I don't know where some of the stuff comes from that rolls around in that little brain of hers, but here are some recent examples.
"I'm going to build a swimming pool."
"Oh really, honey?"
"Yes. We are going to build it when we get home. I need some wood and some water."
"Hmm. I don't think we have enough wood or water at home to build a swimming pool. Maybe we will have to build it another time."
"Well, we can just stop at the water and wood store. It's not very far from here."
This is the point where I have to break it to her that we are not going to be able to build a pool today. We can't get to the Wood and Water store in time. She assures me, again, "But it's not far from here!" "Far" and "here" being completely fluid things, you understand.
This morning, on our way to school, she came out with this one,
"I love flowers."
"I love flowers too, sweetie!"
"But I also like bugs."
"Well, that's cool. You can like both things."
"I love ladybugs. We need to go get some at the ladybug zoo."
"The ladybug zoo?"
"Yes. It's not far from here!"
I'm starting to see a trend.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Vacation, All I ever wanted. Vacation, Had to get away...
So I took the past week off since the Wonderboy was on vacation and I wanted a break from work. I learned a few things along the way:
1. No matter how long 7 days sounds at the beginning of the week, it is definitely not enough time to get everything done.
2. Also challenging is the idea of "getting things done" when you have two kids running around. See this example of what I mean (there's actual math involved!)
3. I have figured something out about myself. I may not be the crafty Mom, or the sporty Mom, or the Mom that will play Bakugan with you for hours. But I will be the Mom who will get up in front of an audience and embarrass herself if my kids think it's cool. We were at a kids show on Wednesday - two guys who sing funny songs and dance around, etc. One of the numbers had kids going up and putting on silly hats and costumes. I'm encouraging Wonderboy to raise his hand, which he is only lukewarm about. Then the performer guy says, "Now we need a grown up to come up here!" Wonderboy immediately says, "Raise your hand, Mom!" I'm pretty sure I was the only adult to do so. Up I go to become the "robot" with a wire mesh trash can on my head and my middle wrapped in tin foil. In front of a good portion of town. That's the kind of thing I will do in a heartbeat. Hell, I was in the drama club in high school and I'll never hesitate to get some extra attention - plus, and more importantly - both Wonderboy and Pixie thought I was awesome.
4. There is really nothing better then a night away with your sisters. No husbands or kids - just us. We stayed in the hotel where I work, went and had our toes done, drinks and dinner. Good conversations and lots of laughter. (And thanks to those husbands and kids who let us escape for the night!)
5. If you have kids who are six and older I whole-heartedly recommend "How to Train Your Dragon." Have you seen these new 3-D movies?? I have not seen Avatar so this was my first experience and I have to say - amazing. Also? It was a really fun flick. Wonderboy and I went to a matinee on Friday when Pixie was in daycare and we both loved it.
6. I like these cows. I pass by them on my way to and from work. They're excellent.
Finally, I want to say thanks for everyone's kind words last week. Starting my vacation going to a wake and a funeral was pretty awful, not that it would have been better at any other time. Christine has been away with her girls, but I hope to get together with her soon. I will pass along all of your heartfelt thoughts.
1. No matter how long 7 days sounds at the beginning of the week, it is definitely not enough time to get everything done.
2. Also challenging is the idea of "getting things done" when you have two kids running around. See this example of what I mean (there's actual math involved!)
3. I have figured something out about myself. I may not be the crafty Mom, or the sporty Mom, or the Mom that will play Bakugan with you for hours. But I will be the Mom who will get up in front of an audience and embarrass herself if my kids think it's cool. We were at a kids show on Wednesday - two guys who sing funny songs and dance around, etc. One of the numbers had kids going up and putting on silly hats and costumes. I'm encouraging Wonderboy to raise his hand, which he is only lukewarm about. Then the performer guy says, "Now we need a grown up to come up here!" Wonderboy immediately says, "Raise your hand, Mom!" I'm pretty sure I was the only adult to do so. Up I go to become the "robot" with a wire mesh trash can on my head and my middle wrapped in tin foil. In front of a good portion of town. That's the kind of thing I will do in a heartbeat. Hell, I was in the drama club in high school and I'll never hesitate to get some extra attention - plus, and more importantly - both Wonderboy and Pixie thought I was awesome.
4. There is really nothing better then a night away with your sisters. No husbands or kids - just us. We stayed in the hotel where I work, went and had our toes done, drinks and dinner. Good conversations and lots of laughter. (And thanks to those husbands and kids who let us escape for the night!)
5. If you have kids who are six and older I whole-heartedly recommend "How to Train Your Dragon." Have you seen these new 3-D movies?? I have not seen Avatar so this was my first experience and I have to say - amazing. Also? It was a really fun flick. Wonderboy and I went to a matinee on Friday when Pixie was in daycare and we both loved it.
6. I like these cows. I pass by them on my way to and from work. They're excellent.
I want to take this calf home with me, it's so freaking cute.
Finally, I want to say thanks for everyone's kind words last week. Starting my vacation going to a wake and a funeral was pretty awful, not that it would have been better at any other time. Christine has been away with her girls, but I hope to get together with her soon. I will pass along all of your heartfelt thoughts.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Further proof of my theory that Death is a F*cking Bastard
My friend Christine is one of those people that I will always consider a good friend. We worked together for many years. She gave me maternity clothes when I was pregnant with the Wonderboy. She is also a person that is genuinely great. Funny, sensitive, smart. Friendly to everyone. A truly good soul. Deserving of every happiness. She and I have not seen much of each other recently. Busy lives and different schedules have rendered us occasional email friends without much face to face time. But because of the kind of person she is, she will always be one of my favorite people.
Yesterday, I found out that her husband of thirteen years died suddenly this week. His name was Frank. He was as warm and friendly as Christine. They have two young girls - ages 9 and 8 (approximately, I admit to losing track.) Christine has had some high level hotel jobs, Frank worked in audio and was able to stay home with the girls for the past several years. Every time I think of them all, I start to cry.
One of the things Christine and I had in common was that we both lost our Mom's at a young age. We've talked about how we wanted to have huge 40th birthday bashes since neither of our Mom's made it to that milestone. She also lost her Dad. Part of the deep connection that she and Frank had was that they had both lost their parents. They had other family, but they were each others' true family. I honestly cannot imagine what she is going through.
It makes me think about my Dad, and what he went through when my Mom died. With two young kids. And my heart breaks all over again. Why the fuck does shit like this have to happen? I know there is no answer to that question. I don't have the faith that some do to help ease any of the pain. Sometimes I regret that, but it is what it is. So I lean on others. My family and friends that can take some of it for me. I hope to be able to do that for Christine.
Some people, after experiencing a death in their life, get the "live every day to the fullest" idea in their head. I don't think, in theory, there is anything wrong with that idea. But I also don't think that it means that we have to try to solve world problems, or go sky-diving every other day or put even more pressures on our already stressed selves. I think living to the fullest is what is best for you in that day. It might mean reading a book and taking a nap. Or cuddling up with your kids on the couch for a movie. Or having a dance party in your living room.
The only thing that I think is really crucial to do every day is to tell those that are closest to you that you love them. No matter what. Every day.
Yesterday, I found out that her husband of thirteen years died suddenly this week. His name was Frank. He was as warm and friendly as Christine. They have two young girls - ages 9 and 8 (approximately, I admit to losing track.) Christine has had some high level hotel jobs, Frank worked in audio and was able to stay home with the girls for the past several years. Every time I think of them all, I start to cry.
One of the things Christine and I had in common was that we both lost our Mom's at a young age. We've talked about how we wanted to have huge 40th birthday bashes since neither of our Mom's made it to that milestone. She also lost her Dad. Part of the deep connection that she and Frank had was that they had both lost their parents. They had other family, but they were each others' true family. I honestly cannot imagine what she is going through.
It makes me think about my Dad, and what he went through when my Mom died. With two young kids. And my heart breaks all over again. Why the fuck does shit like this have to happen? I know there is no answer to that question. I don't have the faith that some do to help ease any of the pain. Sometimes I regret that, but it is what it is. So I lean on others. My family and friends that can take some of it for me. I hope to be able to do that for Christine.
Some people, after experiencing a death in their life, get the "live every day to the fullest" idea in their head. I don't think, in theory, there is anything wrong with that idea. But I also don't think that it means that we have to try to solve world problems, or go sky-diving every other day or put even more pressures on our already stressed selves. I think living to the fullest is what is best for you in that day. It might mean reading a book and taking a nap. Or cuddling up with your kids on the couch for a movie. Or having a dance party in your living room.
The only thing that I think is really crucial to do every day is to tell those that are closest to you that you love them. No matter what. Every day.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Bickersons. 2.0
Growing up, my older brother and I used to fight. You know, like siblings do. "It's mine!" "Give it back!" "Stop it!" All that good stuff.
I remember one time my brother calling me out on the fact that I used to yell loudly so that I would be guaranteed to get the attention of whatever parental unit was closest. At the time, I don't think I consciously realized I was doing it, but of course, that was exactly my tactic. We grew out of it eventually. Especially when our Dad remarried and my step-mom and her four kids moved in - because that was when we got a glimpse at some experts in sibling battles. The Bickersons.
My two younger step-sibs, lets call them Thing 1 and Thing 2 for the purposes of this post, were unbelievable. Thing 1, my brother - age 9 when they moved in. Thing 2, the baby girl - age 5 when we all came together. They would just pick at each other constantly. T1 would drive T2 crazy - and vice versa. They didn't really fight physically that I can remember - but the nagging, the teasing, the never-ending pick, pick, pick. My Dad dubbed them, "The Bickersons." I had never seen the likes of it. And thought I never would again. Funny thing, life.
Enter Wonderboy and Pixie. Ages - almost 7 and 4, respectively. I think they are going to give the original Bickersons a run for their money. Wonderboy has inherited my "yelling loudly" technique. Which, in hindsight, is completely annoying! What really drives him crazy though is when the Pixie will say something nonsensical. She's constantly bringing up events that only happened in her head which he is well and determined to prove DID NOT HAPPEN. "You didn't have a party today. Did she have a party today, Mom? See? You didn't have a party."
It's like he can't reconcile her 3yr old brain in his 6yr old brain. As far as he's concerned - anything that someone says is taken at face value. If she calls something by a wrong name, he has to point it out. If she says something random, he has to prove that it's nonsense. It's that same pick, pick, pick. GAH!
Then, of course, are the times when it does get physical. This is usually running around play that turns into something more rough and Wonderboy forgets that she is smaller then him. I always know the moment it has gone too far because I will hear her start to cry and he is instantly trying to make her laugh so he doesn't get busted. Lately, his tactic is to hit himself "in the jimmies," or tell her to. (Because everything to do with butts or penis' is hilarious, didn't you know that?) Anyway, I'm waiting for the day that it's going to backfire on him and she's going to haul off and kick him in the nuts.
They are driving me mental. And I'm not always sure the best way to handle it. Intervene? Don't intervene? Let them try work it out? (Secretly, and as a former "little sister" I tend to think that route usually benefits the elder child...) Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Because if I don't get some relief from the Bickersons Next Generation soon I might as well go out and buy my own liquor store.
I remember one time my brother calling me out on the fact that I used to yell loudly so that I would be guaranteed to get the attention of whatever parental unit was closest. At the time, I don't think I consciously realized I was doing it, but of course, that was exactly my tactic. We grew out of it eventually. Especially when our Dad remarried and my step-mom and her four kids moved in - because that was when we got a glimpse at some experts in sibling battles. The Bickersons.
My two younger step-sibs, lets call them Thing 1 and Thing 2 for the purposes of this post, were unbelievable. Thing 1, my brother - age 9 when they moved in. Thing 2, the baby girl - age 5 when we all came together. They would just pick at each other constantly. T1 would drive T2 crazy - and vice versa. They didn't really fight physically that I can remember - but the nagging, the teasing, the never-ending pick, pick, pick. My Dad dubbed them, "The Bickersons." I had never seen the likes of it. And thought I never would again. Funny thing, life.
Enter Wonderboy and Pixie. Ages - almost 7 and 4, respectively. I think they are going to give the original Bickersons a run for their money. Wonderboy has inherited my "yelling loudly" technique. Which, in hindsight, is completely annoying! What really drives him crazy though is when the Pixie will say something nonsensical. She's constantly bringing up events that only happened in her head which he is well and determined to prove DID NOT HAPPEN. "You didn't have a party today. Did she have a party today, Mom? See? You didn't have a party."
It's like he can't reconcile her 3yr old brain in his 6yr old brain. As far as he's concerned - anything that someone says is taken at face value. If she calls something by a wrong name, he has to point it out. If she says something random, he has to prove that it's nonsense. It's that same pick, pick, pick. GAH!
Then, of course, are the times when it does get physical. This is usually running around play that turns into something more rough and Wonderboy forgets that she is smaller then him. I always know the moment it has gone too far because I will hear her start to cry and he is instantly trying to make her laugh so he doesn't get busted. Lately, his tactic is to hit himself "in the jimmies," or tell her to. (Because everything to do with butts or penis' is hilarious, didn't you know that?) Anyway, I'm waiting for the day that it's going to backfire on him and she's going to haul off and kick him in the nuts.
They are driving me mental. And I'm not always sure the best way to handle it. Intervene? Don't intervene? Let them try work it out? (Secretly, and as a former "little sister" I tend to think that route usually benefits the elder child...) Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Because if I don't get some relief from the Bickersons Next Generation soon I might as well go out and buy my own liquor store.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Overdue sunshine. Literally and figuratively.
Check it out, y'all! The sun is shining on our corner of New England and Spring is finally here!
There is something about this time of year that makes me intrinsically happy. The little red buds that give way to bright, new green leaves. The pop of daffodils around every corner. The burst of color on the blooming trees. Every day when I drive to work, there is some other part of Spring making itself known. Happy, happy.
Another thing that makes me happy is when other bloggers that Istalk respect give me a little sunshiny love!
I received this some time ago from the lovely Stacia at Fluffy Bunnies. She shares my passion for the decadent Cadbury Creme Eggs. She makes me get teary. She makes me laugh. She makes me think. She is a relatively new find for me and I am so grateful I stumbled across her fabulous blog. Thanks for continuing to provide sunshine in my life, Stacia!
I feel a little silly passing on the love - since most of the blogs I follow have pretty big followings of their own and you probably all read them anyway. But I'm going to mention a few new blogs that I have recently found and was instantly smitten with.
Aging Mommy. Smart, funny, slightly anti-social like yours truly - this is a Mommy you want to hang out with.
The Unbitten Tongue. From a woman who just couldn't take not being able to be totally herself on her blog. So she started another one. Cool, huh?
Deckside Thoughts. A fellow New Englander. Need I say more? And I don't even hold her obsessive love of NASCAR against her.
Hope this bit of sunshine brightens your day, just as it did mine!
Leaves! Leaves!
Ooo! Ahhh!
Another thing that makes me happy is when other bloggers that I
I received this some time ago from the lovely Stacia at Fluffy Bunnies. She shares my passion for the decadent Cadbury Creme Eggs. She makes me get teary. She makes me laugh. She makes me think. She is a relatively new find for me and I am so grateful I stumbled across her fabulous blog. Thanks for continuing to provide sunshine in my life, Stacia!
I feel a little silly passing on the love - since most of the blogs I follow have pretty big followings of their own and you probably all read them anyway. But I'm going to mention a few new blogs that I have recently found and was instantly smitten with.
Aging Mommy. Smart, funny, slightly anti-social like yours truly - this is a Mommy you want to hang out with.
The Unbitten Tongue. From a woman who just couldn't take not being able to be totally herself on her blog. So she started another one. Cool, huh?
Deckside Thoughts. A fellow New Englander. Need I say more? And I don't even hold her obsessive love of NASCAR against her.
Hope this bit of sunshine brightens your day, just as it did mine!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
JMOW and the no good, very bad day
Tuesday morning started out well. I actually got up for my early 6:15 alarm to do my Shred for the day. I'm getting my water in the kitchen when I notice my phone flashing. Check my email to find out the Wonderboy's school has cancelled for the day. Hmm. Curious. Maybe it has something to do with all the rain we've been getting? I start to walk downstairs and think to myself, "What is that noise?"
That noise? Was this:
About five inches of water - in our entire downstairs living room. Spewing from the shower drain in the downstairs bathroom:
This is my thumb after making a quick trip to the walk-in clinic for THREE F-ING STICHES. Talk about adding insult to injury. Or injury to insult as the case may be.
The monsoon that hit New England this past week hit our state particularly hard. Lots of people were - and are - in way worse shape then we are. I know this logically. It still doesn't change the fact that we have a major suckfest going on. We have cleared everything out of there, steam cleaned with bleach so that we can at least not be breathing in some potentially harmful mold stuff. No matter what, the carpet is going to have to go.
That noise? Was this:
I had shut the shower door in this shot - but you can see it still pouring out. And yes folks, that is not just water coming out of that shower drain. It's all kinds of stuff you really don't want to see INSIDE YOUR LIVING ROOM.
That night, in trying to keep some semblance of normalcy, I mean - the poor kids had to fend for themselves most of the day, I went ahead with my plans to make cookies for story-time at the Library the following morning. It was my week and who am I to let a little flood prevent the kids from getting their dinosaur cookies? We successfully rolled and cut 40 little stegosauras'. That's when my brain took a break and I tried to open a little tube of frosting with an open pair of scissors.
The monsoon that hit New England this past week hit our state particularly hard. Lots of people were - and are - in way worse shape then we are. I know this logically. It still doesn't change the fact that we have a major suckfest going on. We have cleared everything out of there, steam cleaned with bleach so that we can at least not be breathing in some potentially harmful mold stuff. No matter what, the carpet is going to have to go.
And this is where financial things like, oh....no savings, shitty credit rating, no help from the flood insurance that our mortgage company insist we get, really start to make you incredibly depressed as the days go on. Trying to keep your head above water takes on a whole new meaning. Har-har.
So that's been our week - and the reason I've been MIA. Hopefully things will start to even out a bit and I'll get back in the swing of things. Until then, hope everyone has a Happy Easter!
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