Boys are made of...

What's that poems that pops into my head everytime I think of selling DS to the zoo. There really is something so different about boys and girls.

What are Little Boys and Girls made of poem:

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

That's what little boys are made of !"

What are little girls made of?

"Sugar and spice and all things nice

That's what little girls are made of!"

Today DS had a playdate with one of his oldest friends and they were both spinning out of control.

Should there be a time limit for eating

My son can milk a meal (no pun intended).

The Payoff

Parent Conferences

Afterschool programs

I'm a believer in not overscheduling children. Heck, our lives are busy enough and what's the rush. All this do, do, do.

Today, I did take advantage of a free music program. Which I'm really interested in for DD not so much DS and just as I suspected DS was not really that into it. I think he likes the idea of it but truly at the end of the day he just wants to be in his own rhythm and play in his house or with a friend or outside whatever but PLAY is the operative word here. I have to remember that he is not suffering if he is not in music, dance, swim or whatever lessons everyday afterschool. There will be room and time for those things.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Prerequisite for a new neighborhood

Must have park in reasonable walking and/or biking distance.

Today we went to the newly remodeled playscape/park in our neighborhood. It is actually for the residents of the newer neighborhood next to our old ghettoized neighborhood but we won't tell. I love the changes and the addition of an area for swings. Smart and much needed. I think we'll have fun there.

Ds survived his playdate with his longtime pal. I am determined to help him be a good friend even if they don't teach him anything at school.

He really is a sweet boy.

Playing war games

REALLY people do a young family a favor and keep your wargames confined to your own backyard.

I couldn't believe when we arrived at the park today and someone was hosting a wargames birthday party for their maybe 10 year old child and his friends. The gang (and I use that term loosely were loaded with pretend guns of various sizes and capabilities (shooting water, darts, etc.) and swords. Just what my ds needs. He was both fascinated and freaked out. What is a parent to do to explain the fine line of their combat play.

Color me pissed off.

How to be a good friend

Apparently this is not a lesson my ds has been learning at school. Once again I have added another person to the list that doesn't care for him because of his penchant for hitting.

School

DS doesn't want to go to school and I don't blame him. It is hard to leave good family fun times and his teacher just doesn't seem that warm. It's been a little hard to admit that I don't know if CMS is working out for DS.

Out of town with the family

What's in a job?

Family Day

Family days are necessary. Family days are good. Family days are renewing. Today DH,DS,DD and I spent the day together starting off the morning with delicious breakfast prepared by DH and then quickly and at times frantically preparing to get out the door for an impromptu trip to the zoo. It was great fun had by all and even DD rose above her sleepiness to have fun. We are trying hard to get back on schedule with this new time change. The Spring ahead time change is really hard.

After missing afternoon nap (brief siesta in the car had by all but me) we decided to take advantage of the music festival taking and check out free music downtown which also created an opportunity for mama T to have hang time with an old friend who happened to be in town.

'Twas a good day.

Road trips with young children

What time of day should one plan to leave their house?

I've tried various scenarios:

• leaving at night (their bedtime)
• leaving in the morning (try to catch DD's first nap)
• leaving in time to catch the midday nap for both

They have all had their pros and cons but none have been without their flaws which for me is the inevitable tantrum that results from sitting too long in the car.

It's hard I empathize.

I'm still working on ideas to make them more child-friendly. Prayerfully our family has a lot of wonderfully exciting travel adventure family vacations via road, air, boat, etc. to look forward to.

Sleep

The art of having both your children asleep at the same time is truly an artform or a miracle. Yesterday I was lucky enough for DD's second nap and DS's only nap of the day to coincide mind you it was a little late for the both of them and I had to deal with the overtired tantrum fall out but eventually and within minutes of each other they were both asleep. These moments are golden. I wanted to take a victory lap around the house.
Today, I was thankful to have DF step in and take DD while I went to work on DS who was showing a little resistance for his much needed napping. Unfortunately but fortunately I fell asleep in the process. But, I think my falling asleep created the opportunity for DD to fall asleep in the arms of DF, not sure yet how the whole thing came about bc DF is asleep but I am so greatful for the moment.
Aaaahhh, me-thinks I hear the baby calling now....

Sick babies...

We had such a great day that seemed to work out so well for everyone. I am always so happy to when DD and DS have complimentary sleep awake times that allow for them to get what they need and enjoy their time. Today was one of those days. We have traveled many miles (many hours) to see a DF and her DS (one of the reasons I did NOT blog last night). After a wonderful breakfast and indoor play (DD napped ) we went to the park and enjoyed a beautiful day of out door play. I love this time of year. I want to be outside all the time. Sadly after we returned home and napped (EVERYONE!!!) DS wokeup rather cranky and the mood never subsided. Fortunately, mother-instinct kicked in and I checked his temp. CRAP he had a fever of 101.5 and so sad cuz it means immediate quarantine. Fortunately it's close enough to bedtime that it doesn't put to big of a damper on the evening. After some Motrin and a bath he had his appetite back and seemed to be doing better. I hope this continues and that the fever was just an allergic reaction (is that possible???). He want to bed well and I pray that this is doing well over the evening. Love my babies.

Oops missed another day, rats!

I've been so exhausted lately that I can't keep a clear thought in my mind. I thought I blogged yesterday but alas no.

Well, my mama thoughts today center around oh what should I choose there is so much going on right now: DD trying to pull-up on everything in sight, making her a walking bar to aid these, realizing I need to get on the ball with teaching her how to drink from a glass, need to get her push wagons ready so she can start walking with them (DS use to love that) and more frequently figuring out how to feed her less store bought baby food and more family based meals. We will all be eating healthier for sure.

On the DS front I am disappointed conferences were cancelled. I am so eager to find out how DS is adjusting based on his guides opinion. Sometimes he doesn't seem bonded to the community and that can be a good thing if I decide yet again to pull him out but, it would only be for a very good reason. Speaking of DS, could he just whine a little more and a little louder. Is this being 3? I've hard it can be hard if not harder than two so far it is proving to be true although I've rarely known an easy-going day with Akello. I've really got to let him know almost all the time that I see him and my goodness arranging playdates is almost a must.

We three are heading out of town tomorrow. Not sure I'll be able to blog so, guess we'll see. I'll bring the laptop for sure.

Birthday Parties

Threatsw a

I do not like giving DS threats for his misbehavior choices.  But sometimes I have to draw  line in the sand and say thems the rules or else.  It can ct

Soooo tired can't go on.

Church Behavior

Birthday parties

Today we had 2 birthday parties to attend and thankfully that were at opposite times. DS and I went to a birthday party at a park outdoors, my kind of party. I am so over these Gymboree, bouncy house type places for parties don't get me wrong I like them I just see them as becoming the norm and I love the smell of outdoors and I want my child to have lots of contact with the elements while he is young. It is too easy to find reasons to be inside. Even if it is active inside there is something still artificial about it.

The second party was a home outdoor (mostly) party. This is my other favorite kind of birthday party. Both were enjoyable and DS was fulfilled he even let go for a while of what presents he was going to get for HIS birthday (he's obsessed).

Being silly

It's so important to be silly with your child. I remembered that tonight and then realized how often I forget to just be playful and silly with DS. Laughter is good.

What do you do when a pet dies?...

We've had Bob, our Beta fish about 3 years. Ahhh, dear sweet Bob. Sometimes he was just an accessory to the environment. "I think he'll look nice over there next to the red wall. It's ill set off the red in his scales." Sometimes he was an afterthought, "Did you feed Bob today?" But often he was a beloved pet, member of the family and fixture of Mama school part of what the children counted on being part of there everyday life at MITN. I knew he wouldn't be around forever. He had been looking sickly for a while especially during the colder, wintry days. I had googled more information about Betas and had my eyes open on many levels. It seems part of our neglect may have been temp related. I think there were many times the temp feel below 70 degrees fahrenheit which is less than ideal for a beta fish but more so it was life span. There are of course a range of numbers but it seemed that the possibility that Bob was reaching his natural span of fish life and that his days would soon end. Another factor in Bob's demise was the much younger group enrolled at Mama school. The children loved to visit his little tank but often tapped a little too hard on the walls thus putting Bob in distress on those 3 mornings a week. Also a few times in recent days I caught one of the children with the watering can which is supposed to be used on plants looking like that wanted to water or HAD watered Bob's tank. It is very possible that Bob was murdered (unintentionally mind you) but the shock of the tap water mixed with his water ugh!!!! poor Bob. He was a good fish.

Well, after noticing little movement today I realized his time had come. First though, how to tell DS who would often join DH is the care and feeding of Bob. It happened simply this evening. Daddy took charge. I was not present to witness how it happened I just returned inside from putting a load in the washer and DS says, "Bob is dead." He said it matter of fact. He seemed okay just reporting information to me and proceeded to tell me that he and daddy were going to flush him down the toilet. I joined the procession. "Do you want to say a prayer?" I asked thinking there needed to be a sense of finality to the events. "People often say a prayer when a pet dies." He let me do the honors and then chose to say "Amen." As we watched Bob disappear into the toilet it was a very intense and final moment and I felt sad to see him go. Suddenly, DS burst into tears. He was really feeling this. "I want to go back to school." Which seemed to say I want this day to start over when Bob was alive. We both consoled him and steadily recovered but I do believe this moment will definitely imprint in his mind. He did say he wanted another pet, "A snake." This was before the tears. We ended the evening on an up note. Playing floor paddle ball. It was REALLY fun. I wonder what he'll have to say about Bob tomorrow as his usual space is left empty. DH mentioning printing a picture of BOB and putting it on the family wall. We will definitely have to buy a nice frame.

Working mom strikes back

Okay, today was hard. It has been such a challenging doing my little at home casita. For one, I feel like I work ALL THE TIME! Laundry every night, constantly cleaning and straightening up, planning and preparation seems never ending. So taking on the school today, pretty much by myself although thankgod grandma came to be with DD was mind and body blowing. I continually recited the Serenity prayer while working and I keep thinking/daydreaming about all the other jobs I could have besides this one that has me currently feeling like I'm in HELL! One of my students seemed to cry non-stop, someone broke a borrowed material, there was pee on the flower. I guess I should consider myself lucky that there was no poop, blood, vomit or anything else.

Finally after the school morning was over and the cleaning was done I picked up DS and took him to pick up a good friend for a playdate. Ay Caramba the wills of those two boys. They do challenge each other.

So much going on

DD on the move. Trying to make her way through this young life. She's really challenging herself to see what she is capable of and she is getting stronger everyday. Her eating wow! She's good such a good appetite. I am working hard to keep it healthy and balanced. So wish she had a weaning chair and table. It's those expenses of raising a Montessori Child that challenge me. I have to compromise based on my income bracket and unfortunately DH nor I have time to make one.

DS what isn't he into. I am so over his materialism. Is that what you call it? He wants EVERYTHING. Drives me nut. "For my birthday, can I have...." His list just gets longer and longer but basically he wants everything. How did that happen. Do we deny him too much? Not sure what to do about it but dare I ask his teacher she rarely responds to my emails. That really bugs me. God I hope she's a good fit for DS. He doesn't seem attached to the school at all. Pretty bummed about that.

How do you win

When other people's parenting/non-parenting style infiltrate your efforts to raise your child/children in the best way possible how do you succeed.

I received this invitation with a child wearing a costume of a night and holding a sword. How do I discourage my violence intrigued, bad-guy curious, action packed 3 year-old boy not to be interested in such things when some parents are so careless with what they allow their children to partake of. Really now, is the sword necessary and not just a plastic sword a sword complete with what looks like a spiky brass knuckle handle for an extra something in the ass-wompin'. All I can say is I am glad we missed that birthday party.

What are people thinking? Really????