to sunrise and sunset?
DH is home from Chicago. The kids were each turkeys as some point and so he only brought me a treat. I got a pack of gum.
Oh, and I have sad news. My favorite black long sleeved shirt has a hole in it. I went to put it on yesterday and notice that the fabric is wearing away. It was sad. Heck, I didn't even get that shirt at 75% off. I think I still paid a whopping 6 bucks for that tee. I have this funky thing about clothes and I like to get enough wearings out of something so that I don't pay more than a dime a wearing. I actually probably wore that shirt that many times. Whatever is on top of the dirty clothes pile gets washed the most and it's just part of the cycle. You wear something frequently so it's on top frequently which allows you to wear it more often. What's most frightening is that the hole wasn't in a spot that gets much friction. I'm hoping that the rest wasn't wearing too thin too.
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