We went to dinner at my best friend's house tonight. Seeing my friends that have known me for 20 years intensifies the desire to move back to Portland. We don't really have couple friends in Minnesota and it's nice having them back here. We get along, our kids get along. It's hard for me to leave it behind.
We brought some oranges to have at dinner. There was some chatter about needing ingredients for an antidote between our older sons; and then it was determined that the oranges were the perfect antidote. I thought this was clever, and funny and really what could they do with an orange? They can't yet open them without assistance. But then there was talk of getting a "driller." Aid was bummed that they didn't have one! Keldon excitedly yells, " I know Aiden! We need to build a driller to get the antidote!!" They began to look around the house for tools and materials to use.
No oranges were taken and they disappeared. I assumed the game had ended.
I was wrong.
We noticed while we were eating that Aid and Keldon were collecting oranges. Bob put limits around the oranges. They could each have one orange for their antidote. They both took their oranges upstairs after they were done eating. A few minutes later they both come running down the stairs and ducked under the table, going in different directions. We see little hands bumping along the edge of the table. Operation get Antidote is in full swing. They are called out and run back to safety. Another few minutes pass and Keldon comes down and grabs a huge spoonful of lettuce. Cindy asked him what he was planning on doing with the lettuce. "Uh...I wanna eat it!" "Without any dressing or anything?" Cindy asked. "Uh...yep." And with that he at the lettuce. Then ran back upstairs.
Cindy said she heard Aid ask, "So did you get the salad?"
Time to regroup soldiers!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Buckle Your Seatbelt
"It will be fine."
This said by my darling husband trying to convince me that a flight with one stop/plane change would be no big deal. And saving us $150 per ticket. Ok, saving my amazing in laws $150 per ticket. I reluctantly agreed. First of all, I am scared of flying. I get some serious anxiety and spend the two weeks prior having nightmares about the plane falling out of the sky. This has obviously never happened to me, and yet I am almost certain that this time will be the time.
So I suppose I should begin by being grateful that the plane did not fall out of the sky. (feel free to giggle, I know it sounds dramatic and ridiculous, I try to laugh at it myself.) But everything else that could go wrong probably did.
I was actually packed and well below the baggage weight requirements. I was on time and ready to go. I took this as a good omen because these things don't usually happen. Bob walked us in to help me with the suitcases. I get to the ticket line and can tell almost immediately that the person helping me is not in the happy customer Christmas spirit. Her scowl could shoot down the plane on it's own. We weigh the bags. Apparently my scale was not super accurate and they both weighed about 5 more pounds. My bag was still 10 pounds under. (unheard of) The boys, however, was .5 above. I am thinking,"score!!" Mrs. Grinch, however, asked me to transfer the extra pounds from their bag into mine. I looked at her. Nope, she wasn't kidding. I really have to move over .5 pounds to get under? You can't let .5 slide or take into account that my accompanying bag is well under the weight so I'm still WAY under the weight? Nope. Good grief. So I move over 2 pairs of socks. Happy lady? She re-weighs them.
Then we stand in the slowest security line imaginable. Sometimes, despite the lines, it moves fairly quickly. Not today. Today I noted how many people they were stopping to give the pat down. I immediately start to worry...."Has there been some terrorist threat or something? What color are we on?!" The boys did ok. Grant had a little bit of a hard time waiting for so long and at some point began to weave in and out of the posts. Some found this adorable, some did not.
We get everything in the buckets. No melt downs from the boys about taking off their shoes. (Hey, I'll take my successes no matter how minor!) Then they let me know kids under 10 don't have to take off their shoes anymore....well, great. They go through the detector. Then I do. I make it beep. "Seriously," I think. I search for what it could be. They ask me if I am wearing an under wire bra. "uh huh." "We are going to have to do a pat down ma'am." Of coarse you are. I receive instructions that I cannot touch the boys or be touched by them in anyway or I will be taken into the room and they will have to be patted down as well. "YAY!" Aid yells." I scowl at him. Grant gets the look on his face that means he is tempted to do exactly the opposite of what he is asked. I scowl at him too. I get my pat down. Surprise, there are no weapons and/or drugs on me.
We walk to the gate to find out that the plane is late, by about an hour. I start to worry about our connecting flight, but they assure us that we will all make our connecting flights. But an extra hour in the airport by myself is not ideal. If Bob were with me we would take turns sitting and watching the bags while someone walked around with the boys. But I have too much stuff. The boys began playing with their toys and I sit patting myself on the back for raising such respectful little people. I have given myself credit too soon. They begin to get antsy and start a chasing game. I let them. Seems harmless enough. People around us seem to be appreciating the scene. Then they begin wrestling, which I put a stop too. Several times. Then they begin scaling chairs and jumping. I try very hard to stop it and there are several time outs. Some people still find this all amusing and charming. Some start to move away. At some point I let it all go and hear myself say that as long as they are not jumping by anyone it's ok. That's how desperate I've gotten. Luckily there is this younger couple just married who are staring at the boys with stars in their eyes. I turn to the other couple with 4 young children who look just as frazzled as I am and the mom says, "Whatever you gotta do." Comradery.
We get on the plane and the flight itself goes reasonably well. There are tv's in the seat, which are insanely expensive, but have cartoons on. Sold. I happily read my book while they watch their cartoons laughing and talking to each other about them. About five minutes before we land, they both fall asleep despite my efforts and attempts at bribery to stop it. But I really don't think it's too big of a deal because in 15 minutes we will be off the plane and maybe it will just be enough of a cat nap to get them through the plane change. Then an announcement from the pilot. The jetway is not working so we cannot exit at that gate. They will have have to wait for someone to tow the plane to another gate...once one opens. I can't decide if this will be bad with the boys sleeping or good that they will get more time. Turns out to be bad. About 45 minutes later we are at the gate with only about 10 minutes to get to our next one. I cannot wake either one of them up. I finally get Aid awake but he is crying and super upset. No one seems amused by this scene. I carry everything except Aid. Coats, pillow pets, their bags, my bag...and Grant. I am struggling to get off the plane when I look up and see the husband of the couple I was sitting near while waiting for the plane. He takes all of the bags from me so I only have mine and Grant and Aid to contend with. Comradery.
I thank him profusely and then sprint with everything to the next gate, which thankfully is only 2 gates away. Aid is sobbing behind me and I feel like the worst mother on the planet. But I have not cracked and am trying very hard to keep it together. We get to the next gate and I see that everyone is still sitting. Thank God. We find our spot. I comment to the women, who has an older daughter maybe 15 years old, that I can't believe we made it. "The plane isn't leaving until 11:30" She grimly tells me. @*!! Apparently there is a missing flight attendant. "God help her if I find her first," I think to myself. Both boys are in full melt down mode and I am trying to calm them back down. The women offers to watch our stuff and I take them to the bathroom. Aid has to pee like I have never seen him pee before. "I feel better mom." Again I feel like a horrible mother. I think he is crying because he was woken up but really it's because he has to pee so badly it hurts and is too tired to articulate that. At least things are looking up. I can hold Grant and Aid is back in the game.
He holds court with the mom and her daughter teaching them the intricacies of Bakugan. They enjoy him and I get Grant back to sleep since we still an hour and a half until the new departure time. They make several announcements about the plan. One plan is that we can downsize to a smaller plane. A smaller death trap. The other is that we can all just wait until we find her which would hopefully be before 11:30 otherwise we'll have to wait until morning. I am in airline purgatory hell I decide.
At 10:30 they announce that we will be boarding the smaller plane and request that we be patient while they work out who will forfeit their seat and receive the vouchers. At 11 we finally board the plane. They offer us free television this time. And we're off. It was also fairly uneventful if you don't count to nasty woman in front of me who was appalled that I asked her if she could just raise her seat back up a little, as her head was in my lap. She responded with heavy sighs and one last pound to my knees before relenting. Or I should say, before she was asked by the stewardess who witnessed our transaction to raise her seat. We didn't get in until 1:30am. By 4am the boys are finally asleep and I climb into bed. I hear Grant crying and just pull him into my bed.
Two and a half hours later, they wake up! @*!! They are bouncing off the walls. I put on a movie on the computer and stall for another hour and a half.
"Whatever you gotta do" I remember the other mom saying to me.
This said by my darling husband trying to convince me that a flight with one stop/plane change would be no big deal. And saving us $150 per ticket. Ok, saving my amazing in laws $150 per ticket. I reluctantly agreed. First of all, I am scared of flying. I get some serious anxiety and spend the two weeks prior having nightmares about the plane falling out of the sky. This has obviously never happened to me, and yet I am almost certain that this time will be the time.
So I suppose I should begin by being grateful that the plane did not fall out of the sky. (feel free to giggle, I know it sounds dramatic and ridiculous, I try to laugh at it myself.) But everything else that could go wrong probably did.
I was actually packed and well below the baggage weight requirements. I was on time and ready to go. I took this as a good omen because these things don't usually happen. Bob walked us in to help me with the suitcases. I get to the ticket line and can tell almost immediately that the person helping me is not in the happy customer Christmas spirit. Her scowl could shoot down the plane on it's own. We weigh the bags. Apparently my scale was not super accurate and they both weighed about 5 more pounds. My bag was still 10 pounds under. (unheard of) The boys, however, was .5 above. I am thinking,"score!!" Mrs. Grinch, however, asked me to transfer the extra pounds from their bag into mine. I looked at her. Nope, she wasn't kidding. I really have to move over .5 pounds to get under? You can't let .5 slide or take into account that my accompanying bag is well under the weight so I'm still WAY under the weight? Nope. Good grief. So I move over 2 pairs of socks. Happy lady? She re-weighs them.
Then we stand in the slowest security line imaginable. Sometimes, despite the lines, it moves fairly quickly. Not today. Today I noted how many people they were stopping to give the pat down. I immediately start to worry...."Has there been some terrorist threat or something? What color are we on?!" The boys did ok. Grant had a little bit of a hard time waiting for so long and at some point began to weave in and out of the posts. Some found this adorable, some did not.
We get everything in the buckets. No melt downs from the boys about taking off their shoes. (Hey, I'll take my successes no matter how minor!) Then they let me know kids under 10 don't have to take off their shoes anymore....well, great. They go through the detector. Then I do. I make it beep. "Seriously," I think. I search for what it could be. They ask me if I am wearing an under wire bra. "uh huh." "We are going to have to do a pat down ma'am." Of coarse you are. I receive instructions that I cannot touch the boys or be touched by them in anyway or I will be taken into the room and they will have to be patted down as well. "YAY!" Aid yells." I scowl at him. Grant gets the look on his face that means he is tempted to do exactly the opposite of what he is asked. I scowl at him too. I get my pat down. Surprise, there are no weapons and/or drugs on me.
We walk to the gate to find out that the plane is late, by about an hour. I start to worry about our connecting flight, but they assure us that we will all make our connecting flights. But an extra hour in the airport by myself is not ideal. If Bob were with me we would take turns sitting and watching the bags while someone walked around with the boys. But I have too much stuff. The boys began playing with their toys and I sit patting myself on the back for raising such respectful little people. I have given myself credit too soon. They begin to get antsy and start a chasing game. I let them. Seems harmless enough. People around us seem to be appreciating the scene. Then they begin wrestling, which I put a stop too. Several times. Then they begin scaling chairs and jumping. I try very hard to stop it and there are several time outs. Some people still find this all amusing and charming. Some start to move away. At some point I let it all go and hear myself say that as long as they are not jumping by anyone it's ok. That's how desperate I've gotten. Luckily there is this younger couple just married who are staring at the boys with stars in their eyes. I turn to the other couple with 4 young children who look just as frazzled as I am and the mom says, "Whatever you gotta do." Comradery.
We get on the plane and the flight itself goes reasonably well. There are tv's in the seat, which are insanely expensive, but have cartoons on. Sold. I happily read my book while they watch their cartoons laughing and talking to each other about them. About five minutes before we land, they both fall asleep despite my efforts and attempts at bribery to stop it. But I really don't think it's too big of a deal because in 15 minutes we will be off the plane and maybe it will just be enough of a cat nap to get them through the plane change. Then an announcement from the pilot. The jetway is not working so we cannot exit at that gate. They will have have to wait for someone to tow the plane to another gate...once one opens. I can't decide if this will be bad with the boys sleeping or good that they will get more time. Turns out to be bad. About 45 minutes later we are at the gate with only about 10 minutes to get to our next one. I cannot wake either one of them up. I finally get Aid awake but he is crying and super upset. No one seems amused by this scene. I carry everything except Aid. Coats, pillow pets, their bags, my bag...and Grant. I am struggling to get off the plane when I look up and see the husband of the couple I was sitting near while waiting for the plane. He takes all of the bags from me so I only have mine and Grant and Aid to contend with. Comradery.
I thank him profusely and then sprint with everything to the next gate, which thankfully is only 2 gates away. Aid is sobbing behind me and I feel like the worst mother on the planet. But I have not cracked and am trying very hard to keep it together. We get to the next gate and I see that everyone is still sitting. Thank God. We find our spot. I comment to the women, who has an older daughter maybe 15 years old, that I can't believe we made it. "The plane isn't leaving until 11:30" She grimly tells me. @*!! Apparently there is a missing flight attendant. "God help her if I find her first," I think to myself. Both boys are in full melt down mode and I am trying to calm them back down. The women offers to watch our stuff and I take them to the bathroom. Aid has to pee like I have never seen him pee before. "I feel better mom." Again I feel like a horrible mother. I think he is crying because he was woken up but really it's because he has to pee so badly it hurts and is too tired to articulate that. At least things are looking up. I can hold Grant and Aid is back in the game.
He holds court with the mom and her daughter teaching them the intricacies of Bakugan. They enjoy him and I get Grant back to sleep since we still an hour and a half until the new departure time. They make several announcements about the plan. One plan is that we can downsize to a smaller plane. A smaller death trap. The other is that we can all just wait until we find her which would hopefully be before 11:30 otherwise we'll have to wait until morning. I am in airline purgatory hell I decide.
At 10:30 they announce that we will be boarding the smaller plane and request that we be patient while they work out who will forfeit their seat and receive the vouchers. At 11 we finally board the plane. They offer us free television this time. And we're off. It was also fairly uneventful if you don't count to nasty woman in front of me who was appalled that I asked her if she could just raise her seat back up a little, as her head was in my lap. She responded with heavy sighs and one last pound to my knees before relenting. Or I should say, before she was asked by the stewardess who witnessed our transaction to raise her seat. We didn't get in until 1:30am. By 4am the boys are finally asleep and I climb into bed. I hear Grant crying and just pull him into my bed.
Two and a half hours later, they wake up! @*!! They are bouncing off the walls. I put on a movie on the computer and stall for another hour and a half.
"Whatever you gotta do" I remember the other mom saying to me.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Spam
Good Grief.
I was talking to my mother last night and she mentioned my Dad commenting on the blog and my lack of response. What is she talking about? I didn't think anyone was reading. (Which as sensitive as I can be TOTALLY get.)
So I'm looking through this morning and decided to check my settings.....25 moderated comments that were waiting approval. WHA!!!!!
So I apologize for any lack of response. I realize that I have slowed down too because I am a facebook junkie and always feel like it's overkill. But I'll start back up. Camera or no camera.
I was talking to my mother last night and she mentioned my Dad commenting on the blog and my lack of response. What is she talking about? I didn't think anyone was reading. (Which as sensitive as I can be TOTALLY get.)
So I'm looking through this morning and decided to check my settings.....25 moderated comments that were waiting approval. WHA!!!!!
So I apologize for any lack of response. I realize that I have slowed down too because I am a facebook junkie and always feel like it's overkill. But I'll start back up. Camera or no camera.
Friday, December 2, 2011
In and Out
I feel horrible. I used to be so on top of this.
First my camera broke and I was finding it harder to just write every night.
Then I got my camera back and the computer has been slowly dying and made being on the computer at all very difficult and frustrating.
We just got the computer back and fixed and now the camera is dead again.
I don't even know if anyone is reading this anymore, so if you are feel free to comment so I know if I need to revamp my efforts or not!
First my camera broke and I was finding it harder to just write every night.
Then I got my camera back and the computer has been slowly dying and made being on the computer at all very difficult and frustrating.
We just got the computer back and fixed and now the camera is dead again.
I don't even know if anyone is reading this anymore, so if you are feel free to comment so I know if I need to revamp my efforts or not!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Neighborly Neighbors
I usually clean before I turn a movie on for them and try to smuggle in some down time.
Usually.
Today, I woke up at 5 to get to a gym class at 5:30 and stayed up far to late to make that pretty. Me and Grant did our errands as we always do on Fridays and then we came home, made an early lunch, and since Grant also woke up at 5:30 I anticipated he would fall asleep on the couch. As he usually does.
Usually.
Today he Cartoon surfed and I read trashy magazines. In an attempt to urge nap time, I decided to lay down and told him I was taking a snooze so he could too. I think I lasted 5 minutes.
I was awoken to my neighbor and her little girl coming in. I immediately surveyed the house and instantly felt regret for not doing my chores.
But we have wonderful neighbors and she offered to take Grant to her house so I could nap!! Grant happily got bundled up and the 3 of them took off merrily down the street. I was not at all annoyed that they came in. I have neighbors who not only don't care if my house is a complete pit, but will gladly take my children for some adventure on a whim!
I pulled the blanket back up over me and closed my eyes...
Then I got up....and cleaned.
Usually.
Today, I woke up at 5 to get to a gym class at 5:30 and stayed up far to late to make that pretty. Me and Grant did our errands as we always do on Fridays and then we came home, made an early lunch, and since Grant also woke up at 5:30 I anticipated he would fall asleep on the couch. As he usually does.
Usually.
Today he Cartoon surfed and I read trashy magazines. In an attempt to urge nap time, I decided to lay down and told him I was taking a snooze so he could too. I think I lasted 5 minutes.
I was awoken to my neighbor and her little girl coming in. I immediately surveyed the house and instantly felt regret for not doing my chores.
But we have wonderful neighbors and she offered to take Grant to her house so I could nap!! Grant happily got bundled up and the 3 of them took off merrily down the street. I was not at all annoyed that they came in. I have neighbors who not only don't care if my house is a complete pit, but will gladly take my children for some adventure on a whim!
I pulled the blanket back up over me and closed my eyes...
Then I got up....and cleaned.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Camera Blues
I miss my camera. Desperately. And while I am trying to embrace "being in the moment" rather then "capturing the moment" it's a serious bummer. And taking a serious toll on my blog. Thinking I need a back up!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Talking it Out
From the beginning I have tried very hard to work with my children on how to appropriately express themselves. It's a hard thing to be able to identify your feelings, figure out where they come from, and then how to express them. So many people either just stuff their feelings or express them in inappropriate ways that I want to help them develop those skills.... as I struggle with them myself.
This doesn't always go well. There has been yelling, "I AM SO MAD AT YOU!" There has been crying, "No one likes me anymore..." There has been hitting. There has been silence.
Today the youngest Bures proved that you are never too young to tell someone how you feel. I was cleaning and he began to complain that he didn't want me to take away his plate. I snapped a little and said, "Grant please do not yell at me today," and walked into the kitchen.
He walked into the kitchen and calmly said to me, "I didn't yell at you mom."
"You're right. You didn't really yell. I'm sorry I snapped at you."
"It's ok mom. I love you."
"I love you too Grant. Thank you."
"Mom I think I need a little space."
Fair enough little one. Thank you for teaching me something today.
This doesn't always go well. There has been yelling, "I AM SO MAD AT YOU!" There has been crying, "No one likes me anymore..." There has been hitting. There has been silence.
Today the youngest Bures proved that you are never too young to tell someone how you feel. I was cleaning and he began to complain that he didn't want me to take away his plate. I snapped a little and said, "Grant please do not yell at me today," and walked into the kitchen.
He walked into the kitchen and calmly said to me, "I didn't yell at you mom."
"You're right. You didn't really yell. I'm sorry I snapped at you."
"It's ok mom. I love you."
"I love you too Grant. Thank you."
"Mom I think I need a little space."
Fair enough little one. Thank you for teaching me something today.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Things I Never Thought I'd Hear/Say.
We have been working on potty training with Grant. At his pace. Sometimes he asks to go sometimes you can't force him. But when he goes, he gets a treat. No matter what time of the day it is. (Treats are usually reserved for afternoon except on special occasions.) But Aid has been watching this and feeling the pressures of good ol sibling rivalry. Which at first just made me chuckle. But then I realized I could use this to my advantage. Aid still has trouble wiping his butt. There I said it out loud. He starts but can't finish it up. But I have begun to suspect that there is a hint of laziness playing out. Sure enough. Told Aid he could also get a treat if he wiped his bottom all by himself without any assistance. Then they raced to see which brother could go potty, wipe up, and be done first. Can't believe that this is my day sometimes.
Was upstairs cleaning when Grant yelled up, "Mom!! Can I be naked and ride my bike?"
"Uh.....yes?"
(Will add more as they happen! Feel free to comment with your own whenever you need to!)
Was upstairs cleaning when Grant yelled up, "Mom!! Can I be naked and ride my bike?"
"Uh.....yes?"
(Will add more as they happen! Feel free to comment with your own whenever you need to!)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
There's a Baby in the House!
I've started watching Bob's cousin's little girl. Her name is Stella and she is darling. She is almost 5 months, but was born 2 months prematurely so I'm not sure where that puts her exactly. She is so little. And she's a girl!
The boys have done well on her first day. Grant much better then Aid, who is once again worried about his standing. He has been fretting all day and asking why I like her and if I still like him. Sigh. Grant has been my helper, getting her toys, her bottle, her blankie. Apparently he is my caretaker.
We have been all oogling over her and competing for her affections. Grant looks up at some point and excitedly yells, "There is a baby in the house mama!"
There sure is!
The boys have done well on her first day. Grant much better then Aid, who is once again worried about his standing. He has been fretting all day and asking why I like her and if I still like him. Sigh. Grant has been my helper, getting her toys, her bottle, her blankie. Apparently he is my caretaker.
We have been all oogling over her and competing for her affections. Grant looks up at some point and excitedly yells, "There is a baby in the house mama!"
There sure is!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
It's In the Genes
When we were in Oregon, my little niece Abby started soccer. She brought Aid along to one of her practices. I have been wondering if Aid would be interested in playing, but not wanting to push him into it because I want him to play it. And not wanting to put down money on equipment if he just wasn't into it. He has also been asking to take swim classes again.
This morning our community rec book came. I asked Aid, "Would you rather take swim classes or soccer?"
"Soccer!!!!! And can I get a ball and shoes and a blue shirt?"
"Oh yes you can my love, yes you can!!"
Chip off the ol block!
This morning our community rec book came. I asked Aid, "Would you rather take swim classes or soccer?"
"Soccer!!!!! And can I get a ball and shoes and a blue shirt?"
"Oh yes you can my love, yes you can!!"
Chip off the ol block!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Anonymous
For the past 3 years that I have been doing this blog I have had nothing but a good experience. I have chosen not to make it private because I didn't see the importance. I thought, "I'm not posting anything provocative or would mind if random people read it." I know lots of people who cruise the blog sites and find interesting blogs to read.
I have just had my first encounter that has made me second guess that. I received a comment on the, Safety Net, post. It was a post of a serious nature and while I didn't go into details, those closest to me have heard the story. The comment read that at the age of 5 Aiden shouldn't have anything that was difficult or confusing to him. And asked what I had done as a parent to make him feel that way.
My first inclination was to make my blog private. But you know what? F that. I am not going to close myself up because some jackass thinks they have enough knowledge (of what? Childhood development? My life?) to make an assumption. I wish I knew who it was, though find it cowardly that they would sign it "Anonymous" rather then with who they are. I wonder how someone could be so brazen as to make the comment they made without the maturity to take ownership of it.
So, "Anonymous" let me clue you into something. There are lots of difficult things that happen to children all along the way with differing levels of seriousness. There are lots of things that Aid finds difficult and confusing at 5. He finds it difficult that he has to brush his teeth before bed. He is confused as to why he isn't going to the same school as preschool friends. Or maybe, just maybe something happened that is a little bit more serious. How could you possibly pretend to know what I was talking about and if it was out of the scope of my control? Children get cancer, children are abused, children lose parents and loved ones. The possibilities of things that could happen to a 5 year old are endless.
I just ask that anyone reading the blog be thoughtful before they post a response that may be hurtful. I'm a little shocked I have to request that.
You, "Anonymous" crossed a line.
I have just had my first encounter that has made me second guess that. I received a comment on the, Safety Net, post. It was a post of a serious nature and while I didn't go into details, those closest to me have heard the story. The comment read that at the age of 5 Aiden shouldn't have anything that was difficult or confusing to him. And asked what I had done as a parent to make him feel that way.
My first inclination was to make my blog private. But you know what? F that. I am not going to close myself up because some jackass thinks they have enough knowledge (of what? Childhood development? My life?) to make an assumption. I wish I knew who it was, though find it cowardly that they would sign it "Anonymous" rather then with who they are. I wonder how someone could be so brazen as to make the comment they made without the maturity to take ownership of it.
So, "Anonymous" let me clue you into something. There are lots of difficult things that happen to children all along the way with differing levels of seriousness. There are lots of things that Aid finds difficult and confusing at 5. He finds it difficult that he has to brush his teeth before bed. He is confused as to why he isn't going to the same school as preschool friends. Or maybe, just maybe something happened that is a little bit more serious. How could you possibly pretend to know what I was talking about and if it was out of the scope of my control? Children get cancer, children are abused, children lose parents and loved ones. The possibilities of things that could happen to a 5 year old are endless.
I just ask that anyone reading the blog be thoughtful before they post a response that may be hurtful. I'm a little shocked I have to request that.
You, "Anonymous" crossed a line.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Evil Twin
Me: "Aid, please stop talking to your brother like that. I know that you can be a nice and fun big brother and play with him. I like that Aid, where is he?"
Aid: "Uh....he's upstairs."
Perfect.
Aid: "Uh....he's upstairs."
Perfect.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Fifth Birthday party!
Insanely large dragon jumpy castle
Blue bakugan birthday cake
Dinosaur balloons
Best friend Sam
Best School Friend (with same birthday) Bradley
Candy
Presents!
Burned cheek from trying to blow out candles prior to party
Flooded basement
Thunderstorms followed by crazy humidity
Sweating guests since AC wasn't working
Dear friends who help set up and then run home to get their cameras since ours is once again broken
It had a little bit of everything today. And he loved all of it.
Blue bakugan birthday cake
Dinosaur balloons
Best friend Sam
Best School Friend (with same birthday) Bradley
Candy
Presents!
Burned cheek from trying to blow out candles prior to party
Flooded basement
Thunderstorms followed by crazy humidity
Sweating guests since AC wasn't working
Dear friends who help set up and then run home to get their cameras since ours is once again broken
It had a little bit of everything today. And he loved all of it.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Mosquito Hell
Well, we went camping.
Then we came home. Because the mosquitoes ran us out.
After they ate Grant's face off.
Now, I know that mosquitoes are inevitable when you go camping. I also know that Minnesota, in all it's beauty, has a higher then normal number of the little blood suckers. I was not prepared for the attack at this camp sight.
We got out of the car, and they swarmed us. Literally. I looked over at Grant who had at least 10 on his face. So we ate as quickly as we could and hid out in the tent. He looked like he had chicken pox by the time we left.
I can't recall much else. It may have been fun to make smores, where they only ate the marshmallows. It may have been bonding to stay up with Aid and read until the wee hours of the night. I may have even been able to tell a good story about how when we were driving home our cooler flew off the car and Bob had to collect all the food on the side of the highway he could since it had to last us the rest of the week. All good stories.
But all I can remember is the mosquitoes.
Then we came home. Because the mosquitoes ran us out.
After they ate Grant's face off.
Now, I know that mosquitoes are inevitable when you go camping. I also know that Minnesota, in all it's beauty, has a higher then normal number of the little blood suckers. I was not prepared for the attack at this camp sight.
We got out of the car, and they swarmed us. Literally. I looked over at Grant who had at least 10 on his face. So we ate as quickly as we could and hid out in the tent. He looked like he had chicken pox by the time we left.
I can't recall much else. It may have been fun to make smores, where they only ate the marshmallows. It may have been bonding to stay up with Aid and read until the wee hours of the night. I may have even been able to tell a good story about how when we were driving home our cooler flew off the car and Bob had to collect all the food on the side of the highway he could since it had to last us the rest of the week. All good stories.
But all I can remember is the mosquitoes.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Camping Adventures
We are going camping tomorrow. It will be our first official family trip and we are all excited. But it didn't start that way...
For the last few days I have been prepping Aid. Because I know my son, I know he needs a bit of preparation time, some time to adjust to an new idea. But he has been completely anti camping. Thought it sounded "horrible" as he explained why he didn't want to go.
He got a bit more excited when we bought our new tent! But that too was fleeting when he realized that we were not just camping in our backyard, but in the woods. Which are "too spooky."
So I have been on a mission to try and sell the camping trip. We told his teacher about it at school. We bought little flashlights and lanterns just for them. We pulled out any books about camping that we could find. I even tried to explain the beauty of the smore.
Finally I tried bribery. What about a new book to bring camping with you? And you can pick out some chips! Yes! I am not above bribery and thought that as long as I got him there with relatively minimal incident he would love it as we do. No go. He picked out his camping book, but then proceeded to yell at me the entire rest of the Costco trip. I was mean, life was unfair, I am just a little bumble bee anyway (!?!). He got his new camping book taken away from him and I forgot the chips. It was a challenging store trip.
But Bob had set up the tent. So Aid walked in to see our cool new tent in the backyard. He sprinted past me and within moments had moved all of his pillows into the tent as well as his dinosaurs and books. He ran in and gave me a hug and said, "Thank you for letting us go camping mom! It's going to be a great adventure."
He can be a little difficult. I found myself hysterically laughing in the kitchen. I have spent the last few days in 5 year old hell arguing over this trip and now it's going to be a great adventure?!!!
When as a mother can you officially begin just responding with "I told you so."
For the last few days I have been prepping Aid. Because I know my son, I know he needs a bit of preparation time, some time to adjust to an new idea. But he has been completely anti camping. Thought it sounded "horrible" as he explained why he didn't want to go.
He got a bit more excited when we bought our new tent! But that too was fleeting when he realized that we were not just camping in our backyard, but in the woods. Which are "too spooky."
So I have been on a mission to try and sell the camping trip. We told his teacher about it at school. We bought little flashlights and lanterns just for them. We pulled out any books about camping that we could find. I even tried to explain the beauty of the smore.
Finally I tried bribery. What about a new book to bring camping with you? And you can pick out some chips! Yes! I am not above bribery and thought that as long as I got him there with relatively minimal incident he would love it as we do. No go. He picked out his camping book, but then proceeded to yell at me the entire rest of the Costco trip. I was mean, life was unfair, I am just a little bumble bee anyway (!?!). He got his new camping book taken away from him and I forgot the chips. It was a challenging store trip.
But Bob had set up the tent. So Aid walked in to see our cool new tent in the backyard. He sprinted past me and within moments had moved all of his pillows into the tent as well as his dinosaurs and books. He ran in and gave me a hug and said, "Thank you for letting us go camping mom! It's going to be a great adventure."
He can be a little difficult. I found myself hysterically laughing in the kitchen. I have spent the last few days in 5 year old hell arguing over this trip and now it's going to be a great adventure?!!!
When as a mother can you officially begin just responding with "I told you so."
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Safety Net
Me and Bob have said from the word go that we wanted to create open relationships with our kids. We want them to tell us what is going on in their world. We want them to trust us enough to know that we will can handle whatever it is they need help with. That means we can't just freak out. We can't just punish. We have to listen.
A few days ago was a first testing moment for all of us. Aid came to us with something. I am not going to go into details. It isn't the point of this post. But he came to us. We freaked out a little at first and he shut down. But then we gave him a little bit of space and let him come back to us. And he did. What followed was a really good talk.
But what came of it? I realized that even though I obviously dread Aid (or Grant)having to face any difficult situations, that he trusts us enough to tell us. I recognize that he felt safe enough to tell us something difficult and confusing to him. I have to do everything I can to continue to facilitate that openness. All I want is for my children to know they can come to me. I think a lot of parents say those words. And they mean them. But when the time comes to act, they do the parent thing: They worry out loud, they push, they nag, they punish, they over react. I know that I will as well. But this time I didn't. We didn't. And we did not just say, "You can come to us with anything." We showed him that he really can.
My chest tightens thinking of all the things that could or could not happen to both of them in the future. More then anything you just want your children to be safe and happy and loved. But you don't always have control over those things. No matter what happens to them in the world, I want them to walk through the door and know this is their safe place.
And that we are their safety net.
A few days ago was a first testing moment for all of us. Aid came to us with something. I am not going to go into details. It isn't the point of this post. But he came to us. We freaked out a little at first and he shut down. But then we gave him a little bit of space and let him come back to us. And he did. What followed was a really good talk.
But what came of it? I realized that even though I obviously dread Aid (or Grant)having to face any difficult situations, that he trusts us enough to tell us. I recognize that he felt safe enough to tell us something difficult and confusing to him. I have to do everything I can to continue to facilitate that openness. All I want is for my children to know they can come to me. I think a lot of parents say those words. And they mean them. But when the time comes to act, they do the parent thing: They worry out loud, they push, they nag, they punish, they over react. I know that I will as well. But this time I didn't. We didn't. And we did not just say, "You can come to us with anything." We showed him that he really can.
My chest tightens thinking of all the things that could or could not happen to both of them in the future. More then anything you just want your children to be safe and happy and loved. But you don't always have control over those things. No matter what happens to them in the world, I want them to walk through the door and know this is their safe place.
And that we are their safety net.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Take The Wheel
Aid announced during dinner today that he was ready to ditch the training wheels. So off they came. Grant has been practicing riding his bike on his own too but has not seemed to be able to get a hold of the whole steering process. Then today he just did.
I'm a teary eyed proud mama tonight.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Last Days
I can't believe Friday was Aid's last day of preschool for this year. It's already been a year. He has grown so much in a year.
At the start of the year he was in size 4 Toddler jeans. He was excited, but nervous. He hated to spell. He hated writing. He wanted nothing to do with any of it. He still ran up to kids on the playground and roared at them to indicate he wanted to play chase. He had one best friend (who isn't a relative and who moved away) and was nervous about who would play with him. He was obsessed with dinosaurs and one of the first questions he asked his teacher was whether or not they had any. They had a small collection, so we donated some....
This was him Friday.
He is now is size 5/6 (not Toddler!) wears "big kid" shoes, LOVES all things learning, still loves his dinosaurs, only starts growling once the game of chase has begun, has 2 best friends (Sam and Bradley) and is confident and happy.
We have decided to send Aiden to one more year of preschool. I won't go into all of the reasons now. If you know, then we wanted you to know. But it's the right decision. Not necessarily the easiest. He and his best friend Bradley have the exact same birthday so Aid continues to question if he is also turning 5 why he isn't going to Kindergarten. I have resorted to saying "you have to trust that I am making the best decisions I can make for you." No other answer is adequate. He will go to the same school. They granted us an insanely generous scholarship and he loves it there. I have seen so much growth. And they very obviously care for him and he feels safe and cared for and that's really all I can ask for.
I love you Aid. And I am so unbelievably proud of you. You are a sweet, funny, kind hearted, stubborn, quirky little kid. And I love every last inch of you. I will always do what I think is best for you. Always.
At the start of the year he was in size 4 Toddler jeans. He was excited, but nervous. He hated to spell. He hated writing. He wanted nothing to do with any of it. He still ran up to kids on the playground and roared at them to indicate he wanted to play chase. He had one best friend (who isn't a relative and who moved away) and was nervous about who would play with him. He was obsessed with dinosaurs and one of the first questions he asked his teacher was whether or not they had any. They had a small collection, so we donated some....
This was him Friday.
We have decided to send Aiden to one more year of preschool. I won't go into all of the reasons now. If you know, then we wanted you to know. But it's the right decision. Not necessarily the easiest. He and his best friend Bradley have the exact same birthday so Aid continues to question if he is also turning 5 why he isn't going to Kindergarten. I have resorted to saying "you have to trust that I am making the best decisions I can make for you." No other answer is adequate. He will go to the same school. They granted us an insanely generous scholarship and he loves it there. I have seen so much growth. And they very obviously care for him and he feels safe and cared for and that's really all I can ask for.
I love you Aid. And I am so unbelievably proud of you. You are a sweet, funny, kind hearted, stubborn, quirky little kid. And I love every last inch of you. I will always do what I think is best for you. Always.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Aid's Girlfriend
Aid is in love. And it's serious. He is friends with this adorably shy and equally quirky little girl named Cora. She is very artistic and he is transformed in her presence (minus the booger eating). Joram is Bob's best friend from college. He came up here (again) to help us finish this beast of a play set. Before their arrival, Aid demanded that we had to make her a necklace. So we used the beads we had gotten for a few other people awaiting necklaces, and made her one. She was so happy when he gave it to her. As she walked by him to check out the play room, he sighed and whispered, "mom, I love Cora."
Oh dear.
He gives her first pick. With everything. Let's her take a turn first. Goes through his toys/books to find some trinket to give to her. And basically follows her around like a little puppy dog. It's beyond adorable and I turn into the mom with her camera trailing along behind them making comments about the wedding slide show I am going to make for them some day embarrassing them to death.
Grant, for the record, is a great little brother tag along. Aid is extra nice to him in front of Cora and he knows exactly the right time to take a nap and give them some alone time!
Oh dear.
He gives her first pick. With everything. Let's her take a turn first. Goes through his toys/books to find some trinket to give to her. And basically follows her around like a little puppy dog. It's beyond adorable and I turn into the mom with her camera trailing along behind them making comments about the wedding slide show I am going to make for them some day embarrassing them to death.
Grant, for the record, is a great little brother tag along. Aid is extra nice to him in front of Cora and he knows exactly the right time to take a nap and give them some alone time!
Grant's Rough Day
It started this morning when we went to the gym. We were enjoying a picnic watching the bulldozers when I realized I left my water bottle on the bench. Grant was NOT in agreement that we would quickly retrieve it and ran away from me, tripped over the sidewalk crack, and skidded across the pavement. His nose and knee were seriously scraped up.
After dinner we decided to head to the library since it seemed inevitable that it was going to storm. We had a great time until it was time to go. Grant loves to scan the books and gets very excited when it's time to do so. He ran around the corner to the check out station and collided with a nice gentleman holding a stack of movies. SMACK. The corner of the movies hit right under his eye and his nose scratch from his previous incident reopened and began bleeding again. To add insult to injury the lovely librarian kept insisting that he could "hold" her little stuffed dinosaur until he felt better. I kept declining the offer and tried to explain that Grant thought she was giving him some sort of peace offering and that we really were fine. She insisted. He got to hold the beloved dinosaur for exactly 30 seconds until he had to give it back. Heartbreak....they eye those dinosaurs on that computer every single time we go. So close this time....
We left the library a bit more banged up then when we entered it....and I thought we were pretty banged up this time.
I don't know if the photo does it justice, and I didn't get one of his skinned knee (in two different spots), but trust me when I say today he got a bloody nose, skinned knees, a black eye, and a whole lot of disappointment.
After dinner we decided to head to the library since it seemed inevitable that it was going to storm. We had a great time until it was time to go. Grant loves to scan the books and gets very excited when it's time to do so. He ran around the corner to the check out station and collided with a nice gentleman holding a stack of movies. SMACK. The corner of the movies hit right under his eye and his nose scratch from his previous incident reopened and began bleeding again. To add insult to injury the lovely librarian kept insisting that he could "hold" her little stuffed dinosaur until he felt better. I kept declining the offer and tried to explain that Grant thought she was giving him some sort of peace offering and that we really were fine. She insisted. He got to hold the beloved dinosaur for exactly 30 seconds until he had to give it back. Heartbreak....they eye those dinosaurs on that computer every single time we go. So close this time....
I don't know if the photo does it justice, and I didn't get one of his skinned knee (in two different spots), but trust me when I say today he got a bloody nose, skinned knees, a black eye, and a whole lot of disappointment.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Strategic Moves
The Set up:
Aid's not so obvious plan of attack....line them all up perfectly straight. Now THAT will throw off your opponent.
Grant's Inventive Move:
Hate to break it to you honey, but you may want to think outside the box or your younger brother is going to pummel you.
Love,
Mom
Aid's not so obvious plan of attack....line them all up perfectly straight. Now THAT will throw off your opponent.
Grant's Inventive Move:
Hate to break it to you honey, but you may want to think outside the box or your younger brother is going to pummel you.
Love,
Mom
The nail on the Head
We love the Children's Museum. Love it. We go at least once a week in the winter and recently revisited it on a rainy day. They have a Lego exhibit. Now, we could care less about Legos. Neither of my children seem to get into them and our lonely little Lego table sits in the dungeon (er, basement) gathering dust.
But what we DO care about is dragons. And castles. And capes. And swords.
"We" also love the $12 dragons in the gift shop. Sigh.
But what we DO care about is dragons. And castles. And capes. And swords.
"We" also love the $12 dragons in the gift shop. Sigh.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
New Shoes!
Well, not new new, but new for Grant. Not sure why both of my children are so finicky about their shoes, but they decide they like a pair and it is the ONLY pair that they will wear. There is no need for sandals, dress shoes, etc in this house. We need to settle on one pair and then hope we can find them in the next size up.
Grant had a really hard time giving up his Robeez. Long after he was walking (and running) he refused to part with them. I let him wear down his last pair this winter and then we had to get through the ugly transition.... He held on long enough that he fit into his Thomas the Tank Engine boots. They are rain boots, but he adored them.
He adored them so much he literally shredded them. Fairly sure that rain boots are not designed to be worn daily, all day long. But so be it. They were well loved little boots. And he was devastated when they fell apart.
It was a battle, but I think we've made it through....
We must decorate them with Thomas stickers, but it's a small price to pay for another baby step into boyhood for this one.
Grant had a really hard time giving up his Robeez. Long after he was walking (and running) he refused to part with them. I let him wear down his last pair this winter and then we had to get through the ugly transition.... He held on long enough that he fit into his Thomas the Tank Engine boots. They are rain boots, but he adored them.
It was a battle, but I think we've made it through....
We must decorate them with Thomas stickers, but it's a small price to pay for another baby step into boyhood for this one.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tis the Season!
At the end of a long day playing in the backyard, digging for worms (ah boys), gardening, and sliding down into the mud pit it was time for bath. Summer time, bath is every night. Non negotiable.
As they got into the bath, the mud just washed off them. Aid asked in a concerned voice, "mama! What is happening to the water?!!"
"That's the sign you have had a fun day of playing little man!"
"Oh boy," he says, "We had A LOT of fun!"
As they got into the bath, the mud just washed off them. Aid asked in a concerned voice, "mama! What is happening to the water?!!"
"That's the sign you have had a fun day of playing little man!"
"Oh boy," he says, "We had A LOT of fun!"
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
And the Grammy Goes To....
Aidee Bures for his fantastic rendition of You Are My Sunshine....a classic that he has added his own flare to!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Seriously?
Grant took a swing and landed himself on time out.
Sticking it to us he ran upstairs and locked himself in the bathroom.
After trying to help him unlock it, trying to take apart the door, getting a ladder that won't reach the window even if it were open (which is wasn't) and trying to talk down an increasingly freaked out 2 year old (and his mother) there was only one thing left to do.
It pains me to relive this...
It's a bad camera angle, but that is a sledge hammer in my darling husband's hand....
And my poor door.
Grant was found hysterical and petrified in the corner of the room. And now there is no door to the bathroom. Who needs a door right?
We had a loooong talk about just taking the time out next time. This ones gonna have to learn things the hard way.
Sticking it to us he ran upstairs and locked himself in the bathroom.
After trying to help him unlock it, trying to take apart the door, getting a ladder that won't reach the window even if it were open (which is wasn't) and trying to talk down an increasingly freaked out 2 year old (and his mother) there was only one thing left to do.
It pains me to relive this...
Grant was found hysterical and petrified in the corner of the room. And now there is no door to the bathroom. Who needs a door right?
We had a loooong talk about just taking the time out next time. This ones gonna have to learn things the hard way.
Diggin for Bones
I'm not where we got this thing. It's a dinosaur egg that you literally have to dig out the dinosaur. Sounded perfect for Aid. Except that they really have that sucker in there. And Aid just does not have the follow through at age 4 to dig for hours to get to it. He's picked it up here and there, dug around for a little bit, begged for help, then lost interest.
So the other day I decided to go for it. An hour later, we got the darn thing outta there.
Please no one ever give us one of these again!!
So the other day I decided to go for it. An hour later, we got the darn thing outta there.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
It's Been A Long Winter
Sickness descends upon our little family once again....and we've spent the last couple of days like this:
We're ready for winter to be over.
Chef Aiden!
Aid came home from school with a chef's hat that he had made. He was very proud of it...and there was nothing else we could do but put it to good use! So the next morning we made homemade pancakes!
And soon our little brother needed in on the action and had LOTS to say about it. (This is the expression Grant makes when he is trying really really hard to explain something.)
A little elbow grease and a messy kitchen are worth it if you get these results....
A little elbow grease and a messy kitchen are worth it if you get these results....
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