My daughter is dropping out of school, and I couldn't be happier.
In the spring, Norah went to visit the school that she was going to attend, and she stated, very firmly, that she did 'not want to go to school' there. To be honest, her dad and I weren't overly impressed with the local options, but we decided to go with the flow and give it a shot.
Well, here I sit on Halloween, happily announcing that we have told her that she can drop out of school. She's 4. She's going to be something amazing one day, but I don't feel confident that the currently offered education system is going to be what gets her to where she wants to be.
Norah has expressed for a couple of years now that she is going to be a doctor. (She has been talking very well since 15 months, so, if the math didn't add up, that would be why.) We fully support her in whatever she wants to be, but we have been warned for a few years that, since she is 'bright', we will need to keep her attention in school, as she will want to learn more and faster than others.... which has very much proven to be true.
She is usually a very easy child, but we have noticed several changes that boil down to her being frustrated with going to school. One concern she has voiced is that 'the days are too long at school.' She has also been concerned about many other situations, ranging from bus incidents to injuries to being frustrated that she isn't being taught to read. The straw that breaks the camel's back is that she is ONLY FOUR. She JUST wants to LEARN at school. Instead, she is placed in free play for most of the day and then she comes home to question what she is learning.
Her father and I have discussed it, and we've selected an excellent homeschool program for her, which we plan to start with her next September, almost a year from now. We can't wait. She can't wait. She is excited to have mommy and daddy teach her. She is excited to be able to have her brothers with her through the day again. She is excited to be able to explore this big world that we live in and not be stuck in a classroom most of the day. It's kind of funny, because, now that we've made this decision, I see all of the learning opportunities that I have with her throughout the day... and I've tried to start seizing them! Just little things, like when we're driving in the car, pointing out stores and shops and having her figure out what the phonetic sounds are to the letters... She literally is a sponge! It's wonderful!
I think that I finally have peace about her education... which is something that has bothered me since she was born. I always wrote myself off as 'too busy', as I easily fill my schedule with work (my sister and I own a restaurant), caring for her brothers (twins that are almost 2?? that's a whole other level of busy), and time with our families (both of whom live very close, which is great!... other than the few who 'got' away). I had read a blog of a friend a while back, who had written about having peace when she made this decision... I now see what she means... To KNOW that my child will have a solid education, like, I mean ROCK SOLID, and be taught the values and meanings to life that are important to our family literally make me so excited... like flap my hands and jump up and down excited.. ;) .... How could I not be excited to offer my child the best that I can?
On a different note, she's already bestowed the title of 'best teacher' on me... I know that this won't always be the case, but, hey, I'll take it. :)
Friday, 31 October 2014
Tuesday, 21 October 2014
Child Bride
Norah, our four year old daughter, was invited to her first 'school friend' birthday party. It was an exciting time for her. We had a lot of fun planning ahead to the day, which included shopping for a gift.
Having two boys that are almost two years old, I struggled very much so with having to think of an appropriate gift for a 5 year old boy. Norah, although always full of ideas, was struggling with the same thing.
After shopping for a good while and pointing out every dollhouse, Barbie set and girly stickers she could find (and trying to convince me that the child whose birthday party she was going to attend might be a girl... ya, sly one....), we left a store empty-handed and a little bit frustrated....
As we were walking away, she thought of the perfect gift!
" - I - will be his present!" She stares up at me with smiling eyes, and an even bigger grin on her face.
"Um, I don't .... Um, Norah, what do you mean?" Thinking that she was concocting yet another way to give something that she would enjoy as a gift if she were to receive it....
"I will wear my wedding dress (which is one she wore as a flower girl in my sister's wedding), and I will be his gift!"
"You want to be his gift?"
"Yes, I will marry him!!!" She squeals with excitement.
"Honey, that means that you will have to go and live with him and be his wife."
"Yah!! Wouldn't that be awesome!!! I would LOVE to do that!"
Needless to say, we found a gift that was suitable at the next store..... because, there is no way that I was going to tell her father that I was marrying her off at the age of four!
After sitting back and thinking about this, I think that it's really awesome that, in this day and age, Norah still thinks that being someone's bride is the best gift that she can give to someone. I hope that she never forgets that her value as a person, and if she so chooses as a bride one day, is never diminished if she chooses to share her life with someone. In a way, it's kind of nice to know that she still sees it as a glamorous job. I hope she never forgets that having a family (even if you have to care for it) is SOOO worth it and that every single person you add to your life makes it that much more rich.
Ahhh, love it when my daughter reminds me of wonderful things. :)
Having two boys that are almost two years old, I struggled very much so with having to think of an appropriate gift for a 5 year old boy. Norah, although always full of ideas, was struggling with the same thing.
After shopping for a good while and pointing out every dollhouse, Barbie set and girly stickers she could find (and trying to convince me that the child whose birthday party she was going to attend might be a girl... ya, sly one....), we left a store empty-handed and a little bit frustrated....
As we were walking away, she thought of the perfect gift!
" - I - will be his present!" She stares up at me with smiling eyes, and an even bigger grin on her face.
"Um, I don't .... Um, Norah, what do you mean?" Thinking that she was concocting yet another way to give something that she would enjoy as a gift if she were to receive it....
"I will wear my wedding dress (which is one she wore as a flower girl in my sister's wedding), and I will be his gift!"
"You want to be his gift?"
"Yes, I will marry him!!!" She squeals with excitement.
"Honey, that means that you will have to go and live with him and be his wife."
"Yah!! Wouldn't that be awesome!!! I would LOVE to do that!"
Needless to say, we found a gift that was suitable at the next store..... because, there is no way that I was going to tell her father that I was marrying her off at the age of four!
After sitting back and thinking about this, I think that it's really awesome that, in this day and age, Norah still thinks that being someone's bride is the best gift that she can give to someone. I hope that she never forgets that her value as a person, and if she so chooses as a bride one day, is never diminished if she chooses to share her life with someone. In a way, it's kind of nice to know that she still sees it as a glamorous job. I hope she never forgets that having a family (even if you have to care for it) is SOOO worth it and that every single person you add to your life makes it that much more rich.
Ahhh, love it when my daughter reminds me of wonderful things. :)
Monday, 22 September 2014
Anatomy Lessons
Norah has been sick for the last week with a nasty cold that is causing a great deal of unrest in our home. I brought her to the doctor this morning, and I ended up having quite a laugh at her views of anatomy.
We have been working with her on properly named body parts, as she is curious and we'd rather that than odd nicknames.....
As we were waiting for the doctor to come into the room, I was going over what would likely happen during her checkup - telling her that he will listen to her breathing, check her ears and throat, and just make sure that she doesn't need any medicine.
She tells me that she wants to know what the word for the thing in the back of the throat that hangs down is called. I told her that was a perfect question to ask the doctor!
He comes in and we have the normal chit chat, with Norah, of course, behaving completely like a jokester, just like daddy.
As the doctor was listening to her lungs, and she happily informs him that "Mommy has boobs there on her!" ... Lovely, Norah...
Then comes the next part of the exam. He starts by looking in her ears and throat, and I tell her to ask her question. She is too shy now, so I go ahead.
"It's called a uvula."
Awesome! "Norah, can you say that?" ... and then she utters under her breath again, the nickname for it that she had said earlier while we were waiting.... "It's a FOOD-GINA!"
Doctor looks at me and I just kind of shrug it off, as I know that he didn't hear her...
Now, she is looking at me and I know she is going to get goofy, so out with it....
"She calls it a Food- Gina.... her uvula.. she calls it a food-gina."
I thought the doctor was going to fall off of his seat from laughing so hard...
Probably the best thing he has ever heard out of the mouth of a four year old.....
We have been working with her on properly named body parts, as she is curious and we'd rather that than odd nicknames.....
As we were waiting for the doctor to come into the room, I was going over what would likely happen during her checkup - telling her that he will listen to her breathing, check her ears and throat, and just make sure that she doesn't need any medicine.
She tells me that she wants to know what the word for the thing in the back of the throat that hangs down is called. I told her that was a perfect question to ask the doctor!
He comes in and we have the normal chit chat, with Norah, of course, behaving completely like a jokester, just like daddy.
As the doctor was listening to her lungs, and she happily informs him that "Mommy has boobs there on her!" ... Lovely, Norah...
Then comes the next part of the exam. He starts by looking in her ears and throat, and I tell her to ask her question. She is too shy now, so I go ahead.
"It's called a uvula."
Awesome! "Norah, can you say that?" ... and then she utters under her breath again, the nickname for it that she had said earlier while we were waiting.... "It's a FOOD-GINA!"
Doctor looks at me and I just kind of shrug it off, as I know that he didn't hear her...
Now, she is looking at me and I know she is going to get goofy, so out with it....
"She calls it a Food- Gina.... her uvula.. she calls it a food-gina."
I thought the doctor was going to fall off of his seat from laughing so hard...
Probably the best thing he has ever heard out of the mouth of a four year old.....
Thursday, 11 September 2014
She's a Lion!
My daughter, who just turned four, has just started school this week. New experiences, new friends, and a whole new way of life has crept into our household. Mornings used to be a calm, relaxing, slow pace start to the day. Now, they are filled with baby juggling, hair doing, lunch packing, and bus stop dashing - all about one to two hours before we used to wake up!!
One particular thing that has been extra stressful has been the bus ride on the way to school. After two mornings of the driver leaving without Norah being in a seat, I called in to comment that this needed to be changed, and I was assured that it would be.
Later that night just before falling asleep, Norah, wide-eyed and concerned, told me about how she was caught by two other students when she started to fall when the bus took off.
"The wheels were turning, but I wasn't in my seat!"
I told her that wouldn't be happening anymore, as I had called and spoken to the bus company about it. She smiled and fell asleep. I didn't mention to her that I was kind of happy that I only had to give the route number and no other details. Being an adult, I was a little concerned of Norah and the other children at our stop being treated a little differently if we had the 'complaining mom' at this stop.....
Fast forward to this morning when the bus stops and opens the doors...
Norah is glued to the sidewalk and doesn't start moving at all.
"It's fine, Norah. It will be fine."
She looks at me with her gorgeous blue eyes.. "Hold my hand."
I grab her hand and escort her up the stairs, where she stands firmly, looks the driver straight in the eyes, and says, "Remember what happened yesterday morning - when you took off before I was sitting? That is NOT allowed to happen!"
I'm not sure if he quite understood what she said. I'm not sure if he heard every word. But I do know one thing. I could not be more proud of my little girl, when she looked at me and said, "It will be fine."
She smiled, took a seat, AND THEN, the bus took off.
There are these moments in life when you realize that sometimes our kids are teaching us valuable lessons. Before we went to sleep last night, she wanted to pray about the bus ride. I had no idea that she was praying for the courage to speak her piece. I feel so privileged to have had such a great example this morning of how to firmly assert myself when the situation is right.
We knew she was a little firecracker, but now I know she's got a lot of lion in there too, and her courage will come out when she needs it.
One particular thing that has been extra stressful has been the bus ride on the way to school. After two mornings of the driver leaving without Norah being in a seat, I called in to comment that this needed to be changed, and I was assured that it would be.
Later that night just before falling asleep, Norah, wide-eyed and concerned, told me about how she was caught by two other students when she started to fall when the bus took off.
"The wheels were turning, but I wasn't in my seat!"
I told her that wouldn't be happening anymore, as I had called and spoken to the bus company about it. She smiled and fell asleep. I didn't mention to her that I was kind of happy that I only had to give the route number and no other details. Being an adult, I was a little concerned of Norah and the other children at our stop being treated a little differently if we had the 'complaining mom' at this stop.....
Fast forward to this morning when the bus stops and opens the doors...
Norah is glued to the sidewalk and doesn't start moving at all.
"It's fine, Norah. It will be fine."
She looks at me with her gorgeous blue eyes.. "Hold my hand."
I grab her hand and escort her up the stairs, where she stands firmly, looks the driver straight in the eyes, and says, "Remember what happened yesterday morning - when you took off before I was sitting? That is NOT allowed to happen!"
I'm not sure if he quite understood what she said. I'm not sure if he heard every word. But I do know one thing. I could not be more proud of my little girl, when she looked at me and said, "It will be fine."
She smiled, took a seat, AND THEN, the bus took off.
There are these moments in life when you realize that sometimes our kids are teaching us valuable lessons. Before we went to sleep last night, she wanted to pray about the bus ride. I had no idea that she was praying for the courage to speak her piece. I feel so privileged to have had such a great example this morning of how to firmly assert myself when the situation is right.
We knew she was a little firecracker, but now I know she's got a lot of lion in there too, and her courage will come out when she needs it.
Monday, 18 August 2014
Open Door Policies
We have an open door policy at our house. We always welcome company - especially if they are brave enough to take on our crazy active kids and busy schedules. Please, come visit whenever you want. We are more than happy to have you... just be aware that we may be going or coming and the kids may expect you to run 25 laps around the house before you go.
This 'policy' has never been a problem, and, honestly, we like how it works for our family...
However, there may be some in the future who may not enjoy it quite as much.
We have a toilet trained almost four-old, who still needs a little bit of assistance, and the boys are just starting to show interest in the potty. Needless to say, the bathroom is a busy place in our home. Especially if I am home with the kids alone, there is often 1-3 kids in the washroom with me, with at least one sitting on the potty.
This morning, I became vividly aware of the risks that this poses, if we were to have drop in guests or have our mail delivered or have anyone at our front door for that matter.
While in the middle of a morning 'toilet blessing,' which one of the boys had to sit in on and attempt a 'potty blessing', he suddenly felt the need to push open the door and bolt out of the washroom, stark naked and run through the house... Nothing in the potty. It's a little frustrating, but that isn't an issue... Having naked kids running around the house is almost a norm during the summer, so that isn't an issue either.
The issue arises when I am left, sitting on the toilet, with the bathroom door wide open and full view of my front door. FULL VIEW. That is what anyone would get if they had walked up to our door at that moment. Apparently, we are blessed with a wonderful floor plan.... that provides maximum exposure for all.
'Norah, please come shut the door.'
'But mom! I'm watching Larry Boy and petting Mags!'
UGH... This is just wonderful.
Then the inner debate starts... Would it be worse to be caught mid wipe or mid crap?? Does it even matter?? Both would be horrible!!!
So, anyways, business was finished without incident...
This story serves as a warning for anyone who thinks that dropping by is a good idea...
BEWARE.. You never know whose butt you may see.
This 'policy' has never been a problem, and, honestly, we like how it works for our family...
However, there may be some in the future who may not enjoy it quite as much.
We have a toilet trained almost four-old, who still needs a little bit of assistance, and the boys are just starting to show interest in the potty. Needless to say, the bathroom is a busy place in our home. Especially if I am home with the kids alone, there is often 1-3 kids in the washroom with me, with at least one sitting on the potty.
This morning, I became vividly aware of the risks that this poses, if we were to have drop in guests or have our mail delivered or have anyone at our front door for that matter.
While in the middle of a morning 'toilet blessing,' which one of the boys had to sit in on and attempt a 'potty blessing', he suddenly felt the need to push open the door and bolt out of the washroom, stark naked and run through the house... Nothing in the potty. It's a little frustrating, but that isn't an issue... Having naked kids running around the house is almost a norm during the summer, so that isn't an issue either.
The issue arises when I am left, sitting on the toilet, with the bathroom door wide open and full view of my front door. FULL VIEW. That is what anyone would get if they had walked up to our door at that moment. Apparently, we are blessed with a wonderful floor plan.... that provides maximum exposure for all.
'Norah, please come shut the door.'
'But mom! I'm watching Larry Boy and petting Mags!'
UGH... This is just wonderful.
Then the inner debate starts... Would it be worse to be caught mid wipe or mid crap?? Does it even matter?? Both would be horrible!!!
So, anyways, business was finished without incident...
This story serves as a warning for anyone who thinks that dropping by is a good idea...
BEWARE.. You never know whose butt you may see.
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Coin Sense
Our daughter is starting school in the fall.... our daughter, who has been speaking in clear sentences since she was 15 months old and knows her way around the English language quite well, will be entering school this year....
I apologize in advance to her teacher, because it's going to be so much fun having her and her witty comments in the classroom.
My husband and I joke about how we will likely have a note sent home over one thing or another, likely in the first week. It's not that our daughter is a 'bad' child. It's not that she doesn't play well with others. It's not that she isn't social.
It's actually quite the opposite.
Today, at dinner, while the boys were smothering the table, chairs and floor with their dinner, my daughter and I were having a little back and forth about her eating the steak that was on her plate. While putting her plate together, I took a small piece of meat, cut it into 8 pieces. I filled the rest of the plate with macaroni & cheese and a mix of carrots and beans.
Well, I knew that the issue would come up, so I had my options ready. Lately, she hasn't been too keen on eating meat, so I had a few options to offer her if she flat out was not interested in eating her meat, which was the case tonight.
Within about 5 minutes of being at the table, she had eaten all of her macaroni, half of her veggies and no steak. She had eaten a whack of baked beans at lunch time, so I wasn't too concerned about her actually eating the steak... but, she does need to work on her listening and cooperating skills.
"Norah, you need to eat at least four pieces of steak."
"Mom, I really don't think steak is my favourite thing to eat."
"I know that. So that is why I am just having you eat only 4 pieces... You have 8 on your plate. I know you can fit 4 in there."
"Well.... I really don't like the steak. ...... Look, I ate a lot of my vegetables!"
"Ya, you did really well with your vegetables."
"Tell you what. If you eat all of your vegetables, then you don't have to finish your steak."
"All of them?"
"Yep."
"Hmmmmm. Well, I don't like the carrots, so I'm just gonna eat the peas."
"No, you're going to eat all of the carrots, too."
"Well, I don't like the carrots."
"Too bad. Eat your carrots."
"I KNOW!"
<SIGH> "What?"
"I'll just pretend that their chocolate coins! I love chocolate coins!"
"Norah, that is a great idea! Just eat them!"
- Silence for about thirty seconds.....-
She looks at me and puts the most pouty face on that she could muster.....
"Well, I'm not allowed to have chocolate, so I guess I don't have to eat my chocolate coins."
A couple of weeks ago, she was put on the 'NO CANDY' list by the dentist, so we've cut out candy. She's been dealing with this well.... until she can use this for her own preschool agenda....
Well played, Norah, well played....
I apologize in advance to her teacher, because it's going to be so much fun having her and her witty comments in the classroom.
My husband and I joke about how we will likely have a note sent home over one thing or another, likely in the first week. It's not that our daughter is a 'bad' child. It's not that she doesn't play well with others. It's not that she isn't social.
It's actually quite the opposite.
Today, at dinner, while the boys were smothering the table, chairs and floor with their dinner, my daughter and I were having a little back and forth about her eating the steak that was on her plate. While putting her plate together, I took a small piece of meat, cut it into 8 pieces. I filled the rest of the plate with macaroni & cheese and a mix of carrots and beans.
Well, I knew that the issue would come up, so I had my options ready. Lately, she hasn't been too keen on eating meat, so I had a few options to offer her if she flat out was not interested in eating her meat, which was the case tonight.
Within about 5 minutes of being at the table, she had eaten all of her macaroni, half of her veggies and no steak. She had eaten a whack of baked beans at lunch time, so I wasn't too concerned about her actually eating the steak... but, she does need to work on her listening and cooperating skills.
"Norah, you need to eat at least four pieces of steak."
"Mom, I really don't think steak is my favourite thing to eat."
"I know that. So that is why I am just having you eat only 4 pieces... You have 8 on your plate. I know you can fit 4 in there."
"Well.... I really don't like the steak. ...... Look, I ate a lot of my vegetables!"
"Ya, you did really well with your vegetables."
"Tell you what. If you eat all of your vegetables, then you don't have to finish your steak."
"All of them?"
"Yep."
"Hmmmmm. Well, I don't like the carrots, so I'm just gonna eat the peas."
"No, you're going to eat all of the carrots, too."
"Well, I don't like the carrots."
"Too bad. Eat your carrots."
"I KNOW!"
<SIGH> "What?"
"I'll just pretend that their chocolate coins! I love chocolate coins!"
"Norah, that is a great idea! Just eat them!"
- Silence for about thirty seconds.....-
She looks at me and puts the most pouty face on that she could muster.....
"Well, I'm not allowed to have chocolate, so I guess I don't have to eat my chocolate coins."
A couple of weeks ago, she was put on the 'NO CANDY' list by the dentist, so we've cut out candy. She's been dealing with this well.... until she can use this for her own preschool agenda....
Well played, Norah, well played....
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Boys will be boys!!
Ah, today, I REALLY hate that saying! Even more after reading an article today that excused rape (and murder!) as a mistake that boys will make, because 'boys will be boys.'
I have those 'boys will be boys' kids. I hear it all the time. I hear it regarding their messy hair and how they can antagonize their sister (and each other). I hear it about how much they just love running around, both clothed and naked, and about how they will eat us out of house and home. Everytime I hear it, I kind of cringe inside. I think from now on, I will REALLY cringe inside. Having various, insignificant definitions of what makes a boy (and often are used in a negative way) is kind of demeaning in itself. What child should be defined (by gender, in this case) for being a normal, active child?
Just a sidenote: Since people are always telling me that my boys are so busy, and that I must just always be chasing them, etc.... does that make it ok for me to tell people that their less active children are just bumps on a log?? lol... anyways, maybe I'm too tired to be writing this....
I believe in childhood, free of gender roles. Children will naturally gravitate towards what they love and what defines them. I am all for allowing children to run free and enjoy their childhood. Both of my sons have played with dolls and dishes, AND LOVE IT. By gender definition, technically, isn't that a huge no-no?? Like seriously, boys will be boys.... I have never met a boy who dislikes food (other than when going through a picky phase).. and playing with 'baby dolls' is normal to most children. They are simply mimicking their parents' behaviour with them. Which is awesome.... and telling of how good of a job the parents are doing. I surely would be missing some tender moments with my littles if they were stuck only to traditional 'boys will be boys' play.
My husband and I decided early on with our daughter that, when it comes to allowing her to enjoy a REAL childhood, we would pick our battles carefully. She, and our sons, are encouraged to get in the dirt and find bugs (although our daughter is 'scared' of them currently. They are encouraged to run around the backyard shoeless and jump carefree into our little wading pool. They are encouraged to go digging in the pots and pans and make musical instruments out of them and bang to their hearts content. Within reason and safely, they are able to PLAY however they want.... HOWEVER, whichever way they choose to play, they will do so respecting each other and whoever else is around.
Respect, whether for opposite gender, age, sexual orientation or race, is not a matter of allowing a child to be 'a boy'.. Not teaching a child the respect that is needed to live a good and wholesome life, without prejudice, is what actually robs children in the long run. Without giving our children the tools they need to succeed in life, we fail as parents, as well.
I sincerely wish that my children could never even fathom how such atrocities can be committed towards other human being. We are certainly raising them to show love, honour and respect to others, as that is the best foundation for their relationships that they can build.
I love my kids more than I can ever describe... that said, God help me if I ever sweep something so heinous under the rug and shrug it off saying 'boys will be boys.'
I have those 'boys will be boys' kids. I hear it all the time. I hear it regarding their messy hair and how they can antagonize their sister (and each other). I hear it about how much they just love running around, both clothed and naked, and about how they will eat us out of house and home. Everytime I hear it, I kind of cringe inside. I think from now on, I will REALLY cringe inside. Having various, insignificant definitions of what makes a boy (and often are used in a negative way) is kind of demeaning in itself. What child should be defined (by gender, in this case) for being a normal, active child?
Just a sidenote: Since people are always telling me that my boys are so busy, and that I must just always be chasing them, etc.... does that make it ok for me to tell people that their less active children are just bumps on a log?? lol... anyways, maybe I'm too tired to be writing this....
I believe in childhood, free of gender roles. Children will naturally gravitate towards what they love and what defines them. I am all for allowing children to run free and enjoy their childhood. Both of my sons have played with dolls and dishes, AND LOVE IT. By gender definition, technically, isn't that a huge no-no?? Like seriously, boys will be boys.... I have never met a boy who dislikes food (other than when going through a picky phase).. and playing with 'baby dolls' is normal to most children. They are simply mimicking their parents' behaviour with them. Which is awesome.... and telling of how good of a job the parents are doing. I surely would be missing some tender moments with my littles if they were stuck only to traditional 'boys will be boys' play.
My husband and I decided early on with our daughter that, when it comes to allowing her to enjoy a REAL childhood, we would pick our battles carefully. She, and our sons, are encouraged to get in the dirt and find bugs (although our daughter is 'scared' of them currently. They are encouraged to run around the backyard shoeless and jump carefree into our little wading pool. They are encouraged to go digging in the pots and pans and make musical instruments out of them and bang to their hearts content. Within reason and safely, they are able to PLAY however they want.... HOWEVER, whichever way they choose to play, they will do so respecting each other and whoever else is around.
Respect, whether for opposite gender, age, sexual orientation or race, is not a matter of allowing a child to be 'a boy'.. Not teaching a child the respect that is needed to live a good and wholesome life, without prejudice, is what actually robs children in the long run. Without giving our children the tools they need to succeed in life, we fail as parents, as well.
I sincerely wish that my children could never even fathom how such atrocities can be committed towards other human being. We are certainly raising them to show love, honour and respect to others, as that is the best foundation for their relationships that they can build.
I love my kids more than I can ever describe... that said, God help me if I ever sweep something so heinous under the rug and shrug it off saying 'boys will be boys.'
Thursday, 22 May 2014
Baby Girl is Growing So Fast!
I've noticed a lot about my threenager lately and how she is a little girl lately and not a baby... ok, she'll always be my baby, but she is getting so big!
She completely caught me by surprise the other day. Over the last few weeks, she has been helping me out a lot and with a smile on her face. It's wonderful and high praise is given, which just makes her smile even bigger!
I decided to hang a carrot this week, because we just have an overload of toys. I offered to buy her ONE toy if she helped me to clean up and sort through our toys, putting away the baby toys and sorting out what no one uses. She thought this was a great idea....
So we get to work.. she is doing amazing sorting out baby toys, blocks and potato head limbs.... and then she says it... "So now I'll be able to get a Prince Barbie!" ... WHAT???!??? When did this happen?????? I thought she'd want to get a new ball or a teapot or a teddy bear? When did this transition from simple (and cheap) toys turn into a gender specific type of doll... and a princely one at that!
Of course, we will be going shopping for the latest Prince soon, as she did keep her end of the bargain. I guess she has to grow up... and keep things in perspective...
Which leads to my next story....
My threenager has had many boys that she would mention from time to time. We'd incorporate them into bedtime stories and she'd name her stuffed animals after them and bring them to tea parties. She would always address them as her prince and announce that they were getting married.
Today, she gave me an 'AWE' moment. She walked over and handed me a barrette. It's one that was given to us when she was born... one that, even though she was born with a head of hair, she has never, ever wanted to wear. She asked me to put it in her hair... Sure, I can do that.. After getting it positioned just right, she looks at me and says, "I'll have to make sure my daddy sees this. Do you think he will like it?"
Prince Daddy is the only one that she wants to impress. :) :) Keep it that way, darling... you've got many years before you need to let your Prince Charming come in and compliment your barrettes. :)
She completely caught me by surprise the other day. Over the last few weeks, she has been helping me out a lot and with a smile on her face. It's wonderful and high praise is given, which just makes her smile even bigger!
I decided to hang a carrot this week, because we just have an overload of toys. I offered to buy her ONE toy if she helped me to clean up and sort through our toys, putting away the baby toys and sorting out what no one uses. She thought this was a great idea....
So we get to work.. she is doing amazing sorting out baby toys, blocks and potato head limbs.... and then she says it... "So now I'll be able to get a Prince Barbie!" ... WHAT???!??? When did this happen?????? I thought she'd want to get a new ball or a teapot or a teddy bear? When did this transition from simple (and cheap) toys turn into a gender specific type of doll... and a princely one at that!
Of course, we will be going shopping for the latest Prince soon, as she did keep her end of the bargain. I guess she has to grow up... and keep things in perspective...
Which leads to my next story....
My threenager has had many boys that she would mention from time to time. We'd incorporate them into bedtime stories and she'd name her stuffed animals after them and bring them to tea parties. She would always address them as her prince and announce that they were getting married.
Today, she gave me an 'AWE' moment. She walked over and handed me a barrette. It's one that was given to us when she was born... one that, even though she was born with a head of hair, she has never, ever wanted to wear. She asked me to put it in her hair... Sure, I can do that.. After getting it positioned just right, she looks at me and says, "I'll have to make sure my daddy sees this. Do you think he will like it?"
Prince Daddy is the only one that she wants to impress. :) :) Keep it that way, darling... you've got many years before you need to let your Prince Charming come in and compliment your barrettes. :)
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
You know you're a mom of multiples when . . . .
You know you're a mom of multiples when . . . .
... Zombie is a state of being. Exhausted is a goal. Sleep is a dream!
... You forget that you have more than one baby..... funny back story to this one... (so, once shortly after we were home from the hospital, while is aforementioned zombie state, I forgot for a moment that I had more than one baby. I thought we had an animal or something in the house, as I was in the living room dozing off holding one of the babies.... Nope, it was just another baby... mommy fail!! ;)
... You witness your identical twins run into each other.... and they have matching (but opposite) bumps on the exact same spots of their forehead... (hmmm... maybe because they are within one centimeter of each other's height!)
... You think to yourself about how the twins (in my case) are already 18 months old, and how you should really get started planning their big first birthday bash... (Yep, zombie state again.... love it when the truth hits me.... <face palm!>)
... You are super excited to enter all of your diaper points and then even more excited to see what you can 'buy' with them.... and then it hits you that you've gone through that many packs of diapers in a month!!!!! YIKES!!!
... Anyone who ever complains to you about being tired had better duck.... (I literally have to bite my tongue when people who don't 'get it' complain about being 'SOOOOO' tired.... I just smile..... HUGE SMILE... HUGE GRITTED TEETH SMILE.... If you say this to me and I just smile at you, please know that at that moment, I am not wishing well on you. :P)
... People expect you to sympathize with your spouse when your spouse is on midnights, but is able to be out of the house to ensure he has a quite space to sleep after work..... (Hahahaha, honey, this one comes from someone at your work yesterday. He looked shocked when I didn't show sympathy to you being tired... Seriously???? Um, I'm up a lot of the night, EVERY NIGHT! Shift work would be LOVELY!)
This list is a work in progress...
... Zombie is a state of being. Exhausted is a goal. Sleep is a dream!
... You forget that you have more than one baby..... funny back story to this one... (so, once shortly after we were home from the hospital, while is aforementioned zombie state, I forgot for a moment that I had more than one baby. I thought we had an animal or something in the house, as I was in the living room dozing off holding one of the babies.... Nope, it was just another baby... mommy fail!! ;)
... You witness your identical twins run into each other.... and they have matching (but opposite) bumps on the exact same spots of their forehead... (hmmm... maybe because they are within one centimeter of each other's height!)
... You think to yourself about how the twins (in my case) are already 18 months old, and how you should really get started planning their big first birthday bash... (Yep, zombie state again.... love it when the truth hits me.... <face palm!>)
... You are super excited to enter all of your diaper points and then even more excited to see what you can 'buy' with them.... and then it hits you that you've gone through that many packs of diapers in a month!!!!! YIKES!!!
... Anyone who ever complains to you about being tired had better duck.... (I literally have to bite my tongue when people who don't 'get it' complain about being 'SOOOOO' tired.... I just smile..... HUGE SMILE... HUGE GRITTED TEETH SMILE.... If you say this to me and I just smile at you, please know that at that moment, I am not wishing well on you. :P)
... People expect you to sympathize with your spouse when your spouse is on midnights, but is able to be out of the house to ensure he has a quite space to sleep after work..... (Hahahaha, honey, this one comes from someone at your work yesterday. He looked shocked when I didn't show sympathy to you being tired... Seriously???? Um, I'm up a lot of the night, EVERY NIGHT! Shift work would be LOVELY!)
This list is a work in progress...
You know you're a mom when . . . .
... You squeal in excitement when you see that diapers are on sale. (This has happened in public... yep, people think that I've gotten a winning lottery ticket... Nope, diapers are on sale!! )
... You finish eating dinner, while holding and putting pressure on a child's bleeding nose.
... Being thrown up on doesn't phase you... to the point that you aren't completely in a rush to change clothes until you know the child is ok.
... You kiss invisible boo-boos.
This list will keep growing.....
... You finish eating dinner, while holding and putting pressure on a child's bleeding nose.
... Being thrown up on doesn't phase you... to the point that you aren't completely in a rush to change clothes until you know the child is ok.
... You kiss invisible boo-boos.
This list will keep growing.....
Better Late Than Never!
Today, I took the kids out for a playdate.
It was a playdate that I scheduled to conveniently fall on my day off. It was supposed to begin at 10am. I say 'supposed to begin at' because, with three kids three and under, I am still working to master the art of getting out the door in time, if I have the kids in tow.
After a miserable night of teething and wake-ups, the boys were finally awake by 9:15. I thought to myself how this would be perfect timing. Breakfast for 15 minutes, a simple change of clothes and diapers, and away we go. My threenager was already eating, and she likes to dress herself these days... pants on backwards and all.
9:30 hits, and I am positive that I've got this in the bag. Boys are all washed up and I'm pretty pumped at the fact that we are on schedule!
Ya, not so much. My relatively easy kids, just did not feel like cooperating. After chasing naked little butts around the house (YES!! We are in the whole 'I can take my diaper off fast and you can't stop me phase!! oh, and both of them are like that now!!) and finally getting them both wrangled into their outfits (which they ended up being too warm in anyways, as the temperature around here has been going from cold to hot to cold to hot... it just needs to decide what it wants to be!!), we were finally off!!!
TO THE VAN, that is...My threenager is miserable at the front door, thinking that I'm just bringing the boys. I assure her that I'm just getting them loaded first. Each boy in one arm, I am finally outside and at the van. I buckle in Everett, CHECK! Lift Andy into his seat.... and the smell hit me just as his sweet innocent smile did.... There is Andy, in full tilt of the head absolute cuteness smelling just about as rotten as an 18month old boy can smell..... Wonderful.... I think I walked back from the van to the house twice, while trying to decide if I should just pack him in and change him at the play place or if I should change him.. I decide that no one should sit in poop unless absolutely necessary. So out comes Everett and Andy... Yes, we are all now officially back in the house again.....
<SIGH>
I glance at the clock as I'm heading back in the house...
10:09....... Are you freaking kidding me??? It's been 40 minutes of getting ready to get the kids out to the van!!! Like seriously, if I had a second to even try to assemble myself and feel halfway decent (honestly, I definitely am starting to look like a worn down mommy IMO), I don't think I'd have minded this half as much.... It gets to this point almost every time I try to take the kids out... that moment of 'Should I just call it a try and pack it in, cause this sucks and we are running late!!'...
Nope! I told my threenager that we are going out to the local tropical gardens, so we are going..... even if it kills me!!
Back in the van by 10:20!! I think it was a record, and I had a glorious moment of 'Alright, I rocked that bum change and got them loaded so fast!!'...... just in time to see that I didn't have enough gas to make it to our destination, so I had to make another stop anyways.... LOL...
What are you gonna do?? Sometimes, you're just meant to be late! (We arrived at our destination 40 minutes late, but my awesome friend who we met up with - who has twins as well - didn't make it by 10 am either, so I didn't feel as horrible....)
Being a busy mom can be so crazy at times, but it's so worth it! I personally find any set timed events to be the hardest part of having three littles. We have such a relaxed schedule, which really works for us. We have three healthy and happy kids that just enjoy life and make our lives so much more worth living.
I've heard various solutions to the 'being late' issue. For most things, I have a helping hand, and we can usually be out the door relatively on time. On our own, however, it is quite a challenge... I think that it is definitely more challenging when the child to adult ratio is unbalanced.... it's just a part of being gifted with these three beautiful beings. It's a part of being their mom and just going with the flow and making sure that they have a great life.
What a great day we had! The short time that we spent looking at animals, sharing juice and donuts, and watching the kids play was so worth all the prep time... I know that they'll be too big to scoop up and take on playdates soon enough, so, for now, I'll just revel in my accomplishment of making it to a playdate..... even if we were late!
It was a playdate that I scheduled to conveniently fall on my day off. It was supposed to begin at 10am. I say 'supposed to begin at' because, with three kids three and under, I am still working to master the art of getting out the door in time, if I have the kids in tow.
After a miserable night of teething and wake-ups, the boys were finally awake by 9:15. I thought to myself how this would be perfect timing. Breakfast for 15 minutes, a simple change of clothes and diapers, and away we go. My threenager was already eating, and she likes to dress herself these days... pants on backwards and all.
9:30 hits, and I am positive that I've got this in the bag. Boys are all washed up and I'm pretty pumped at the fact that we are on schedule!
Ya, not so much. My relatively easy kids, just did not feel like cooperating. After chasing naked little butts around the house (YES!! We are in the whole 'I can take my diaper off fast and you can't stop me phase!! oh, and both of them are like that now!!) and finally getting them both wrangled into their outfits (which they ended up being too warm in anyways, as the temperature around here has been going from cold to hot to cold to hot... it just needs to decide what it wants to be!!), we were finally off!!!
TO THE VAN, that is...My threenager is miserable at the front door, thinking that I'm just bringing the boys. I assure her that I'm just getting them loaded first. Each boy in one arm, I am finally outside and at the van. I buckle in Everett, CHECK! Lift Andy into his seat.... and the smell hit me just as his sweet innocent smile did.... There is Andy, in full tilt of the head absolute cuteness smelling just about as rotten as an 18month old boy can smell..... Wonderful.... I think I walked back from the van to the house twice, while trying to decide if I should just pack him in and change him at the play place or if I should change him.. I decide that no one should sit in poop unless absolutely necessary. So out comes Everett and Andy... Yes, we are all now officially back in the house again.....
<SIGH>
I glance at the clock as I'm heading back in the house...
10:09....... Are you freaking kidding me??? It's been 40 minutes of getting ready to get the kids out to the van!!! Like seriously, if I had a second to even try to assemble myself and feel halfway decent (honestly, I definitely am starting to look like a worn down mommy IMO), I don't think I'd have minded this half as much.... It gets to this point almost every time I try to take the kids out... that moment of 'Should I just call it a try and pack it in, cause this sucks and we are running late!!'...
Nope! I told my threenager that we are going out to the local tropical gardens, so we are going..... even if it kills me!!
Back in the van by 10:20!! I think it was a record, and I had a glorious moment of 'Alright, I rocked that bum change and got them loaded so fast!!'...... just in time to see that I didn't have enough gas to make it to our destination, so I had to make another stop anyways.... LOL...
What are you gonna do?? Sometimes, you're just meant to be late! (We arrived at our destination 40 minutes late, but my awesome friend who we met up with - who has twins as well - didn't make it by 10 am either, so I didn't feel as horrible....)
Being a busy mom can be so crazy at times, but it's so worth it! I personally find any set timed events to be the hardest part of having three littles. We have such a relaxed schedule, which really works for us. We have three healthy and happy kids that just enjoy life and make our lives so much more worth living.
I've heard various solutions to the 'being late' issue. For most things, I have a helping hand, and we can usually be out the door relatively on time. On our own, however, it is quite a challenge... I think that it is definitely more challenging when the child to adult ratio is unbalanced.... it's just a part of being gifted with these three beautiful beings. It's a part of being their mom and just going with the flow and making sure that they have a great life.
What a great day we had! The short time that we spent looking at animals, sharing juice and donuts, and watching the kids play was so worth all the prep time... I know that they'll be too big to scoop up and take on playdates soon enough, so, for now, I'll just revel in my accomplishment of making it to a playdate..... even if we were late!
Friday, 28 February 2014
Size Matters
Every day, there is a point at some time, when I look at my boys, who are now 15 months, and think to myself, 'Wow, they are getting so big!' They are walking (and running when they know they did something they should not have), babble talking, and playing really well now. They have all of the characteristics of 'Big Boys' now, including thick, awesome heads of hair.
Then, I look at our daughter, who is starting school this year! She is three, and she is turning into such a little lady.... ok, diva, a lot of the time. She is able to do so much on her own. She makes her own snacks, toilets herself, chooses and changes her clothes, and helps me out with her brothers, especially when she is upset.
I am cherishing these growing up times, busy as they are. They will only come once, and I look forward to the days where I get just a bit more 'me' time.... AKA time to clean the house, bake, take a shower, etc.. lol
On the flip side, there are moments each day, when I look at the kids and think how small and young they are still. Sitting and snuggling with my daughter to read a book and how well she still fits onto my lap. Seeing the boys stand next to a toy that is way too big for them, highlighting how small they still are... These moments make me almost giddy, as they remind me that I still have 'babies' in the house. They are not all that big yet.
Regardless, I am sure that no matter how big or small they are, they will always be my babies. :)
Then, I look at our daughter, who is starting school this year! She is three, and she is turning into such a little lady.... ok, diva, a lot of the time. She is able to do so much on her own. She makes her own snacks, toilets herself, chooses and changes her clothes, and helps me out with her brothers, especially when she is upset.
I am cherishing these growing up times, busy as they are. They will only come once, and I look forward to the days where I get just a bit more 'me' time.... AKA time to clean the house, bake, take a shower, etc.. lol
On the flip side, there are moments each day, when I look at the kids and think how small and young they are still. Sitting and snuggling with my daughter to read a book and how well she still fits onto my lap. Seeing the boys stand next to a toy that is way too big for them, highlighting how small they still are... These moments make me almost giddy, as they remind me that I still have 'babies' in the house. They are not all that big yet.
Regardless, I am sure that no matter how big or small they are, they will always be my babies. :)
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Time to Commit!
So I have been MIA lately.... just from here, not from life in general. Life has been crazy... and good.. and crazy... and busy.... and good! I have no complaints that are worth writing about right now. ;)
I've thought about writing many, MANY times and I've got a couple of seconds just now to sit and write.... (ok, actually stand in my kitchen and blog while AT 11PM I am making dinner for hubs and I)
I am at the point with the kids where I need to make some time for myself and start committing to ME! They are slowly becoming less dependent, which means that I need to pay attention to getting myself back in order! It's been a months... ok YEARS... since I've felt like ME! I need to get rid of the mommy-guilt and the 'to do' lists sometimes and just go for it! Take a shower! Take a nap! Reconnect with some neglected girlfriends of mine... even if it's just the rare phone call that I promise to stay awake to make. ;)
I'm involved in my local POMBA (Parents of Multiple Births Association). We just had our meeting tonight, which is probably why I have such a sudden burst of "I can take over the world!!"... It's funny how meeting with a group of people, who can relate to the craziness in our lives, can make us take a look at ourselves... I know that for myself meeting with these women inspires me just to be the best mom and ME that I can be!
Gah, sappy, but I love those women. :)
I've thought about writing many, MANY times and I've got a couple of seconds just now to sit and write.... (ok, actually stand in my kitchen and blog while AT 11PM I am making dinner for hubs and I)
I am at the point with the kids where I need to make some time for myself and start committing to ME! They are slowly becoming less dependent, which means that I need to pay attention to getting myself back in order! It's been a months... ok YEARS... since I've felt like ME! I need to get rid of the mommy-guilt and the 'to do' lists sometimes and just go for it! Take a shower! Take a nap! Reconnect with some neglected girlfriends of mine... even if it's just the rare phone call that I promise to stay awake to make. ;)
I'm involved in my local POMBA (Parents of Multiple Births Association). We just had our meeting tonight, which is probably why I have such a sudden burst of "I can take over the world!!"... It's funny how meeting with a group of people, who can relate to the craziness in our lives, can make us take a look at ourselves... I know that for myself meeting with these women inspires me just to be the best mom and ME that I can be!
Gah, sappy, but I love those women. :)
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