gross food

I was a very picky eater as a child. My children up to recently did not decide to haunt me with this bad habit that I had. UNTIL NOW. #3 18 months has now decided he will not eat the food that I give him in his highchair. NO he would rather eat the grossest thing he can find in my house that day. 

1. Normally everyday he throws all of his breakfast on the floor. I leave it there while I run my oldest to school. Then when he gets home he just eats it off the floor. Or if I am a good mom and I sweep then he run over and tries to get it out of my swept pile. 

- i know i know sweep while he is still in his chair--- some how that never seems to work out :) 

2. He would like to finish my apple at the park that he has dropped in the dirt multiple times 

3. The random crumbs in my car from ??? 

4. Candy with the wrapper still on 

5. Deodorant 

6. My kids soggy morning cereal

7. His latest was a piece of  raisin toast that was left outside and was kinda soggy. I even went inside got him a fresh piece of toast NO he would not leave the soggy one alone. Really child really. 

Apparently, the food that I give him, in his nice clean chair and looking un mysterious and adventurish is just way to boring for him. 

This is him eating an ice cream cone in the bath tub. Maybe I am to nice and have created my own little monster. 

little miracle--- in the form of a bug

The other day I had a miracle. 

My oldest, age 6 was having a rough rough day and I was doing my best to just well, give him space and allow him to have a bad day. He did though have him tv privileges removed for the day. 

I was outside enjoying the sun shine with the younger two when he decided that now it was his time to "STICK IT TO THE MAN" (mom) he locked us out. Since my approach was to not join the fight ------- {fyi, I have no idea what is the right parenting style in these situations, and this is was the one I have been using lately} I just sat right there on the grass and continued to play. Every few minutes he would open the door and say "if you let me watch tv, you can come inside." I would then reply, No I am having fun out here. No, we are playing soccer, No, I dont like to hang out with grumpy people. I was hoping he would decide that having fun was more fun than being mad. NOPE did not work :( 

Well about an hour passed and I was thinking maybe I had picked the wrong choice. How can I let him think that he has this type of power over me. What was I going to do??!!! 

I was determined to not panic or loose my cool. I had delt with a cranky kid for hours I was not going to give in in the twilight of the battle. 

Then my miracle through the form of a very loud bug coming from my drain pipe. I yelled to the younger kids "wow guys check this out". Well it was so loud it caught the attention of the elder, he came racing out to see the commotion and we all hunted and investigated trying to find the bug that was making this crazy sound. It snapped him out of his mood and like returned to normal. 

We never found him but little big you were my miracle.

two jobs

I believe there are two main jobs that a mom has. They are:

1. Protect our children

2. Teach our children to love one another

Which of these two jobs is more important? Are they equal?

I have recently finished a book called "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford. The anti protagonist is Henry Lee's father. The setting of the story takes place in early 1940 WWII in China and Japan town, Seattle, WA. The father is a Chinese nationalist and very fearful of people mistaking his son to be Japanese. He requires Henry to wear a pin that says "I am Chinese" and sends him to a school with white children. He also forbids him to associate with the Japanese. This boy disobeys his father and befriends a Japanese girl named Keiko Okabe. At one point in the story Henry even hides Keiko's family heirlooms in his house. A severe crime. He father finds out and disowns his son.

In the book this father is portrayed as a unloving, heartless man. But is he really? I believe he was a scared and over protective parent who wanted to protect his son. Many Americans, at this time, mistook Chinese for Japanese. Associating with them could bring harm to his son and their family.

Should we praise Henry for disobeying his father? Was his father trying to protect Henry or was he merely unkind and intolerant? Perhaps he could be viewed as simply being focused on his family's safety. Does this justify his behavior?

I don't face this particular challenge but still have a strong desire to protect my children from situations I perceive as dangerous. What about the woman/man who I pass in the grocery store who looks at my child and gives me the creeps? The stranger who comes to my door selling something? The neighbor across the street who has a drinking problem? Don't I also send the message, "Stay away, stay far away. I am protecting you?" So, is Henry's father really a heartless, unloving man? Are we, if we act like Henry's father?

little boxes

Those who know me know that I like boxes. I love to fit things into boxes and label them. I remember one day when I was younger my girl friend had a pair of shoes laying on the floor. There was also a box on the floor. I was going to fit those shoes into that box. I just knew they would fit. I tried hard, then my friend gave me a odd look of crazy so I stopped. Now, I not only like tangible boxes but also like them in a figurative way. Right now my four year old is in that frame of mind. He is always trying to figure out which box, folder or category that his new found information fits into. Asking question after question to figure out, "How does this fit?" The past few weeks he has been frustrated about a "pair of shoes" that just doesn't fit.

He was invited to a friend's birthday party on Sunday. Our family has made the choice that Sundays are family and church days and not friend's birthday party days. He knows that but it was his best friend. What was he going to do? He decided he was going to think about it. The next day his conclusion was to call the friend's mother and tell them to just change the party. His friend's mom was just confused he must tell her that Sundays are not birthday party days! I informed my four year old that his friend's family has not made that choice. Then my son got what my sister and brother call a "brain overload." He just freezes, makes a weird face and tries to process.

So, how do we teach our kids that their values and the way they live their lives does not have to be the same as everyone else? How do we teach our kids that, no matter what, we still stick to our values? Sometimes the labels on our boxes should change and sometimes they just should not. It's okay that we are not all the same.

Goals

I have been pondering about goals recently. We all have goals of different levels.

Little daily goals- getting dishes in dishwasher, doing laundry before it gets crazy, read for my book club, be nice to my kids, eat something health- just one thing.

Bigger goals- get something published. In a real publication

But as I am writing my list I keep thinking of lots of goals, then erasing them. So it's come down to this. I don't want to be really good at one thing. I want to be versed in everything. Like A.J Jacobs who wrote the book. "The Know-it-All" . It's about a man who read the Encyclopedia Britannica . And all the interesting info he learned.

My list of current I want to know more about

blogs

the history of the US

the history of the World

Japanese internment camps during WWii

how to make my own pasta

gardening

re purposing furniture

how to read the nutrition facts on the side of food boxes

how to play Mario Brothers so I can help my child get past level one.

what is the best cleaning product to make for less scrubbing on my stove top

do graphic design

make my house look shabby chic and not shabby.

1st grade mom

I have decided that in terms of the mom schooling I've made it to the 1st grade. I think I have some of the basic concepts down. How to change a diaper. When they come in with a bad dream, they just need a quick cuddle, Preston likes the nook on my arm, or hand on his head as security when he is sleeping with me. Always, always have drinks with lids on them. Expect the worst with food in the car. The perfect storm will always happen. Train, cars, and other tv show characters. Always check to see if kids have shoes on before we get into the car.

Now, the other day my children and I were playing in the backyard. My son was breaking a rule of some sort and I was giving him his warning : "If you continue doing ____, then you will get a time out" 4 year old says "ok. I was getting hot and bored anyways" He did _____. Then we went inside had timeout then on with life. I hope this is on the lesson plan soon. What do I do?

Lesson plan wish list #2. How to make my boys stand next to me or in stroller in the bank, at the grocery store, during swim lessons ect.. Bank scene: you can image: me, talking to the teller kids, running around everywhere teller, taking forever .

Swim lessons. I am one of 3 moms who has dared to have multiple children, and bring them in the pool. One lady has an infant. Easy kid stays put. 2nd lady has twins about 2ish. Just sit in a stroller. Never heard them say a peep. My two year old is up and down and all around. Seriously. I want to graduate to 2nd grade. What's the secret. Twin 2 year old boys. quite and in stroller.............. incomprehensible -- like quantum physics

Favorite Holiday

Why I love 4th of July-

I must say that the 4th of july is by far my favorite holiday. I love the patriotic feeling and knowing that I am free. I enjoy reflecting on all the sacrifices that were made to make this country great. I love the fact that today is a family day- with little stress involved. I don't have to purchase anything, thus eliminating stress of cost, stores, will they like it.... I don't have to slave in the kitchen all day. Or do dishes. BBQ and paper plates are the dishware of choice. The day is normally filled with swimming, a movie, or outdoor recreation. Then its fireworks. All free entertainment in my city. AND MY KIDS LOVE IT!!! Its a holiday where you can get together with extended family, but no biggie if you don't. It's just the perfect holiday. No stress family day. So thank you for all the wonderful men and woman who have, do, and will continue to make this country free and allow me to celebrate the 4th of July.

why is it?

Why is it that the dinner that you spend the most on is the dinner that your children refuse to eat? Tonight, I made pizza. No I did not call up the pizza man. I actually made pizza. I did cheat and buy the dough; next time I am making it. But I did make the pesto sauce from basil, that I grew, and garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt and pepper. I cooked the chicken, cut up grapes and grated cheese. Boiled an artichoke for a side, and made a salad. Dinner time came and the kids had other plans, and then decided they wanted pineapple, not grapes on their pizza. It became a battle of how many bites to eat, what size of bite, what would and would not happen if they did take bites.................. !! Was it worth the effort? YES. Super yummie dinner. Maybe on these nights I should just let them watch their movie and I can enjoy my pizza in peace.

Dreams deferred

The other day, I came up with a great way to make some extra money and start up a little business. I was very excited about it. The next day I was so excited that I spent all day on the phone, researching products, consulting with my father, and all the other tasks it would take to start up this little project. My father was excited about, and thought that if I worked really hard it was something that could actually be a la git business in a few years. I must say I was really excited about it. I had big dreams and high hopes for my business. Deep down I have always thought it would be fun to be in charge of a company, have clients, have people who want my products, and just be successful in the business world. In the midst of all this excitement I got ahead of myself and even started planning how much time this would take. I noticed it would take a lot of my time. It would be a big undertaking- but I was ready. Those nights of sleep and reading- GONE!! Then my child came up to me with his arm full of toys and his big sad brown eyes and said. “Are you still working, you have been working a long long time, and I want you to come and play with me”

Slap in my face. He was right. All day I have been putting him off. Making him entertain himself. And it made me realize the other dream that I have. To be a mom. To be a great mom. One who is blessed to be able to stay home with the kids and play and raise them. I remembered that our family has made great sacrifices so that I can stay home. It is an important job and needs my full attention. I am living my dream and I need to appreciate that.

I must say I was disappointed. I knew I could not do both- and I had to defer that dream. I am reminded of a poem by Langston Hughes.

A Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up


like a raisin in the sun? 


Or fester like a sore—


And then run? 


Does it stink like rotten meat? 


Or crust and sugar over-- 


like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags


like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

I might be deferring one dream, but get to live another. Maybe it will just crust over a get sweet. Only time will tell.

I am being the mom I want and need to be and giving up, for now, the successful businesswoman I want to be.

Please share your thoughts on the poem, or a dream deferred or you are living.

1st sunday- gratitude day

Today is the first Sunday of the month. I like to dedicate this day for my attitude of gratitude. Now my list can go on and on, but that would be way to long. Here are my top ten of today.

1. My Preston gives hugs and cuddles any moment he can. He wakes up in the morning and just starts the day with a HUGH hug. Precious

2. My husband will make dinner for me out of whatever leftovers I pull out of fridge and don't know how to make taste good again.

3. Noah, with out fail, will be good whenever I REALLY need him to be good. - Not so much when I would just like it. On these days I don't even tell him or bribe him. Somehow he just knows. Amazing.

4. I love that I live in California and in October I can sit outside on my grass, read a book, watch my kids play, and take a quick catnap.

5. I have modern convinces of tv, internet, cell phone, electricity, ect...

6. I get to be a stay at home mom. I love my job!

7. I have great friends who I can call on a whim and they will rearrange their lives for me.

8. My grandpa who taught me the correct way to pop popcorn (0n the stove). Had a huge bowl today.

9. That fall is coming and I have the cutest pumpkin on my front door that has a curly stem and make me smile. I love pumpkins

10. My kids have a definite sibling love/ competitive relationship but at the end of the day they both curl up in bed, listen to me read stories, and then give each other hugs and kisses with no reminders. I am sure that won't last forever. I have to cherish it know.

disassemble for a new perspective

This was suppose to post on the 1st but didn't. Sorry

Attention parents- If you ever in your life imagined how a Thomas the Tank Engine works, or a race car, or really any toy that has screws I am your woman. My son has reverted back to the phase of taking everything apart. Yes, I did say revert back, which means he has done this before. ACKKKKK!!! Now this is what happens.

1. He finds a screw driver.

2. Disassembles the helpless victim.

3. Attempts to put it back together. Sometimes it does and sometime it doesn't.

4. Brings me the pieces to put it back together. Umm... Why in the world would I know how to put that back together.

5. We try to figure it out and sometimes we do.

6. Many times we don't because the pieces are scattered - so we look for the pieces. Sometimes we look for a really really long time.

7. When the pieces are just not findable I console my son because he has just lost a friend and failed.

To be the parent I want to be I need to learn to think positive.

My child is learning.........

- eye hand coordination

- how things work

- learning how to be a mechanic

- shape placement

- consequences

- figuring out about the world around him instead of just giving up and thinking oh I cant do this so I wont.

So, what I should be doing is taking lessons from him. When I want to know how something works, whether it be a toy, or a personal dilemma or a challenge that we have no idea how to overcome. Just get out my screwdriver and take it apart. Spread all the pieces around the house. Think about it in a different perspective. Then learn that I might have to ask someone to help me put the pieces back together. And know that sometimes they wont. That "Thomas the Tank Engine" just might not be fixable.

organizing groceries????

Today I once again saw my favorite commercial. It is the one made by post-its to advertise their new product.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMlCUy_4Yx0

Post-it label pads. A lady is dancing around because everything in her house is color coded and organized and just perfect. I know that is the impossible dream, but one that would be so fun to live in. Organization and office supplies I love you. The other day I looked into my money organizer and saw that I still had some birthday money and was thinking about all the fun ways I could spend it. Money, clothing, food, a small vacation ( probably could only afford to go to the next city), then after I saw this commercial I knew. Date night is coming up and I am going to take my husband to the office supply store and get office supplies. I'm thinking I am going to have to surprise him- that way he is stuck :). He does not share my love.

I must have orgainization on my mind because the other day I was at the grocery store and I was daydreaming. I was thinking how fun it would be to go to the store with seven boxes that fit nicely in my cart. The seven boxes would be for each day of the week. I would then grocery shop and put the items in their appropiate box. That way I cant over or under buy and they would be in fun little boxes. Then I would have them placed in grocery bags still all organized and I would have seven boxes in my pantry and seven in my fridge - all labeled of course and I would divey out the food where it goes. Just think of how much time I would save and how awsome it would look. It just makes me smile of how jealious all my friends would be and they would adopt the new trend and I could start a line of "green" boxes from market to home. But that idea crashed and burned when I told my friends of my great day dream and I got this puzzled look from them.

Well as my son says on his birthday. " I wish, I wish , I wish.

Fueling the good person

Lately Noah has been very interested in coffee. Why do our not drink coffee? Why do other people drink it and not us? Apparently all the reasons that I gave him were not acceptable (which is normal) he made his own observations. A little background on my son before the story. He loves trains and cars and thinks that he consumes water and food as fuel like cars and trains do. So him asking for fuel or energy would be the same as a kids asking for a drink of water or milk. Back to the story. After Noah asking question after question about coffee and me giving answer after answer he says " oh I know why we don't drink coffee. When we drink water it fuels our good person and when we drink coffee it fuels our bad person. And we don't want to fuel our bad person, so we should not drink coffee." There you have it fokes. If you don't want to fuel your bad person don't drink coffee. How he gets these ideas is beyond me. But the fact that he comes up with his own answers inspires me.

The inspiring artist

Just to let everyone know Noah has been banned from markers for a while. Today while I was watching them- well lack there of. I found that Noah had color his younger brother Preston with Markers. He must have ran out of paper. Which is odd because we have so much paper I have no idea what to do with it all. But lately he is a coloring craze and your younger brother is something that you just don't get to color every day. I am guessing that Preston was ok with it since he did not cry about it. As a good parent I am, I just said "ok" because it was my fault. I have clarified, to my son, that we do not color on the walls, or my kitchen table, or our toy cars. I must have miss YOUR BROTHER!! And if you know my Noah you must know that you must clarify all aspects of all the rules. He is just barley 4 and will find the chinks in all rules. Anyways, we ended up taking a mid afternoon bath. I must say that now I am going to have to go and buy the book. Purple, Green and Yellow by Robert N. Munsch.

It is a wonderful book about a girl who gets markers and colors her dad while is is sleeping. Great book. I wonder if Robert ever had a first hand experience of actually coloring his sibling or he got to take the parent role - like I did today. ???

Sorry no pictures. I need to learn. Take pictures. Just have to hope it does not backfire- and encourage bad thing. But maybe I could sell a book about all the things that my kids do and all things that they get into. Hmmm idea. New Anne Geddes line????