Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Lily is a poet
Bubbly Bath
by Lily
Bubbly bubbly, Bubble bath
I say it is fun with a splash!
Water goes everywhere,
Even on my underwear
Messy Mess
by Lily
My room is messy
A messy mess,
Even my new dress!
Lots of paint is on the walls.
911 my mommy calls!
Help Wanted?
I don't think I really want one....a job, that is. But good heavens. Five straight days home for snow days can make a person really consider going back to work. I love my children with all of my heart. We are all doing our best to get along and make the best of the situation...but I really feel like my kids aren't getting the best of me today. I've been a bit grumpy and snappy with them and it breaks my heart. BUT GOOD HEAVENS! WE HAVE HAD FIVE STRAIGHT DAYS OF SNOW!! Plus, the kids are only going to school two days this week because of parent teacher conferences. I will get a 30 minute break on Thursday -- total.
As we all know, I do not do well with dreary weather. Nor do I do well with hanging around the house all day long. I am just ready for an outing and something new to do. I'm also ready for children to stop hanging on me and whining and asking for snacks.
Whew. That was super whine-tastic. I hope you can forgive me for that. I just really wish my kids were at daycare right now and I was off doing some productive thing with grown ups. This feeling will pass. I promise. I much prefer being productive with my children, than without. I know that working moms often wish they could stay home on certain days or not miss the class parties or field trips. I wish there was a way to share a job with someone so that we could both get the perfect balance between staying home and working outside the home. Does that exist? If it does, I want one of those.
Thanks for listening. I'm feeling much better about the day. A little over two hours and my husband will be on his way home, dinner will be on the table, and all will be right with the world. But I better go now -- it's snack time again.
As we all know, I do not do well with dreary weather. Nor do I do well with hanging around the house all day long. I am just ready for an outing and something new to do. I'm also ready for children to stop hanging on me and whining and asking for snacks.
Whew. That was super whine-tastic. I hope you can forgive me for that. I just really wish my kids were at daycare right now and I was off doing some productive thing with grown ups. This feeling will pass. I promise. I much prefer being productive with my children, than without. I know that working moms often wish they could stay home on certain days or not miss the class parties or field trips. I wish there was a way to share a job with someone so that we could both get the perfect balance between staying home and working outside the home. Does that exist? If it does, I want one of those.
Thanks for listening. I'm feeling much better about the day. A little over two hours and my husband will be on his way home, dinner will be on the table, and all will be right with the world. But I better go now -- it's snack time again.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Snow Day 2013
Dear children,
Today is your first snow day in recent memory. The last snow day we had was in April of 2009. So far we have about 12-14 inches of snow on the ground and there is more to come. I thought you guys might get a kick out of reading about this day later. A snow day is one of the ultimate nostalgic days of you childhood.
This morning Drew woke me up and six o'clock a.m. He was quiet for awhile, but started talking at about 6:30 and didn't stop until seven. He spent that thirty minutes filling me in on the Civil War, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, the Revolutionary War, Mount Vernon, and the Statue of Liberty. He kept confusing Lincoln for Washington...but otherwise, he was right on. He told me why Abe had a beard and that it is said that Washington is the "Dad of the United States". No one can say that Drew isn't learning plenty in kindergarten, huh?
I forced you guys to wait until later in the morning before you could go outside in the snow. I said it was because I wanted it to warm up a bit, but really I was stalling so that you wouldn't be done with snow by 8:30 in the morning. Drew and Julianna went out to play in the white stuff a little before 10 and had a great time with the toy dump truck and bulldozer pushing the snow around. You guys stayed out there for almost an hour, I think.
Lily. Oh, Lily; Miss Sensory Sensitive, proclaimed she wasn't going in the snow. But eventually she couldn't resist it and went out in all of her snow gear. She was already annoyed enough with all the snow gear before she stepped outside....so it's not surprising that she only lasted 15 minutes out in the snow. It's okay, Lily. I wouldn't have lasted that long. I hate to be cold and wet. Yuck.
Once everyone was inside, you guys enjoyed a bit of hot cocoa with a squirt of whip cream on top. It was a huge hit, let me tell you. Lily was also late to join that party, so I didn't get her picture.
I am shocked to report that the TV was not used as a device for distraction until I suggested a movie after lunch. You guys have kept yourselves busy with other things, and actually have been getting along quite well.
Yesterday I was maybe dreading this day just a bit...it was only because you guys came home from school and bounced from ceiling to floor for 3 straight hours. And because I caught Drew drinking honey from the honey bear. And everyone was screaming and fighting with each other. However, you guys have pleasantly surprised me. We've had a good day so far. I think the next thing on the agenda is for us to bake a cake.
Much love on this snow day,
Mom
Today is your first snow day in recent memory. The last snow day we had was in April of 2009. So far we have about 12-14 inches of snow on the ground and there is more to come. I thought you guys might get a kick out of reading about this day later. A snow day is one of the ultimate nostalgic days of you childhood.
This morning Drew woke me up and six o'clock a.m. He was quiet for awhile, but started talking at about 6:30 and didn't stop until seven. He spent that thirty minutes filling me in on the Civil War, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, the Revolutionary War, Mount Vernon, and the Statue of Liberty. He kept confusing Lincoln for Washington...but otherwise, he was right on. He told me why Abe had a beard and that it is said that Washington is the "Dad of the United States". No one can say that Drew isn't learning plenty in kindergarten, huh?
I forced you guys to wait until later in the morning before you could go outside in the snow. I said it was because I wanted it to warm up a bit, but really I was stalling so that you wouldn't be done with snow by 8:30 in the morning. Drew and Julianna went out to play in the white stuff a little before 10 and had a great time with the toy dump truck and bulldozer pushing the snow around. You guys stayed out there for almost an hour, I think. Lily. Oh, Lily; Miss Sensory Sensitive, proclaimed she wasn't going in the snow. But eventually she couldn't resist it and went out in all of her snow gear. She was already annoyed enough with all the snow gear before she stepped outside....so it's not surprising that she only lasted 15 minutes out in the snow. It's okay, Lily. I wouldn't have lasted that long. I hate to be cold and wet. Yuck.
Once everyone was inside, you guys enjoyed a bit of hot cocoa with a squirt of whip cream on top. It was a huge hit, let me tell you. Lily was also late to join that party, so I didn't get her picture.
I am shocked to report that the TV was not used as a device for distraction until I suggested a movie after lunch. You guys have kept yourselves busy with other things, and actually have been getting along quite well.
Yesterday I was maybe dreading this day just a bit...it was only because you guys came home from school and bounced from ceiling to floor for 3 straight hours. And because I caught Drew drinking honey from the honey bear. And everyone was screaming and fighting with each other. However, you guys have pleasantly surprised me. We've had a good day so far. I think the next thing on the agenda is for us to bake a cake.
Much love on this snow day,
Mom
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
I pledge allegiance
Drew was in a grumpy mood today. At bedtime he was being rude and disrespectful. I took something away as a consequence. He was upset, but rather than just get mad, he 'pledged allegiance' that he wouldn't do it again. I'm not sure, but I think he was trying to say something about promising or crossing his heart. His consequence remained despite his pledging allegiance over and over again.
A storm is coming soon (freezing rain and snow) and Tom had to work late tonight and Drew had a 4:30 appointment in Wichita. All of these factors contributed to our crazy evening. Interestingly, Lily was the most mellow I've seen her in an evening....well, maybe ever. I hope it doesn't mean she's coming down with something....
A storm is coming soon (freezing rain and snow) and Tom had to work late tonight and Drew had a 4:30 appointment in Wichita. All of these factors contributed to our crazy evening. Interestingly, Lily was the most mellow I've seen her in an evening....well, maybe ever. I hope it doesn't mean she's coming down with something....
Monday, February 18, 2013
Memories from today
This is just a post so that I can remember the little things that were happening to us in life.
Drew was making phone calls with his play phone. He spoke with a man name Harold and another man named Larry. He was giving orders and told Larry to swab the decks. We do not know anyone by these names, and they are so out of the ordinary for a kindergartener to know, that it struck me as funny.
Julianna has been showing signs of being able to read for awhile now. She has obsessively been writing her letters whenever she has a pen and paper. Last week she wrote her first word independently. And I don't mean just writing letters I tell her to make a word. She actually sounded out a word herself and wrote it down without my help. The word was 'pan'. Since that day I have noticed that she can remember the short vowel sounds for a, e, i, and o. Yesterday I wrote about three dozen short vowel words on a piece of paper and she sounded out and read every single one of them. This seems totally crazy to me...but I'm looking forward to seeing what she figures out next.
My children are all about running lately. I went for a run first thing in the morning yesterday and when I got home they wanted to run too. They like my treadmill more than I do and Lily ended up running 1.4 miles on it yesterday. There is a running club for kids 8 and older and I'm thinking it'd be a good club for Lily to join. She needs practice making friends and the running could be a natural help for her ADHD. The other two children ran too, but not nearly as much. I'm ready for the long, warm summer days where all they do is run and play.
Tom finished up a big part of a painting project on Sunday. He has all the walls and the trim in the living room painted. The next step is to finish the second coat on the ceiling. He is currently building himself some stilts so that he can move more easily while painting so high up. I'm looking forward to getting my furniture back in the room to see how it looks. I'm being patient though -- and grateful to Tom for all his hard work. Tom is a very careful painter and I think it looks great. We have lived here almost two years and I'm so excited that we have started some of the projects that will make this house look the way we want our home to look. It's not going to be an overnight thing, but when we're done, it's going to look great. :)
Drew was making phone calls with his play phone. He spoke with a man name Harold and another man named Larry. He was giving orders and told Larry to swab the decks. We do not know anyone by these names, and they are so out of the ordinary for a kindergartener to know, that it struck me as funny.
Julianna has been showing signs of being able to read for awhile now. She has obsessively been writing her letters whenever she has a pen and paper. Last week she wrote her first word independently. And I don't mean just writing letters I tell her to make a word. She actually sounded out a word herself and wrote it down without my help. The word was 'pan'. Since that day I have noticed that she can remember the short vowel sounds for a, e, i, and o. Yesterday I wrote about three dozen short vowel words on a piece of paper and she sounded out and read every single one of them. This seems totally crazy to me...but I'm looking forward to seeing what she figures out next.
My children are all about running lately. I went for a run first thing in the morning yesterday and when I got home they wanted to run too. They like my treadmill more than I do and Lily ended up running 1.4 miles on it yesterday. There is a running club for kids 8 and older and I'm thinking it'd be a good club for Lily to join. She needs practice making friends and the running could be a natural help for her ADHD. The other two children ran too, but not nearly as much. I'm ready for the long, warm summer days where all they do is run and play.
Tom finished up a big part of a painting project on Sunday. He has all the walls and the trim in the living room painted. The next step is to finish the second coat on the ceiling. He is currently building himself some stilts so that he can move more easily while painting so high up. I'm looking forward to getting my furniture back in the room to see how it looks. I'm being patient though -- and grateful to Tom for all his hard work. Tom is a very careful painter and I think it looks great. We have lived here almost two years and I'm so excited that we have started some of the projects that will make this house look the way we want our home to look. It's not going to be an overnight thing, but when we're done, it's going to look great. :)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
kindness that helps to treat depression
If you've been reading this blog for the whole time I've been writing, you know that I have clinical depression. If you haven't read for the past 4 years, then now you know that I have clinical depression. I have the difficult to treat kind of depression. In the winter it become more difficult to do more than the basics required of me partly because of my depression. If you didn't know me, you wouldn't notice. But if you do know me, and you depend on me for something, you would notice easily. And because I have a difficult to treat type of depression I have had to take an add-on medication. It's a medication in addition to the normal antidepressant that people usually take. It is a wonderful medication that has made my life easier. In fact, the first time I took this medication, I wondered aloud to everyone, if this is how normal people feel every day, then I have missed out on some amazing things in life.
The reason I'm telling you all of this is because I have a story to tell. My story would not make sense if you didn't know that I struggle with depression and that I need medication to make life better. I took this medication after Julianna was born to help ease my postpartum depression. It is a very strong, and very expensive drug. However, when I took it with Julianna we'd already met our deductible for the year, so we never knew just how expensive this drug could have been out of pocket. This winter has been difficult. My doctor suggested I try this medication again. I agreed and was very happy with it until I went to fill the prescription for the first time this year. It turns out that this medication from Walgreen's would have been $549.00. Yes, you read that correctly. Five-hundred and forty-nine dollars. So, after much thought and reflection, I called my doctor to ask for a less expensive option. Basically, I found that there wasn't one. And the pharmacy at my doctor's office was selling the med for over $600.
Thankfully, my doctor's nurse referred me to a local pharmacy in Hutchinson, called Hutchinson Drug Store and told me to speak with Aaron. Interestingly, I know Aaron and have been working out with him at the Y for over a year. I had once talked to him about moving my prescriptions to his pharmacy, but had never taken the time to do so; I wasn't sure how, and life was easier to just keep it the same. The nurse told me that Aaron generally was the most reasonably priced in Hutchinson. He suggested I call and find out if I could get my medication for less at his drugstore.
I called over there and spoke with a pharmacy technician. I did not give my name, only my dilemma. I was put on hold for about 45 seconds before Aaron came on the line to share that he knew of a coupon online that could get me this medication for free this month, and a discount card that could give me a discount on the medication for the rest of the year. He told me to come on down to his office and he would help me get it figured out.
I made it to his office about 30 minutes before he was to close for the night. He spent nearly an hour helping me get my prescription transferred to his pharmacy, get it filed correctly, and get my insurance figured out. He made many phone calls, gave me his office phone for me to talk to the right people and worked past his closing time to make it happen. Aaron not only filled my prescription, he went above and beyond to help me to afford the medication I was needing.
I can't ever thank him enough for doing this for me. I wish there was something more I could do than write a blog post to share my story. I will be telling anyone who will listen about this. I hope to support his small business and give him some free advertisement. It's the least I can do to repay him for all of his hard work. This kindness will not be forgotten.
And with that, I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day.
The reason I'm telling you all of this is because I have a story to tell. My story would not make sense if you didn't know that I struggle with depression and that I need medication to make life better. I took this medication after Julianna was born to help ease my postpartum depression. It is a very strong, and very expensive drug. However, when I took it with Julianna we'd already met our deductible for the year, so we never knew just how expensive this drug could have been out of pocket. This winter has been difficult. My doctor suggested I try this medication again. I agreed and was very happy with it until I went to fill the prescription for the first time this year. It turns out that this medication from Walgreen's would have been $549.00. Yes, you read that correctly. Five-hundred and forty-nine dollars. So, after much thought and reflection, I called my doctor to ask for a less expensive option. Basically, I found that there wasn't one. And the pharmacy at my doctor's office was selling the med for over $600.
Thankfully, my doctor's nurse referred me to a local pharmacy in Hutchinson, called Hutchinson Drug Store and told me to speak with Aaron. Interestingly, I know Aaron and have been working out with him at the Y for over a year. I had once talked to him about moving my prescriptions to his pharmacy, but had never taken the time to do so; I wasn't sure how, and life was easier to just keep it the same. The nurse told me that Aaron generally was the most reasonably priced in Hutchinson. He suggested I call and find out if I could get my medication for less at his drugstore.
I called over there and spoke with a pharmacy technician. I did not give my name, only my dilemma. I was put on hold for about 45 seconds before Aaron came on the line to share that he knew of a coupon online that could get me this medication for free this month, and a discount card that could give me a discount on the medication for the rest of the year. He told me to come on down to his office and he would help me get it figured out.
I made it to his office about 30 minutes before he was to close for the night. He spent nearly an hour helping me get my prescription transferred to his pharmacy, get it filed correctly, and get my insurance figured out. He made many phone calls, gave me his office phone for me to talk to the right people and worked past his closing time to make it happen. Aaron not only filled my prescription, he went above and beyond to help me to afford the medication I was needing.
I can't ever thank him enough for doing this for me. I wish there was something more I could do than write a blog post to share my story. I will be telling anyone who will listen about this. I hope to support his small business and give him some free advertisement. It's the least I can do to repay him for all of his hard work. This kindness will not be forgotten.
And with that, I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lily turns eight
Dearest Lily,
You are my first baby, so every year I am flabbergasted at how big you're getting, but here we are again. You are having another birthday and turning another year older.
Your day began with the usual Sunday morning where you come in our room around 7 am and ask to watch TV. We said yes and a few minutes later you saw the happy birthday note on the giant chalkboard and gasped and said, "I'm eight! I'm eight! I can't believe I'm eight!" It was classic, perfect Lily. It made me smile.
Today you were a little stressed out by how big this day is for you. For some reason you manage to get a little crazy on days when something big happens. However, you did eventually managed to pull yourself together, but it was pretty crazy around here for a bit. I wasn't sure you were going to make it to your own birthday party.
Yesterday I was marveling at the fact that you are now a 'tween'. I was telling Daddy that it didn't seem like you were a tween already, but he looked at me like I was crazy. He pointed out that you aren't ready for school in the morning, which is nothing new. However, now your late because you're taking too much time getting dressed and fancy and not because you're refusing to get ready. He also pointed out that I have to buy more product for your hair than I used to. You cannot go a day without adding a bit of product to your hair. And of course he pointed out the arguing that comes with being a tween...but that's nothing new with you. :)
Lily, you continue to amaze me and frustrate me to equal measure most days of the week. We can butt heads like you wouldn't believe and then I can turn around to see you being kind and gentle and generous. I hope you know in your heart that when Dad and I are pushing you to do better and make better choices, it's because we love you and want the best for you. You prove to us often that you can rise to many challenges.
Speaking of rising to challenges, you continue to thrive in ballet. You struggle a little with the 'boring' stuff, but really focus and work really hard at being a good dancer. The most amazing part is: you are a fantastic dancer and your hard work shows every time we see you dance. I cannot tell you how proud it makes me that you've found something that is important to you and you're willing to do the hard work to do it well. You are amazing.
You are still an artist. In fact, you're such a good artist that you are now a blue ribbon holder. You won first place at the Kansas State Fair this year for one of your art pieces. It's just another reason I can be proud of you.
You are one of a kind and so special to Dad and me. You are growing up fast and I have no problem imagining you ten years from now, practically grown up and ready to make big choices. I know that when the time comes, I will be able to trust you to make smart and safe choices. You are so great and I'm so thankful to have you with me and in my life. It's a pleasure witnessing you grow up. You talents are just beginning to emerge and your future is a bright one.
I love you more than tongue can tell.
Love,
Mom
You are my first baby, so every year I am flabbergasted at how big you're getting, but here we are again. You are having another birthday and turning another year older.
Your day began with the usual Sunday morning where you come in our room around 7 am and ask to watch TV. We said yes and a few minutes later you saw the happy birthday note on the giant chalkboard and gasped and said, "I'm eight! I'm eight! I can't believe I'm eight!" It was classic, perfect Lily. It made me smile.
Today you were a little stressed out by how big this day is for you. For some reason you manage to get a little crazy on days when something big happens. However, you did eventually managed to pull yourself together, but it was pretty crazy around here for a bit. I wasn't sure you were going to make it to your own birthday party.
Yesterday I was marveling at the fact that you are now a 'tween'. I was telling Daddy that it didn't seem like you were a tween already, but he looked at me like I was crazy. He pointed out that you aren't ready for school in the morning, which is nothing new. However, now your late because you're taking too much time getting dressed and fancy and not because you're refusing to get ready. He also pointed out that I have to buy more product for your hair than I used to. You cannot go a day without adding a bit of product to your hair. And of course he pointed out the arguing that comes with being a tween...but that's nothing new with you. :)
Lily, you continue to amaze me and frustrate me to equal measure most days of the week. We can butt heads like you wouldn't believe and then I can turn around to see you being kind and gentle and generous. I hope you know in your heart that when Dad and I are pushing you to do better and make better choices, it's because we love you and want the best for you. You prove to us often that you can rise to many challenges.
Speaking of rising to challenges, you continue to thrive in ballet. You struggle a little with the 'boring' stuff, but really focus and work really hard at being a good dancer. The most amazing part is: you are a fantastic dancer and your hard work shows every time we see you dance. I cannot tell you how proud it makes me that you've found something that is important to you and you're willing to do the hard work to do it well. You are amazing.
You are still an artist. In fact, you're such a good artist that you are now a blue ribbon holder. You won first place at the Kansas State Fair this year for one of your art pieces. It's just another reason I can be proud of you.
You are one of a kind and so special to Dad and me. You are growing up fast and I have no problem imagining you ten years from now, practically grown up and ready to make big choices. I know that when the time comes, I will be able to trust you to make smart and safe choices. You are so great and I'm so thankful to have you with me and in my life. It's a pleasure witnessing you grow up. You talents are just beginning to emerge and your future is a bright one.
I love you more than tongue can tell.
Love,
Mom
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| Only you can pull off a blonde wig worn backwards. Love you! |
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| My water baby, still. |
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| The birthday girl! |
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| Silly girls! |
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| You fit right in! |
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| You and Aubri tied for first place in the Limbo at your party. |
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| I love this picture because you look lovely and because it says 'DANGER' over your left shoulder. :) |
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The full report
Dear Reader,
The good news is: I have migraines.
I had my appointment today with the specialist. After a full examination of my eyes and asking me lots of questions, she announced that my eyes are perfectly healthy and that the eye trouble I was having were actually migraines. I know that this doesn't sound like good news, but it is. When thinking back to what it could have been, migraines are easy. I am looking forward to finding ways to manage the migraines with some lifestyle changes- like no more caffeine.
In other news regarding my eyes, the doctor did say that the surgeries I had as a child usually work for about 15 years and then the eyes start to drift out again. I do have some trouble with this, however she did say that if I do Drew's eye exercises then my eyes should stay straight for longer. I also learned that eventually having glasses again is inevitable. I can deal with that. After the news I got today, I feel pretty good about just about everything.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me during this time. It was a stressful ordeal that I'm happy to say is over. It is always nice to be reminded of all the amazing people and family I have in my life if I ever need anything. Thank you so much.
Love,
Taylor
The good news is: I have migraines.
I had my appointment today with the specialist. After a full examination of my eyes and asking me lots of questions, she announced that my eyes are perfectly healthy and that the eye trouble I was having were actually migraines. I know that this doesn't sound like good news, but it is. When thinking back to what it could have been, migraines are easy. I am looking forward to finding ways to manage the migraines with some lifestyle changes- like no more caffeine.
In other news regarding my eyes, the doctor did say that the surgeries I had as a child usually work for about 15 years and then the eyes start to drift out again. I do have some trouble with this, however she did say that if I do Drew's eye exercises then my eyes should stay straight for longer. I also learned that eventually having glasses again is inevitable. I can deal with that. After the news I got today, I feel pretty good about just about everything.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me during this time. It was a stressful ordeal that I'm happy to say is over. It is always nice to be reminded of all the amazing people and family I have in my life if I ever need anything. Thank you so much.
Love,
Taylor
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Queen
Drew woke up on the wrong side of the bed. This is the conversation we had at 6:40 this morning.
Drew: Can I watch TV?
Me: When you're ready for school. You need to have your shoes on, teeth brushed, and eye exercises done.
Drew: UGH! Why do I have to do my eye exercises? I HATE that!
Me: Sorry. It will only take you 15 minutes and you'll still have time to watch TV afterward. Bring me the ball for you first exercise.
Drew: Why do I always have to do EVERYTHING?! You never do anything! Do you think YOU'RE THE QUEEN OR SOMETHING?!
Me: In that case, you can spend some time in your room adjusting the way you speak to me. I'm going to have my breakfast.
I want everyone reading to understand that I in no way condone this behavior. However, it does make me laugh to think about it. It's funny to me because I understand it. I know what it feels like to be so sensitive and emotional. I know what it feels like to think that your mom does nothing for you and is only there to make your life more difficult. I knew I would have a kid similar to me in this way. I just didn't think it would be my son.
Drew: Can I watch TV?
Me: When you're ready for school. You need to have your shoes on, teeth brushed, and eye exercises done.
Drew: UGH! Why do I have to do my eye exercises? I HATE that!
Me: Sorry. It will only take you 15 minutes and you'll still have time to watch TV afterward. Bring me the ball for you first exercise.
Drew: Why do I always have to do EVERYTHING?! You never do anything! Do you think YOU'RE THE QUEEN OR SOMETHING?!
Me: In that case, you can spend some time in your room adjusting the way you speak to me. I'm going to have my breakfast.
I want everyone reading to understand that I in no way condone this behavior. However, it does make me laugh to think about it. It's funny to me because I understand it. I know what it feels like to be so sensitive and emotional. I know what it feels like to think that your mom does nothing for you and is only there to make your life more difficult. I knew I would have a kid similar to me in this way. I just didn't think it would be my son.
Monday, February 4, 2013
a handsome, slim, middle finger post
Today Julianna had an appointment with Dr. Handsome....Hansen, really-- but apparently she likes Handsome better.
Tonight at dinner Lily asked for some "slim" milk. She meant skim.
Tonight I was trimming Lily's fingernails. I was trimming her middle finger and she said, "Are you pointing my middle finger up?" I answer no. She said, "Good, because that's the middle finger and you're not supposed to point that one up alone." I didn't really answer her because what should I say? So she went on. "It means bad luck. It means you're wishing someone bad luck." I still didn't answer-- so she went on. "Haven't you ever heard someone was going to 'middle finger' you?" Well, this is the point where I can answer honestly. No, no one has ever said they were going to middle finger me. Thank god for that. Tom entered the conversation at this point. He asked her if she wanted to have an honest conversation about this. Yes, she did. He told her it means something very mean, to never do it and to never teach her brother or sister about it. That's when Drew walked in. Thankfully, the conversation was over...despite Drew's best efforts to revive it.
These are just a few things I don't want to forget.
Tonight at dinner Lily asked for some "slim" milk. She meant skim.
Tonight I was trimming Lily's fingernails. I was trimming her middle finger and she said, "Are you pointing my middle finger up?" I answer no. She said, "Good, because that's the middle finger and you're not supposed to point that one up alone." I didn't really answer her because what should I say? So she went on. "It means bad luck. It means you're wishing someone bad luck." I still didn't answer-- so she went on. "Haven't you ever heard someone was going to 'middle finger' you?" Well, this is the point where I can answer honestly. No, no one has ever said they were going to middle finger me. Thank god for that. Tom entered the conversation at this point. He asked her if she wanted to have an honest conversation about this. Yes, she did. He told her it means something very mean, to never do it and to never teach her brother or sister about it. That's when Drew walked in. Thankfully, the conversation was over...despite Drew's best efforts to revive it.
These are just a few things I don't want to forget.
Friday, February 1, 2013
On the 100th Day of School
Today on the 100th day of school, my children had the perfect morning. They got dressed, ate breakfast, and had hair and teeth brushed with no problem. It was a lovely morning. I thought that since the 100th day is a day to celebrate, I would give a report on how things are going at school.
Lily hasn't missed a day of school. She has worked hard this year to make good choices at school. She recently went through a medication change and tried her darnedest to do well at school without it. She gave a valiant effort, but in the end we saw that she was truly benefitting from the medications. She did get a new one and it's working.
I heard from Lily's teacher a few days ago that Lily is doing very well at school. Lily's teacher is proud of Lily's improvement when it comes to working in groups. She told me that she usually puts Lily in pairs to work so that she doesn't become overwhelmed. However, last week Lily worked seamlessly in a group of FIVE students. She was a member of the team, she allowed others to contribute, and at one point they were all drawing on the paper at once. I am so proud of her!
Drew has also not missed a day of school. He loves it so much and loves having so many friends to play with everyday. He has recently started reading books independently, and asking for more at his level. This is a huge deal because early in the year I could barely get him to read the required 3 page books sent from school. At first I thought maybe he was having trouble because of an inherited learning disability; but I think he was actually having trouble because of an inherited eye problem. He has been doing eye therapy for two months and the change is amazing. Obviously, because he loves to read by himself now. :)
Yesterday, on day 99, Drew lost his first tooth. He was so proud that he had pulled out himself at rest time. He said all the kids wanted to come and see the tooth after he'd pulled it out. I don't know what the chances are, but so far two of my children have lost their first tooth in Mrs. Law's kindergarten class instead of at home. He was excited to put the tooth under his pillow and wake up to some shiny quarters.
Julianna has not gone to school 100 days, but she is doing wonderfully and loves school. She is keeping me laughing and testing her limits just a bit. I love being home with her these last two years before big kid school. It's such a blessing.
Lily hasn't missed a day of school. She has worked hard this year to make good choices at school. She recently went through a medication change and tried her darnedest to do well at school without it. She gave a valiant effort, but in the end we saw that she was truly benefitting from the medications. She did get a new one and it's working.
I heard from Lily's teacher a few days ago that Lily is doing very well at school. Lily's teacher is proud of Lily's improvement when it comes to working in groups. She told me that she usually puts Lily in pairs to work so that she doesn't become overwhelmed. However, last week Lily worked seamlessly in a group of FIVE students. She was a member of the team, she allowed others to contribute, and at one point they were all drawing on the paper at once. I am so proud of her!
Drew has also not missed a day of school. He loves it so much and loves having so many friends to play with everyday. He has recently started reading books independently, and asking for more at his level. This is a huge deal because early in the year I could barely get him to read the required 3 page books sent from school. At first I thought maybe he was having trouble because of an inherited learning disability; but I think he was actually having trouble because of an inherited eye problem. He has been doing eye therapy for two months and the change is amazing. Obviously, because he loves to read by himself now. :)
Yesterday, on day 99, Drew lost his first tooth. He was so proud that he had pulled out himself at rest time. He said all the kids wanted to come and see the tooth after he'd pulled it out. I don't know what the chances are, but so far two of my children have lost their first tooth in Mrs. Law's kindergarten class instead of at home. He was excited to put the tooth under his pillow and wake up to some shiny quarters.
Julianna has not gone to school 100 days, but she is doing wonderfully and loves school. She is keeping me laughing and testing her limits just a bit. I love being home with her these last two years before big kid school. It's such a blessing.
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