I went to pick up Greyson at his playground preschool today. There was a group of boys playing in the sandbox. No Greyson. There was a group of boys playing some sort of tag game on the jungle gym. No Greyson.
Finally I found him over by the swings. Each swing was filled with a girl. Each girl was swinging with her stomach on the swing and her rear up in the air. And to choruses of "Swing Me, Greyson!!" there was my son pushing each of their rears and I am sure as his father would have been doing - copping a feel.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The preschool Hazel
Anyone who has met my mother knows that she is one of the cleanest people alive. Her house is always immaculate. My father and I always joke that dirt and dust are actually afraid to come into the house.
Anyone who knows me knows that I DEFINITELY did not inherit that trait. I found out today why - apparently it skips a generation.
Greyson and I were in the living room playing bulldozers (poor Guinness was the pile of dirt we were moving - he is such patient dog) when Quinn came storming in to announce in a very accusatory tone that I had dog hair under my bed. She then announced that she was going to clean it. Off she toddled into the pantry to get the broom and dustpan. After 5 minutes of silence I went to find her and she was on her stomach, almost all the way under my bed brushing out the dog hair. By the time I had gotten my camera she had finished under the bed and had moved to my bedside table.
She then announced that she needed to clean upstairs too and spent a good 20 minutes searching for dog hair which went into her dustpan and very tidily ended up in our trash can. Frankly our bedroom hasn't been that clean in months. Thanks Quinn.
Anyone who knows me knows that I DEFINITELY did not inherit that trait. I found out today why - apparently it skips a generation.
Greyson and I were in the living room playing bulldozers (poor Guinness was the pile of dirt we were moving - he is such patient dog) when Quinn came storming in to announce in a very accusatory tone that I had dog hair under my bed. She then announced that she was going to clean it. Off she toddled into the pantry to get the broom and dustpan. After 5 minutes of silence I went to find her and she was on her stomach, almost all the way under my bed brushing out the dog hair. By the time I had gotten my camera she had finished under the bed and had moved to my bedside table.
She then announced that she needed to clean upstairs too and spent a good 20 minutes searching for dog hair which went into her dustpan and very tidily ended up in our trash can. Frankly our bedroom hasn't been that clean in months. Thanks Quinn.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The BBB
When Raif approached me a month or two ago with the idea of getting Greyson a Big Boy Bike (BBB) for his birthday I thought he was crazy. It wasn't too long ago that he finally managed to learn how to ride his trike. He was on our neighbors bike a couple of months ago and screamed when it leaned a little to the left and onto the training wheels. He's going to hate it and it will sit in our garage and collect dust, I thought.
Man I was wrong. Saturday Greyson got that bike and it was love at first sight. He jumped on it first thing and started riding it around the house. No fear at all. Since we live in a sub-division that has absolutely no level ground whatsoever we packed up all the family bikes and headed to our local park on Sunday. He took off and never looked back. He fell a couple of times when he took some turns to fast but he got right back on again and kept going. Tour De France here we come.
Everyone got in on the act - even Grandma and Grandpa.
And for those of you familiar with cycling - yes my son is riding a Trek. For those of you not familiar with cycling - Trek is the bike that Lance Armstrong and a lot of the professional cyclists ride. Well, with Raif as his Dad - does that surprise anyone?
Man I was wrong. Saturday Greyson got that bike and it was love at first sight. He jumped on it first thing and started riding it around the house. No fear at all. Since we live in a sub-division that has absolutely no level ground whatsoever we packed up all the family bikes and headed to our local park on Sunday. He took off and never looked back. He fell a couple of times when he took some turns to fast but he got right back on again and kept going. Tour De France here we come.
Everyone got in on the act - even Grandma and Grandpa.
And for those of you familiar with cycling - yes my son is riding a Trek. For those of you not familiar with cycling - Trek is the bike that Lance Armstrong and a lot of the professional cyclists ride. Well, with Raif as his Dad - does that surprise anyone?
King For A Day....
We are very low-key around here when it comes to birthdays. OK, I know that those of you who either went to Quinn or Greyson's first birthday extravaganzas are silently snickering to yourselves and saying "Sure Michele." Those parties were mostly for Raif and I to celebrate the fact we survived the first year of parenthood after that birthdays around here are pretty much low key. We skipped the party this year because most of Greyson's friends are at school and they already do a birthday party there so why do it again at our house. Instead we annoited Greyson "King for the Day" and he got to choose whatever he wanted to do all day. For breakfast he ordered chocolate chip pancakes - the artistic 4 added by Chef Daddy.
Then after a brief discussion as to why we couldn't go see a hockey game on his birthday he opted for a trip to the zoo. Actually, we got closer to going to a hockey game then one might think in July. It was Ice Day at the zoo and so they had all sorts of booths and ice related activities - free ice cream from Blue Bell, ice cream treats for the animals and.....the Nashville Predators were there too. We rode the carousel and watched the merkats and the clouded leopards get icy treats. Greyson played some hockey and Quinn got a butterfly painted on her cheek.
After that it was pizza for lunch then nap time and then present time - which included a Big Boy Bike - the highlight of the presents. Greyson was so sweet and even let Quinn open some of his presents. For dinner - no surprise there - the Japanese Steakhouse finished off by cupcakes at home. A pretty full and fun day for our newest 4 year old.
Of course, we have tons more pictures of the day - in case these weren't enough. You can see them all at Raif's smug mug page
Then after a brief discussion as to why we couldn't go see a hockey game on his birthday he opted for a trip to the zoo. Actually, we got closer to going to a hockey game then one might think in July. It was Ice Day at the zoo and so they had all sorts of booths and ice related activities - free ice cream from Blue Bell, ice cream treats for the animals and.....the Nashville Predators were there too. We rode the carousel and watched the merkats and the clouded leopards get icy treats. Greyson played some hockey and Quinn got a butterfly painted on her cheek.
After that it was pizza for lunch then nap time and then present time - which included a Big Boy Bike - the highlight of the presents. Greyson was so sweet and even let Quinn open some of his presents. For dinner - no surprise there - the Japanese Steakhouse finished off by cupcakes at home. A pretty full and fun day for our newest 4 year old.
Of course, we have tons more pictures of the day - in case these weren't enough. You can see them all at Raif's smug mug page
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Indoctrination Complete
With Raif having graduated from Vanderbilt, living in Nashville and having their school on Vanderbilt's campus it was only natural that our kids became VU (Vandy) fans. Today we found just how much of a fan Greyson is.
Susan Gray (the kids school) is having a fundraiser at the end of the year: Gene Stallings is speaking and part of the fundraiser is a scrimmage between two local high schools. Tomorrow the school is having a pep rally for the football players and the teachers were going to teach each class to do a cheer for a particular team. Ms. Tina (Greyson's teacher) was going to teach the kids "Who Ya With" which is a Vandy cheer. Well, Greyson would have no part of "Who Ya With - Montgomery Bell" and insisted it was "Who Ya With - VU". Every time he practiced he said VU. He convinced his best friend Yohannes that is was VU and before Ms. Tina knew it the whole class was cheering for Vandy. Ms. Tina finally gave up and said she was going to have to find a cheer to teach tomorrow that had nothing to do with VU. Here's hoping she doesn't pick a Predators cheer!
Susan Gray (the kids school) is having a fundraiser at the end of the year: Gene Stallings is speaking and part of the fundraiser is a scrimmage between two local high schools. Tomorrow the school is having a pep rally for the football players and the teachers were going to teach each class to do a cheer for a particular team. Ms. Tina (Greyson's teacher) was going to teach the kids "Who Ya With" which is a Vandy cheer. Well, Greyson would have no part of "Who Ya With - Montgomery Bell" and insisted it was "Who Ya With - VU". Every time he practiced he said VU. He convinced his best friend Yohannes that is was VU and before Ms. Tina knew it the whole class was cheering for Vandy. Ms. Tina finally gave up and said she was going to have to find a cheer to teach tomorrow that had nothing to do with VU. Here's hoping she doesn't pick a Predators cheer!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Fashion Knows No Season
Yes, it is July and 80 degrees outside
Yes, my children are wearing their winter scarves
Yes, they wouldn't sit still long enough for me to take a decent picture
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
On The Road Again
A half hour each way to and from school - 5 days a week. We spend a lot of time in the car. I am thankful that, for the most part, my kids don't mind riding in the car. I have heard friends bemoan about how their children scream when they get within 5 feet of their carseat. Thankfully, we don't have that issue. Not to say that all of our car rides are dreamy, far from it. We have our occasional battles over toys and whose window the ambulance is in and I will say that I have seen more than one toy being thrown from one side of the car to another. I am happy to report that the phrases "If you don't stop I am going to turn us around" and "I am going to pull this car over right now!" have never left my lips, though I have wanted to say them a million times. All in all our car rides are generally peaceful which I attribute to the fact that they are strapped in and as of this point in time can't quite reach other to do bodily harm. I am sure that that will change in due course.
We used to spend our rides listening to the radio but recently that has been banned for two reasons. The first being that my children were becoming all too familiar with the musical catalog of Britney Spears and the second being the constant battle over whether a girl or a boy was singing the song. A boy would cause Quinn to burst into tears sobbing for a girl to sing and Greyson would pout every time a girl belted one out. So now we enjoy that age old art of conversation:
Me: Kids, what did you do at school today?
G: We played in the sandbox. (pause). Mommy I think I have sand in my shoes.
Me: We can check when we get home.
G: (very excited) Look Mommy I do have sand in my shoes!!!! (cue sound of pouring sand onto the floor of the car).
Me: Why don't we keep our shoes on, OK??
G: Do you think I have sand in my other shoe?? Look Mommy more sand!! (cue more sand pouring out).
Q: Mommy, look at the picture I drew!!
Me: Tell me about it Quinn, I can't look because I am driving.
Q: MOOOOMMMMYYYYY - you have to LOOOOOOKKKK at it.
Me: I can't sweetie. What did you make?
Q: But - MOOOMMMMMYYYY look PLEASSSSEEEEEE
G: Mommy, why does that truck not match??
Me: Sometimes the front of the truck doesn't match the back.
G: Why?
Me: Because truckers carry different loads and different loads have different colors on them.
G: Why?
Me: Because they come from different places?
G: Why
Me: Because they just do.
Q: Mommy, look!!! I have sand in my shoes too!!!! (cue more sand)
G: Mommy who is in that red car?
Me: I don't know sweetie?
G: Where is he going?
Me: Perhaps to his house?
G: Why?
Me: Maybe he is going to have a snack.
G: I think he is going to have an apple.
Q: I don't want an apple.
Me: You don't have to have one.
G: Yes you do Quinn.
Q: MOMMMEEEEEEE, Greyson says I have to have an apple!!! I don't want an apple!!!!
Me: Quinn you aren't going to have an apple. We don't even have apples at home right now.
G: Yes you do Quinn.
Q: MOMMMMMEEEEEEE!!!!
Me: Quinn - who are you going to believe - me or Greyson.
Q: (sobbing) I don't want an apple!!!!!!
(are we home yet?)
We used to spend our rides listening to the radio but recently that has been banned for two reasons. The first being that my children were becoming all too familiar with the musical catalog of Britney Spears and the second being the constant battle over whether a girl or a boy was singing the song. A boy would cause Quinn to burst into tears sobbing for a girl to sing and Greyson would pout every time a girl belted one out. So now we enjoy that age old art of conversation:
Me: Kids, what did you do at school today?
G: We played in the sandbox. (pause). Mommy I think I have sand in my shoes.
Me: We can check when we get home.
G: (very excited) Look Mommy I do have sand in my shoes!!!! (cue sound of pouring sand onto the floor of the car).
Me: Why don't we keep our shoes on, OK??
G: Do you think I have sand in my other shoe?? Look Mommy more sand!! (cue more sand pouring out).
Q: Mommy, look at the picture I drew!!
Me: Tell me about it Quinn, I can't look because I am driving.
Q: MOOOOMMMMYYYYY - you have to LOOOOOOKKKK at it.
Me: I can't sweetie. What did you make?
Q: But - MOOOMMMMMYYYY look PLEASSSSEEEEEE
G: Mommy, why does that truck not match??
Me: Sometimes the front of the truck doesn't match the back.
G: Why?
Me: Because truckers carry different loads and different loads have different colors on them.
G: Why?
Me: Because they come from different places?
G: Why
Me: Because they just do.
Q: Mommy, look!!! I have sand in my shoes too!!!! (cue more sand)
G: Mommy who is in that red car?
Me: I don't know sweetie?
G: Where is he going?
Me: Perhaps to his house?
G: Why?
Me: Maybe he is going to have a snack.
G: I think he is going to have an apple.
Q: I don't want an apple.
Me: You don't have to have one.
G: Yes you do Quinn.
Q: MOMMMEEEEEEE, Greyson says I have to have an apple!!! I don't want an apple!!!!
Me: Quinn you aren't going to have an apple. We don't even have apples at home right now.
G: Yes you do Quinn.
Q: MOMMMMMEEEEEEE!!!!
Me: Quinn - who are you going to believe - me or Greyson.
Q: (sobbing) I don't want an apple!!!!!!
(are we home yet?)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Perfect Day
A July day with low humidity and a high of 78 comes along once in a lifetime here in Nashville. After weeks of sweltering humidity and oppressing heat we were looking forward to the perfect weekend. We opened all the windows in the house to let the cool breeze in. Raif was finally home from Texas - life was good.
The family spent a good portion of the morning debating the millions of possibilities for the day. We finally decided on the park. We filled the Volvo with our bikes and tennis rackets. Being the ever diligent parent before we left I made sure that the kids were properly slathered in sunscreen. Quinn likes to put her own sunscreen on and so I always put a bit in her hand to keep her occupied while I lather her up. Once I was done I quickly went to help Greyson get his shoes on and we were off. I never really did watch what Quinn did with that sunscreen - I assumed that she put it on her somewhere. But once we were in the car I realized where it ended up - her eyes. At some point and for whatever reason she rubbed her eyes and the tears came. By the time we actually got to the park her eyes looked like mine the morning after 5 appletinis. She tried to brave it out and we swang for about 2 minutes but she was too miserable. Back into the car we piled and went home. Poor Quinn spent the next 5 hours in her room with her eyes closed because she said it felt better when they were shut.
Oh and I did I mention that while our windows were up all day our septic system which butts up to the back of the house right under our windows overflowed and so that sweet cool breeze was scented with - well - I will leave that to your imagination.
A perfect day indeed.
The family spent a good portion of the morning debating the millions of possibilities for the day. We finally decided on the park. We filled the Volvo with our bikes and tennis rackets. Being the ever diligent parent before we left I made sure that the kids were properly slathered in sunscreen. Quinn likes to put her own sunscreen on and so I always put a bit in her hand to keep her occupied while I lather her up. Once I was done I quickly went to help Greyson get his shoes on and we were off. I never really did watch what Quinn did with that sunscreen - I assumed that she put it on her somewhere. But once we were in the car I realized where it ended up - her eyes. At some point and for whatever reason she rubbed her eyes and the tears came. By the time we actually got to the park her eyes looked like mine the morning after 5 appletinis. She tried to brave it out and we swang for about 2 minutes but she was too miserable. Back into the car we piled and went home. Poor Quinn spent the next 5 hours in her room with her eyes closed because she said it felt better when they were shut.
Oh and I did I mention that while our windows were up all day our septic system which butts up to the back of the house right under our windows overflowed and so that sweet cool breeze was scented with - well - I will leave that to your imagination.
A perfect day indeed.
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Important Things
Another potential future Mrs. Greyson Erim entered the world yesterday. Our friends Ashley and John welcomed Sophia Grace into the family. As usual, Greyson is always one step ahead of me and is already thinking dowry.....
Me: Hey guys, guess what Ms. Ashley had her baby - little Sophie
G: Yay!!
Me: Maybe sometime soon we can all drive to Birmingham and go visit her. Would you like that?
G: Does she have toys??
Me: Yes
G: OK, I'll go.
Me: Hey guys, guess what Ms. Ashley had her baby - little Sophie
G: Yay!!
Me: Maybe sometime soon we can all drive to Birmingham and go visit her. Would you like that?
G: Does she have toys??
Me: Yes
G: OK, I'll go.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Courage
Almost 4 years ago Greyson was born. When he came into this world far too early and we set up house in the Northside NICU, the great people at PPP (Parents Partnered for Preemies) gave us a little gift basket. Included were some hand-made preemie clothes, a small doll, and a camera. The camera was suppose to be for the nurses to take pictures of cute things that Greyson did when we weren't there and as he changed isolettes and nurses the camera followed.
One August afternoon I went to the hospital alone and sat by his isolette. I don't know what it was, perhaps mother's intuition or just the feelings that I couldn't keep back anymore but when Sunny, our nurse, asked me if I was OK I said no and began to weep. She asked again what was wrong and I told her that I was afraid that Greyson was going to die. She sat with me for a long time and just let me cry. When I had let it all out she got Greyson out of the isolette and told me to hold him and to love him. She got the camera out and took our picture and then let us be. I held him for the longest time and I can still remember the way he smelled and felt in my arms. I tried so hard to burn his image/that moment into my mind.
That night at 3AM the phone rang. It was the hospital calling to tell us the Greyson had NEC and was more than likely not going to make it. The images of that night and the next few days still haunt me. I wake up nights with memories of seeing him in that hospital with more nurses and doctors and tubes in him than you can imagine.
We were then transferred to Scottish Rite and Greyson's little basket followed him there. We finished off that roll of film with happier pictures - the first time we got to hold him after surgery, the first time we got to play with him on the floor. But when it came time to actually develop the film I couldn't do it. I couldn't bring myself to relive that day and that night again. So the camera sat. When we moved to Nashville it rode in the car with me along with our most prized possessions. I put it in our desk upstairs and have looked at it every day for the past 4 years. I have tried so many times to take it in and I have found excuse after excuse not to. People say that time heals all wounds - well to me, that night and the outcome that for all intents should have happened is still as fresh to me as if it happened yesterday.
But today something changed - I can't tell you what or why. I took it in and got it developed. I stared at the envelope of pictures a long time in my car before opening up and cried for a good while after I did. How a picture can scare you so much I don't quite understand.
Maybe this is my first step in letting go a little. After all, I have a happy, healthy almost 4 year old who no one can tell is any different than any other kid around, except for his scar across his abdomen.
There is another old addage - you never know what you have til its gone. While we didn't lose Greyson we came closer than anyone ever should. I now know what I have and perhaps when I get frustrated because he doesn't listen or spills the milk this picture will remind me of what really is important.
One August afternoon I went to the hospital alone and sat by his isolette. I don't know what it was, perhaps mother's intuition or just the feelings that I couldn't keep back anymore but when Sunny, our nurse, asked me if I was OK I said no and began to weep. She asked again what was wrong and I told her that I was afraid that Greyson was going to die. She sat with me for a long time and just let me cry. When I had let it all out she got Greyson out of the isolette and told me to hold him and to love him. She got the camera out and took our picture and then let us be. I held him for the longest time and I can still remember the way he smelled and felt in my arms. I tried so hard to burn his image/that moment into my mind.
That night at 3AM the phone rang. It was the hospital calling to tell us the Greyson had NEC and was more than likely not going to make it. The images of that night and the next few days still haunt me. I wake up nights with memories of seeing him in that hospital with more nurses and doctors and tubes in him than you can imagine.
We were then transferred to Scottish Rite and Greyson's little basket followed him there. We finished off that roll of film with happier pictures - the first time we got to hold him after surgery, the first time we got to play with him on the floor. But when it came time to actually develop the film I couldn't do it. I couldn't bring myself to relive that day and that night again. So the camera sat. When we moved to Nashville it rode in the car with me along with our most prized possessions. I put it in our desk upstairs and have looked at it every day for the past 4 years. I have tried so many times to take it in and I have found excuse after excuse not to. People say that time heals all wounds - well to me, that night and the outcome that for all intents should have happened is still as fresh to me as if it happened yesterday.
But today something changed - I can't tell you what or why. I took it in and got it developed. I stared at the envelope of pictures a long time in my car before opening up and cried for a good while after I did. How a picture can scare you so much I don't quite understand.
Maybe this is my first step in letting go a little. After all, I have a happy, healthy almost 4 year old who no one can tell is any different than any other kid around, except for his scar across his abdomen.
There is another old addage - you never know what you have til its gone. While we didn't lose Greyson we came closer than anyone ever should. I now know what I have and perhaps when I get frustrated because he doesn't listen or spills the milk this picture will remind me of what really is important.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cheap Date
Best $3 I ever spent - three very cheap spray bottles for an afternoon of spray bottle tag. It cooled us off, kept us occupied and wore us out.
Amy Winehouse Fans
9 times out of 10 Raif and I can figure out where our kids come up with their little phrases or idioms. This time we are stumped. We have talked to their teachers - they are clueless. They don't watch TV so they couldn't have picked it up there. We are just drawing blanks. So what is causing so much consternation...... overdose.
They use it in reference to things overflowing. "Mommy, don't overdose my milk" or "Greyson watch me overdose this watering can." But they also think that the word is the funniest thing going. Every time they say it they both burst into fits of laughter. Today when I filled up my water glass they told me "Mommy don't overdose." Sweet - can't wait til they say that to the next waiter who refills my martini at our table.
They use it in reference to things overflowing. "Mommy, don't overdose my milk" or "Greyson watch me overdose this watering can." But they also think that the word is the funniest thing going. Every time they say it they both burst into fits of laughter. Today when I filled up my water glass they told me "Mommy don't overdose." Sweet - can't wait til they say that to the next waiter who refills my martini at our table.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
A New Chapter...
Well, Raif left this afternoon for another week long business trip - this time in the ever exciting Tyler TX. Hmmm - Raif in TX in the summer, having to wear a suit every day, for a week - he is going to be grumpy (and hot) when he gets back.
Raif's absence always presents a challenge for me at home. I have to juggle all the tasks that Raif helps me with - he entertains while I cook dinner; he puts Greyson to bed while I do Quinn's bedtime routine; he helps get the kids dressed and fed in the morning. Plus I also have to manage the sadness and tears as the week progresses the more and more they miss Daddy.
So when Daddy is gone we try to do a lot of fun things like going to park and making our own pizzas for dinner hoping that eases the sadness a bit (and helps my sanity). Well this week I am going to try something new: chapter books at bedtime. I picked up the first Magic Tree House book this week. Hopefully, looking forward to 'what happens next' will help the week go by a bit faster and a little easier for all. I will let you know how it works.
Raif's absence always presents a challenge for me at home. I have to juggle all the tasks that Raif helps me with - he entertains while I cook dinner; he puts Greyson to bed while I do Quinn's bedtime routine; he helps get the kids dressed and fed in the morning. Plus I also have to manage the sadness and tears as the week progresses the more and more they miss Daddy.
So when Daddy is gone we try to do a lot of fun things like going to park and making our own pizzas for dinner hoping that eases the sadness a bit (and helps my sanity). Well this week I am going to try something new: chapter books at bedtime. I picked up the first Magic Tree House book this week. Hopefully, looking forward to 'what happens next' will help the week go by a bit faster and a little easier for all. I will let you know how it works.
Friday, July 10, 2009
You are Never to Old to Learn
I think one of the worst things about becoming an adult is losing the ability to realize what is fun. There are so many opportunities out there that we just let slip by unknowingly either because we have forgotten it was fun or society tells us it isn't. Thankfully though we have children that sometimes know a lot more than we do.
Last Sunday we took the kids and the dogs for a walk and as we turned for home the skies darkened and it looked like rain. Raif and I instinctively picked up the pace and ushered everyone back home before the heavens opened up. As I was silently lamenting the rain and wondering what I was going to do with the kids all afternoon cooped up in the house I asked myself why they really needed to be inside. It was 85 degrees outside - had it been a sunny day we would have been at the pool. Why did it matter? As adults we hate the rain because it ruins hair and makes your clothes sticky. As kids, the rain is magical and a whole hell of a lot of fun. So I threw caution into the wind and took the kids outside to play in the storm (no Grandma and Nini there wasn't any lightening). We rode bikes and scooters and Quinn and I played ballerina and danced. We drank the rain and laughed and splashed and chased each other all over creation. I haven't had that much fun with the kids in awhile. Yes, my hair was a mess and my clothes were pasted to me and surprisingly I couldn't have cared less.
Last Sunday we took the kids and the dogs for a walk and as we turned for home the skies darkened and it looked like rain. Raif and I instinctively picked up the pace and ushered everyone back home before the heavens opened up. As I was silently lamenting the rain and wondering what I was going to do with the kids all afternoon cooped up in the house I asked myself why they really needed to be inside. It was 85 degrees outside - had it been a sunny day we would have been at the pool. Why did it matter? As adults we hate the rain because it ruins hair and makes your clothes sticky. As kids, the rain is magical and a whole hell of a lot of fun. So I threw caution into the wind and took the kids outside to play in the storm (no Grandma and Nini there wasn't any lightening). We rode bikes and scooters and Quinn and I played ballerina and danced. We drank the rain and laughed and splashed and chased each other all over creation. I haven't had that much fun with the kids in awhile. Yes, my hair was a mess and my clothes were pasted to me and surprisingly I couldn't have cared less.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Whats Mine is Mine and Whats Yours is Mine
Anyone who has kids under 5 understands that one of the hardest concepts for kids to understand is sharing. And for those of us lucky enough to have two kids under 5, well it is just twice as fun. I spend a great deal of time refereeing over everything - from who has the Tom and Jerry milk glass to who gets to get out of the car first when we get to school.
When the kids were first old enough to get into the sharing squabbles, I tried to solve the problem by getting two of a lot of things. Unfortunately I made the rookie mistake of getting things that were not identical. Clearly the purple sippy cup was far superior to the red one and I don't even want to talk about the legendary fights over the green crayon. So obviously my second solution was to buy things that were exactly the same. Not surprisingly, that strategy also failed miserably. Somehow, it always seemed that whatever toy one had the other thought that one was vastly superior, even though they the held the duplicate in their hands. So what's a Mom to do?? (Other than the obvious of teaching my kids how to share better).
Today was my stab at solution number three. The kids for awhile have needed new buckets to play in the dirt and so today I bought them each one. But I also bought them some stickers to go along with it - in particular letter stickers. The kids really enjoyed using the stickers to put their own names on their buckets (and a good spelling lesson too as well as fine motor) and I got them other stickers to help decorate them. Voila...
We played outside for a good hour or so and their was not one argument of whose bucket was whose and when Raif got home from work they couldn't wait to show him what they made.
I think I need to invest in a lot more letter stickers....
When the kids were first old enough to get into the sharing squabbles, I tried to solve the problem by getting two of a lot of things. Unfortunately I made the rookie mistake of getting things that were not identical. Clearly the purple sippy cup was far superior to the red one and I don't even want to talk about the legendary fights over the green crayon. So obviously my second solution was to buy things that were exactly the same. Not surprisingly, that strategy also failed miserably. Somehow, it always seemed that whatever toy one had the other thought that one was vastly superior, even though they the held the duplicate in their hands. So what's a Mom to do?? (Other than the obvious of teaching my kids how to share better).
Today was my stab at solution number three. The kids for awhile have needed new buckets to play in the dirt and so today I bought them each one. But I also bought them some stickers to go along with it - in particular letter stickers. The kids really enjoyed using the stickers to put their own names on their buckets (and a good spelling lesson too as well as fine motor) and I got them other stickers to help decorate them. Voila...
We played outside for a good hour or so and their was not one argument of whose bucket was whose and when Raif got home from work they couldn't wait to show him what they made.
I think I need to invest in a lot more letter stickers....
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Row, Row, Row Your Boat....
Gently down the Harpeth River...
Last week I saw an ad with a happy family floating down a stream in a canoe and thought "Hey, we should do that." The closer we got the more nervous I became. Would the kids like it - especially Greyson? Would we tip over like 1,000 times? What the hell was I thinking???
But as it turned out - we had a great time. It did start out a little rough, though. They were nervous getting in and to make matters worse the river was a bit shallow in some places (quite the understatement) and there were a lot of times when the bottom of the boat would hit rocks. They certainly didn't like the bumps and Raif had no affection for having to get out and push as often as he did. But the deep, calm places were a hit. Once they got comfortable enough to move around a bit they thoroughly enjoyed putting their hands in the water and splashing around and eventually they even tried out the paddles. The movement from one side of the canoe to the other definitely kept Raif and I on our toes but we managed the whole trip without tipping once. We saw fish and turtles and for awhile chased a heron down the river which the kids loved. All things considered a pretty good start to our holiday. All of us in a canoe for 2 1/2 hours and not one fight - impressive.
Last week I saw an ad with a happy family floating down a stream in a canoe and thought "Hey, we should do that." The closer we got the more nervous I became. Would the kids like it - especially Greyson? Would we tip over like 1,000 times? What the hell was I thinking???
But as it turned out - we had a great time. It did start out a little rough, though. They were nervous getting in and to make matters worse the river was a bit shallow in some places (quite the understatement) and there were a lot of times when the bottom of the boat would hit rocks. They certainly didn't like the bumps and Raif had no affection for having to get out and push as often as he did. But the deep, calm places were a hit. Once they got comfortable enough to move around a bit they thoroughly enjoyed putting their hands in the water and splashing around and eventually they even tried out the paddles. The movement from one side of the canoe to the other definitely kept Raif and I on our toes but we managed the whole trip without tipping once. We saw fish and turtles and for awhile chased a heron down the river which the kids loved. All things considered a pretty good start to our holiday. All of us in a canoe for 2 1/2 hours and not one fight - impressive.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
A Cultured Evening Out
Every Thursday in June and July at Cheekwood (our local botanical garden) they have "Family Night Out" where different performers come and sing or have puppet shows and the like for kids of all ages. Tonight was Rachel Sumner's Patriotic Extravaganza. We went a bit early and explored the ponds of Cheekwood.
Then it was off to have a picnic dinner on the grass...
And finally the entertainment. Rachel had a very participatory show. At first the kids were hesitant to join but when Rachel brought out the shaky egg Quinn couldn't resist. After that she was hooked. When Rachel called for 6 year old volunteers Quinn went up.
When she called for the 8 year olds Quinn went up.
And when she called for dancers of all ages Quinn went up. Quinn shook her booty and played a shaky egg as well as an old-time washboard using a toothbrush. Rachel was also big on home made instruments and actually played a couple of songs on a turkey baster if you can believe it. Greyson, you ask? Well it should come as no surprise that he enjoyed the show from the comforts of the blanket - far far away from anything that would be considered participatory..
Then it was off to have a picnic dinner on the grass...
And finally the entertainment. Rachel had a very participatory show. At first the kids were hesitant to join but when Rachel brought out the shaky egg Quinn couldn't resist. After that she was hooked. When Rachel called for 6 year old volunteers Quinn went up.
When she called for the 8 year olds Quinn went up.
And when she called for dancers of all ages Quinn went up. Quinn shook her booty and played a shaky egg as well as an old-time washboard using a toothbrush. Rachel was also big on home made instruments and actually played a couple of songs on a turkey baster if you can believe it. Greyson, you ask? Well it should come as no surprise that he enjoyed the show from the comforts of the blanket - far far away from anything that would be considered participatory..
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Fun at the Hoodin Stop
G: I am leaving.
R: Where are you going?
G: To the Hoodin Stop
R: What is the Hoodin Stop?
G: (obviously exasperated at the question) "Geez, it's where you get dirt and gas." (Drives trike to mud-pile and proceeds to shovel dirt into the rear bucket).
R: Can I come to the Hoodin Stop?
G: No - you are too old.
R: Oh
M: Greyson - how do you spell Hoodin Stop?
G: (even more exasperated at the idiocy of this question than the last) Mom - can't you read the sign right above us that says "Hoodin Stop?" It's right there.
Can't believe I missed it.
R: Where are you going?
G: To the Hoodin Stop
R: What is the Hoodin Stop?
G: (obviously exasperated at the question) "Geez, it's where you get dirt and gas." (Drives trike to mud-pile and proceeds to shovel dirt into the rear bucket).
R: Can I come to the Hoodin Stop?
G: No - you are too old.
R: Oh
M: Greyson - how do you spell Hoodin Stop?
G: (even more exasperated at the idiocy of this question than the last) Mom - can't you read the sign right above us that says "Hoodin Stop?" It's right there.
Can't believe I missed it.
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