Karaia and Beckham wanted to invite a few friends over today. Being the mean mother that I strive to maintain a reputation for, I required them to have clean, tidy rooms before any friends could come.
This has gone a few ways. Either wailing and gnashing with little to no actual cleaning going on or quick cleaning and fun time with friends. I would say it was mostly the later today. I did, however notice a few of Beckham's "cleaning" techniques that I will have to keep an eye out in future cleaning endeavors.
For example: I would clear a certain area, i.e. a desk top, under a desk, under the bed, etc. place everything I found in the middle of the floor and ask Beckham to put everything on the floor in it's proper home. I would then move on to another area or drawer only to find some of the exact same items I had just recently placed in the middle of the floor. Instead of finding their homes he would just stash them somewhere else.
He's not entirely clever about it though. The funniest time was right after I had totally cleared out under the bed. It was nice and clean and had a clear line of site from one side to the other. After I moved on to a desk I turned to place something in the middle of the floor only to notice that under the bed was not so clean as before.
Sheesh. No wonder he can't ever find all his stuff!
The best part is it is all clean! I went back and double checked everything after I learned his little secret.
It's nice to think about those rooms and not break out into hives!!!!
Showing posts with label raising kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label raising kids. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Short
Some days mothering skills fall short of what you plan on.
Thankfully, children are forgiving and tomorrow is open to all possibilities.
Thankfully, children are forgiving and tomorrow is open to all possibilities.
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Shift
It's 2:00 am.
Why am I up you ask.
Who knows.
Mostly watching Julie and Julia on T.V. A movie that I own and can watch at my leisure at anytime I choose. OK, well not any time. I'm sure my children would have an opinion on that. So why bother using sleeping time, something I am immensely fond of if it doesn't occur in the evening hours, to watch something that I could watch at a more appropriate time? Because it started at 11pm and I only planned to watch until 11:30 quite forgetting just how much that movie moves me.
I realize I could have just turned it off and resumed watching it using my DVD tomorrow...er....today, but I caved to the spiritual fulfilling and connection I have with the characters. So much passion. So much time and dedication.
That being said, I didn't necessarily want this post to be about me and my dreams. I just figured I needed to explain why some of you are reading two posts this morning instead of one. And actually, because the election happens today (yay! Vote for Kevin!) I'm sure I will post again this evening.
I wanted this post to be about my kids. I dearly love them and I am not always sure that my behaviors mirror that. That makes me very sad. I know people aren't perfect. I know I have never been a mother to four children these exact ages ever before, but I also know that I am a far better mother than what I have been showing them. For that I am truly sorry.
I've been contemplating this topic for some time now. It's been exacerbated as of late due to the Sistine chapel of painting jobs that seems to be Sanders' room. It has taken a lot of my time. I chose that deliberately so that I would not be completely consumed by the project and be there for my kids when they needed me...not when I was done. For the most part that has worked, but as the days have now turned into weeks I wonder whether it would have been better to be consumed for a few days instead?
Today the two little guys found a way to play with me anyway. They would sneak into the room as I was painting, hiding behind all of the furniture piled in the center, whisper--as only a four and a two year old can--that I hadn't seen them yet and then peek their darling little heads around the dresser waiting for me to turn and catch them in the act of sneaking up on me. At which time they would fall over each other as they scrambled to run away giggling as if their sides would burst. They repeated this little game for over a half hour.
It was such a simple thing but it filled. my. soul. I thought, "Surely I must be doing something right if these delightful people seek my company in anyway they can get it."
I want my kids to feel that loved and special every moment they are around me. Who cares if I'm tired, stressed, disappointed, or whatever. They deserve the best of me every moment. They do.
So, today I choose to make a conscious effort to be the best mom I can be. I won't be perfect. That wouldn't be any fun now would it? (and in reality it's 2:30 am so this will be quite the challenge for me later this morning *wink*) How would they learn that it's alright to be wrong and that it's endearing to sincerely say you're sorry? But I will chose to be my best. I won't leave it up to chance and hope. It will have to be a conscious, minute to minute choice. I'm ready for my shift to focus on how I am making their day go...not how they are making mine.
In other news, Sanders has now started asking, "why?" after everything I tell him. So cute....for now :)
Why am I up you ask.
Who knows.
Mostly watching Julie and Julia on T.V. A movie that I own and can watch at my leisure at anytime I choose. OK, well not any time. I'm sure my children would have an opinion on that. So why bother using sleeping time, something I am immensely fond of if it doesn't occur in the evening hours, to watch something that I could watch at a more appropriate time? Because it started at 11pm and I only planned to watch until 11:30 quite forgetting just how much that movie moves me.
I realize I could have just turned it off and resumed watching it using my DVD tomorrow...er....today, but I caved to the spiritual fulfilling and connection I have with the characters. So much passion. So much time and dedication.
That being said, I didn't necessarily want this post to be about me and my dreams. I just figured I needed to explain why some of you are reading two posts this morning instead of one. And actually, because the election happens today (yay! Vote for Kevin!) I'm sure I will post again this evening.
I wanted this post to be about my kids. I dearly love them and I am not always sure that my behaviors mirror that. That makes me very sad. I know people aren't perfect. I know I have never been a mother to four children these exact ages ever before, but I also know that I am a far better mother than what I have been showing them. For that I am truly sorry.
I've been contemplating this topic for some time now. It's been exacerbated as of late due to the Sistine chapel of painting jobs that seems to be Sanders' room. It has taken a lot of my time. I chose that deliberately so that I would not be completely consumed by the project and be there for my kids when they needed me...not when I was done. For the most part that has worked, but as the days have now turned into weeks I wonder whether it would have been better to be consumed for a few days instead?
Today the two little guys found a way to play with me anyway. They would sneak into the room as I was painting, hiding behind all of the furniture piled in the center, whisper--as only a four and a two year old can--that I hadn't seen them yet and then peek their darling little heads around the dresser waiting for me to turn and catch them in the act of sneaking up on me. At which time they would fall over each other as they scrambled to run away giggling as if their sides would burst. They repeated this little game for over a half hour.
It was such a simple thing but it filled. my. soul. I thought, "Surely I must be doing something right if these delightful people seek my company in anyway they can get it."
I want my kids to feel that loved and special every moment they are around me. Who cares if I'm tired, stressed, disappointed, or whatever. They deserve the best of me every moment. They do.
So, today I choose to make a conscious effort to be the best mom I can be. I won't be perfect. That wouldn't be any fun now would it? (and in reality it's 2:30 am so this will be quite the challenge for me later this morning *wink*) How would they learn that it's alright to be wrong and that it's endearing to sincerely say you're sorry? But I will chose to be my best. I won't leave it up to chance and hope. It will have to be a conscious, minute to minute choice. I'm ready for my shift to focus on how I am making their day go...not how they are making mine.
In other news, Sanders has now started asking, "why?" after everything I tell him. So cute....for now :)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
My kids rock!
The kids were amazing today. Other than the few 2 year old attitude moments everyone was quick to help, stayed on task with out reminding, and played really well together.
Karaia remarked this morning, after realizing that she was almost done with her chores and still had nearly a half hour left before she needed to head to school when usually she leaves before completing all her tasks, "Mom! I can't believe I'm almost done! What am I going to do?"
Whatever you want, Honey, whatever you want.
Karaia remarked this morning, after realizing that she was almost done with her chores and still had nearly a half hour left before she needed to head to school when usually she leaves before completing all her tasks, "Mom! I can't believe I'm almost done! What am I going to do?"
Whatever you want, Honey, whatever you want.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hour long 10 minute chores
It baffles my mind that my children can make a job, that really should only take 10 minutes, last, at the minimum, an hour or longer. And that's assuming they even complete it.
They're like magicians that way. Crazy, frustrating magicians.
They're like magicians that way. Crazy, frustrating magicians.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Different plans
It is only 5:30 pm and all my children have been sequestered to their rooms for the remainder of the evening.
Sigh.
It started out with a few instructions.
You have to know that my children are very well drilled in appropriate behavior when we are in a public setting. This conversation happens every. single. time. we are about to enter a public venue. And most of the time they do pretty good to follow the rules.
Tonight was different.
I put Sanders in a stroller and asked Karaia to push him around the store to keep him occupied while I found the items I needed to exchange and then complete that transaction. I gave Beckham Tennyson's hand to hold and told them they were welcome to walk around the store (it's a small area and I am able to see them from wherever I am) but they were not allowed to touch anything or goof off.
Within a few minutes Sanders comes cruising by me, out of his stroller, and I can hear Tennyson running toward me.
I found Karaia and asked her why Sanders was out. "He kept saying, 'Out!'."
I stopped Tennyson and asked him why he was running, "Because Beckham told me to run to Mom."
I found Beckham and explained he was not allowed to let go of Tennyson's hand and that I was almost done so please go and look at something quietly until I called for them.
I picked up Sanders to replace him in the stroller. Then the screaming started. He had tasted freedom and was not about to give it up.
Meanwhile, as I am literally wrestling to strap Sanders into the stroller while he his screaming at ear piercing volume, I see Beckham walk by....without Tennyson. Shortly, I can hear Tennyson running the perimeter of the isles. "Tennyson, WHY are you running?"
"Beckham told me to run to Mom."
I finally got my screaming banshee child strapped in a told the others that I was leaving. Right. Now!
They were all very upset. But seriously.
I explained to Karaia that Sanders is TWO and does not get to run the show. I don't care how many times he vocalized that he wants out. It's not an option! And I questioned Beckham as to why he would teach his little brother to do something that is so clearly known as a rule breaker.
We were in the store for no longer than 10 mins.
I feel bad for the people that had the unfortunate chance of being there the same time as us.
So, we still have no food, barley enough diapers, and, I am crossing my fingers, enough wipes. The kids were fed one hot dog and then banned to their rooms.
It may be harsh, but at least they'll be alive tomorrow.
Sigh.
It started out with a few instructions.
"OK, Guys, Dad is gone for two more weeks and we are out of food, diapers, and wipes. We've got to go to a few stores. First we'll go to Children's Place to return a few items. We'll be in there for about 5 mins. I expect everyone to behave. Next, we'll go to Target and then we will go to Costco and have dinner there. Does everyone know the plan?"
"Yes!"
"Let's go over store behavior rules. What's the number one rule?"
"No running."
"Good."
"What's another rule?"
"No touching unless we ask."
"Good. And the last one?"
"No screaming."
You have to know that my children are very well drilled in appropriate behavior when we are in a public setting. This conversation happens every. single. time. we are about to enter a public venue. And most of the time they do pretty good to follow the rules.
Tonight was different.
I put Sanders in a stroller and asked Karaia to push him around the store to keep him occupied while I found the items I needed to exchange and then complete that transaction. I gave Beckham Tennyson's hand to hold and told them they were welcome to walk around the store (it's a small area and I am able to see them from wherever I am) but they were not allowed to touch anything or goof off.
Within a few minutes Sanders comes cruising by me, out of his stroller, and I can hear Tennyson running toward me.
I found Karaia and asked her why Sanders was out. "He kept saying, 'Out!'."
I stopped Tennyson and asked him why he was running, "Because Beckham told me to run to Mom."
I found Beckham and explained he was not allowed to let go of Tennyson's hand and that I was almost done so please go and look at something quietly until I called for them.
I picked up Sanders to replace him in the stroller. Then the screaming started. He had tasted freedom and was not about to give it up.
Meanwhile, as I am literally wrestling to strap Sanders into the stroller while he his screaming at ear piercing volume, I see Beckham walk by....without Tennyson. Shortly, I can hear Tennyson running the perimeter of the isles. "Tennyson, WHY are you running?"
"Beckham told me to run to Mom."
I finally got my screaming banshee child strapped in a told the others that I was leaving. Right. Now!
They were all very upset. But seriously.
I explained to Karaia that Sanders is TWO and does not get to run the show. I don't care how many times he vocalized that he wants out. It's not an option! And I questioned Beckham as to why he would teach his little brother to do something that is so clearly known as a rule breaker.
We were in the store for no longer than 10 mins.
I feel bad for the people that had the unfortunate chance of being there the same time as us.
So, we still have no food, barley enough diapers, and, I am crossing my fingers, enough wipes. The kids were fed one hot dog and then banned to their rooms.
It may be harsh, but at least they'll be alive tomorrow.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
There's always a sign
A week of fun usually equates to a week of sleep deprivation.
That is, of course, unless you associate fun with sleeping.
Anyway.
For kids, fun, most assuredly, does not include sleeping.
The signs of sleep deprivation include:
Extreme frustration
Inability to handle even the slightest misfortune
The since that the world, in general is in favor of everyone else but you
It also includes:
Extreme silliness
Quieter play
A lot of imagination that doesn't require great physical effort
I'll give you a few examples of some of these signs.
Brenner was inconsolable over the fact that it was terribly, terribly hard to get more than one small drop of hand soap while washing his hand. And Tennyson was emotionally insistent that washing his hands yesterday was good enough to carry him through today.
However, the boys played with plastic police man (the kind that look like army men) for over an hour. On one spot. Just arranging and defeating their legions of plastic men.
We'll be very sad to have all this magic end. You need the hard in order for the good to make the best memories.
That is, of course, unless you associate fun with sleeping.
Anyway.
For kids, fun, most assuredly, does not include sleeping.
The signs of sleep deprivation include:
Extreme frustration
Inability to handle even the slightest misfortune
The since that the world, in general is in favor of everyone else but you
It also includes:
Extreme silliness
Quieter play
A lot of imagination that doesn't require great physical effort
I'll give you a few examples of some of these signs.
Brenner was inconsolable over the fact that it was terribly, terribly hard to get more than one small drop of hand soap while washing his hand. And Tennyson was emotionally insistent that washing his hands yesterday was good enough to carry him through today.
However, the boys played with plastic police man (the kind that look like army men) for over an hour. On one spot. Just arranging and defeating their legions of plastic men.
We'll be very sad to have all this magic end. You need the hard in order for the good to make the best memories.
Friday, July 15, 2011
The difference between boys and girls
At one point today all the girls where in princess dresses teaching each other how to dance as one princess (McKinney) wailed that she had forgotten how to twirl. Oh, the horror!
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Wanting to join the party, but being a boy, of course Beckham came out in a giraff mask and holding a foam sword.
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Of course. Isn't that what you always think of pairing with a bunch of dancing princesses?
They claimed he was their pet giraff.
He agreed, but only if they would conceed that occasionally their pet giraff had a problem controlling his desire to weld the sword and might possibly lunge at them with it.
![]()
All parties concerned felt that was a fine comprimise.
Wanting to join the party, but being a boy, of course Beckham came out in a giraff mask and holding a foam sword.
Of course. Isn't that what you always think of pairing with a bunch of dancing princesses?
They claimed he was their pet giraff.
He agreed, but only if they would conceed that occasionally their pet giraff had a problem controlling his desire to weld the sword and might possibly lunge at them with it.
All parties concerned felt that was a fine comprimise.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
More specific
I asked Tennyson to take a Light Brite peg out of his mouth. Which he did.........and then promptly stuck it up his nose.
W had to use tweezers to retrieve it.
I guess I need to be more specific in my directions next time.
"Tennyson, please take that out of your mouth and do not stick it in any other openings."
W had to use tweezers to retrieve it.
I guess I need to be more specific in my directions next time.
"Tennyson, please take that out of your mouth and do not stick it in any other openings."
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Thursday, June 23, 2011
Summer
Chrissy came over with her kids. Lyndi dropped off her kids. And, of course, my kids live here. So with all these kids and weather that is much, much to hot, we decided that it was a perfect day for a run through the sprinklers.
We turned it into a real party by having lunch outside with otter pops for dessert.
The kids didn't mind the heat one little bit.
Me?
I am not a fan.
But the company was good.
We turned it into a real party by having lunch outside with otter pops for dessert.
The kids didn't mind the heat one little bit.
Me?
I am not a fan.
But the company was good.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
one of those
We can't find Karaia's hearing aid....again.
I ended up taking Sanders with me (refer to previous post) to Karaia's audiologist appointment---sans hearing aid.
I also can't find Tennyson's flip flops.
The logical thing to do is cry.
And I did.
I love my kids. I do.
Some days being a mom is harder than others....especially when missing flip flops make you cry.
I ended up taking Sanders with me (refer to previous post) to Karaia's audiologist appointment---sans hearing aid.
I also can't find Tennyson's flip flops.
The logical thing to do is cry.
And I did.
I love my kids. I do.
Some days being a mom is harder than others....especially when missing flip flops make you cry.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Raising Kids
As Sanders 1 year birthday nears I've been thinking a lot about the future of our little family. Especially after the little "Disneyland episode" on Sunday.
Let me explain.
I like to take my children to Disneyland when they are around 3. 1. Because Disney is awesome. 2. Because at 3 things are just so, so magical.
We have toyed around with the idea of telling the kids at Christmas about our plans, but realized this special trip would likely be overshadowed by all the other things they get at Christmas.
When our tickets arrived in the mail last week I decided I could not wait one second longer to tell of the fantastic event coming our way.
I devised a quick little treasure hunt. Each child got to find one clue that gave a hint about another clue, ultimately leading them to the bathtub.
They found the package and opened it up. In hind site, I think instead of them finding the package that they found confusing and full of adult (not x -rated of course---we are talking about D-land) language, I should have just made a sign that said, "We're taking you to Disneyland!"
See, I had visions of jumping up and down, scream, and, if I was extra lucky, crying with joy. Mainly because that is what I would have down....except the crying is standard. That's just what you get with me.
What I got instead was confusion.
"We're going to Disneyland?"
Me: YES! We're going to Disneyland!!
"Oh."
Beckham and Karaia: When?
Me: In April. Well the end of April.
And that's when the crying began. And not happy crying either.
"Beckham why are you crying? You should be happy. We're going to Disneyland!"
"Well, I would've been happy if you hadn't have said, 'the end of April.'"
"Are you kidding me?"
"That is TOO far away!"
Now dear readers had he said this with a wistful, dreamy, voice this whole senario would be a far different memory for me. Instead, he chose to pull out his, teenage, how DARE you even think of making me wait so long don't you know who I am, voice.
To which he got promptly sent to his room with lots of counsel on what gratitude means.
Sigh.
Beckham seems to be going through a phase where he can only see the negative in the situation.
It makes me so sad for him and his future if he continues to be focused on such things. I've tried pointing out the good when he seems stuck on the bad, but it's a struggle.
Thankfully, I can tell he really is trying. I think he is starting to understand that Satan wants us to focus on the bad so we can't see the good Heavenly Father has given us. If there is anything Beckham loves see is the bad guy get taken down, so he is trying to do his part.
Here's to Beckham getting the title of THE MOST POSITIVE in high school!
Let me explain.
I like to take my children to Disneyland when they are around 3. 1. Because Disney is awesome. 2. Because at 3 things are just so, so magical.
We have toyed around with the idea of telling the kids at Christmas about our plans, but realized this special trip would likely be overshadowed by all the other things they get at Christmas.
When our tickets arrived in the mail last week I decided I could not wait one second longer to tell of the fantastic event coming our way.
I devised a quick little treasure hunt. Each child got to find one clue that gave a hint about another clue, ultimately leading them to the bathtub.
They found the package and opened it up. In hind site, I think instead of them finding the package that they found confusing and full of adult (not x -rated of course---we are talking about D-land) language, I should have just made a sign that said, "We're taking you to Disneyland!"
See, I had visions of jumping up and down, scream, and, if I was extra lucky, crying with joy. Mainly because that is what I would have down....except the crying is standard. That's just what you get with me.
What I got instead was confusion.
"We're going to Disneyland?"
Me: YES! We're going to Disneyland!!
"Oh."
Beckham and Karaia: When?
Me: In April. Well the end of April.
And that's when the crying began. And not happy crying either.
"Beckham why are you crying? You should be happy. We're going to Disneyland!"
"Well, I would've been happy if you hadn't have said, 'the end of April.'"
"Are you kidding me?"
"That is TOO far away!"
Now dear readers had he said this with a wistful, dreamy, voice this whole senario would be a far different memory for me. Instead, he chose to pull out his, teenage, how DARE you even think of making me wait so long don't you know who I am, voice.
To which he got promptly sent to his room with lots of counsel on what gratitude means.
Sigh.
Beckham seems to be going through a phase where he can only see the negative in the situation.
It makes me so sad for him and his future if he continues to be focused on such things. I've tried pointing out the good when he seems stuck on the bad, but it's a struggle.
Thankfully, I can tell he really is trying. I think he is starting to understand that Satan wants us to focus on the bad so we can't see the good Heavenly Father has given us. If there is anything Beckham loves see is the bad guy get taken down, so he is trying to do his part.
Here's to Beckham getting the title of THE MOST POSITIVE in high school!
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