Some people believe that they need to be their child's best friend in order to be a good parent.
Other people believe that they need to strictly be a parental authority to a youngster in order to help said youngster to grow into a productive member of society.
I believe that neither of those options are correct.
I think everyone should be your child's oldest sibling.
(As the youngest child in my family I have no prior experience to being the oldest sibling, so this is just coming from what I observed from my brother growing up.)
As the older sibling your responsibilities include the following:
*Never letting your younger siblings get a 'free pass'.
If you see a younger sibling doing something that they shouldn't be, you must immediately rat them out. Nothing gets past you. You make sure to embellish everything to the max, so that the maximum punishment will apply. If your parents are not around to hand out punishments, your responsibility is to inflict immediate punishment to your sibling. (Usually something deemed cruel and unusual.) Your younger sibling will eventually stop making behavioral mistakes, so they won't get punished.
*Using a younger sibling as your slave.
If you don't feel like doing something, make your younger sibling do the work. This is good for homework, chores, or anything else that you find appropriate at the moment. It's entirely up to your whims. This makes them submissive and easy to mold.
*Tease your sibling mercilessly.
Not only does this help with the entertainment factor, but it also makes sure that your sibling is in check with the natural line of authority. Bigger always wins.
Down the line it might even give them a witty personality and they might eventually develop a sense of humor.
*When in doubt: blame your sibling.
Not only do you get to boss around your youngest siblings, but you get to make sure they get blamed for everything. You broke the lamp and don't want to own up for it? It's a good thing your youngest sister is a bit of a klutz. You can just blame her, and your parents will believe it! This teaches children that there is always another scape goat. This will help them out in corporate life.
As a younger sibling you quickly learn:
*submission.
You must always submit to the older authority.
*to always keep trying to move up the ladder.
You're constantly trying to outdo yourself to shine brighter than your older sibling.
*to always having proof.
In order not to get further whoops from your parents, you learn quickly to C.Y.A.
*the art of flattery.
You will always be the best at brown nosing. If you are struggling to achieve a certain position that you want, you can always flatter your way to the top. After all, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
As you can see, if you treat your children the same way as an older sibling would, your child will thrive as a successful adult. They will always strive for success; they learn quickly and easily; they ask questions about the world around them and try to solve problems; they will also learn to read people and know what they want.
Follow my method, and your kids will most assuredly become successful, useful, and valued members of society.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Water Fun
Today my friend Michelle and I took our girls out playing in the water park. It was the first time this year we got to go and play. The girls got new swimsuits. It was great!
Michelle even topped off the greatness of the day by getting us special treats.
Caramel Chillada from Cinnabon......
....... and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. It's a wonderful day.
Way Fun Cupcakes
As I was blog surfing this morning, I ran across this website: link
I thought that it would make a way super fun FHE treat for tonight, I had a cake mix and some frosting... so why not?!
Here are my adventures:
Start off with a normal cake mix, divide into as many different colors as you want.
Add 6-10 drops of food coloring per container.
Drop little dollops of cake batter into each cup.
Bake and decorate as normal.
Once inside... SURPRISE! A fun Rainbow is there to greet you!!!
Looks yummy huh?
It was such a huge success at our house. I think Alli ate the cupcake in record time, just to see what color was going to pop up next!
I thought that it would make a way super fun FHE treat for tonight, I had a cake mix and some frosting... so why not?!
Here are my adventures:
Start off with a normal cake mix, divide into as many different colors as you want.
Add 6-10 drops of food coloring per container.
Drop little dollops of cake batter into each cup.
Bake and decorate as normal.
Once inside... SURPRISE! A fun Rainbow is there to greet you!!!
Looks yummy huh?
It was such a huge success at our house. I think Alli ate the cupcake in record time, just to see what color was going to pop up next!
The Cell PhoneTragedies
I fought owning a cell phone. I really did.
My first one my employers insisted that I had, I was a nanny, and they needed to be able to get a hold of me.
I got my 2nd cell phone, because my grandma bought it for me. (shout out to grandma Bonnie!) I was newly married (dirt poor), and newly pregnant, and I was driving from Philly to Wilmington, DE weekly to do my laundry at my grandma's house. She didn't want anything to happen to me on my drives, so she bought me a cell phone and paid the bill too. (bless her huh?) That phone was a beast. It was awesome on so many levels. If you sat wrong and the phone was in your pocket, you'd be calling someone random.
I kept that same cell phone until about 2 years ago, when it stopped holding a charge, the antenna was broken off, and I was starting to get fuzzy calls. I would have kept it if I was able to get a new battery, but alas, it was so old that hey didn't have a battery to replace it with.
Thus enter cell phone #3. She was a beaut. A nice fold up model, with a camera and everything! Not as sturdy as #2, but she did the job. Unfortunately Maggie loved cell phone #3, and by giving it loves one to many times, it started to glitch. Fortunately it was under warranty, and It got replaced for free. #3 was great and she lasted a good long while, until her battery also stopped holding a charge. I went into Verizon to get a new battery. They said that I could either pay $50 for a new battery and keep my phone, or pay $30 for a brand new phone by re-signing my contract. I got a new phone. A pretty blue LG Chocolate. #4 (we'll call her LG) was slim, fabulous, and had all sorts of fancy features that I couldn't figure out. I don't text, I don't play music on my phone, I just call. Period. LG was doing great until last Tuesday she took a terrible fall into the washer. I had no idea that my poor LG was fighting for her life. I took the clothes out of the washer, and put them in the dryer. I heard a 'clank, clank' from the dryer, but I just thought it was some big metal buttons on pants. When I opened my dryer door and saw LG laying there on top of the lint try, battered, bruised, battery strewn aside, my heart just broke for her. I cradled her in my arms. I tried to make her work, but she just didn't have any life left in her. Poor girl.
Chip said that he might be able to use some magic and fix her, but we'd have to let her dry out for a while.
A few days came and went, LG never came back to life. I was talking to my awesome tech-savvy co-workers and one of the guys said that there is a store in Columbus that just sells batteries. All batteries. Cheap. I still had my old phone and thought... why heck! I could just buy a new battery at this place for $20 and transfer my service to it again. I only got LG because it was cheaper to. I was also excited that #3 still had all my contacts in it... so that was a win/win!
On Friday, I dug out #3, smiled at her as she glistened in the sunlight, and off we headed to the battery store. The battery process went fine and dandy, next stop... Verizon.
As I entered into the Verizon store, I noticed that they had a little wait, so I asked to use their restrooms. Everything went fine in there. Went potty, stood up to zip my jeans, and I hear "PLUNK". I thought it was something that Maggie might have dropped into the toilet, but nope..... #3 had fallen from my pocket into the toilet. My heart got flushed down the toilet, right along with my tinkle. I could NOT believe that this was happening to me! I almost had my cell phone problem solved... cheaply!. With my head hung low, I exited the bathroom, dead cell phone in my hand (They have Clorox wipes in the bathroom... so the phone was tinkle free). I went up to the service desk and told them my story of woes. I just so happened to bring LG along with me. The service rep asked to see LG. He gave me a smile and a wink and said a few words that just made me swoon "Since your LG is still under warranty, I'm just going to send it back to the factory saying that it was a defect. All you'll need to do for your new phone is buy a battery to replace LG's". Heart, be still. I was melting with service rep lust when he said that the battery to LG was just $40, after tax. He also said some words that were very sad "We don't have any batteries or cell phones in stock. We'll have to mail it to you." He gave me instructions that within 10 days of getting my new cell phone in the mail, I was going to have to send back LG to the manufacturer. I could deal with that, but I needed to ask a question first. "So, just knowing how my cell phone luck has been recently, What would happen if say.... a Mac Truck somehow ran over LG and smashed it into tiny pieces, and that is how I sent it back??" He just smiled at me and said "All bets on your warranty are off, and you'll be looking at paying retail over $300 for the new phone".
As soon as I got into the car, I put both of my dead cell phones in my locked jockey box. "Let's see a Mac truck try and run over it now," I smirked.
*sigh* I'm still waiting for my new LG to come in the mail. It's been dreadful not having a phone for a week now. My cell phone is my alarm clock. It's my safety line to the world. It's my long distance phone service.
I also asked the service rep if there was some way of transferring all the my contacts on my old phone onto the new one. He said that you'd have to be able to turn on the old phone in order to do that. Sad day. I haven't written down any of my contact's numbers... they were only in my phone. If you want me to have your contact info in my phone so I can call you any time I wish... please e-mail it to me (breezianne81@hotmail.com)... or don't expect a call anytime soon.
My first one my employers insisted that I had, I was a nanny, and they needed to be able to get a hold of me.
I got my 2nd cell phone, because my grandma bought it for me. (shout out to grandma Bonnie!) I was newly married (dirt poor), and newly pregnant, and I was driving from Philly to Wilmington, DE weekly to do my laundry at my grandma's house. She didn't want anything to happen to me on my drives, so she bought me a cell phone and paid the bill too. (bless her huh?) That phone was a beast. It was awesome on so many levels. If you sat wrong and the phone was in your pocket, you'd be calling someone random.
I kept that same cell phone until about 2 years ago, when it stopped holding a charge, the antenna was broken off, and I was starting to get fuzzy calls. I would have kept it if I was able to get a new battery, but alas, it was so old that hey didn't have a battery to replace it with.
Thus enter cell phone #3. She was a beaut. A nice fold up model, with a camera and everything! Not as sturdy as #2, but she did the job. Unfortunately Maggie loved cell phone #3, and by giving it loves one to many times, it started to glitch. Fortunately it was under warranty, and It got replaced for free. #3 was great and she lasted a good long while, until her battery also stopped holding a charge. I went into Verizon to get a new battery. They said that I could either pay $50 for a new battery and keep my phone, or pay $30 for a brand new phone by re-signing my contract. I got a new phone. A pretty blue LG Chocolate. #4 (we'll call her LG) was slim, fabulous, and had all sorts of fancy features that I couldn't figure out. I don't text, I don't play music on my phone, I just call. Period. LG was doing great until last Tuesday she took a terrible fall into the washer. I had no idea that my poor LG was fighting for her life. I took the clothes out of the washer, and put them in the dryer. I heard a 'clank, clank' from the dryer, but I just thought it was some big metal buttons on pants. When I opened my dryer door and saw LG laying there on top of the lint try, battered, bruised, battery strewn aside, my heart just broke for her. I cradled her in my arms. I tried to make her work, but she just didn't have any life left in her. Poor girl.
Chip said that he might be able to use some magic and fix her, but we'd have to let her dry out for a while.
A few days came and went, LG never came back to life. I was talking to my awesome tech-savvy co-workers and one of the guys said that there is a store in Columbus that just sells batteries. All batteries. Cheap. I still had my old phone and thought... why heck! I could just buy a new battery at this place for $20 and transfer my service to it again. I only got LG because it was cheaper to. I was also excited that #3 still had all my contacts in it... so that was a win/win!
On Friday, I dug out #3, smiled at her as she glistened in the sunlight, and off we headed to the battery store. The battery process went fine and dandy, next stop... Verizon.
As I entered into the Verizon store, I noticed that they had a little wait, so I asked to use their restrooms. Everything went fine in there. Went potty, stood up to zip my jeans, and I hear "PLUNK". I thought it was something that Maggie might have dropped into the toilet, but nope..... #3 had fallen from my pocket into the toilet. My heart got flushed down the toilet, right along with my tinkle. I could NOT believe that this was happening to me! I almost had my cell phone problem solved... cheaply!. With my head hung low, I exited the bathroom, dead cell phone in my hand (They have Clorox wipes in the bathroom... so the phone was tinkle free). I went up to the service desk and told them my story of woes. I just so happened to bring LG along with me. The service rep asked to see LG. He gave me a smile and a wink and said a few words that just made me swoon "Since your LG is still under warranty, I'm just going to send it back to the factory saying that it was a defect. All you'll need to do for your new phone is buy a battery to replace LG's". Heart, be still. I was melting with service rep lust when he said that the battery to LG was just $40, after tax. He also said some words that were very sad "We don't have any batteries or cell phones in stock. We'll have to mail it to you." He gave me instructions that within 10 days of getting my new cell phone in the mail, I was going to have to send back LG to the manufacturer. I could deal with that, but I needed to ask a question first. "So, just knowing how my cell phone luck has been recently, What would happen if say.... a Mac Truck somehow ran over LG and smashed it into tiny pieces, and that is how I sent it back??" He just smiled at me and said "All bets on your warranty are off, and you'll be looking at paying retail over $300 for the new phone".
As soon as I got into the car, I put both of my dead cell phones in my locked jockey box. "Let's see a Mac truck try and run over it now," I smirked.
*sigh* I'm still waiting for my new LG to come in the mail. It's been dreadful not having a phone for a week now. My cell phone is my alarm clock. It's my safety line to the world. It's my long distance phone service.
I also asked the service rep if there was some way of transferring all the my contacts on my old phone onto the new one. He said that you'd have to be able to turn on the old phone in order to do that. Sad day. I haven't written down any of my contact's numbers... they were only in my phone. If you want me to have your contact info in my phone so I can call you any time I wish... please e-mail it to me (breezianne81@hotmail.com)... or don't expect a call anytime soon.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Mission 24
A few months ago, my friend Rachel started up a photography blog. I have always been less than steller at taking pictures and never quite seemed to get a good shot, so I signed up to challenge myself. Here's the link.
This is how the blog works: Two times a week you are issued a challenge in the form of a word, and told to go and take a picture. You have 24 hours to complete your mission. It is fun to go outside of the box, stretch my limits, see what I can do with my limited skills. I've had a few people tell me that my photography skills are improving, and well.... it's all due to this blog. I didn't get a new camera, I'm just learning how to use my camera better. I love the good critiques that I get and getting great compliments. It bolsters my confidence with my new found skills.
If anyone of you wants to improve your mad photography skills this would be a great way to do it. There are some people on the blog who are professional and some are very amateur (like me) so there is a variety of skills. All you need to do is e-mail our fearless leader Rachel (her e-mail is on the blog) and she'll add you to the group.
Yesterday's challenge (due tonight at midnight) was Wisdom.
It was a hard word to photograph. After thinking about it, I realized that there is much wisdom in old proverbs. I chose the proverb : Don't throw bricks if you live in a glass house.
This is the picture I came up with.
I can't wait to see who feels prompted to join!
This is how the blog works: Two times a week you are issued a challenge in the form of a word, and told to go and take a picture. You have 24 hours to complete your mission. It is fun to go outside of the box, stretch my limits, see what I can do with my limited skills. I've had a few people tell me that my photography skills are improving, and well.... it's all due to this blog. I didn't get a new camera, I'm just learning how to use my camera better. I love the good critiques that I get and getting great compliments. It bolsters my confidence with my new found skills.
If anyone of you wants to improve your mad photography skills this would be a great way to do it. There are some people on the blog who are professional and some are very amateur (like me) so there is a variety of skills. All you need to do is e-mail our fearless leader Rachel (her e-mail is on the blog) and she'll add you to the group.
Yesterday's challenge (due tonight at midnight) was Wisdom.
It was a hard word to photograph. After thinking about it, I realized that there is much wisdom in old proverbs. I chose the proverb : Don't throw bricks if you live in a glass house.
This is the picture I came up with.
I can't wait to see who feels prompted to join!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Over it
Sorry for such a bummer post. I guess I couldn't shake whatever it was. Today I am feeling much better.The only thing that could have improved on my day is the hope that maybe someday, someone will figure out how to install a snooze button on children. That would seriously rock my socks.
Before I get to work (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) I usually stop at one of our local gas stations, Speedway (they have a very catchy tune). They are next door to my banking office, so it's rather convenient to go. I always have to get my soda for the day. It has been such a habit of mine for so many years of banking, that it's just automatic. The people who work at Speedway know me by name. Sad huh? Speedway has a rewards program too. Every 7th drink that you buy is free, and you get points per purchase depending on the dollar amount that you spend. If there is a "coffee/soda/snack' run needed for my co-workers, I'm usually the first person to volunteer to do the runnin'. I figure that I get a free drink out of it, plus I get all their points too! Bonus! Since I have worked at my office for 6 years now, I have racked up over 51,000 points. Rock On! (750 pts will get you a free 44oz drink, to put it in perspective.). The guy that works there told me that starting May 1, they are changing the point system where it will take more points to receive the prizes, so I should cash them in to get something that I wanted. So... I did. I used 37,500 points and got a $50 gift card to Applebee's. NICE. I totally didn't cook tonight. :)
I guess being a gopher for so many co-workers not only got me free soda, but free dinner for the family. S-w-e-e-t!
Today I even took a 3 hour nap with my snuggle bug, Maggie. I look back and think that Alli used to be such a snuggler... and now she's 'so done' with that. Even though Maggie is an uber mama's girl and drives me nuts half the time with her clinging to me, I know that in a few years she'll be 'too cool' for snuggle time with mom, so I'm trying to take advantage of her wanting me. *sigh* Why do kids have to grow up so fast? (although, a lot of my days can't come to an end quickly enough! LOL)
Overall, it was a very pleasant day.
Now I'm off to do the dishes to prepare for the Sabbath.
Before I get to work (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) I usually stop at one of our local gas stations, Speedway (they have a very catchy tune). They are next door to my banking office, so it's rather convenient to go. I always have to get my soda for the day. It has been such a habit of mine for so many years of banking, that it's just automatic. The people who work at Speedway know me by name. Sad huh? Speedway has a rewards program too. Every 7th drink that you buy is free, and you get points per purchase depending on the dollar amount that you spend. If there is a "coffee/soda/snack' run needed for my co-workers, I'm usually the first person to volunteer to do the runnin'. I figure that I get a free drink out of it, plus I get all their points too! Bonus! Since I have worked at my office for 6 years now, I have racked up over 51,000 points. Rock On! (750 pts will get you a free 44oz drink, to put it in perspective.). The guy that works there told me that starting May 1, they are changing the point system where it will take more points to receive the prizes, so I should cash them in to get something that I wanted. So... I did. I used 37,500 points and got a $50 gift card to Applebee's. NICE. I totally didn't cook tonight. :)
I guess being a gopher for so many co-workers not only got me free soda, but free dinner for the family. S-w-e-e-t!
Today I even took a 3 hour nap with my snuggle bug, Maggie. I look back and think that Alli used to be such a snuggler... and now she's 'so done' with that. Even though Maggie is an uber mama's girl and drives me nuts half the time with her clinging to me, I know that in a few years she'll be 'too cool' for snuggle time with mom, so I'm trying to take advantage of her wanting me. *sigh* Why do kids have to grow up so fast? (although, a lot of my days can't come to an end quickly enough! LOL)
Overall, it was a very pleasant day.
Now I'm off to do the dishes to prepare for the Sabbath.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Blah-ish
Tonight I find myself feeling blah-ish. Without a purpose, without things to do, and frankly quite bored. This is a weird feeling.....
This past week I have faithfully kept up on cleaning. I mean, REALLY CLEAN. Even the laundry fairy has come out this week.... THREE times (and ironed all three times too....). Although I am satisfied with a clean house, I don't have a nagging feeling that something needs to be done. Well, I guess there is a few things that should be done. I still haven't made Christmas thank you cards (and all the birthday cards and other thank you cards from December till now too) .... Yeah... I know, It's almost May. (It's on my list). I have about 3 quilts that I am in the middle of that need to be done/caught up (Kit of the month club), and a few other crafty type things. I am forever behind in my scrapbooking. Honestly, I think since my grandpa died last May, I've scrapped like 4 times. It's like his passing just took the 'mojo' out of that part of my life. I am quite saddened.
I am just not in the mood to do anything. Not watch a movie, TV, listen to a book on tape, read, craft, heck... even this blogging is not appealing right now as lots of people seem to have taken a break from their blogs, so I haven't anything new to read. (Seriously people, update your blogs for my amusement!)
Tonight I finally just went and cleaned the van at a car wash, vacuumed it out, threw away the trash... That was a productive feeling. I went to Michael's Arts and Crafts to browse. Nothing there seemed to hit the 'spot'.
This is just an odd feeling I'm having.
Do any of you get this way sometimes? Or is it all just in my head and I need to start taking my anti-depressants again. (I bet that would help).
Urgg.
Blah.
This past week I have faithfully kept up on cleaning. I mean, REALLY CLEAN. Even the laundry fairy has come out this week.... THREE times (and ironed all three times too....). Although I am satisfied with a clean house, I don't have a nagging feeling that something needs to be done. Well, I guess there is a few things that should be done. I still haven't made Christmas thank you cards (and all the birthday cards and other thank you cards from December till now too) .... Yeah... I know, It's almost May. (It's on my list). I have about 3 quilts that I am in the middle of that need to be done/caught up (Kit of the month club), and a few other crafty type things. I am forever behind in my scrapbooking. Honestly, I think since my grandpa died last May, I've scrapped like 4 times. It's like his passing just took the 'mojo' out of that part of my life. I am quite saddened.
I am just not in the mood to do anything. Not watch a movie, TV, listen to a book on tape, read, craft, heck... even this blogging is not appealing right now as lots of people seem to have taken a break from their blogs, so I haven't anything new to read. (Seriously people, update your blogs for my amusement!)
Tonight I finally just went and cleaned the van at a car wash, vacuumed it out, threw away the trash... That was a productive feeling. I went to Michael's Arts and Crafts to browse. Nothing there seemed to hit the 'spot'.
This is just an odd feeling I'm having.
Do any of you get this way sometimes? Or is it all just in my head and I need to start taking my anti-depressants again. (I bet that would help).
Urgg.
Blah.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Knowledge is Overrated
Every day we follow the same routine. Maggie and I pick Alli up from school. Alli gets in car, kisses Maggie and I a 'hello' kiss, Alli gets buckled up, and I then proceed to ask her about her day. That varies from day to day.
Some days it's "The pretty girl Ruby (who I actually find quite homely... seriously... not a cute kid) doesn't want to be my friend. " (Ruby usually doesn't want to do what Alli wants to do... and thus she "doesn't want to be her friend"), other days it is something like this "Today I sat by Emil at lunch. He is really nice, but he smells kind of funny. I was nice to him anyways. " (Emil is from India and eats tons of curry. Nuf' said.), this is how it went today-- "Mom, Guess what?? Today we had a fire drill! It was really cool. We got to line up and walk outside until the alarm stopped ringing.". "Very cool," I said, " I'm so glad you learned about fire safety today. Did they talk about what happens if you have a fire at home too?"
It was then that I saw my little girls eyes fill with horror. "We could have a fire at home!???!!!"
"Yes Alli, we can have a fire at home. Maybe we should have our FHE (Family Home Evening)on fire safety and make a fire drill of our own." Alli started hyperventilating in the back seat. " I don't want a fire in our house, mom! That would be really scary!" "Yes Alli, It would be scary, but if you know what to do before a fire happens, then you'll be less scared." ..... boy was I wrong.
As soon as we got home, Alli knew that she did NOT want to wait until next Monday night's FHE. I went over the fire drill the briefest way that I could. I should have skipped 'how to get out' part. Since the girls share a room on the 2nd floor of our townhouse, I told Alli that she needed to (only as a last resort) open the window, push out the screen, throw down some pillows and blankets that they could land on, and jump out the window. Man, was that the wrong thing to say to that child. "I don't WANT to jump out the window! It will hurt!!" "Alli, is it better to hurt your arm or leg -or- die in a fire?" In the end, Alli agreed it was okay to have a few broken bones instead of dying.
I thought that the subject had passed, as life went on as normal.
We did our nightly routine, and as I was putting Alli into bed she started worrying and crying and hyperventilating again about being in a fire. She is terrified to sleep now, because she just knows that she'll have to jump out that window sooner or later. I could not sooth her with the fact that neither Chip or I in our whole lives have ever been in a fire or had to make a death defying escape through a window. I tried to reason that if you say your prayers and ask Heavenly Father to protect us and keep us safe, he will. He will also send the Holy Ghost to comfort her if she is feeling scared. None of this is helping her sleep. (Although she is on her bed right now, kneeling, and praying very fervently to keep us safe.)
I just know that bedtimes just got a lot worse.
Seriously, sometimes knowledge is overrated.
Some days it's "The pretty girl Ruby (who I actually find quite homely... seriously... not a cute kid) doesn't want to be my friend. " (Ruby usually doesn't want to do what Alli wants to do... and thus she "doesn't want to be her friend"), other days it is something like this "Today I sat by Emil at lunch. He is really nice, but he smells kind of funny. I was nice to him anyways. " (Emil is from India and eats tons of curry. Nuf' said.), this is how it went today-- "Mom, Guess what?? Today we had a fire drill! It was really cool. We got to line up and walk outside until the alarm stopped ringing.". "Very cool," I said, " I'm so glad you learned about fire safety today. Did they talk about what happens if you have a fire at home too?"
It was then that I saw my little girls eyes fill with horror. "We could have a fire at home!???!!!"
"Yes Alli, we can have a fire at home. Maybe we should have our FHE (Family Home Evening)on fire safety and make a fire drill of our own." Alli started hyperventilating in the back seat. " I don't want a fire in our house, mom! That would be really scary!" "Yes Alli, It would be scary, but if you know what to do before a fire happens, then you'll be less scared." ..... boy was I wrong.
As soon as we got home, Alli knew that she did NOT want to wait until next Monday night's FHE. I went over the fire drill the briefest way that I could. I should have skipped 'how to get out' part. Since the girls share a room on the 2nd floor of our townhouse, I told Alli that she needed to (only as a last resort) open the window, push out the screen, throw down some pillows and blankets that they could land on, and jump out the window. Man, was that the wrong thing to say to that child. "I don't WANT to jump out the window! It will hurt!!" "Alli, is it better to hurt your arm or leg -or- die in a fire?" In the end, Alli agreed it was okay to have a few broken bones instead of dying.
I thought that the subject had passed, as life went on as normal.
We did our nightly routine, and as I was putting Alli into bed she started worrying and crying and hyperventilating again about being in a fire. She is terrified to sleep now, because she just knows that she'll have to jump out that window sooner or later. I could not sooth her with the fact that neither Chip or I in our whole lives have ever been in a fire or had to make a death defying escape through a window. I tried to reason that if you say your prayers and ask Heavenly Father to protect us and keep us safe, he will. He will also send the Holy Ghost to comfort her if she is feeling scared. None of this is helping her sleep. (Although she is on her bed right now, kneeling, and praying very fervently to keep us safe.)
I just know that bedtimes just got a lot worse.
Seriously, sometimes knowledge is overrated.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Maggie VS Potty
For those of you who happen to actually know my little Maggie, you'll probably back me up when I say that she is a bit stubborn. She likes it just the way she likes it and no other way will suffice.
(I think the only thing that has helped in keeping her alive and/or not sold on the black market, is she just melts your heart with that cute smile with her chin dimples.... it gets me every time!)
Maggie does not, at this moment, wish to become potty trained. She is not afraid of the potty. She doesn't have an issue with wearing panties. She just doesn't wish that the potty become a necessary task in her life. She does not care if she has a 'super soaker' of a diaper or if she has gone #2 (unless it's a bit tooo messy). My mom even had her in panties and when Maggie had an accident, she didn't really care that her leg was soaked and she had a puddle under her... she just kept on playing.
Maggie has gone so far as to deny that her bowel/bladder movements even exist to her.
The other day Maggie had obviously let a huge BOMB in her pants. After I sniffed out the stink, our conversation went as following:
Mom: Mags, Did you go poopie in your diaper?
Maggie: No
Mom: Maggie, are you sure you didn't go poopie in your diaper?
Maggie: No. (begins to ponder something, while staring in space)
Mom: Maggie, I think you went poopie in your diaper again.
Maggie: No. Daddy went poopie in my diaper.
This is going to be a rough journey.
(I think the only thing that has helped in keeping her alive and/or not sold on the black market, is she just melts your heart with that cute smile with her chin dimples.... it gets me every time!)
Maggie does not, at this moment, wish to become potty trained. She is not afraid of the potty. She doesn't have an issue with wearing panties. She just doesn't wish that the potty become a necessary task in her life. She does not care if she has a 'super soaker' of a diaper or if she has gone #2 (unless it's a bit tooo messy). My mom even had her in panties and when Maggie had an accident, she didn't really care that her leg was soaked and she had a puddle under her... she just kept on playing.
Maggie has gone so far as to deny that her bowel/bladder movements even exist to her.
The other day Maggie had obviously let a huge BOMB in her pants. After I sniffed out the stink, our conversation went as following:
Mom: Mags, Did you go poopie in your diaper?
Maggie: No
Mom: Maggie, are you sure you didn't go poopie in your diaper?
Maggie: No. (begins to ponder something, while staring in space)
Mom: Maggie, I think you went poopie in your diaper again.
Maggie: No. Daddy went poopie in my diaper.
This is going to be a rough journey.
If you follow, Blessings will come.
Last week was spring break for Alli. We did have a lot of fun having her home. From COSI, to the Zoo, to the park, and everywhere in between... we were pretty busy, even though it rained quite a lot too. At first I was really nervous about having Alli home full-time (lame, I know).
Once Alli started going to school, her and Maggie started getting along quite famously during the week. But, every time Alli has had a long weekend, or stayed home from illness, basically anytime they were together for more than the weekend..... they were at EACH OTHER'S THROATS! I really didn't want a whole week of yelling "Don't touch my stuff!". (What Alli doesn't know, is that while she's at school Maggie and I play with ALL of her stuff! ..insert evil laugh here...)
Chip and I have been having conversations together about our daughters behaviors towards each other. We decided a few weeks ago that one thing we could change was to step up our FHE's (Family Home Evening). We have been doing FHE together, except it was just like a family movie night. No real gospel discussions or teaching our kids principles that we want to instill in their lives. After this change took place, we've seen remarkable change in our girls. Sure, they still get at each other, but it's so mild compared to what was happening. They are starting to use better manners, we are having great discussions with the kids about doctrine, and the girls are playing better together too.
I am so thankful for the council that our Prophets have given us about having Family Home Evening with our families. I have seen wonderful blessings happen to our family in just a short amount of time. I can't wait for the future, just to see how much better our family improves.
I think that I might even be able to handle both girls at home for Summer Break. We'll see. (It's a lot longer than just a week.)
Once Alli started going to school, her and Maggie started getting along quite famously during the week. But, every time Alli has had a long weekend, or stayed home from illness, basically anytime they were together for more than the weekend..... they were at EACH OTHER'S THROATS! I really didn't want a whole week of yelling "Don't touch my stuff!". (What Alli doesn't know, is that while she's at school Maggie and I play with ALL of her stuff! ..insert evil laugh here...)
Chip and I have been having conversations together about our daughters behaviors towards each other. We decided a few weeks ago that one thing we could change was to step up our FHE's (Family Home Evening). We have been doing FHE together, except it was just like a family movie night. No real gospel discussions or teaching our kids principles that we want to instill in their lives. After this change took place, we've seen remarkable change in our girls. Sure, they still get at each other, but it's so mild compared to what was happening. They are starting to use better manners, we are having great discussions with the kids about doctrine, and the girls are playing better together too.
I am so thankful for the council that our Prophets have given us about having Family Home Evening with our families. I have seen wonderful blessings happen to our family in just a short amount of time. I can't wait for the future, just to see how much better our family improves.
I think that I might even be able to handle both girls at home for Summer Break. We'll see. (It's a lot longer than just a week.)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Spring at the Zoo
On Friday, I went to the zoo with my friend Michelle and her two oldest kiddos. It was a BEAUTIFUL day... nobody could ask for anything better. Everyone else in the town of Columbus decided to go to the zoo also. It was PACKED. The zoo has a new baby elephant (like 3 weeks old) The line to see him was over an hour long. Michelle and I didn't think that the kids would appreciate waiting in a line that long.... so we passed on seeing him.
All the animals were pretty happy on Friday. The flamingos were a little sassy. The kids were enjoying watching their interactions.
(Flamingo watching)
One of the attractions at the zoo is a beautiful carousel. The older kids love riding on it. Maggie in the past has been terrified of it, but much to my delight she wanted to willingly go on the ride. She chose the horse that was the lowest down and was sitting happily on it -- That is, until the ride started. Once her horse started lowering and going back up she freaked out and was not happy at all.
Alli Loved it.
Usually taking pictures of things helps Maggie become happy again, but even doing self portraits together wasn't doing the trick. Bummer. Maybe we'll just have to wait until she's a bit older to try the carousel again.
At the Columbus Zoo they have a kangaroo walk through. There is nothing but a little roped off path keeping you from touching these cute little guys. Too bad they were all a bit sleepy. I thought that this kangaroo on the ground looked either plastered or dead. You decide which.
Maggie loved looking at this Komodo Dragon.
I love spring. Beautiful flowering trees are the best.*Maggie kept saying "Mom, no take picture purple flower. Take picture Monkey!"
(This was near the orangutans)
I know this isn't too exciting, but at the fountain/pond at the beginning of the zoo there were some HUGE Coi fish. They were longer than Maggie. I couldn't get a good picture of them, as the water was thicker than pudding. Poor animals trying to swim in that stuff!
We saw this cute little baby duck/goose swimming around by himself. I have no idea what this Canadian goose was thinking as he was swimming towards this baby. There are a few possibilities. No worries about the little guy's safety, the goose left him alone within a minute or two.
We really enjoy the zoo here. I am so glad that we have passes so we can go anytime we want. I think if we ever move back home (like we eventually want to) it'll be hard not having such great entertainment close by. Maybe I'll just have to start a zoo in Idaho.... get some deer, cows, goats, chickens, lawn flamingo, cougar.... and ta-da... you have a zoo.
We really enjoy the zoo here. I am so glad that we have passes so we can go anytime we want. I think if we ever move back home (like we eventually want to) it'll be hard not having such great entertainment close by. Maybe I'll just have to start a zoo in Idaho.... get some deer, cows, goats, chickens, lawn flamingo, cougar.... and ta-da... you have a zoo.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Yep
US!!
WE WON THE COURT TICKET!
WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY $500 FOR A DUMP PARKING TICKET IN WHICH WE DIDN'T PARK!
SCORE 1 - US
SCORE 0- CITY OF COLUMBUS
(It's a bummer that Chip didn't even have to hike up his pants to show off his legs, or bat his eyes at the judge. He should have just for brownie points though.)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The most frightening thing in the world
Bio:Name: Kenzie the cat
Age: 1-1/2 years old
Weight: Average for a cat
Height: Average for a cat
Claws: None
Hiss: very present
Bio:
Name: Alli Rose
Age: 6 years
Weight: 52 lbs
Height: about average
Claws: None
Hiss: She's got a pretty good one
Story:
While I was downstairs today working on my purse (see post below)... all of a sudden I hear this loud, terrified, wailing scream. I didn't know what was happening, so I sauntered upstairs to see what was the matter. I couldn't find Alli, so I kept calling her name. Finally in a voice only kidnappers would hear (because it was so full of fright), she called out that she was in the bathroom. I walked down the hallway and there stood Alli in the door of the bathroom. Stiff as a marble statue. Not moving one inch. Tears streaming down her face. Face so pale and white. Horror in her eyes. I asked her what the heck was going on that was scaring her so much. She just wailed "The cat won't let me out!". I didn't think I heard her right... and then she pointed. Across the hallway in the entrance to another room sat Kenzie the cat. Kenzie was charging Alli and not letting her pass! (Inside, I was completely dying with laughter at how funny the situation was......) Every time Alli would step forward to leave the bathroom, Kenzie would charge at her and would start hissing wildly at Alli. So Alli just stood still, and the cat took up 'pounce position' across the hall from her. I finally convinced Alli that if I stood in the middle of Kenzie and her, then Alli could run past the both of us to safety. My plan worked like a charm. I don't think I've ever seen Alli run so fast in my life. It took poor Alli a good 10 minutes to calm down and for the color to return to her cheeks.
I just couldn't believe how funny it was, that such a small cat was such a huge threat to that kid. Alli LOVES cats. She is hooked on "torturing" Finn into loving her back. (by torturing, I mean, hugging, excessive petting, stalking in order to pet some more...etc...). Kenzie was just a 'Horse of a different color' for sure!
When Chip got home (the girls had already gone up to bed), I told him about the story, laughing hysterically the whole time I was recounting it to him. Chip went upstairs and said good night to the girls and asked Alli how her day was. She re-told the story to Chip, and the entire time she was retelling it, she was shaking and turning pale... that poor girl is STILL traumatized!
(I still think it's funny)
Hopefully she won't have nightmares of this cat... or any cat for that matter. I just hope she doesn't turn sour towards future cats........
So the winner of this battle:
Kenzie the Tiny Cat
(I guess close up this kitty could look scary.... ?)Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Shop Hop Purse
While we were stuffing our faces at Easter dinner with the Smith's on Sunday, I noticed that Julie had a way cute magazine sitting on her coffee table. I of course had to look at it. It is from the Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection Magazine, called Bags, Pillows & Pincushions. Really cute stuff in there. (On Monday, I even bought the book... who knows what crazy stuff I'll be making :P) I mentioned that I wanted to make one of those purses, and asked Julie if she would show me how to do it. (I am only semi-comfortable with the thought of making flat-quilts.... not objects that have rounded corners, fold up, and are used for other things than covering up ones self.) She said yes, so we made plans for today to make it.
I chose these way cute fabrics. They jumped out at me. I probably have some scrapbook paper that looks like it too.. hehe..
Julie started by cutting out some templates for the purses. I just thought she looked cute doing it.... so I took her picture :)
We then pinned our fabric together (front, back and batting) and started to quilt it together. Julie did a really cute free-motion pattern on hers, but sadly my sewing machine didn't like my free motion quilting.... so straight lines it is. Not my favorite... but it'll do. (I would have rather had something cute and swirly)
After quilting and cutting bag to it's proper size (Which by the way... the pattern calls for a massive amount of fabric, well, actually only 18X22in, but still, once it was quilted... we cut out THREE purse "bodies" out of it!)
Next we made the shoulder straps to the purse. This pattern called for some materials like Hook and Loop tape and Cotton Webbing. I had absolutely NO idea what those were. Turns out Hook and Loop tape is Velcro, and Cotton webbing is that stuff made out of cheap belts and straps. (see below for close up picture)
Sewing the purse strap and fabric together.
Turns out you can do it a few different ways, but Julie's purple purse strap looks WAY better than mine. I goofed. Good thing this was my trial run, huh?
Now for sewing the binding. They wanted you to cut on the bias of the fabric (the part of the fabric that stretches and has the most give), so we did 45 degree angle cuts. Then we had to sew them together. Fun. :) They never wanted to match up right once you opened it... until I saw Julie marking where she was supposed to stitch. Smarty pants.
Works like a charm, eh?
Okay, so next we sew the straps on the purse. On ours we accidentally put the straps on backwards. The seams were facing the wrong way. Oopsie doodle. I'll have to remember that one next time around too!
Once straps are on nice and tight, we put in the card holder pockets on the inside of the purse. You sew each on individually, and then sew a line going vertically, so that you have dividers.
Next you work on the binding. My least favorite part... EVER. (especially the hand stitching part. I'd rather extract a tooth from an angry beaver... without pain reliever for both me and the beaver.)Julie did, however, show me a trick to hide where you start/finish the binding. (it's too complicated to explain... just look at the picture above)
1/2 of the binding done. Next was the evil part.Once the purse was edged properly, all you had to do was sew up the sides, install the "Hook and Loop Tape" and ta-da. You have a purse.
It's actually pretty deep. (my cell phone is in the bottom). It's cute. All I need to do is add a fancy button over the top of the spot that I sewed on my Velcro.
My purse and Julie's purse. It turned out rather well huh?
Things I'd like to improve next time: Longer strap, so that I can wear it across my chest instead of just on my shoulder. Use thread that matches. (I just grabbed my white thread... not thinking I'd have to quilt it). Actually sew the strap on right. Take more time with the binding. Get a cute button already... so I don't have to worry about it at the end. Learn on my machine how to do free-motion quilting.
Thank you Julie for helping me make a way cute purse!! :)
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Debate
Right now in our family we have the "Debate of the Century".
My friend Michelle got me the cutest window decals of our family, as cute little stick people. Chip as the Business man, Me as a Shoppin' Mom, Alli as a Princess, Maggie as a ballerina, and Finn as a cat. I just think they are adorable and think they would be so cute on the back window of our new van.
Chip doesn't think we should put them on the van at all. These are his reasons:
#1- You shouldn't scrapbook a car
#2- It's silly to advertise while driving a van, that you have children. It's pretty obvious
My arguments:
#1- It's super cute. Why not?
#2- Chip's driven the car like three times in the past two months of us owning it. He doesn't have a say.
Now you have a chance to voice your opinion in our disagreement. Let your voices be heard people!
(The actual decals are way, way cuter than the ones in the picture..... I couldn't find the same one's that we have as a picture on line.... this is just a representation.)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Weekend
As parents, Chip and I are really trying to instill in our children the real reasons for the holidays. For example, Christmas is about Christ, not about Santa bringing presents to the masses. Easter is about our Savior. The Atonement and Resurrection of Christ. Not about a cute little Bunny hopping around bringing baskets. To help our kids remember the sacredness of the Easter holiday, Chip and I decided that the Bunny comes to visit us the day before Easter.
Saturday for us was all about the Bunny man. The girls came downstairs on Saturday morning and found some fun baskets (the stuff was only bought and put together about 5 hours previous to them waking up....... no wonder I get no sleep... sheesh).
Saturday for us was all about the Bunny man. The girls came downstairs on Saturday morning and found some fun baskets (the stuff was only bought and put together about 5 hours previous to them waking up....... no wonder I get no sleep... sheesh).
They were so excited. Peeps, Chocolate, Coloring books, Polly Pocket's, etc....
Anything to put a small child into a diabetic shock was right there for them. In fact, Maggie at 8 of her peeps within just an hour. (She snuck them while Chip wasn't looking!)
After I got home from work, we met up with some friends of ours who are also 'family-less' out here. We had a yummy BBQ and the kids got to play at the park for a bit, while the adults played bunny and hid the eggs! Way fun.
It was the perfect weather. A bit of a wind, but a nice amount of warm sun. I love spring :)
Maggie wasn't in a photogenic mood. She really wasn't in an egg hunting mood either.... silly child.
Alli was all set to go! So was sweet Claire.
Maggie is a bit Manic. She goes from highs to lows really quickly (in the case of these photos, about 2 seconds) It makes for great pictures, but I'm sure it's going to make for an interesting teenager. Heaven help me!
The next few pictures are on Easter Sunday. I wanted to get pictures of the girls in Easter dresses. Chip's Mommy made the cutest dresses for the kids! They were actually pre-made dresses (just the polka-dot part) in sizes way to small. Maggie's dress is a 2T, and Alli's is a 4T. She altered them by making cute shrugs, adding fluff and ribbons to the bottom, and moving some buttons around and magically they fit the girls perfectly! I wish I had some mad skills like that awesome lady! They turned out adorable.
Maggie fell asleep in the car on the way home from church. One minute she was eating a chocolate cupcake from her nursery class... the next minute she was like this.
So the picture of Alli in her dress will just have so suffice. Good thing she is cute enough to pull it off :) I don't think I can get a single picture of that girl without a pose, and a head tilted to the side. She's so adorable though... I guess I can learn to deal.
Let me explain these two photos.
On my side of the family, mashed potatoes are king. They are at every holiday. I do mean every holiday (4Th of July not excluded). We have to make a huge heaping bowl of them, because they get eaten up so quickly. You'll often find a plate with nothing on it but mashed potatoes, gravy, and a roll to dip it in. We have a tradition that whoever doesn't show up at family functions gets pictures sent to them of the family eating their potatoes. (weird tradition, yes.... but it works for us... we're a weird family). This year I sent these pictures to my parents. Just letting them know that we ate mashed potatoes on a holiday without them.
Some wonderful people in our ward invited us to join their family for Easter dinner. The Smith's cooked an awesome huge dinner and we were so grateful to be invited to spend it with them!
Our tummies were nice and full, we had wonderful company, and when dinner was over Bro. Smith (who doesn't have grand kids yet) just got down and played with the girls. They played Polly Pockets and colored beautiful pictures. Brother Smith even got great directions from Alli on how to stay in the lines and share nicely with the Pollies. He'll make an awesome grandpa some day! While he was entertaining the kids, Julie and I talked 'shop talk' and she taught me how to do a stitch that I've wanted to learn how to do for a while... and we've even made plans for Tuesday afternoon, for us to sew a cute little purse together! I can't wait!
(Don't worry... I'll do a post about it for sure!)
Happy Easter Everyone.
Our tummies were nice and full, we had wonderful company, and when dinner was over Bro. Smith (who doesn't have grand kids yet) just got down and played with the girls. They played Polly Pockets and colored beautiful pictures. Brother Smith even got great directions from Alli on how to stay in the lines and share nicely with the Pollies. He'll make an awesome grandpa some day! While he was entertaining the kids, Julie and I talked 'shop talk' and she taught me how to do a stitch that I've wanted to learn how to do for a while... and we've even made plans for Tuesday afternoon, for us to sew a cute little purse together! I can't wait!
(Don't worry... I'll do a post about it for sure!)
Happy Easter Everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
