The M&M Show + H

A long time

2010-10-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

A glass of wine, a bit of time. It has been too long.

The last couple of months have flown by. School has taken a front seat and is practically driving this car I call my life. It has been tough, not only the reading but the retaining and using of information but just getting into a new routine. The younger two seem to be getting in the groove but it has been harder for Max. It is not easy to go from having a mom who is there for every pick up and to make sure your homework gets done to being in school an hour longer with Dad picking you up. I am glad that he talks openly to me about his feelings and that he lets me know that he wants to have time with me. I know that the older he gets the challenge will be to get him to actually want to spend time with me.

Maggie seems to be okay but then she gets to have me on Fridays when she is not in school. So she seems to be adjusting okay to 4 full days of school.

Harry doesn't seem to like his siblings going to school except that he likes to be at school and watch all the kids. He really enjoys dropping them off and hanging out for a few minutes on the playground with them. He is such a happy, smiley little guy. He really is good for me. He will pull me off the couch while I am studying or reading to play with him. Can't really deny him and he gives me much needed breaks and keeps life in perspective.

And really Thank goodness I have such a supportive husband because I really couldn't do this without him literally. He switched his schedule and he cooks dinner most days of the week. I just get to swoop in and give kisses and read books at bedtime when I get home from school.

hmm maybe that glass or two of wine is hitting me in a sappy way. lol

Anyway life is pretty good and I just wanted to share.

This weekend and THE midterm from heck

2010-10-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was AMAZING. It is hard to describe how fantastic it is to be with such a wide variety of women from all over the country and really just have a great time non stop. We had liberals, conservatives, religious, and not so and yet not one argument. There was truly nothing to argue about. It was just about enjoying and discovering a lot about each other.
I was excited to listen and get to know everyone better and was grateful for the opportunities to enjoy their company. I am hoping this becomes an annual event.

At the same time, I was with all these amazing ladies, I needed to study for a midterm I had yesterday evening. It is in my killer make or break class. I believe I did okay. It was definitely a relief just to be done and have it off my shoulders. Now it is on to the next assignment.

I got my test back from my intro class today. Ugh. I have got to get over my confidence. I thought that I had done pretty darn well. But I walked away with a b. And I know it is not so bad but I still feel disappointed. It has been a tough semester of relearning how to learn.

I need to learn that tv is not my friend.

And tonight I taped my project. I am hoping that I got it all and that I don't need to redo it. And I am hoping that Thursday will provide more satisfaction on the test front.

Great Grandparents

2010-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

So the whole time I was in the Philippines, I thought about this blog and about what I would write and how I would like to upload pictures. I still hope to at some point and I want to upload video but I am jumping ahead of myself.

Growing up, I had the pleasure of knowing and loving my great grandparents. My great grandmother died when I was young but I still remember her soft hugs and wonderful food. My great grandfather was an interesting character. I believe I was 15 when he passed so I have pretty good memories of him. And some interesting stories. He helped repair the steeple on a church. He built the two houses, one that he lived in and one that my grand parents lived in.

He used to shoot squirrels from the window of his house. Yep, they would get in the bird feed and eat it, chasing the birds away. My great used to get out his handgun and shoot them, that is until the local police came and asked him to stop shooting his gun within city limits. I think at that point, he had shot about 84 squirrels only missing one. Of course, I don't have rose colored glasses. He was bigoted in a big way. He wouldn't have approved of my marriage or kids but then he was born around the turn of the century. I don't subscribe to his world view but I could still love him none the less and learn from him.

My mom's dad was, also, an interesting character. He was a successful business man. He was a good cook. He gave me the gift of the love of travel. He and my grandmother had been all over the world. He had great stories and an independent spirit. I moved from Iowa City to Tucson in 2006. He picked me up while he was on his normal summer travel from Phoenix to the east coast through the midwest and back again to Phoenix. We traveled in his car stopping in New Mexico. At the motel, he brought out his flask so that we could share a sip. He was a drink before dinner kind of guy. He always seemed worldly and welcoming. Every birthday, he would send a letter with a poem that he composed as well as articles and cartoons he had found interesting or funny that he wanted to share. He was really into the stock market and gold. He was early on gold by about 10 years. He died while I was pregnant with Max.

Krismon's grandfather reminds me of my grandfather. He doesn't speak english, he is shorter than my grandfather was but there is something indescribable. He still works and he is almost 90. I found out that he started working when he was 15. He was adopted. He inspires his family with his hard work. This visit was for him, to celebrate his birthday and to bring all his children together with him. And for me, it was to give my kids time with their great grandfather. The kids loved giving him kisses, Harry liked bumping foreheads with him.

Okay this is the only picture I found this time so far with the older kids and their great grandfather, Tikong (spelling? chinese for great grandfather). The picture includes their uncle joel and Mercy. She bought the cake for him, she's been cooking for the family for over 20 years. She's an awesome cook and super nice woman.

School glorious school

2010-09-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

So instead of reading and reading and reading some more. I am here. I feel like some awful girlfriend who hasn't called in ages.

Harry and I got back over a week ago so that I could start only one week late for school. I wish I could have started on time. I am still playing catch up. School has changed since I went for my undergraduate degree. There were things that the teachers use that would have been helpful to know about ahead of time. They have this online program that is used as a means to communicate and it cuts down on paper usage by the school. I didn't learn about it until my first day of class but I think some of the stuff was already up for a whole. I could have done the readings while I was gone. But I digress. I got to my first class only to find out that there was already a project due a week from that following Wednesday. huh? No way. Yup. And they gave us a mock quiz but didn't tell us til after that that was what it was. Yeah I felt good about my starting grad school. uh huh....

Outside of that first class, the other classes have gone fairly well. Some of the reading is dry but that's going to happen no matter what. What do I enjoy? Speaking with adults! Getting out. Learning, learning and learning some more. I am hoping also that I can show my kids how important studying is and reading. I have a feeling Harry isn't going to get as many kids books read to him as he will counseling books... lol

Here we are

2010-08-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

It is pretty great to surprise an almost 90 yr old man by coming to visit. It was a long flight and a seemingly even longer wait for our luggage but more than worth it to see the happy face of Krismon's grandfather. He said a few times how he just didn't even know that we were coming. The kids greeted him happily. Harry will hopefully warm up to him quickly. Despite our ability to speak easily to each other, you can just feel his happiness.
The kids are in heaven being with all their aunties, uncles and grand aunties and uncles. They are getting to eat candy and pretty much anything else their hearts could desire.
I love getting to catch up with his family as well. There are new babies, new married couples. Friends, we haven't seen in so long. And in a few days, a beach, sandy kids, giggles and snuggles.
Then next week, more surprises when more family arrives from the states and Canada.

Oh and do my kids know how to sweat or what? Picture will have to come later.

Sunday= fun day

2010-08-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

The kids, their auntie Beverly and I went to see wicked today. It was awesome! And I do not use the word lightly. Max was a little frightened at points but Maggie was enthralled. They both loved that they knew some of the music already. Thank you glee cast radio on pandora! I loved seeing the songs brought to life thru the story. I highly recommend this musical. It suggests 8 and older but my kids did pretty darn well. Maggie was disappointed that she didn't get to meet the cast afterwards.

Then it was off to dinner and now we wait to board our plane...

SF Zoo

2010-08-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

So the month of August is free for kids with good reason, not as many areas are open but we still managed to spend 4 hours wandering around as well as buying and eating lunch. We have decided from now on, we will not be doing this. I think we have spent so much more at these places for their lunches that we could have packed much better lunches with treats for the kids. Live and learn.

So as we drove, we took a different way to get to the zoo. Yes, we drove into a wall of white. Did I mention that I was driving? It has been a long time since I drove in a white out. It was nerve wracking and fun all at the same time. When we got ocean side it was gone, thankfully so we could gaze at the water before getting to the zoo. Our friends pulled in at the same time, talk about perfect timing. The kids enjoyed most of it. We loved the gorillas especially and then the children's zoo specifically. We could put Harry on the ground and let him walk around and touch the African goats. They were so gentle and he got to touch a tortoise and a chicken. It's fun to see his reactions as such a little guy. It was nice to catch up with my friend.

I think in all of this the only part that troubles me is Max's attitude. I feel like he is taking fore granted all these activities that we have gotten to do over the last two weeks. I guess it is hard to convey to him how lucky he is do so many things that I didn't do as a kid especially in such a short stretch of time.

gazpacho

2010-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

There is a massive abundance of tomatoes in my in laws garden. It's heaven really. My brother in law and sister in law planted a ton of variety. Yesterday, we had a bbq and I was planning on just grilling some other garden veges and making a salad. One of my sisters in law suggested gazpacho and I thought that sounded like a fabulous idea so I looked up a recipe but wanted to twist it as well so we grilled garlic and onion and finished it with grilled corn.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/gazpacho-recipe/index.html

I used that recipe but instead of white wine vinegar we used red and I should have used some fresh garlic as well. I also took the skin off the tomatoes and the cucumber. It was refreshing and overall the meal really highlighted their garden bounty and wonderful grilled chicken. Now I wish that I had taken pictures of it all. I must confess that I don't often make too much for the family meals because my mother in law and my 4 sisters in law are such good cooks that it can be a little intimidating. But yesterday was fun and Maggie helped and therefore ate so much more of the soup and salad. It was great.

thrilled by heights

2010-08-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

By thrilled, I mean kind of scared but yet exhilarated. We headed out to the county fair after getting Harry up from his nap. Mm yeah it was free to park, free to get in the fair but then THEY TAKE CREDIT CARDS for tickets. And to ride a ride was either 3 or 4 tickets. Yeah they didn't go on to many given those prices. Harry couldn't go on any rides today.
Now the Ferris Wheel was the one ride I was willing to go on. And it was amazing, thrilling and scary all at the same time. I feared for my iphone even though I wanted to take photos with it. Maggie loved it and Max wished he had gone with us when we went. Maggie has a bit of the dare devil in her which I want to keep exploring so that she can keep doing fun things. Max enjoyed the super slide and did that one twice. Then they got to have funnel cake for only the second time in their lives. Well the first in Harry's life. They all enjoyed it.

Then we checked out the animals. The pigs were lounging and napping. A young lady had her cow out, the professor. The kids all got to pet him and we took a family picture which I will hopefully get on here sometime. We saw goats being milked and sheep that had already been sheared. It was fun to see the animals and kind of made me a bit homesick for Iowa.

Afterwards, we ended with some fish tacos at Rubios and some frozen yogurt. Ah it was nice.

I took the kids up to see my old office. A few minutes in and then out and on our way. Harry was pooped after that. He cried all the way home and went down for his nap quickly. The kids are enjoying disney on vhs. lol First the rescuers and now the great mouse detective. Good times.

Now is the time

2010-08-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ah yes. I am enjoying my iphone and my time here. With Krismon's parents back, I can take the kids places one on one. Not that we have gone anyplace special at this point but I did enjoy just having some time and heck it is so much easier going places with just one. Maggie and I headed off to get a dog bed for Juno, some groceries and a barefoot coffee with some art. I posted the pictures on facebook. It's so much fun being with the kids individually. They are so much easier to get along with too.
Later I took Max to Diaso ( I probably spelled it all wrong) It is a great cheap japanese store. And then we got frozen yogurt. It is nice to just sit and chat and check in with both kids. Maggie has a wild imagination and Max just has an interesting take on the world. Harry and I went for a short walk together. And I made him walk, we only got half a block but whatever. He seemed to enjoy looking around and experiencing something new and different.
Another morning, I grabbed Max and Harry (he refused to nap.) and we ran some more errands and stopped for another cup of latte art. The boys shared a blueberry muffin and Harry who has been feeling better decided to explore a little more. He went around and tried to engage but none of the adults would have anything to do with him. I think I am grateful for this because I believe he might have come scurrying back to me if someone actually smiled at him.

So free summer concerts, I just don't have the desire to go to the ones in Vegas. Yeah, I know. You are probably wondering why. Ok so you aren't. Sunnyvale has them and we didn't go the first Wednesday we were here so we went this last time leaving Harry at home with the Grands. No worries, he got to thoroughly enjoy a chocolate brownie cookie. We had a great time at this street concert. Oh my.... It was salsa night. SALSA NIGHT! Max went wild, that latin beat moved his hips. We met Krismon's best friend and his family. The kids were excited to see L and I. I was glad to see Connie, Aaron's wife. We have kind of grown up at the same time in marriage and now in kids too. Both L and Max wanted to dance with Maggie. It was a crack up. Everyone around was either amused or just really tolerant of their wilder moves. I think Max might need some Salsa lessons. He really seemed to enjoy himself so much. It was just fun to watch him.

Today, we went to Happy Hollow in San Jose. It's a great park for smaller kids. They had rides and playgrounds and a zoo. We met Connie and her kids. It went well until the roller coaster. The line took forever and that upset the balance. After that, Harry kind of lost his cool. He rallied for quite a while but he was getting done in as were the other two. He actually got to ride on two rides, One was a little car ride that went around. He sat with Maggie and they enjoyed themselves a lot. And then at the end, we rode the carousel on the way out. He was a bit frightened but did seem to like it. We were tired and ready for home but ah was it a good time.

Tomorrow's agenda calls for a trip to the Santa Clara County Fair.

mmm and yeah I have really missed the past two weeks of Krismon being gone and really am looking forward to seeing him Saturday morning. That's all

Ah Bay Area

2010-08-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Thankfully Harry is doing better. I know his teeth are bugging him something fierce but his demeanor has gotten better. He is happy to have his Grandparents back from Canada and this brings me some relief. He is such a funny kid. He is a guys guy. He is much more willing to go to men then to women which is kind of shocking to me since the other two weren't like that as much. And he is a bit shyer then the other two. It's cool to really see him grow into a personality.

Saturday, we went up to San Francisco to see my sister in laws new place. We had awesome food in the mission and then went to the Exploritorium. I have never been and my sister in law used to work there years ago. Max was so overwhelmed that he went from thing to thing to thing never completely focussed. Maggie had a few things she really enjoyed. Harry was stuck in the stroller but I think he enjoyed what he could before nodding off for his afternoon nap. It is definitely some place that we could go on a fairly regular basis that the kids would enjoy more and more and more.
After the museum, it was ice cream for dinner. Ohhhhh sooooo good. Or I should say we reversed dinner and stared with dessert first. Mitchells ice cream is sooo good so if you are visiting San Francisco you must go. The cantelope is terrific.

Sunday, my in laws got back and we went to a fresh dumpling place. I mean we could see them making them. How awesome is that?

California Fever

2010-08-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

We drove here a week ago Saturday. We got in a good Sunday and Monday. Krismon flew back to Vegas to work. For the next 3 days, Harry had a fever which reduced our ability to do much. Poor kid was not happy and the only person he wanted was me. He still seems to be shy around his Aunts which is wearing me down something awful. And right at this moment, he is refusing to nap. Oy. I guess I will have to write another post later. bye

Been married 11 years today

2010-07-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

We are on the last leg of our 9 hour odyssey from vegas to Sunnyvale. The kids and are there for quite some time while Krismon goes back to work. I am looking forward to a break from the heat so the kids can play outside like they should in the summer. Seeing friends and family that we don't get to see often enough. Travel on our anniversary? Sure! Our commitment is to each other but also to our family. This is a great present to ourselves and our kids. Let's just hope my on laws think so too.

Another milestone

2010-07-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

My lazy days are over. So I used to be able to let him go into the living room on his own. He likes our 'library' as Maggie calls our book case. He likes to pull out the books and look at them and if they are paper, of course, try to rip them. But now, now.... hmmm he can climb on the low couches in the room. ugh and our coffee table is marble. So maybe I should just move the table.... but where?

He was so pleased with himself when he got up on the couch and then when he went over the arm of the couch and was even more pleased. This means that I am going to have reposition pictures and move more stuff out of reach.

Secretly. I am glad for him. It's so nice to capture these moments and have this blog as my memory keeper.

Same story different Kid

2010-07-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

So when I weaned Maggie 3 years ago, she started getting these diaper rashes. They were pretty bad. We even used nystatin to try and get rid of them. Nothing until we determined that she had an intolerance to citrus and strawberries. And unfortunately, her little bum still isn't too happy with those fruits.

Fast forward to last week, Maggie's first recital was Wednesday. Harry fell asleep in my arms at the auditorium and that was that. No more breastfeeding since that day. Yes to some degree I am happy for the freedom and I know I explored this in another post. I guess I was hoping that we wouldn't be where we are right now. His little bum is on fire. He has woken up the past 3 or more days with a dirty diaper and just crying pitifully. And if his diaper isn't dirty, his leg will be stuck. It is tough to push the slats apart so I can get his leg out.

So that is two things I need to solve. I feel terrible that his diaper rash has gotten so bad since we stopped breastfeeding so now I have to solve that and most likely figure out what food is causing that problem. I may just start the whole potty learning thing so we can try and ward off some of the rash. And then it will be finding something to bumper the crib so his legs won't get stuck.

Wish me luck.

Maggie's first Dance Recital

2010-07-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yes that is 3 costume changes. And she did awesome both nights. They did 'The Little Mermaid' story and then Seasons of the Year. And yes it was wayyyyy toooo loooong, like one hour tooo long. The show was 3 hours and Maggie had to be there an hour earlier than that. Oy! She did fantastic though. And she had great fun with her dance friends. It was fun to see her so excited and have such a great time.

Tired oh so tired

2010-07-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a long day. Oh boy. Maggie's first dance recital is tonight and tomorrow night. Last night was the dress rehearsal, 4 hours long! Yes that's right. She was there for at least 4 hours. I took her, stayed an hour, drove to the store, shopped, drove home. Then 20 minutes later, I took my mom there. Got home at 6:30. I had hoped that the men people could feed themselves from the stuff I bought but no. We finished dinner, were cleaning up when my Lia Sophia person came for the party. Got house mostly picked up and then Harry down for the night. Friends showed up, we had a great time. The kids had fun with their friends but were up wayyyyyy tooo late. Oy.

Maggie napping, I was hoping Max would nap but I think that is a no go. And tonight we get to see the fun of Maggie recital. And then I am going straight to bed because it is past my bed time.

Polar Exhibit

2010-07-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Friday the kids and I went to the mall for an exhibit housed in an unused store. Max was pretty independent while Maggie had lots of questions that she wanted answered. Harry just got to sit in the stroller and come along for the ride.

Maggie's hand in the Polar Bear foot print. And yes she suckered me into painting her nails.

Max's hand in the other foot print.

The two of the them together learning. Or at least I hope that is what I was capturing. :)

Max as a penguin.

Maggie as a penguin. And yes my camera just didn't want to capture the whole slide.

The kids getting weighed like a polar bear would in the wild.

Max didn't want to leave but I knew the other two were pretty well done. We braved the mall a little longer and went to Chevys for lunch. I sometimes can't believe that I am actually willing to take 3 kids to a restaurant by myself. Harry enjoyed the tableside guac. That was pretty much his lunch besides having a little of my rice and beans and a few bites of chicken. Does anyone else think it is weird that a mexican restaurant, okay, americanized mexican restaurant serves fries with the kids meals?

A Hard Day

2010-07-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

In my head, I am envisioning Signing Times where some little boy says that in the back ground and then they show signs for emotions like sad and crying. It was a tough day. Krismon ended up having to work a lot of it, luckily from home but still hard. The kids were up at their usual 6am. Because Krismon ended up working, I slept in til 7. And yes if I had the coffee maker in my room, I would have stayed in there longer and hid out. This was one of those seen but not heard days so most of the day was spent trying to keep the noise level down for work purposes and nap times. It was my tough day. We didn't leave the house and I was tired of the effect that tv has on the kids so we kept it off most of the afternoon. Now that is a good thing and a bad thing. It means the kids do other things than just sit and watch. But it's important to find them things that aren't destructive. We tried games but Maggie is still learning to play and how to play nicely. I swear Max didn't truly learn how to play board games until this year. I am hoping that by the end of Summer that will be mastered so that we can keep the tv off more.

Krismon has decided to take a hand in Maggie's word learning which will help me out. That girl likes to pretend she won't know a word that she said without even looking at it barely two pages before. OMmmmmmm Namaste. Yes that is what I need to do more of drink wine and meditate.

Chicken said Cluck!

2010-07-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

I can officially say that is Maggie's first book. It took over an hour to read with lots of hair pulling (me pulling mine that is, it's a wonder that I have any left) before she read the whole book. I wore her down and decided to be more stubborn than her. Yes it was possible. This is one time where I would like to shake my fist at phonics. Yes, it does help for sounding out words but then it becomes a crutch or a way to pretend that she needs to continuously sound out words. ARGH me mateys!

At least she did like the word Grasshopper....

Annoyed and sad this morning

2010-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. We had our middle of the night visitor AGAIN. Maggie has been fighting a cold and it seems to be causing her to wake up the last few nights. Last night I couldn't even open my eyes when she came in. And then she had the audacity to wake up at 5:40 and try to get us up as well. And then when that didn't happen she went into her room to wake Max up. UGH!

I was just not on my game this morning. I am hoping to get my game back at some point. I decided that we would go to a polar exhibit. It's at the mall so who knows maybe I will find myself something. lol.

SAD..... We have been slowly weaning for a month now. I had decided yesterday to move down to just one feeding a day. I really thought about which feeding to drop. I decided to drop the morning feeding. Well last night we had a little bbq with friends. Harry didn't get down until almost 7:30. He didn't want to nurse. I knew the time was coming and I know I could keep it going but I want the freedom too. It's such a mixed feeling. He is our last baby and that relationship is so special. I am sure I will have a good cry and then a good smile. I am ready for some alone time with Krismon without worrying about Harry. And that time is drawing near. That's the smile.

Grad school

2010-07-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

So life has to move on and on and I am happy to report that my parents seem to be accepting everything a little better today. It's not like it is new so the shock wears off a little quicker even if it doesn't mean everything is truly better.

Maggie had goopy eyes yesterday but that seems to be gone today. Today, her ear hurts. I will probably take her in tomorrow if she continues to complain but here is hoping the tylenol helps soon.

Yesterday was spent proving to school that I live and have lived in Nevada at least a year. Today I got to take the kids with me and get shots. Good times!

UNLV requires current shots of Tetnus/Diptheria and MMR. The MMR is two doses. So the kids got to be there and see my face. Maggie held my hand when I got the first shot. I don't think the doctor was really that thrilled that I brought the kids but oh well. It took just moments and then he gave us all a little chocolate. Ahhhh he became the kids favorite person.

4th of July

2010-07-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great day and weekend. It was a long weekend of fun with the kids. This year seems so different from last year. Yes Harry is a year older and can walk and my boobs aren't going to fall off but that isn't it. The older two are well older. They can do so much more and appreciate so much more. They are had their normal Saturday activities, dance and violin. Sunday, we were lucky to have good plans. Our friend, John, had a cd release party/bbq.

Okay so this was supposed to be a good post about the fun of the weekend and the joyful times with the kids.

Unfortunately, this afternoon a phone call took the wind out of my sails. My Dad called. They found cancer in my Mom again. It's been again and again and again and again. She has fought breast cancer and ovarian cancer. She got rid of her breasts avoiding chemo and radiation. She was diagnosed like 10 years later with ovarian cancer. She went through chemo as well as surgery. And then she was gone through neuro endrocrine cancer. The last time nearly killed her, the surgery and recovery were so bad. And now, and now, and now. Now they found more cancer behind her stomach. There is no such thing as simple surgery for her anymore when it comes to her belly so she is unwilling to go through what she went through last time. She wants to get radiation. It seemed like if it was going to rain that it would pour. The kids kept hurting themselves. Maggie's eyes are all goopy. So I think at one point most of us were crying for various reasons.

It's just how, how, how. I mean really. And it sucks for me but for her and for my dad. It just leaves me speechless.

I survived 3 days

2010-07-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am still somewhat scared about the next month but.... so far so good. The kids are, of course, fighting somewhat but I think Harry helps kind of alleviate certain problems. He does a good job of crawling all over them and getting them to giggle. I will need to capture it at some point. But it is nice to hear them so happy.

Today the kids watched The Lion King while Harry napped. Afterwards, we watched a show on the travel channel called secret something. It was a pretty cool show. The one we watched was about Cambodia. It was really cool how the guy really showed history. Max was fascinated by it. Maggie liked it but was a little bored off and on.

There was a show on NBC two summers ago, I believe. It was a competition of families and it was a treasure hunter show. It was really cool because it taught US history during the course of the show while giving a real picture of our history through the travel. It was fun to watch and I remember feeling sad that Max wasn't old enough to be able to really watch or appreciate. It hasn't been done again, unfortunately.

We did watch the Lisa Kudrow show that showed stars genealogy. That was pretty cool too. I really love these type of shows that bring history to life. History detectives is another show that we have enjoyed watching in the past.

I am almost weirdly and oh so nerdily looking forward to Summer Vacations where we can travel and see and experience places with them. I want to do an East Coast trip. They want to go to Germany to see their Aunts. We want to go to China. And who knows where else?

Seeing The Lion King with them and kind of through their eyes just brings so much joy. I can still feel it several days later.

Wanderlust and an appreciation for our World would be the best present that I feel like I could give them.

Summer rules

2010-07-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

So with the kids all home for the Summer meaning the next month or so, I worried about the behavior I saw last summer with Max. We let Max and Maggie stay up a half or so later last Summer to disastrous effects. Maggie not so much but Max had some wild kid moments. He lashed out when we tried to get him off the computer kicking and hitting. I didn't realize until a month later that it was probably because he needed to be in bed sooner. This Summer, so far, their bedtime hasn't changed, instead we are just being a little more flexible on a day by day basis. Also, I feel like this Summer Max needs a break from school. He worked hard this year.

Hmm I guess I should get to the rule. If the kids want to watch tv or play on the computer, they have to do something to earn it. They are still taking violin lessons so practice time is earning time. It's easy for Max to practice and he is enjoying it now. Maggie not so much. But Max was the same way at her age. I figure once she gets a few songs under her belt she will feel better about the violin.

If not violin, then Max has books to read this Summer. And Maggie gets to practice her letters and numbers and words. This is all exciting for me because then it means I get to watch tv. Shhhh so it is my reward too.

And guess what? Harry can now stand up on his own without pulling up on something. AMAZING! I saw him do it this morning so I mark this day Harry Stand Up Day! Yay!

First day of Summer AND The Lion King

2010-07-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday both kids were out of school. I have been looking forward to and dreading this at the same time. The kids had their second set of swim lessons. They enjoyed them. We came home, they played, they fought. They played, they fought. And so on and so forth. I tried to get them to rest for the big night.

Oh and we decided that the kids need to earn their tv time at this point. So they both practiced violin buying an hour. Ahhh a glorious hour of quiet.

We didn't tell the kids what we were doing. We had Allison come and watch Harry. We took the kids to Mandalay Bay. We got a cookie and some ice cream. We kept them guessing the whole time. It wasn't until we had walked up to the theater doors that they figured it out! It was so fantastic to keep it a secret. And thank you locals appreciation deals! Okay so one thing. If you have kids my age and my height don't get the first row in the balcony. They couldn't completely see over the low wall that wasn't quite low enough. That meant they sat in my and Krismon's lap for pretty much the entire performance. While it got a bit old and heavy holding them, it was still great to get the hugs and kisses throughout the performance. And I know it won't last. I will keep those moments in my heart. To hear those gasps because they were right next to my ear. During the break, Maggie was a chatter box to anyone and everyone within hearing. She was so happy to be surprised and wanted everyone to know. They helped dish out more smiles.

The performance itself. FAN FREAKING TASTIC! It was so much fun to see. The music was awesome, the dancing was sooooooooooo good. And I hope Maggie really took something away from it and understands that what she is doing in ballet is connected to what they did on stage. I just can't say enough. I loved that it was the kids first musical and that we had not seen it either. Great experience.

And we all looked pretty darn dapper. I am just sorry that I didn't take pictures of us.

Promotion Days

2010-06-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Maggie and another girl opening the ceremony with a prayer.

Yes that is a dress on me

Max dressed for his promotion day performance.

Max with his diploma and certificates for Best Mathematician and Overall Achievement. And yes I wore another dress with a necklace that he picked out at Kohls for me to buy for myself.

Okay so I could keep this wordless out side of the captions but I won't. So for the life of me, I can't remember ever ever having these sort of days at my schools growing up. I don't remember parents coming for these type of performances. Don't get me wrong, I think the performances that the kids did were great. Both performances included the star spangled banner. And the little kids sang songs that I didn't know and they had an awesome performance done by one little girl who is half japanese. She was dressed traditionally and everything. I would show the picture but don't feel really confident about doing that.

The lower and upper elementary did an around the world type of performance. The did all the continents and about 4 kids at a time talked about different things. If you haven't already guessed, Max talked about China and counted to ten in Mandarin (his grandma taught him.) Then they sang 'We are the World'. And Max sang it with feeling and emotion. It was a great performance and fun to listen to and learn from. But still not sure about the promotion day certificates. It seems like it is expected now that kids need these things to determine their self worth. That and the goody bags kill me. I still shake my head at those.

Off my rant, regardless I am proud of both kids because they made huge strides this year. Maggie came home everyday telling me that she had different friends depending on who she played with. She was constructing 4 letter words by the end and learning how to write lowercase letters. She is stubborn so we are still faced with the dilemma of not knowing how much she can do or knows until she busts out with something. I am pretty sure she is good at addition. Max had a fantastic year. He learned so much this year and I think it really wetted his appetite to learn even more. I will miss his teacher who is returning to CA after being here for two years. She was great. She didn't put up with nonsense and she really knew how to direct him and bring him down a notch or two when needed. Hopefully next year will go just as well.

I climbed back on the horse

2010-06-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well actually the treadmill. I am not a big fan and I am going to have to figure out how to the treadmill better situated in my room so I can watch tv and run.

What do you all do? Do you listen to the tv or watch it and listen to music or just listen to music? I am thinking that I would like to do the close captioning but listen to music. I need to figure something out. Because even though I got on, it still felt like torture. And I am totally behind on getting to 500 by the end of the year so I need to do a lot of catching up.

My exercise mojo

2010-06-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have lost it :( I set my alarm on my phone. I got out clothes to wear this morning to boot camp. And then...
I started tossing probably around 5. Krismon heard the pool 'burping' (meaning we need to fill it up some more) and then I got up too around 5:30 but just couldn't do it. I just didn't want to go.

Let's be honest I have found it harder and harder to want to exercise since the weather started getting warmer. The 5k at the beginning of May, I made it into an ending instead of a beginning. And then Germany disrupted as well. I walked a ton there just didn't record it. And then there was a groupon coupon for a boot camp. I signed up and went once and ended up getting surgery the next day. It wasn't related to the boot camp but it set me back from doing boot camp. And then Krismon was gone for a week as well the next week. I had no desire to try and get the kids out the door early to walk the dog.

I need help getting my mojo back.

Shark Reef

2010-06-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

The kids didn't have violin yesterday so after the US lost in soccer, we headed out to Mandalay Bay. It is the first time we have gone. It was pretty cool and it is not a huge facility which was good with Harry. He was in the stroller so he couldn't see everything as easily. Makes me feel like I should have put him in the beco so he could be up high. Max and Maggie enjoyed it all. Max really enjoyed listening to the wand with its explanation of each fish and area there. There is a shipwreck area where you can see below and above. The sharks were huge here and scared Max a bit. Maggie really liked it all. The touching of the stingrays was pretty cool. And this just wets my desire to get back to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with the kids. But I would really like Harry to be even just a year older.
It was a great introduction though to sea life. And it wasn't too big and my parents enjoyed it as well. It was a win win since there was a locals discount. YAY!
Afterwards we decided to head over to town square. We hit the kids play area but I swear it was 10 degrees warmer because of the rubber surface and we didn't bring extra clothes so they couldn't play on the splash pad. So we ducked out of there quickly. We had an early dinner at the yardhouse. I really like that restaurant. By the way, Sam Adams summer ale... good. Harry ate plenty of bread, asparagus, some edamame, mashed potatoes. Then we got some yogurtland frozen yogurt and he shared mine with me. It was fun afternoon. It was nice to get out despite the heat.

And even nicer to have Krismon home with us.

I miss Krismon

2010-06-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

The kids miss Krismon. We all miss Krismon.

Well maybe you don't, but we do.

I survived today

2010-06-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Krismon left yesterday for a conference in San Jose. Harry got a fever yesterday which woke him up around 2am. Poor kid, we hung out for about a half hour so the medicine could start working and then I nursed him and put him back to bed. (side note, we are starting the weaning process and the thought of not having the boobies to help with middle of the night things kind of scares me even though I am looking forward to losing a few cup sizes.). The kids were up at their normal time before 6 and so was Harry, unfortunately.

We made it through the morning. Thanks mythbusters, today you saved me from problems. And thanks leftover spring rolls, you made Max's lunch. And thanks Costco trip on Saturday for supplying cheese for his lunch. And blueberries that fed him lunch and the rest of us for breakfast. The morning just went well. We set ground rules and I was mellow so I made breakfast and lunch for the kids. They got to skype with Krismon and their grandma which was nice. And then it was off to school and naptime. whew. I took Harry to his pediatrician to get checked out. No I don't usually go when the fever is barely 12 hours old but my parents are coming tomorrow and my mom is imunocompromised. If he had an infection I wanted to get him on medicine 24 hours in advance. It's probably a virus but they wrote me a script just in case.

Then Harry and I had some time to kill before getting Maggie from school. We stopped in at Starbucks. I initiated Harry into the goodness called lemon loaf. He, thoroughly, enjoyed his experience. And then we were off to school. Maggie ate lunch and decided today was a nap day. Ah.... though as much as I wanted her to sleep and sleep and sleep I tried to keep it under 2 hours. She was wanting to continue sleeping, darn girl. lol. We got Max from school and boogied home. After eating and eating and eating and eating goldfish crackers. Ah yes I think at one point they were all double fisting it. And then Max decided to head outside to draw with chalk.

We all ended up outside and then all three kids ended up wet. They enjoyed it. At some point, Max decided that he needed another dose of mythbusters. I grabbed Harry and just put him in a clothie while the other two decided they wanted to remain toga style with their towels.

Krismon, thankfully, made chicken leg adobo a few days ago.That, some rice and veges with dip and cantaloupe made for an easy dinner. Bed time went pretty well.

So we have been reading a chapter every night of Pippi Longstocking,. The kids are enjoying it. I remember enjoying it as a child. She is definitely a larger than life character. And there are only a few pictures. It's great to get Maggie engaged in using her imagination to play out the story instead of having pictures act as a guide.

I almost feel like I should go to sleep now just in case........

Greek Yogurt

2010-06-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

I love love love it. It is so creamy and yummy. And if I am eating it and Harry sees me eating it, he hunts me down and hounds me until I feed it to him too. Yes that would be my 1 yo who gets this amazing grin on his face as soon as I stick the spoon in his mouth. He likes his yogurt but he loves my yogurt. The only problem is that mine has 0 fat and his is the full fat variety. I want him to have the biggest brains around and my yogurt won't cut it. lol

I am just saying if you haven't tried it yet, you must. Max, also, loves it. I was able to find some low fat variety. Maggie hasn't asked for any... yet.

My friend suggested using it to make dip. Ah yes that sounds like a good plan. The kids are getting good about eating their veges and dip so this would be a better way for them to eat dip then the store brand.

And yogurt with graham crackers.... just a little bit of heaven.

Swimming a HAAAA

2010-06-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

So the kids are in swimming lessons and they looooovvveee it! As soon as we get home, they want to go straight to the back yard and jump in our pool. It is absolutely thrilling to be able to have them be in the water and enjoy it.

I am hoping by the end of summer, they will be true swimmers. I will probably need to sign them up for more lessons but then hopefully I can take some with Harry at the same time.

Thank You Pandora

2010-06-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

I can not say enough of how much I love love Pandora Radio and the Glee Channel right now. This morning instead of asking for the tv to be turned on, Maggie brought me the remote and the vudu remote so that I would turn on the music!

Okay so I started this Friday but it is really great to have the kids on board with listening to music and dancing and enjoying. I get to hear from Max how singing is one of his favorite things to do. And listening to the music just makes me want to open up the world for them. I want them to see all the great musicals whether on tv or live. shh we are going to take them to see 'The Lion King' in a few weeks. Thank you locals appreciation discount! Krismon and I haven't seen it and we can't wait to experience it with the kids. I, kind of, wish that we could watch the movie a head of time so they can know the story somewhat. I am so excited to see what they think. We haven't done a huge amount of these type of shows but I think now with the kids getting older (and yes I know that Harry is getting the shaft at this point.) I want to get out more with them.

And I am just itching to show the kids 'Rent'. Though I think I may have to watch it first to see if it will be okay. I just love the music and the kids are already starting to sing the music.

Okay I am getting side tracked yet again so I will end this and tell you that by the end of summer, Journey is going to be more than a favorite for my kids and Queen! lol

Chafing

2010-06-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

huh?

Summer for my kids doesn't start until the 30th of June but I know if I don't want a repeat of some of the 'tude from last year that I probably should come up with some sort of schedule. That is what I chafe at. I like to schedule going places and I kind of live by a schedule but I can't imagine making more of one in the house. And the funny thing is that I feel like I am a habit type of person. So even though I pretty much do the same things every day I still don't want to make a schedule. I don't I don't I don't I don't you can't make me.

Yay I guess I just need to make myself. The kids will probably have an easier time of it if I do. See well you can't but I switched away from this page because even the idea of writing it down, makes me crazy.

I have this feeling that we need to have exercise time. an art period, a board game time,. reading time, swimming pool time, cooking dinner time (did I mention that I have told the kids that I want them to help me cook more this summer from our cook books.) I know that we will have playgroup and playdates but I am still scared. I tell you I wonder how did my mom did that when I was a kid. Except that I could go outside and not die of the heat like here.

Any other ideas?

I am here really

2010-06-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Life here has been hectic. My mother in law and sister in law left Friday morning. And somehow I don't think a lot has happened but none of us has been sleeping well and we have sickies in the hizouse. Well, anyway I have not felt like writing or I keep meaning to put up pictures and that hasn't happened.

We are going through the summer has hit and my kids don't want to go to sleep or stay asleep in their bed and want to get up at the buttcrack of dawn which means not much time alone with the man and a desire to sleep and be listless. Couple that with the desire to do stuff but feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. That seems to be my outlook right now. I know it is tiredness talking but wow. I need a good night's sleep.

So while I was gone I read a sample of the happiness project and decided I wanted to read the whole book. I don't know if I mentioned it on here already but I am enjoying it. And I want to put her ideas into play. So my plan is to start purging purging purging and deciding what to do with things that I think I want to have but can't figure out what to do with it or them. I am feeling in a brutal mood. I know we aren't hoarders but our house feels pretty pack ratty at the moment. Now I am sure if I had lots of built ins or dressers or say a basement, it wouldn't seem like we have so much because it could be packed away more neatly and probably easier to get to. But we have fallen into the convenience of bins, bins and more bins. I guess I should just be thankful that we don't have a storage unit.

Well since I didn't post this last night. I am going to cut it off there and post it. Yeah I have been bad about not being totally coherent in my posts. Sorry. Hoping to rectify that soon with enough sleep and exercise.

He can walk... Ahhhhhhh. And the choir sings

2010-06-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

So we got back Sunday night. And I suggest reading the signs in the international terminal baggage claim and not turn your cell phone on. Oops. Good thing I didn't get hauled off. But I did feel duly chastised.
Harry slept for about 6 hours on the plane after having to finally put him in the carrier and bouncing him back and forth. He just didn't want to settle down. And then I got 3-4 hours sleep which was needed. It was a 10 hr flight. He woke up once we had landed. We got Jules to the other terminal. And then it was home. HOME SWEET HOME! We got to eat some dinner and then off to bed.

The next day, Harry decided that he could walk! It was great that he waited. I wanted Krismon to see it and experience his walking. And Krismon's cousin and husband were in town. They got to see it which was nice as well. After his nap though, he woke up with a fever. That was my greatest fear while we were gone that he would get sick more than just a cold. I was glad he waited til we got here especially since Krismon's sister is a nurse. We will hopefully get through the jetlag soon. And he doesn't have the fever anymore! Yay!

And today is his Birthday! He is a big 1 year old. And my last so I do feel a sniffly about it.

Harry,

You are a happy kid who loves his siblings. You enjoy playing with them. And you are a great eater. We all enjoy your company. You have this crazy natural mohawk going. I love you little man. lots and lots and lots!

Mom

Germany Photos

2010-06-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

And they aren't mine. I still need to upload mine.

This is across from our apartment.

A used book store. We love the sculpture

This is outside the Jewish Museum.

So I am falling asleep so I will have to post more later.

The day before the wedding and day of

2010-05-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, we had a chance to meet for breakfast with Nadja, her parents, brother and two of her friends. It was fantastic for a few reasons. They had a high chair for Harry. This was a major relief because most places do not. Ahhh to be able to feed him at the table while he sat independently. Second, it was so so wonderful to see Nadja's parents. I haven't seen Holgar since before Max and I have seen Theresia since before Maggie. She and I both cried which was unexpected. But as Nadja is my German sister, she is my German mom. She is a wonderful lady. Breakfast was super enjoyable. Afterwards we walked to a department store. I love that about here. You walk everywhere or catch the subway or bike. Nadja uses a car sharing program as well. This place doesn't necessarily rely on cars. It's fantastic.

I found a pair of shoes..... And yes there are ones that I can't get at Zappos. They are Germany and were on sale. And they are comfortable for walking and they have a heel. Does it get much better? Well yes, yes it does.

Today Friday wedding Day.. Man I am just going to start crying again if I think about it. Early afternoon was the civil ceremony at a little restaurant close to wear the evening ceremony and reception were going to be. There was just a close few. And I felt honored to be there among everyone. The ceremony was in German and there was a lot of humor involved. And then afterwards the brides began making the rounds with hugs. As soon as Nadja hugged me, I cried and cried. It was so wonderful to see her so happy with her life and with the person in her life. Olga is wonderful woman. And then when I hugged Olga, of course, I cried again. Who knew I was such a cry baby at such wonderfully happy events. Thankfully we could let Harry roam around. He was eternally grateful and set about trying to tip over candles, grab champagne glasses and what not. He charmed the whole lot in the room with his smiles. It was wonderful. And then we came back to the apartment and he took a nap. Jules went to the Turkish market and got salads for us and more coffee. Then she took a nap and I wandered the market. It is amazing because not only do they sell jewelry, bread, fish, cheese, vegetables and fruit but also bags, beads, bolts of cloth (beautiful cloth) clothes, shoes, all sorts of stuffs. It was fun to wander through and find things.

The evenings festivities began around 7pm on the boat. The ceremony was so meaningful and sweet. There best friends stood up and spoke before they did. They exchanged a ring and a pocket watch. Olga is not the ring type of girl so Nadja's ring has two parts to it for her. Again I cried as they spoke their vows. I think to me, it reaffirmed my own commitment in my marriage. It made me miss Krismon more and wish he was there to see them married. Heck I wish the other two kids could have been there as well. They really loved meeting their Aunties. It was just fantastic.

And dinner. Can I say that Harry is a monster eater? He ate at least half of what was on my plate. He has enjoyed the food here tremendously. Makes me think I need to rethink the whole breakfast plan and start doing German breakfast at least once a week or something. I think we have both been spoiled a little.

Traveling with a baby= not easy

2010-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

I was going to write hard but I don't think that is completely true. Harry is a good kid especially when he gets a morning nap and an afternoon nap. Unfortunately, he has been taking his afternoon naps on the go and they have been more catnaps than good naps. (umm if my grammar is bad, I am making my way through a glass of wine) Harry has been a good traveler. He is getting better about staying in the stroller but just like any other kid once he hits the wall it is pretty well hit and there will only be brief periods of respite. He is not a fan of museums. But keep him walking then he is happy. Give him some people to amuse him and that helps from time to time. But does he want to nurse? nope too much to see and do. It gets in the way for him. Even here where seeing a boob is not out of the ordinary. There were no gasps when I went to feed him. In fact, I don't think anyone was surprised or even trying to catch a glimpse. It is such a non issue. I digress, again it is the wine.

Today I had high hopes of finding clothes that I could buy and bring home. That just didn't really happen. I found one dress that I really liked that I hope can be worn at home. The weather here is so vastly different. They don't have the sweat filled days that I get to look forward to. People here are just barely starting to pulling out shorts paired with a jacket. It's beautiful and I am envious. But what I want are a pair of Nadja's pants that I had to borrow the first day here because our luggage had not arrived. Did I already write about that. Our luggage did not make it until the next day..... But I got a good job in at Heathrow. Her pants were fantastic and I wanted to find a pair. I got close but they were just not right. darn. I found a dress. I like it and once I am not nursing or if I want to wear it for date it it is pretty cool. And outside my norm. Maggie will like it, it's purple. I am kind of hoping to convince Nadja to let me buy hers. I told her so she is considering it.

Poor Harry. We did not get home early enough and he is way over tired and refusing to go to sleep. I have a feeling I will be in bed very soon. Just so that he hopefully settles down. I tried being in there and just looking at a magazine but it's getting dark. And leaving just upset him more. argh....

Oh and yesterday we did over 4 miles just for the afternoon walk.

So no photos this week

2010-05-26T02:19:00.000-07:00

The photos will have to wait until I get home since I seem to have forgotten any way to upload them to my computer. I can only describe what goes on.

I wish I could say we are on the go from morning to night but with a baby that isn't really feasible or fair.

Luckily enough today. Right outside our door was a Turkish market that will be back on Friday as well! Yay. They had lots of fruit and vege stands and some other fast food stands as well as cheese stands and even a meat stand. They sell cloth by the meter. And then they had some cool jewelry and other items that I picked up for various family members. I am hoping that I find more cool things to bring back as well as clothes. Did I tell you about accidentally not packing enough clothes? It's true, darn so now I need to get some more.....

We, also, decided to explore more yesterday and Harry was good enough to fall asleep. Unfortunately, once we made our decision to visit the Jewish museum.... dun dun dun he woke up. Needless to say, I ended up hurrying my best friend, Julie, through there. Having taken a class about Jews in Germany and actually learning more about Jews throughout Europe a lot was unsurprising but interesting. There was a lot of info and some interactive areas. The whole building itself is interesting and unsettling. The architecture is cool. The unsettling part is that there are angles. There is a room that is a void. I did not take Harry in there because I heard an older couple say that they did not like the feeling of being in there. No need to scare a baby. I could appreciate what the museum was trying to help patrons to understand just by the feeling of being there regardless of the information given.

We are hoping to go back and see the rest and the special expo that is all about comic books and their heroes. Olga, one of the brides, wants to go so here is hoping she can squeeze some time in for it.

Today.. since I didn't get this posted on Tuesday. The plan is go shopping. I think we are hoping to see some of the touristy things as well today. I feel a lot of walking in our future. Oh and I think I better calculate how much walking we did do yesterday at least on our main jaunt since I didn't wear my nikes.

And this evening, Nadja's, my German sister and the other bride's, parents are getting in. I can not wait to see Theresia and Holgar. They haven't met Harry yet. Actually I don't believe Holgar has gotten to meet any of the kids. And Theresia has only met Max. They are a wonderful people so I am so excited. It has been at least 4 years if not longer since I saw them.

That is today's preview, we will see what comes to pass.

Berlin

2010-05-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

No pictures to post yet. We made it. We kind of slept on the plane, barely made our second plane. I got sick right after we got to Berlin. Our luggage was still in London. Thank goodness we were staying at my German sister's place for the night. We now have our little apartment and our luggage. Ahhhh And we did a bit of exploring today.

Things I have learned so far. Harry is a pretty good traveler, though he likes to try and flash my boob. I need to take air sickness medicine. Sprinting through Heathrow is not so fun but the people there were helpful in getting us through security quickly. And Vietnamese soup and tea really helps settle an upset tummy and make sleep possible.

And I am still getting used to the time difference so I am up late at the moment. So off to bed I must go.

And I am off

2010-05-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight my friend, Harry and I are off on an adventure to Berlin Germany. Maggie is having a hard time dealing with it. She keeps saying that she is going with us. I guess it helps that when we get dropped off, she will still be strapped into her carseat so that she can't run out after us.

The apartment where we are staying has wiifii so hopefully I will get to blog while there and upload pictures. I am super excited. Wish me luck...

Dear Maggie

2010-05-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

You are 4! Four, four, four, 4. But yet in your humor, you kept changing your mind and deciding that you would be other ages. I just want to have you be 4 for the next 365 days. It will give me time to get used to you being that age.

You have this great imagination. In the car, you brought up monsters again. I am still trying to convince you that they flew north for the summer. You decided you need to sleep on the bottom bunk, I think it is the cocoon effect. You feel safer nestled in there.

:Last week you were my walking partner. You needed your granola bars to do them but you did it.

You would wear dresses every single one of those days if I let you. You flip your hair back with your hand. It's kind of funny and oh so girlie to watch. You skip and hop and giggle. You dream about being a mommy. You tell me that I will always be your mommy. I ask that when you are a teenager that you still give me hugs and kisses and cuddles. You say you will... I really hope you will.

You say you want to be a dentist when you grow up and work with kids. You want to help keep their mouths clean and healthy.

Right now you love Curious George. I think it is because you are like curious just like him. You want to try and try and try some more.

You like dance right now because you feel like the teacher depends on you to be a good example for the other kids. You like violin but you really want to play your own stuff instead of what they ask you to play.

I lose my patience because it takes you longer to memorize. For this I am sorry. I am not sure what to do to help you remember faster. But sometimes it is hard to tell if you know and are just messing with us or if you are struggling with something.

Tonight was nice to read to you. A flower for Maggie.... I love you lots, lots, lots and lots.

Mom

Last Friday In door picnic

2010-05-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Abort abort abort now. Indoor picnic gone awry he is off the blanket. Oh well it was fun to try.

Tired

2010-05-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

I swear Mondays are really like my weekends because it is then that I can relax. What a weekend!

We had the usual busy Saturday morning which included getting my eyebrows done so I look like I have some. Trying to get the last minute things ready for Maggie's Birthday Party on Sunday. Max and I went to Michaels and founds some nifty journals and pens or pencils to give out. As we pulled up, we saw that his friend had come for his first ever sleepover. The kids started playing right away running all over the place. Harry was just excited by all the action.

We went the easy route for dinner and got pizza! Then we got Karate Kid! Oh my goodness both Krismon and I got sucked into with the kids. Krismon made popcorn and they enjoyed themselves. Getting them to bed and asleep was a whole other ballgame. It was crazy. They went to sleep around 9:30 after coming in and out of the room half a dozen times. And then we went to sleep a half hour later tired. Or at least I did. Krismon started the smoking meat process during the movie and then at some point it all went in the oven to roast over night.

Maggie was up at her normal time and then woke the boys up! Ugh. They really needed some sleep. It made the day a little tougher than needed. The bounce house got delivered around 9. I took the dog for a short run but it was so hot hot hot already that I came home before doing more than that.

They would bounce, fight, play wii, bounce, fight, eat, play wii, watch some movie, bounce, fight, bounce, play a board game, fight, bounce.

Harry did not enjoy the bounce house.

I think I was thinking. Please let 4 happen soon so there are more kids for them to play with..... I don't know what I was thinking. It ended up being our biggest party yet. We had playgroup kids, school kids, our friends, and co workers of Krismon's and their kids. It was a huge affair with kids all over the place. It was a bit overwhelming but shhh don't tell anyone. We had one pregnant friend who kept saying she was fine because we seemed so fine. lol I kept wanting to say appearances can be deceiving. I was glad to have enough food. And Maggie's cake was fabulous.

Maggie all of a sudden got shy when they sang to her so she curled into me. It was a sweet moment for me.

A cool birdhouse that she gets to paint.

Pretty much everyone was gone by 6:30 except for our oldest and closest of friends (and the ones who don't have kids or their kids didn't need to go to bed.) The older kids (meaning the single guys) played with the kids in the bounce house until the bounce house guys came at 7. Then Maggie opened her presents. Harry went to bed late, the older two went around 8. They were fighting it and super duper exhausted. It was an excellent day and generally speaking the party went well and wasn't too hard to clean up after.

A Tinker Bell doll. Oh yes she was happy!

Harry and Maggie fighting over her princess and the frog tea set. lol

hmmm

2010-05-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today was good. I mean we did a small walk with out playgroup that was different and interesting. Then we sat and chatted while the kids ran all around. It was fun to see the kids play and play and play and at one time these were the little kids. And now they are bigger kids. And they were interacting and giggling and lifting rocks to look underneath. And the babies giggled and smiled and we had a good time.

I wanted to run errands afterwards but that was not to be. Harry started getting down right grouchy in the car on the way home so I chose the path of least resistance knowing he wanted some milk and regular food. Thankfully both kids napped. Then we had to hurry to get Max from school.

Max gave me a moment today that reminded me of childhood. I was watching Oprah and he came in and watched with me. This reminded me of when I used to watch Phil Donahue with my mom as I was growing up. I still have fond memories of Phil in the pregnant lady suit with things shoved in odd places so he would get the effect of having a foot or elbow or something pushing into your bladder and what not. Good times!

Dinner was nice. Krismon brought home lobster tails a few days ago, that were frozen and prepared them with some garlic and butter for everyone. We did a little primavera to some fresh veggies and away we went. I enjoyed it, Max enjoyed it, Krismon enjoyed it. Maggie... not so much. Ah well 3 out of 4 ain't bad.

The kids got to go outside and ride their bikes around for a while. They enjoyed themselves and saw some other kids in a house that backs onto our neighborhood. Of course, there were the usual assortment of feral cats and then 2 rabbits (pet ones) that have freedom to roam our neighborhood now as well. I keep thinking that I would love to catch one of the rabbits as a pet. They are pretty. But I think Juno would terrorize the rabbit.

And that's all she wrote.

My walking week

2010-05-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

My week started with the hike at Red Rocks. It ended with a bit of disappointment for the kids, Maggie especially. She really wanted to see the waterfall. Okay so I got lost in that moment and went off and searched for the hike again.

I believe I got a run in this week, though maybe not. I took Monday off and was going to go running Tuesday. I announced that I was going and Maggie wanted to go. How could I say no? I couldn't. I grabbed a granola bar and some water and we walked over 2 miles. Yesterday, I asked if she wanted to go again. Yes, but a shorter walk was the answer. I asked again today and she wanted to go longer and have the better granola bar (go lean crunch bar vs honey and oats granola bar). We walked another 2 miles. She did pretty well. I just need to work on Juno walking better on leash and Maggie keeping up with the pace. And I got to say I don't think we walk very fast so I am not sure how to get her to go better. And she did get a blister from her shoe. Only one pair of shoes seem to work well for walking. Her pink maryjane keens. lol

We'll see what happens tomorrow or if I will get to run 3 miles.

Solution or Mixture Science Experiment

2010-05-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Max learned about solutions and mixtures at school today. He needed to come home and do an experiment or two of course that turned into many but what fun!

Maggie stirring the food color and water solution

Max stirring the red food coloring solution.

I think one is salt or sugar, then milk, and oil. There was also the seeds from some plant outside and dirt.

And obligatory cute Maggie photo..... Can you tell that pink is her favorite color?

Max was so excited to come home and conduct this experiment. Maggie was so excited to help her older brother. Then they wanted to play with the water table that degenerated into them throwing water on each other. Good times. I think their clothes are still outside. But before they got completely wet, they did the float or sink experiment with a few things. No pictures of that though.

I do love this time when science is so fun and exciting and tactile. I like that this was something that they could do all on their own.

Mother's Day Recap

2010-05-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

My children let me sleep until 7am. Then they gave me flowers that they had made themselves while I was still in bed. My lovely husband made french toast. Max started my coffee and got it on the table. They poured me a bowl of cereal because all that lovely french toast was surely not enough. lol. It was really nice. Really nice.
I decided because the weather was nice that I wanted to go hiking. We haven't hiked at this park since Max was a baby. It is just on the other side of town so it is kind of sad that it has been so long. Hopefully we can get a few more hikes in before it gets toooo hot. We were trying to go see a waterfall. Not sure if we just didn't go far enough or what. Maggie wore the wrong shoes and Harry fell asleep with his head sticking out the back pack. It was kind of a comedy of errors. Not enough food to keep them going or water and Maggie doesn't know how to cop a squat. I get to teach her that this week.... (Max thinks I say funny things sometimes.)

This is the start of the walk up towards the red rocks.

Still smiling at this point.

The kids enjoying a little rock climb

Max looking all outdoorsy and model like.

Kids enjoying some granola bar. This was a turn around point.

The fun part of the hike came when we were walking back to the car. We passed people going up and down during the hike but one of the last groups had two dogs. One dog on a leash the other not. Yeah, a chow. I had Maggie and Juno with me. The chow came up to us and then started growling. Luckily with no Harry, I could do the Dog Whisperer thing and show that I was the one in charge. Which meant that I went into I will get you away from me and mine. The family apologized after we had walked past. Krismon told me that the Dad yelled at the others for not having the dog on the leash. And I was glad I was holding Juno's leash at the time. We let Juno walk for quite a bit of it off leash and saw a bunch of other dogs that way. And he was dead tired by the time we were done.
After we got back to the car, we called our friend Nick. He lives kind of in between us and where we were. We dropped off Juno at his house, grabbed him and went to a diner. It's called "Cheeburger Cheeburger". After such a good workout, I did not worry about stuffing my face. It was cheeseburger, a shared basket of fries and onion rings and a shared oreo cheesecake shake (I didn't taste the cheesecake part.) It was Harry's first time having ice cream and he really enjoyed that shake. I think he out ate everyone, grilled cheese, french fries, apple sauce. It was a good time.
After that we were all pretty toasted. Maggie, Harry and Krismon napped. Max did his thing. I went and got a pedicure. AHHH she took pity on my poor feet and rubbed them for quite a while. I could have sat there with her rubbing them all afternoon. The rest of the day was that the rest of the day. The kids did well and it was just a good day overall.

Happy Mothers Day to all you fabulous ladies out there.

PS I did take the dog for a walk later and had weird crazy drunk person we had to cross the street to get away from and then scary truck that yelled at me sounding like Howard Dean's yell from a few years ago....

Mother's Day Tea

2010-05-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

The kids got to celebrate Mother's Day at school today. Er I mean I got to celebrate being a mom at their school today. They fed us a wonderful lunch but I held Harry the whole time and fed him. And then we went to Max's class after having been in Maggie's class. I let Harry down and he was off like a shot . The kids love him so they played with him.

The games were our undoing. I couldn't help like I would have liked to in the fashion show creations made with toilet paper. And then the guess who belongs to the baby photo. I ended up just having to abort since Harry was into everything and cranky.

It was so nice to see so many moms there and I adopted one little friend whose Mom couldn't come. Sweet kid. I need to call his mom and set up a playdate for him and Max.

And somehow I feel like every kid in school is going to end up invited to Maggie's party. Howdidthathappen? ummm let's see Max keeps making invites and then giving them to Maggie and telling her to invite his friends. He knows how to work her....

I brought all the kids home from school after the tea. Only Harry napped but the other two rested on their own or played quietly for at least an hour. What a concept. It was actually pretty awesome and relaxing for that hour. I think I am finally getting used to the fact that Max just won't nap anymore (um yeah I know 3 years later, and I am finally accepting it.) Now it looks like I will have to start accepting that Maggie won't nap everyday but every few days instead. Thankfully she does a better job playing by herself or resting by herself.

Then Maggie got to watch 'The Little Mermaid'. She loves her disney movies. She still likes Tinker Bell the best.

I think I need to introduce her to shrek, where the princess can save herself.

Picture Overload

2010-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just like this. She is an expressive kid.

Maggie is in front row, Max is behind the girl not playing.

Max playing with the orchestra

Harry and I just playing

The season for waterplay has started.

Cold water, happy smiles

Yesterday morning

2010-05-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

So we got dressed. I got Harry in the backpack and on my back. Hooked Juno to me. We all had water. We got out the door and down the street. And then we started our walk, and less than .2 miles into the walk.... Max complained that his leg hurt. #$%^&*(($W$%^&U&***TRTYH^&%DGYUE^TUCVGJYT (that sums up my feelings)

We turned around, not happily and went home. Not such a good morning after that. I took the kids to school. Around the time that I was going to pick Maggie up from school before Max's lunch, I thought I would sneak a note into his lunch box. I apologized for the rough morning and expressed my desire for him to have a good day. I did not get to sneak it in because his lunchbox was in his room, darn. So I handed it to him when he was heading outside to eat after getting Maggie from her class.

He liked the note. He didn't end up having a great day but he really liked the note so much so that he asked me this morning to write him another note.

And I am hoping to add that to my repertoire of things. We have had some hard spells, Max and I, and I hope, really hope, that maybe these letters cane help us get past the hard spell. Maybe reading nice things and suggestions will get us to a point of better communication.

The last Few Days

2010-05-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning was the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. It went well. My friend and I kept each other going. She is a little taller so she ran a few steps ahead which kept me moving faster than normal. And the fact that I was there kept her running the whole time. It was a good way to start the weekend.
Krismon took care of getting kids to activities and then I got Harry home and fed and down for a nap. He slept 3 hours. Maggie had two birthday parties to go to. One for a school friend and the other for a playgroup friend. Max went to the second. Krismon had to come out again and bring swimsuits for the kids so they could play in the water. One of the Dads at the party had a great time holding Harry. That was a nice break. Maggie, unfortuntely, bit it in the playground steps. That led to us to visiting the dentist yesterday. So it is soft foods for a while and another check up in 2 weeks.
Sunday was violin concert day. Maggie played 2 songs while Max played with the Orchestra and got his certificate for completing Book 1.I would have photos but I mistakenly plugged in the photo card on Krismon's side so now iphoto is open on his side and not mine.

Graduate School

2010-04-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Fall Orientation for the Counselor Education program. It was definitely a bit intimidating to go. It was at the Student Union, yeah, anyway to feel any older? I sat down at an empty table which filled with 3 other women. The one who sat to my left and I started to chat. It was a small world moment. She is from the Philippines and just moved her a year ago. Her kids are high school and college aged. She had been a high school counselor there but was unable to do it here so she decided to go back to school. She is doing the mental health counseling program. It was nice to talk about Krismon's home and enjoy getting to know someone new.

When they got started, we did an ice breaker. Get to know someone at the table without asking questions. It was incredible tough because it means, just share and share and share and then hope that the other person is willing to share and share and share. I think one of the best things I learned from my partner is that she has had her turtle since 3rd grade and it is named Turty.lol.

After that they started their presentation. I came away with the idea that it is a good to great program. I like that they clarified that what comes first is counseling and then comes the speciality. But on top of that they kind of scared me that it can't be done in two years.

I think what I really liked was how well the program seems to be run. The professors have been there a while and they have coordinators for their internships and things. Ahhh That excites me that I don't have to go out and try and find everything myself.

Now I just need to make sure they are okay with our trip to the Philippines....

Big Day

2010-04-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

I know I am getting a moment to breathe but that won't last for long.

The kids took pity on me this morning and did not wake up until 6am. Ahhhhh. We got breakfast eaten and while Maggie and I walked the dog, Max finished his homework. I got the pleasure of taking the kids to school while the house was starting to be cleaned. YES! THE BEST PRESENT EVER! Harry went down for a nap. So that is my moment to relax. If Harry gets up soon, we will be off to a playgroup. And then Maggie from school. Then the babysitter and then my grad school orientation. That is nerve wracking. I am excited to go and find out what the program will be like but I am going to be back at school where the kids are at least 10 years and more like 15 years younger than me. Probably not at grad school but in general.... Then off to pick Max up from school. And then home and breathe. Wait, yeah right like having all three kids home will give me time to breathe. lol

TV and stuff

2010-04-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

The root of my evil or actually Max's evil. Who would think that letting your child watch some tv and then asking him to do something would bring out the worst in him. I am slowly figuring out this parenting thing. At least, yesterday we were able to figure out a way to stop his meltdown, get some food in his belly and get a violin in his hands.

Oh and did I mention that we were gone all weekend to visit my family in Phoenix. Sunday morning, my nephew, Joshua, had his dedication. It was a nice service. The kids had a great time at Sunday school. The kids were over the moon at getting to have time to spend with Joshua.

We got back yesterday to our hot water heater kaput and leaking in our garage. Thank goodness the plumbers could come and replace it yesterday for us. It wasn't exactly the sort of thing I wanted to come home to.

GO TO SLEEP

2010-04-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

It is over an hour past Maggie's bedtime, okay so we did go for a walk when it was already her bedtime but Oh My Gosh. Go to sleep already please. I mean, your Dad is asleep already.

It doesn't help that we are visiting and the walls are thin. But they are still going strong in there. Do I go in and tell them one more time to go to sleep or does this just disrupt things further and then take them longer to settle down? It is a quandary. But I just don't want to hear them so that I can rest. I know selfish ain't I?

Mini vacation

2010-04-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

That's what I called my short time at the oil change place. Except that my battery was running out, boo.

And then I come home to Max with an ice pack on his head. He didn't have it on his head when I left even though the incident happened at Krismon's office earlier in the day while he was there for take your kid to work day. Evidently, Max decided it was a good idea to walk or run backwards and got a goose egg on his head. Lovely, right?
And then Max somehow pulled the back off of one of Maggie's earrings. While Krismon was trying to put that on, Harry knocked his hand. Adding insult to injury...
Harry just felt like letting me know he had missed me rather loudly. What a house to walk in to.... Ah well

Still earlier today.. I kept thinking is there anything anything better than a baby's laugh. Harry was just giggling and I just enjoyed giving him kisses and kisses so I could hear that laugh. I am thinking I might have to change my ringtone to Harry's laughs.

Either that or Maggie's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. I love how she butchers the words with feeling.

Chuckie Cheese

2010-04-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Where a kid can be a kid and a baby will try to put anything on the floor in his mouth....

We met the kid's violin teacher and her son for a playdate at the mouse's house after school. I kept it a surprise because I thought it would make the excitement even better. The kids were thrilled and it was nice to get to know their teacher on a personal level while the kids played. It wasn't super busy. They had a great time and it was fun to see them play independently and not need me while I chased Harry around. Harry was in heaven as well. The toddler games aren't too big so he could stand and look at them and touch. He got to sit in a car with Maggie and ride and get a picture at the end. It was a bit exhausting to make sure he didn't put thing in his mouth but I know he enjoyed the exploration. And then the kids got have cheese pizza. Harry ate almost two slices on his own. Max would come over shove as much pizza in his mouth as humanly possible and then take off again to do more. I think he ate one slice in two bites that way. lol.

I went out with a friend last night for one last dinner before she moves. We went to my favorite thai place. Unfortunately, somehow we got two soups (I asked the server to order for me.) Someone else brought out the soup but by the time she realized the mistake we had taken some of each. I think the heat on the one I had was hotter than the other so then she made everything really mild after that. ugh. But regardless it was good and nice to chat without kids for a few hours. And get her away from her house which was being packed.

A serious issue

2010-04-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

So I was going to do the interview today but that is what is troubling me well not like the interview will trouble me anyways but that will have to wait another day....

Today, Max was going back for the last scratch test with Krismon. I totally failed to get him to agree to do it. I thought maybe Krismon might be able to get him to do it. MIGHT, be the operative word. It didn't happen again. So now in a few minutes they will be going to a lab to draw blood to try and test it for the allergens. Um yeah glad I am not going but I am concerned for the long term. He couldn't, wouldn't get the scratch test. A SCRATCH TEST. NOT A NEEDLE TEST OR PANEL OF SHOTS. I know enough with the caps already but we are kind of at a loss. He is going to have to get shots and blood draws through out his life and have other things happen that won't be fun or even pleasant in the least. We can't fight him each time. Heck the memory of his last shot at a well appt still lingers in my mind as it took 3 full size adults to wrestle him down. I don't ever ever ever ever ever want to do something like that again.

I don't know how to get it across to him that he can't continue this and that he needs to learn to 'suck it up.' I mean he really does. I kind of wish that I could take him to see how it is. He didn't see my mom lying in a hospital bed after her surgery last year so he doesn't realize how much more others go through.

Anyway any ideas would be helpful and I will let you know how the blood draw goes tomorrow.

Stolen..

2010-04-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

from here Thanks Karla!
Interview with Max.

~What is something mom always says to you? Listen

~ What makes mom happy? When I follow directions

~ What makes mom sad? When I don't follow directions and listen

~ How does your mom make you laugh? When you say funny things.

~ How old is your mom? 36

~ How tall is your mom? I don't know

~ What is your mom really good at? At being my mom.

~ What does your mom do for her job? take care of Harry

~ What is your mom's favorite food? chicken pot pie

~ What makes mom proud of you? When I don't get in trouble.

~ What do you and your mom do together? Relax, dance, and play.

~ How do you know your mom loves you? Because we are a family.

~ Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Bakery

So these answers came from the 6 yo. He kept reading the questions and then asking why did I want to know? ummm don't know if I would do this too many years with him. Yeah plus the age question, both kids know that one so well. I will try it with Maggie tomorrow. I am guessing that Harry will only give me giggles and smiles. lol I will be interested to see what she says.

New Do

2010-04-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yes I am lazy about putting make up on. But that is the old hair....

Here you go. The light seems to be messing with the pinkness and not showing it to it's full glory.

So if I want to continue to run I needed a cut that would allow me minimal fuss and muss. My hair stylist was nervous about cutting my hair this short. I had to convince her to cut it. And I still need to get used to it but it is nice to have something that I can pretty much wash and wear. Heck now it leaves me more time to actually wear make up. lol. So here it is...

Breakdown in communication

2010-04-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what went wrong. I have a feeling that we haven't gotten enough sleep the past couple of days and then with the rise in temperature tempers flare a little more.

Maggie came down 3 times last night. The last time at 12:30. I don't remember the why but it was exhausting. Oh yeah, her stomach was bothering her most the of night. Then sometime after 5, Max came running into our room to announce that Maggie was on the pot. And then he ran to his own, not so successfully.....

What a way to start a day. Harry's sleep got disturbed, thankfully because I was going through pain in one side. But with the kids, I was pretty much done done done. AND I only had enough cream for one cup of coffee.....

Today was laundry day. It had to get done. Max had gotten to watch some pretty cool shows and as if anyone doesn't know, you fold laundry and watch at the same time, right? Well he threw a fit when I asked him to 'help' fold the clothes in the basket. I didn't tell him to do the whole basket just to help. He proceeded to tell me that he would only fold his clothes. The tv got turned off. And he was going to go full tilt with the woe is him attitude. I don't know how he didn't go full overboard beyond us not having the energy to be so angry. He eventually did help fold but it was a struggle.

He ended up reading for school until we left to go to a Birthday party. Thankfully that was a good time for all 3 kids and us adults. Though not sure Krismon had that great a time, his eyes were itchy. Once we got home, he just put drops in and wanted to keep his eyes closed for while.

The day ended well for the kids and it was nice that Krismon took the lead on talking to Max about his earlier behavior. It wasn't easy and Max wasn't happy about listening but I am thinking talking talking talking will help.

Don't know your own size

2010-04-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

That was Max yesterday or the other boy, I guess is more accurate. This other boy is like twice Max's size. Max claims that this boy was touching him all over (kind of like poking but not so hard). Instead of telling him to stop, he decided that he needed to chuck the kid several times under the chin. He made the kid cry. Horrible horrible... His teacher assigned him 100 lines 'I will not hit my friends.' He got 18 done at school and then needed to do the rest at home. What made the event all the more painful for the rest of us was that I had stated that if the kids were good, we would go get a cupcake after picking Max up from school. I really just wanted to go home but that wouldn't have been fair to Maggie. I was cringing on the inside at the thought of taking the kids to the bakery but it had to happen. Max, of course, made a scene and Maggie kindly offered up part of her treat. I thanked her for feeling generous but let her know that wasn't an option.

When we got home, Max took his stuff up to their room to write but was steadily getting angrier. He decided to take his anger out on Maggie's stuff. Luckily it was quick and I got up there before anything could really happen. He came downstairs. We were able to work out some compromise so he would write and we could get some food into him after a bit so that he could keep going and not melt down too bad.

We were able to get him up to 75 before breaking for dinner. After he finished and then wrote a note of apology.

I am not sure what happened today but at dinner, he just melted. I wish we could get away from the subject of anger but I have this feeling it will reoccur until we can work through some of it and figure out some better strategies for dealing with the anger and getting it to subside.

Once the other kids were in bed, we sat down with his journal. He started a list of what made him happy and then sad and then angry. I am hoping that if we can keep exploring his emotions that we can maybe take some wind out of his sails.

Hopefully we can keep working on this and I shall let you know how it goes.

First Science Fair

2010-04-14T18:57:00.001-07:00

Today was the kids' science fair. Their first but surely not the last. Maggie was charged with making, drawing, recreating the solar system somehow someway. Max was given the task of learning about Mars. He had lots of guidelines in which to follow that would ascertain his points out of 9.

Okay so for Maggie it said that it was supposed to be the kids doing it.... shh but I don't think that the kids did the work all on their own. I have a feeling a lot of parents helped them in their creativity. I am not slamming that, well not entirely but the project was supposed to be the kids and I kind of question that. Oh well. After I looked up pictures of the solar system and printed them out for Maggie to have as a visual as well as writing what the planets kind of looked like color wise, Max was going to just help as needed. Well, no help was needed. Maggie did it all and she did what she wanted. The only help I gave was to write out Maggie's solar system so she could copy it onto her poster. I couldn't be prouder of her for doing her own work, her way using her creativity in the process. I want her to be independent in her learning.

Maggie's finished project. I wish you could read what she wrote.

Maggie with her award. You can see some of the other projects in the background.

Max was to do a postcard. On the front should be a picture of the planet and on the back, addressed and then written information about the planet. The kids did a great job and you could see their personalities in what they wrote and how they drew. Max didn't follow the directions but again I couldn't fault him on his creativity because I really did like what he did.

Who knows why he decided to do an almost wink. But like that he drew a rocket ship to land on Mercury.

Red Robbin yum!

2010-04-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

I was in a burger mood yesterday so we decided to meet up at Red Robbin for dinner. It was probably the most calorie dense meal I have had in a while. I loved the burger I got but it didn't love me back last night. Not only did I have that beyond full feeling before going to sleep but it dragged me down. I haven't been feeling fantastic because I think some of the cold stuff has finally hit me a bit. This morning I was going to run 5-6 miles. It just didn't happen. I think my sinuses are just not enjoying the spring time right now. Here is hoping that I feel better tomorrow so that I can run, run, run like the wind.

I hope that this getting out there and running will last and have a lasting effect on the kids. I want them to realize how important it is to get out there and be active. I am, also, careful not to talk about dieting. That was something that I saw my Mom and sisters do ALL THE TIME growing up. I want my kids to have a healthy relationship with food. Yes I gave up things for lent but I think that is helpful. I have been trying to stock the house with healthy foods. The only big change that we need to make is for both Krismon and I to eat more slowly. We seem to eat late, just because of the kids bedtimes does it seem late so we are hurrying. Need to get teeth brushed, pjs, Harry to bed, Maggie to bed and then Max.

Well that's all she wrote for today. Here is hoping that we can slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. with our kids.

Lists, lists, lists

2010-04-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

I don't have one but I need to make one. One of my blog friends just did Mondo Beyondo. She created a list of all the wonderful things she wants to do.

And another blogger I am getting to know just created a 30 things in 30 days before she turns 30 (which is in less than 30 days.)

I haven't ever really created that bucket list or even just a huge year list. Sometimes I am purposeful but too often I let life flow around me and just move with the currents. I think it is time to start making currents instead of just moving with them. Around that notion, I have made some changes. So, yes, I do have a few items on my list.

(Must take a moment... I am watching Friday's Oprah. She has the guys from the 'Buried Life'. It's all about what you want to do before you die. These guys are great. They have done some amazing things. Now I must watch this show because it looks so life affirming.)

I have two things on my list that I have started in on. I was going to make it a this year list but I have dreams that will go beyond this year.

1. Apply to grad school. check.
2. (on that note) Get into grad school. check.
3. Join and complete the 500 in 2010 challenge. (I am working on this one.)
4. Keep working on my list.
5. Go to Germany for my sister, Nadja's wedding.
6. Go to the Philippines for my grandfather in law's 90th birthday and introduce him to Harry.
7. Run the Las Vegas half marathon.
8. Do the olympic distance tri at Wildflower. then do the half at Wildflower.
9. Run a marathon.
10. Go to Yellowstone with the kids to see Old Faithful.
11. Go to the 'French Laundry.' (without kids.)

Okay must put more thought into it.

and ladies who I have covertly mentioned if you don't mind my putting in links I will next time but would like permission first. So if you see this and are okay with it, let me know. Thanks

Pictures will come later

2010-04-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

Harry is wearing my favorite pants. I love love love them. I bought them for Max at H&M in New York. I had Maggie wear them as well because they were simply too cool not to have her wear them.

So these are the recipes....

The shepherd's pie was a fluke...

Tuesday was supposed to be the hot crash potatoes that Lindsay made for Easter but that didn't happen so I made garlic mash potatoes. I had tons left over so that decided Wednesday's dinner. I had picked up some ground pork with the plan to make my mother in law's pork and potatoes but that didn't happen.

I cut up some veges carrots, red peppers and onions. I sauteed them and then added the pork. I added some butternut squash pasta sauce that I got at costco (I didn't go over big the first time I made it) and mixed it with some marinara sauce. Then I added peas. That mix goes on the bottom of a pan. Then the potatoes went on top (I reheated them in the microwave.) The oven was set to 350 degrees. I put it in for 30 minutes and then I put a little cheese on top.

The kids enjoyed it. Max more than Maggie but she is not as big a fan of mashed potatoes.

Okay I made the Paula Deen recipe but without the topping.
Baked french toast casserole

The kids really enjoyed this and had it today as well. I added some nonfat greek yogurt instead of 2 cups of half and half, it was only 1.

Next comes just a cute one.

Notice something new. no check again.

Earrings!

Painting face fun at school!

AH HA!

2010-04-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

No revelation just jubilation or celebration. Yesterday was a better day for ME. Not for Max. Poor kid was on the edge of melt down most of the afternoon. I should have seen it. He kept feeling that Maggie was harming him both physically and emotionally (you know the little things.) The GLEE cast was on Oprah yesterday and Maggie and I were watching it before picking up Max. Once we got home, she headed up stairs for some alone time. Max came and watched the rest of the show with me and then the musical numbers. This ended up going on to watching it online. And then I needed to youtube so he could see the GREAT Freddie Mercury. During all this Maggie came down and that is when their troubles started. Once we had done enough watching and listening, I switched on Pandora so we could listen to the Queen channel I created so I could make dinner while they worked on school projects. This again caused troubles. Maggie needs to do a solar system for her project. I had printed out some pictures of the planets and the way the solar system is set up. Max was trying to help and Maggie wasn't having any of it. Yes, she can be a bit stubborn still not as bad as Max. In the end, I had to say, it is your project and if you don't want help then we won't help you at all.
I told Max to just walk away and work on his project, Mercury. He is excited but still learning this whole going through drafts before creating the final project.
His final meltdown occurred around putting his stuff away so we could get the table ready for dinner and eat. Maggie did as asked but Max kept on and not answering me as well. I finally put his stuff away and put him in time out. I know 'mean mama' for making him stop doing his homework. The problem was that to get through the end of the day is a delicate dance. Max was me from the day before just done in. It wasn't pretty. Luckily he got to eat with Harry, who ate and ate and ate. That boy really enjoyed the shepherds pie that I made. Max and I talked about strategies for dealing better with our anger so we don't take it out on others.
Thankfully that was the end of any struggles and we got through the rest of the night okay. Juno got fed, Harry went to bed, Maggie and I read some 'Curious George'. Max read his 'Wind in the Willows' and 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' and then we read 'Harry Potter'. And again I crashed early.
This morning started at 6am for the most part. Yes there was a feeding and a dog being let out and in but Maggie did not come down until 6. phew.... We ate a french toast casserole for breakfast. It was pretty darn yummy and worth the wait.

If you don't have pandora. You should know it is good, really good. I really enjoyed listening to the Queen channel and hearing the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc. Maggie kept going over and booging down in front of the tv because it is almost as good as a mirror.

Parenting Fail

2010-04-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Yes that is me. I wasn't going to write about yesterday. Heck I want to pretend like it never happened. No really yesterday was just.... Horrible.

The day started off with a bang at 4:30 am, Harry is teething and has been waking up at crazy hours. Max woke up at 5am because he wet his bed. So he woke up his sister to take the mattress off his bed so he could strip it and himself. I came up to find them under his bed kicking the frame. Now maybe if it was 7am, I would have giggled right along with them but at 5 and not feeling outstanding, I saw red. And that was pretty much the whole day. It's tough, I don't know how to get them to understand that not only are they denying their bodies the rest they need but also they deny others.
We took Juno for a walk because he has been protesting this whole arrangement. He misses his runs and a mile or two just doesn't seem to cut it. I think the walks are tough on me because I have Harry in the holder, Juno strapped to the waist pulling me and then me ending up pulling Maggie.
I figured that once the kids are in school that it would give me enough of a break so that I could recup. It didn't happen. I just tried to do too much. We picked up Max from school and went to meet friends at a park to go for a walk. I think next time I need to choose a cross between park. You know where we can walk but also where the kids can play on toys too.
We got home late. Dinner wasn't the masterpiece that I was expecting to make because we ran out of time to make the potatoes I wanted to bake. Oh well. And did I mention that Juno got into the trash and I have coffee grounds in the carpet that I still need to try and vacuum up but I probably need to shampoo the carpets because the grounds were still wet. ugh. And and and I ended up on the floor just crying because all I wanted to do was get Harry to bed, have the dishes done and then get the other two to bed.
Max and Maggie took care of me. They loved on me. Thank goodness for their love and help.

Last night, I wrote in my journal. I don't do that often enough probably because I tend to be too open on here. And I felt better well no but at least I got it down. And I went to sleep even earlier than usual. It wasn't an easy night. Maggie came down at 10:30. I took her back up. Max came down at 2:30. He said he had nightmares, I let him sleep in bed with me. At 4:00, Harry started making noise until I went up around 4:45. Around 5:15, I heard Maggie and figured I would try and keep her upstairs so I decided I would bunk in Max's bed to try and rest a little longer. It kind of worked. Maggie ended up on the bunk with me and I didn't get anymore sleep but some rest....
The walking of the dog was a little rough towards the end. The getting off to school again was rough.

The kids have a school project that they need to work on so I am hoping that today after school we can have a good time. Maggie needs to make, draw, create the solar system. Max is learning about Mercury. I am hoping we can enjoy productivity. And they want to help me make dinner so there is another chance for us to help one another.

Please wish me luck on the rest of the day. And any suggestions on how to get a better start to the day. What are your morning routines?

Last of the Easter pictures

2010-04-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

So we also colored eggs on Saturday.

Another one, a little closer.

umm so we weren't very good about not using our fingers.

And then Maggie really wanted her nails painted.

Overall the weekend went well. I tried hard to keep us busy so the kids wouldn't get bored. You know what happens when kids get bored... All hell breaks loose. Same goes for dogs... I found that out from Juno. Let's just say that I really need to get him out for a run or walk, well at this point walk.

Yesterday, we spent a good portion of our day with friends who kindly invited us to Easter dinner and an egg hunt. The kids had a fantastic time playing with their friends and Harry had a wonderful time climbing the stairs. We deprive him here since we don't want said bored dog to chew up the kids' toys.

The food was fantastic and I was really glad that we had taken Juno on a walk earlier in the day so I wouldn't feel guilty especially when it came to the desserts!

We got home and the kids ate a little more but otherwise I let them unwind with a little disney. By the time 7 rolled around, they were pooped out. (So was I...)

Krismon got home before I went to sleep and let me know he had a good time with his friends as well. I have a happy heart knowing he had a good time with his friends. (corny sounding isn't it but true none the less)

And now he is off again... And we shall see how the kids and I survive the next couple of days.

Single Parent weekend

2010-04-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

So while Krismon is away for the weekend golfing with his buddies at their annual tournement, I have to figure out how to keep my sanity, keep the kids entertained and who knows what else. I decided we would go to an egg hunt at town square. I knew it would be an event but I didn't know how much of one. We got there at 11. It was in full swing, we walked to the middle and I judged by my heightened blood pressure and heart rate that we needed to get out of the activity quickly. So instead we went next to the activity to Claim Jumper for an early lunch.

They behaved nicely, shared a lunch well and we talked about why we wouldn't be going into the play area or even probably trying the egg hunt. It was generally crazy. When we got done, we circled the perimeter looking at booths. There was one for our local children's museum. So they got to do this.

They were stacking cards with a couple of buildings to use to start from.

The highlight of the outing was getting to do this.

She had to kick off her shoes because they were loose. She was a little monkey for a bit before she got scared. And then there was this shot. They were waiting and excited. I am not sure how many more years I will get to have pictures like this one.

A budding photographer

2010-04-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

yes that is me.

Self Portrait

Looks like she is ready to dance the hula.

A mighty good subject.

one nature shot.

I like this one.

I am here

2010-04-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

And they are there. And I am tired and I have 3 more days of this.....

Random

2010-03-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

Is it because of yesterday that regardless of the day, I just am in a better place?

Or is it because I knew I had this 6 mile run and that was the reason I was going to be better?

Or is it because of the run and leaving my kids for the hour that helped? I should ask my husband how that hour went.

Maggie came down sometime between 2-4am with a bloody nose. I didn't clean her up so I don't know for sure but since she has had a few bloody noses lately I wouldn't be surprised. Wake up call that we need to use the humidifier in their room.

And then she was hungry from 3:30 on. At one point, she went in the family room to play her leapster. When we finally got up at 5:50 to see that Max had taken her place with the leapster in the family room. I got her some cheerios and milk and went up to take care of Harry. Thankfully after feeding him, he did go back to sleep even though he was half awake when I put him back down.

My run went well. Juno got me to really run. But Nike's website is having issues. I keep hoping that it will come up with the correct stuff soon. That something will update. I want my goals to reflect what I did today. Seriously I mean I put in the work so it should show that right? I know I am obsessing about this.

My kids are gorging themselves on candy right now so help me maintain my serenity (don't snort too loudly) when they go through the sugar high and then the sugar low. Maybe I will go hide in my closet again today...

What have I learned

2010-03-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

So I decided to jump off another blogger's post. Go figure right?
mommynanibooboo -/22-things-ive-learned-as-a-mother

Yeah I don't know how to do pretty link. Okay well it is not so bad. Anyways. Here is my list.

1. I don't know diddly squat.
2. I love my children.
3. I love my children more when they sleep til 6am.
4. That school is my sanity saver.
5. Pandora rocks and rolls.
6. I enjoy being silly with my kids.
7. I enjoy introducing them to knew foods, places and people.
8. By running with Juno, I finally feel like a real runner.
9. I seem to enjoy moving stuff from one room to another with the hope that the stuff has finally found a home until it gets moved again to a new home in hope that this will finally be the right place for the stuff..
10. When you think you understand your child, they do something to keep you on your toes.
11. Toddlers = Teens and vice versa. Though I am still waiting for Max to grow out of the tantrum phase. Please tell me that I will get a few years of sanity from him at some point before the dreaded teens hit.
12. Max has an amazing ear. He has figured out how to play some of the songs from Mamma Mia on his violin.
13. Maggie's hands = fine motor skills. She will be able to play well technically soon. And she likes to make her own music like her brother.
14. I really wish there were do over days.

Sometimes I really dislike myself. This is one of those days. I feel like the worst parent in the world. It starts off on the wrong foot right away. The kids were awake before 6. I don't know if Harry was woken up by them or not but he was awake as well. I had hoped to feed him and put him back down to snooze a little longer. It didn't happen. The kids came out right at 6am loud and happy translates to me being resentful for not getting what I wanted. Notice a theme..... My wants, not my needs.
Harry dumped Juno's water all over. Maggie grabbed towels and started to wipe. I asked Max to help her. Instead he decided to get a plate. It just went downhill from there.
I finally hid in the closet because I didn't want to have conflict. I let Krismon deal with Max because I didn't seem to be doing a very good job of it.
Max had his last scratch test today at the Allergist. I should have realized how bad it was going to be or changed my own attitude. But instead of trying to be light and doing something productive, I did the idiot thing and talked about this morning. BIG STUPID NONONONONO! I should be pounding my head against a wall kind of no no. We got in the back. We got the dots on the back, we got the drops on the back and we got 13 out of the 42 scratches. And then there was every stupidly bad trick in the book to get him to cooperate before finally throwing in the towel. Me= angry and feeling guilty. Him= hurt, hurt, stubborn and angry. Neither of us are winning this war of wills and I need to figure out how to stop it.
I need to recapture my bliss and the bliss with my kids.
How do you capture your happy place especially in the morning? I want to start each day right, no I need to start each day right. And like I tell Maggie, try isn't really an option anymore. Try feels like a cop out or a way of always putting it to the future.
So anything special that you do in the morning and if you were in the same boat as me with kids that wake you up instead of the other way around how do you do it?

Fear the future

2010-03-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

I know, I know I shouldn't fear what is to come but I am. It is what it is right? This Thursday and Friday, Max doesn't have school. It is Spring Break. Krismon won't be gone but he will be working both days. I need to come up with a plan of action. Things to do to keep them busy but doesn't completely wipe me out. So any ideas people? We will be getting an influx of friends this week for the coming Fools Cup Tournament. Yes, that means this weekend, Krismon will be gone Saturday, Saturday night, and Sunday. Mmmmm Here is hoping we don't kill each other before the end of the weekend.

And then we have a business trip next week and the week after. I am scared, I am going to be really out numbered.

Trying to understand the weekends

2010-03-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know about all of you but as much as I want to do fun stuff on the weekends, it is hard. Lately, the kids haven't been listening at all on the weekends or one doesn't and the other does. It's really tough. How do you do the fun things when the misbehavior feels constant and it would feel like rewarding said bad behavior?

I wanted to go for a hike today with the kids and get together with some friends for dinner. Max came down last night around 2am and ended up sleeping on our chair. Maggie was up at 5:40. We told them to be able to have more of the candy from the easter egg hunt they did yesterday, they needed to nap. Can we say the end of yesterday was a nightmare? Too much candy and craziness. It did not happen. And Max and Maggie have alternated giving us attitude. Max seems to be reverting back to toddlerhood and Maggie seems to have been infused with teen hormones. I am expecting the hairflip any day now. But then just like that the next day she will be super helpful and full of sunshine. Yes she did not nap but she has been pretty helpful to us.

I know that I need to figure something out. I want to do the positive parenting but I am struggling to find all the good. It is hard to see that the funny goof as positive when so often it turns into hurt or being impolite to others. I know that we did it as kids but is it karma. I don't remember us just getting in people's ways and then not excusing ourselves.

Kids are trying to redeem themselves at the moment by organizing their play room. We shall see how it goes. I am hoping to give copious amounts of praise as I bang my head at my stupidity. Yes sometimes that is me. So Max didn't take his nap and then he decided that Maggie didn't need a nap so then she stood no chance. And Harry didn't get a great nap because of their antics. And then he came tearing downstairs and woke Krismon up from his nap. Yeah great! He sat down and wrote apologies, because I told him to. And then what did I do? Yep you got it. I criticized his letters. Bad mommy moment.

Let's hope today ends on a good note. I see wine in my future.

Wetlands Park

2010-03-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after school, the kids and I went to our local wetlands park. Here is a description from the clark county website...

Clark County Wetlands Park, a 2900-acre, seven- by one-mile strip of land on the eastern edge of the Las Vegas Valley, borders both sides of Las Vegas Wash as it flows past Frenchman Mountain and the red sandstone of Rainbow Gardens on its way to Lake Mead.
In the largest open space in the Valley, the Park’s trail system encourages public recreation, leading visitors to appreciate the area’s natural wonders and linking to neighboring trail systems, north into Rainbow Gardens and east to the River Mountain and Lake Mead trails.
The Park and adjacent terrain also offer an introduction to the natural sciences, especially for young people. The Park jewel, the 130-acre Nature Preserve, demonstrates a wetlands ecology, nature’s unmatched water filtering and cleansing system, rich with plant and animal life.
Here is an unusual opportunity to study a desert wetlands, one which transforms polluted urban runoff into clean, healthful water.

We have been going there for a few years now. The kids enjoy it and so do I. It is very close to the house and anyways. I will let some of the pictures speak for themselves.

Did I tell you it was windy windy windy yesterday.

A Koi? Wow. This is new...

Harry just wanted to suck and chew on his hat.

Max did a good job taking the picture, didn't he?

Harry was all smiles. Too bad the camera didn't capture it.

And last but not least, can you see the bunny? I couldn't in the viewfinder on the camera so I took it on faith that I captured a picture. There were lots of bunnies. The kids had a great time seeing them all. And at the end, Max was even telling Maggie to be quiet so as not to scare them. lol

Harry is at THAT stage

2010-03-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

You know the one where they have to try and pull everything out of your drawers. Here let me show you.

Those are his favorite drawers. He goes to the them everyday. I remember with Max, trying not to be a freak about everything all over the floor. And with Maggie. I have gotten a bit better with him. I figure the third time is a charm.

He moves fast now

You know what is awesome

2010-03-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

when your kids don't ask for sweets because the fruits you have in the fridge are more than enough to satisfy the sweet tooth. I love costco because you can get such a large amount of berries in one container. I enjoy them in my cheerios before I go for a run. Maggie has had blueberries and then more blueberries and now she is asking for raspberries.
Yesterday both kids were hungry after the photo shoot. Thankfully Krismon bought a huge vege tray at costco as well so the kids just munched on that while I was getting dinner ready.
Dinner was enjoyable as well. I made turkey sloppy joes. Now, I will need to refine my recipe but it was great to stick so many veges in the pan knowing that it would go in a bun anyways. We had red and yellow peppers, red and green onions, and mushrooms. Added a few dashes of worstershire sauce and some tomato paste and voila sloppy joe. Max was thrilled, Maggie not thrilled at all. Harry ate most of Maggie's food. Did I tell you he is an eater? It thrills me to no end. I can't wait for my mother in law to come as well. She always introduces something new to the kids that they totally end up loving. It's great.
And yesterday or the day before, Maggie was actually asking for salad because 'it's crunchy'. A girl after my own heart....

My first time

2010-03-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

..... ever taking the kids to get their photos taken at a portrait studio. Who knew that it would be so tough to get them to be good and take a good picture. It was hard to get them to all smile at once. At least, we did get a few photos that turned out good.

The more candid shots turned out great.

She was excited to wear her sparkly shoes that don't even fit.

And then there is the one that won't sit up straight or give a smile. (Actually all the other ones were so cheesy that this one turned out the best.) He likes to do the senior photo head tilt.

This is the money shot.

Will I do it again? Yeah will I do more research for a better deal. Oh heck yes or else I really need to learn how to take pictures so I don't need to do it in a studio.

Finally

2010-03-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

So I was 17 years old before I ever left the country. I went to Germany for almost a year after I graduated from high school as an exchange student. It was a great way to get out and see some of the world and visit my German sister who lived with my family for almost a year a year before that. I didn't live with her but got to travel and see her and her family a few times. She has remained an important person in my life and in my family's life as has her family. She surprised me by flying in for my wedding. A few years later, she coached me before I interviewed for a job. She is just a wonderful woman. And in May, she will be getting married to her girlfriend of about 5 years, Olga. Olga is another wonderful lady who my kids fell in love with right away. And while I wish I could take them, sadly. Eh, well not so sadly they will not be going to her wedding. They are a bit sad not to see their Aunties get married but understand that they have school. Harry is still breast feeding and will be at that time. So today, we finally went down to the post office with all his paperwork and pictures and got his passport started. He will be our youngest traveler at just under a year.
  Maggie and Max went to the Philippines when she was just under two years of age. Harry will be getting to visit two continents in just a few months and he won't get to remember any of it. But I look forward to it because his Great Grandfather will get to see him and the kids.
  And for Germany, thankfully my best friend is going with me so we will be doing a two on one, whew! I couldn't imagine traveling overseas with a baby by myself. I am just looking forward to the travel and seeing our friends and relatives this year in far flung places.
  And now Harry will have his own id.

Not looking forward to teen years

2010-03-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

So Sunday, I got a taste of what I might potentially go through Maggie. I went to support a friend's friend. My friend had one of those parties, this time it was purse and jewelry. Not my style but oh well. She has spoken about her daughter's tude but I had yet to see it. She decided to unleash it in front of others. Now, I would imagine that this was not only annoying to my friend but also somewhat embarrassing. Cause face it, teen tude really looks a lot like a toddler's tantrum just with a bigger vocabulary.

Monday, we tried yet again to go get Harry's passport only to see that the post office won't take photos of kids under 1. ARGH, me matey. So we went to the handy dandy walmart to do it since it was close by. Krismon met us there but not before I got to watch 4 generations in one spot. A great grandmother, a grandmother, mother and wee baby. Let's just say 3 out of 4 were behaving and the one not behaving wasn't the baby. I believe and yes I am casting judgement that she is a teen mom. Oh my word, did she have a stinky attitude towards her mom.. I was a bit amazed that she would say such things and be so hostile and maybe this is me not knowing the back story and just be a judgmental bitty. Heck, I know that I can be one of those but even the photographer was shocked. It was not fun to be in that space and have to watch her. (When we got the pictures taken, the photographer had to wait because Harry did not want to stop smiling to get his picture taken. lol She said they usually have the opposite problem.)

Now I have let it be known to Maggie that if she was to have a baby as a teenager that I would have to kill her. To this she says, 'but mom, I already am a mom to my baby dolls.' To which, Krismon replied 'good, keep it that way.'

This morning she was melting down over not getting to wear a white skirt to school and some tie shoes. We were running late and no way was I have that skirt get so dirty that it wouldn't come clean. She was in a groove to just be contrary. Thankfully she came out of it.

PS Max had his second allergy scratch test and still nothing. So no outdoors, no indoors and next we do foods. Wish his back luck next Tuesday....

Last week

2010-03-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

So since joining the 500 miles in 2010. I have been slowly ramping up my miles but last week was a proud moment for me. I got out everyday and did mileage. Running one day and walking with kids the next. I was pretty excited to be out and about. Plus the dog, oh is he in heaven.
Today I went to a purse and jewelry party at a friend's house. Her daughter, earlier, had been saying it was cruel to run or bike a dog. I let her know that my dog takes me for runs not the other way around. I am getting faster and faster with his help. Now I try not and let him pull me all the time but it is hard to stop the behaviour when the outcome is positive for me. And he is such a much happier dog for our runs. She was surprised when I let her know how happy Juno is and how sad he is on days that we don't go. Last week, I did 18.83 miles. My nike + shows a combined total of 61.46. I know that my total is a little more than that because I did mileage before getting the nike + but it does feel like this goal is achievable.
The discipline will come into effect when summer hits. That will be a lot harder and more than I am used to. My schedule will have to adjust to running even earlier in the morning so I can try and not melt under the morning sun. It will be either that or the treadmill. I guess I just need to lock away those thoughts and not worry about them until the time comes.
Anyway, today was good just for the fact that Max got out there with me and did a mile. Just the two of us. We did a run walk pattern using blocks. I love kids for their get up and go but most of it goes and then crashes. I am hoping that if we start getting out there together that this might develop into something more for him as well. Maggie, at the moment, likes the walks but I feel like I am dragging her towards the end of the walk.

I just wanted to tell everyone my excitement beyond that, my clothes are fitting better than ever which is vastly rewarding.

So Thanks Laura and Erin for creating this challenge. It was the kick in the pants that I needed.

twofer one

2010-03-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

It started out innocently enough

We were going to make a flower.

Some glue and purple tissue paper.

She giggled that the paper stuck to her fingers.

Happy girl, pretty project

So nice she made it for her friend.

Umm this is what happens when you get distracted and they get crazy with their craft supplies.

PS do you like how the headband is barely on her head, more like a tiara.

Family Values and Family Rules

2010-03-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

So we have both of the above framed so that we can see them and the kids can see them and Max can read them aloud or to himself. I did this a year or so ago so that we could be as transparent as possible in our parenting. Do I break the rules? Yes Do I live by the Values? I try, really I do. Anyways here they are...

Master photographer, I am not. Now the reason I showed them was well so you coud see them. Why did I bring it up?

This morning, Max was talking about how smart he is.

'What do the kids in your class say when you tell them that?'

'They tell me to be quiet, that they don't want to hear me tell them that.'

'Well, do you think it is good to go around saying that?'

'No, I need to learn to be humble. We need to add that to our family values. When I grow up and have children, I will have it on our list.'

hmmm I guess that was one that I forgot.

And now for a shamelessly cute picture of Harry.

Randomness

2010-03-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

It feels like a wwe wrestling match every time I change Harry's diaper.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Must pack snacks for the kids so I can go to the library, book store and grocery store after school. And then still cook dinner. It wears me out just thinking about taking all 3 kids, 3 different places.

I am thinking of switching my shirt later just so my husband will pinch me. lol.

I must buy Max a journal. I think he needs to get some of his thoughts down on paper. Shh and also practice his handwriting.

I think Harry is teething again. My God this child already has 8 teeth. I swear he is just trying hard to catch up to his brother and sister.

School

2010-03-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, I went to the parent/teacher conference at school for Maggie. I am not sure why but I don't feel in tune with her learning. Some of this is, of course, my own fault among other reasons but it does produce a tad bit of guilt.

Max is an open book. He started signing quickly when he was 14 months old. He wanted us to understand what he knew and was eager to communicate. He has always been excited by knowledge and is our little performer. This is good and bad. I want him to be satisfied with his own performance and not always expect praise for his accomplishments. But besides that, it has made life very easy because we knew him like an open book.

Maggie... She is a whole other creature. She is smart but we don't really know how smart. And the things that motivate Max don't seem to motivate her in the same way. Yes she likes praise but that is not her driving force. I wonder if she has really connected with her teachers or if they get her. It is a pretty big class. She doesn't want to work independently but with her teacher. Though I wonder if that is really true since she is capable of playing very independently at home. Is she working the teacher like she has worked us? She loves to act and is good at the drama queen bit. Anyway, I just don't feel like I have a good handle on her academically or how to help her succeed further. And at school, she really wants to have the kindergarten teacher as her teacher. Ms. Jazmine has made a huge impression on her. I wish that I could switch her just because it seems like she would be more motivated. Or I am just reading too much into this and need to back off and relax. I mean for goodness sakes, she is only 3. I guess I am just having a mom moment. I just need to let her keep her kidhood and not feel the pressure of academics.

scratch test and hives

2010-03-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, we smoked another brisket and had friends over who will be moving soon to Texas. Fitting right... It was great to sit and relax while all the kids played upstairs. Of course, the younger two kept coming down to tattle, mostly on Max. We kept telling them what they should say and do until finally we said just to leave him if he wasn't going to be nice. I don't know when we noticed it but during one of our many diaper changes, we saw that Harry had either hives or heat rash. I don't know how it could be heat rash so I am really thinking it has to be hives. So on that note, he got a dose of benedryl. He seemed to be doing better. Fast forward today. (oh and the brisket was awesome, the company was fantastic, the kids had a blast and were even crazier after we ate! while we parents were in a bit of a food coma)

Okay and now today. Max had his allergist appt today. I figured it would be like most doctors, they see you for two minutes after way 35 minutes only to tell us to make another appt for the scratch test, etc. Nah.... Instead it still took probably a half hour to fill out forms and then another 10 minutes of waiting, thank goodness for the kindness of other kid's grandparents, before we went into the inner sanctum. The nurse checked his ears, then he did the candle test. We went to another room and we met the doctor a few minutes later. Actually just as I was finishing changing Harry's diaper. Nothing like being on the floor when the doctor comes in.... And yet again, Harry had the darn rash! Ugh. And at the allergist's office. But it wasn't like I could ask them for medicine since then I would probably have to fill out more forms. Max did a breathing treatment and then a scratch test to check for grass, trees and bushes. Nada on that score which is good so he can play outside. He did the breath test again and the doctor did say he thinks Max has asthma. I am hoping that it isn't serious. Next Tuesday, we get to go back and get him tested for food allergies. Oh and the scratch part, not fun to watch. Poor kid was all kinds of squirmy. I blew on his back but luckily he didn't react so nothing itched.

Here is hoping that it is nothing serious with Harry and that his rash goes away soon.

The case of the gimmes

2010-03-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

There is a Berenstein Bears book about the gimmes. The kids keep asking for everything and the father seems to do the same thing. I am going to have to go back and read it not only for my reference but to my kids. I just spent a pleasant hour or so at the store with Max asking for everything under the sun. I mean every aisle he would find something he needed down to toddler mac and cheese! Really you are 6 yrs old and you need toddler 'rip off' mac and cheese? I kept telling him no and no and no and no and no and no and no. And I told to stop asking for things. We got to the check out and again he was asking for a pez dispenser and candy. Thank you people who put that cra, I mean, stuff at the check out so that our kids can drive us a little wilder and maybe wear us down. No..... I finally let him hear what I had heard through the entire store.... 'Can I have this, can I have that, I want this, I really want that, please can I have this, come on, let me have it, please, can I have this, can I have that, please, I really want it, really, I want it, please can I have it.....' I, then, asked, if that sounded like a good boy thing to do while we are shopping from a list or a not good boy thing to do. Yeah, he was not pleased to answer that but then he has been pleased this whole day. Nor have I been pleased with his less than helpful attitude.

Anyways that is a digression. When we got home, Krismon pointed out that I should have set expectations before we ever got into the store. Next time...

These things just don't write themselves.

2010-03-13T05:59:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been hard to figure out what I want to write about.

mommytime- a definite must, Thank goodness for friends and babysitters

Playgroup- another must, letting both mom and kids socialize and nosh.

Why doors should not be slammed? Maggie's side of her hand was smashed and she had a white line with blood blisters adding some color to the ouchie.

Thanks to frozen peas for making such a good way to dampen the pain and work on getting blood flow back to the area.

Thanks costco for yummy tomato soup and spinach ravioli. It makes a good lent dinner.

Wordless Wed-what happens when she does her own hair

2010-03-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

Oh and notice the lovely dots on her face that she made as well....

Whisper, whisper, whisper

2010-03-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

Last night, when I tucked Max into bed after reading more Harry Potter to him and shut the door, I heard him start to whisper with Maggie. I didn't stick around to hear what they were saying but I can imagine it went something like this...

"Maggie, we need to decide who is going to be the good child tomorrow."

"Well, Max, you were the bad child today, I was the bad child the day before. I think I will bad tomorrow. And I will start at the crack of dawn so that when you make your debut you will definitely have their positive attention. (because you know a 3.75 would say something like that!)."

"That sounds like a good plan, but... I really think I should throw a few zingers to keep them off balance as well."

"Okay but I really want to be the villain in the play that is tomorrow."

"Deal"

"Deal"

Cut to this morning at 5:30. "I want my bear, daddy come find my bear."

"Maggie, you already got me up once this night, let me sleep."

"NOOO, DADDY (channel Whitney Housten saying "Bobbyyyy, bobbby") I WANT MY BEAR. COME WITH ME TO FIND MY BEAR!"

Now after this point, I really couldn't tell you what she said through all the screaming and crying and carrying on. But yeah, I got up. Krismon went back to sleep. I turned on my coffee and the news. Maggie calmed down and sat next to me. Max came down 15 minutes later. He, then, began to take our breakfast orders around 6am. Yes, he was going to be the breakfast chef with his helper Maggie. It seemed every 5 minutes Maggie was having a melt down. It was a long morning but was so happy to have the lot of them out of the house and Harry down for a nap. I let the morning just be after that. We shall see if Maggie continues in her choice or changes her mind. She was good at lunch, so there is hope.

Stupid is as stupid does

2010-03-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

So as if Harry hasn't gone through enough, we decided to go and get dim sum. The kids eat heartily when we go. It is awesome to see your kids enjoy foods that some people look at with suspicion. We thought that we would try Harry on some porridge. yeah not one of my brightest ideas. It had century egg in it. I won't go into what a century egg is, you can google it. Needless to say, it really makes the best porridge. What did it do for Harry? We think it gave him hives..... I think we may have gotten lazy in our food parenting.
You would think we would know by now, Maggie with her issues with citrus and strawberries. Max is going in soon to get his testing done so we can figure out what he is allergic to.

Here is where my rant comes in.... It feels likes allergies are on the frickin' rise. Everyone now seems to be born with them and those that weren't born with them will get them. What does that say about our world right now? So the flavored water that I grew up drinking in Iowa affected the foods that we eat/ate. Now in the last few years, we find out our meat being fed antibiotics that ends up compromising our health because then we are sick we might not get well as easily because of antibiotic resistance. Are we really that greedy? Do we really need to eat that much that our food needs all the added crap to make it bigger and look nicer. I remember that the crappiest looking apples usually tasted the best. Now you can't even buy those apples because they won't set them out at the grocery store. hmmm I know it doesn't probably all make sense or I could get off my high horse and just buy all organic everything so that I know exactly where everything comes from.

I just remember that as a kid then only things that people seemed allergic to was strawberries and bees and sometimes peanut butter. And now... What have we done to our world?

Okay I guess that rant stole the show.... But I guess this is a good lesson to make sure that I take my time with his food and not feed him something before he should have it.

Monster Maggie

2010-03-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

Last night, we decided to let Maggie go with Max and Krismon to the basketball game at the Orleans. She has been cooped up all week. Like totally cooped up. She got her fever on Sunday and so the only places she has been is the doctors office. No school, no playgroup. And I probably haven't helped by being pooped out by both her night wakings and Harry's. Last night was a bit better, I did not get woken up until 4am. But then Max came down around 5 am and crawled onto the chair to sleep some more. Then Maggie came down around 5:40 wanting to crawl into bed with us.

Thus began the monster, she screamed and hit Krismon and was generally belligerent. I finally got up at quarter to 6 because I didn't want to hear her nonsense anymore. Her behavior continued to be peachy. I guess the one good thing I can say is that she is in touch with her feelings. "I AM SO FRUSTRATED!" It doesn't always come out perfect but she does let us know her feelings (Sometimes it is hard not to chuckle.)

This morning was really a Maggie morning. She decided that two couches weren't good enough to sit on that she needed to sit on Max who was laying on the ottoman and then was upset when she ended up on the floor not once but twice.

And then there was her decision to swing her baby doll like a baseball bat at Max. Lovely. All the while I am trying to get ready to take her to ballet and then violin. She did well at ballet but violin was attitude central.

She was being cheeky to be cheeky. I was ready to throw in the towel. I am not sure where her pent up frustration is coming from but ugh....

She and Max must have decided to trade roles of bad choice bomber. It was rough getting her to go take her nap. But here is hoping that she wakes up in a better frame of mind.

Harry is still having a rough go of it. He is not really happy at the moment. He's not wanting to eat as much but then he needs to eat because the antibiotics are hard on the tummy. I think I need to get to the grocery store to get him some more baby snacks to tempt his palate so it won't be so upset from medicine. And please cross fingers that his fever finally breaks today.

I need time with Max

2010-03-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

I mean I really need time with Max. For 2 and a half years, it was the two of us most days. Adding Maggie in wasn't difficult or at least it didn't seem to be. He was a stubbornly easy kid. I mean he was a stubborn baby. Yes, stubborn but generally he was easy. We got on well, I feel like when we started potty training that was where our heads butted the most. I know that isn't the one event. I think my on line friends have it right, they talk about 3.75 being a tough age. I am wondering if that coincides with my troubles with Max. He digs in his heals and all of a sudden, we are off and running. I need to reconnect with him so that we can build a more solid relationship.

I know that it is tough on him being the oldest having the other two take some of his time. We haven't been reading the Harry Potter books the last few weeks for various reasons and I know that needs to be changed. I am hoping to go see 'Alice in Wonderland' with Max on Sunday. He wants to see if today, since it came out. I guess we have hit the commercial age with him and by virtue of being siblings Maggie as well. She SAYS she wants to see Alice in Wonderland as well but that isn't happening. I do not believe she is ready for it.
I, also, know that Maggie needs that individual time with us. I had found something for her and I to do that was special.

Krismon surprised all of us when he said that he got tickets to a game tonight. Max is going to watch basketball with Krismon. I am glad that they are going to have some time out. They need it too.

I want our kids to have special time with us so I am still searching for those times that we can be out alone for some one on one time. What does everyone else do for their one on one time with their kids?

A wondering

2010-03-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

So we went in today to get Maggie checked out again and Harry checked out. Maggie still had a fever this morning and she had a slight fever this afternoon. The doctor was concerned that if she had the fever more 3 days then it would be more than a virus. Well, she has a cough from post nasal drip. This is my wondering, he thinks she has a sinus infection so he gave us a script for antibiotics and it is because it has been more days. But I wonder if I should have asked if I should have let it go and see if she could have gotten over her sinus infection on her own or if the antibiotics are absolutely necessary.

And Harry was diagnosed with another ear infection, of course, in the other ear. Would it have been better for him to try and get over it on his own or are antibiotics a better way to heal? I think with Harry, probably yes. He had a fever last night and in the middle of the night, he was super warm. He got a dose of tylenol around 2 or so and then some ibuprofin around 6 so by the time we got in to see the doctor around noon his temp had climbed to 103. He was a sad guy. The receptionist had to stop talking to me about Monique's open marriage because she couldn't bear to look at poor Harry's face. He was miserable and tired.

At least I enjoy going to the doctor's office. The women in the office are a crack up. They have the right amount of humor mixed with sarcasm which is pretty refreshing and helps relieve the worry.
I am really hoping that that I don't get to the point where we are first name basis though. Last time I was in they asked where their lunch was. Yes it feels like we have been way too much. Where as with Max, I only went in for well checks I think the first year. Were we bad parents or just lucky with him? Maybe it is the fact that we have school age children so they bring home all sorts of crap or maybe because when we went in on Monday, Harry was crawling in the reception area. I just didn't have it in me to keep him from crawling and I guess I am not anal enough about wiping him down.

Enough second guessing the whole point is... am I medicating them too much or would their bodies get over it on their own?