Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Best friends
Monday, August 12, 2013
Disappointment
Summer is winding down here, although weather-wise it doesn't really feel like it. William starts school (1st grade!) on Wednesday next week. Amelia starts the following Tuesday (pre K) and I start the Tuesday after that (GED, still). We have our summer checklist pulled out and we have checked off everything with one exception. Time is getting scarce if we are going to make CAMPING happen!
Last Thursday, we realized the weekend weather was going to be camp-able. What that means is that it will be cool enough that we can sleep at night and comfortable temperatures through the night. It also means the daytime temperatures are cool enough that we can hike/play/wander/climb/hang out without wishing we could sit in our air conditioned car and cool off.
So, we tentatively planned on camping Saturday night into Sunday. Friday night there was a strong chance of rain. While that isn't a huge problem, it isn't fun to camp wet. It is really not fun to camp while wet with 3 whining kids.
Saturday morning we spent devoted to preparing and packing up the car for the trip. Not surprisingly, there is A LOT of work that goes into prepping for a camping trip and it is quite time consuming. It might be why we don't do it more often.
John made hundreds of trips to the car and one trip to the store. I packed and repacked stuff the kids unpacked.
After Gemma napped, we loaded up the kids in the car and set out to the park.
It is a 40 minute drive one way to our favorite localish camping park.
We pulled up to the camping station to buy our camping permit for the night.....and they were full. No campsites available. Apparently, there is a lot of flooding in the southern portion of Missouri and many people came north for their camping adventures. I wanted to pull forward and roll down the back windows on the car so the campground host could have the pleasure of informing the backseat that there was no room in the inn. I wanted to cry. (I had just spent 7+ hours of getting ready to camp and found out there would be no camping. Boo.)
The campground host did not have information available about other campgrounds nearby.
There wasn't any wireless in the park, so we couldn't research alternatives right there.
We finally had signal enough when we reached the highway, although here is a piece of advice for you: When traveling 65+ miles per hour, it is not the best time to have a discussion and make any type of decision. Especially when you have 3 crying kids in your backseat. Even if one of the three is only crying because the others are crying.
I made a valiant effort and called 1 local campground (number no longer in service), found another local campground (no contact information available), found a state park 40 minutes the opposite direction (contact number went straight to voicemail), and the state park reservations center (who helpfully offered to make me a reservation for Tuesday. Because they only make reservations 2 days in advance. No way to know about availability for today. Sorry.).
So, we went home and unpacked the van. We unpacked the van in a very crabby fashion because we were very crabby about not going camping.
We discussed camping out in the backyard, but with the hill down to the forest taking up 97% of the backyard, it would have been uncomfortable for the person in the southern end of the tent as everyone would end up there by midnight. Or, we could elect to pitch the tent on the patio. Which is a very hard surface to sleep upon and could result in ripping the floor of the tent. Did I mention we have a brand new tent? We've never slept in tent? It is 2 years old and we've never slept in it.
Plan B included: grilling some burgers, tater tots and making s'mores over our new fire pit in the backyard. We sat in our camping chairs around the fire and just tried to keep Gemma out of the fire. We roasted the specialty flat marshmallows John acquired for s'more making and spent time together. It was lovely, although it wasn't camping.
*It was mentioned by one of us that it might be good to have a reservation. The other adult disagreed....or maybe just didn't think it was necessary. Although the first adult was CORRECT in that we needed a reservation, by the time we decided to camp, it was to late to make a reservation. So I will admit that although one of us was CORRECT, it wouldn't have helped. No names used to protect the person who was wrong.
Last Thursday, we realized the weekend weather was going to be camp-able. What that means is that it will be cool enough that we can sleep at night and comfortable temperatures through the night. It also means the daytime temperatures are cool enough that we can hike/play/wander/climb/hang out without wishing we could sit in our air conditioned car and cool off.
So, we tentatively planned on camping Saturday night into Sunday. Friday night there was a strong chance of rain. While that isn't a huge problem, it isn't fun to camp wet. It is really not fun to camp while wet with 3 whining kids.
Saturday morning we spent devoted to preparing and packing up the car for the trip. Not surprisingly, there is A LOT of work that goes into prepping for a camping trip and it is quite time consuming. It might be why we don't do it more often.
John made hundreds of trips to the car and one trip to the store. I packed and repacked stuff the kids unpacked.
After Gemma napped, we loaded up the kids in the car and set out to the park.
It is a 40 minute drive one way to our favorite localish camping park.
We pulled up to the camping station to buy our camping permit for the night.....and they were full. No campsites available. Apparently, there is a lot of flooding in the southern portion of Missouri and many people came north for their camping adventures. I wanted to pull forward and roll down the back windows on the car so the campground host could have the pleasure of informing the backseat that there was no room in the inn. I wanted to cry. (I had just spent 7+ hours of getting ready to camp and found out there would be no camping. Boo.)
The campground host did not have information available about other campgrounds nearby.
There wasn't any wireless in the park, so we couldn't research alternatives right there.
We finally had signal enough when we reached the highway, although here is a piece of advice for you: When traveling 65+ miles per hour, it is not the best time to have a discussion and make any type of decision. Especially when you have 3 crying kids in your backseat. Even if one of the three is only crying because the others are crying.
I made a valiant effort and called 1 local campground (number no longer in service), found another local campground (no contact information available), found a state park 40 minutes the opposite direction (contact number went straight to voicemail), and the state park reservations center (who helpfully offered to make me a reservation for Tuesday. Because they only make reservations 2 days in advance. No way to know about availability for today. Sorry.).
So, we went home and unpacked the van. We unpacked the van in a very crabby fashion because we were very crabby about not going camping.
We discussed camping out in the backyard, but with the hill down to the forest taking up 97% of the backyard, it would have been uncomfortable for the person in the southern end of the tent as everyone would end up there by midnight. Or, we could elect to pitch the tent on the patio. Which is a very hard surface to sleep upon and could result in ripping the floor of the tent. Did I mention we have a brand new tent? We've never slept in tent? It is 2 years old and we've never slept in it.
Plan B included: grilling some burgers, tater tots and making s'mores over our new fire pit in the backyard. We sat in our camping chairs around the fire and just tried to keep Gemma out of the fire. We roasted the specialty flat marshmallows John acquired for s'more making and spent time together. It was lovely, although it wasn't camping.
*It was mentioned by one of us that it might be good to have a reservation. The other adult disagreed....or maybe just didn't think it was necessary. Although the first adult was CORRECT in that we needed a reservation, by the time we decided to camp, it was to late to make a reservation. So I will admit that although one of us was CORRECT, it wouldn't have helped. No names used to protect the person who was wrong.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Dinner conversation
Amelia: mmmmm! I love this corn! I'm super hungry! Can I have more corn?
Mom: you need to eat some more of your other food.
Amelia: okay.
Mom: Amelia do you want some more chicken?
Amelia: NO!
Mom: No.....what? (Teaching politeness appears to be a years long grueling marathon of epic length).
Amelia: NO WAY!
Mom: (not at all what I'm going for here!)
Sent from my iPhone
Mom: you need to eat some more of your other food.
Amelia: okay.
Mom: Amelia do you want some more chicken?
Amelia: NO!
Mom: No.....what? (Teaching politeness appears to be a years long grueling marathon of epic length).
Amelia: NO WAY!
Mom: (not at all what I'm going for here!)
Sent from my iPhone
William v.6.5
William turned 6 and a half on July 26th in the midst of our crazy travel until you drop month. I didn't get an update then, but I did want to spend a few minutes talking about our big guy.
William:
-still loves to read. Currently loving the Magic Tree House chapter books, Magic School Bus Chapter Books, Geronimo Stilton Chapter books and any book on dinosaurs he can get his hands on. Although he is capable of reading the books on his own, he still loves (and prefers) to be read to. I find him up many nights reading by the hall light at the end of his bed until 9:30. This will have to come to an end when school starts, but until then I turn a blind eye.
-He is Amelia's best friend and she is his. Or worst enemies. There isn't any inbetween. Most days after breakfast, these two will disappear into their rooms and play (almost) happily until lunchtime. Until I go in and demand they put clothes on (remind me to tell you sometime about my pajama hypothesis). Somehow after they are dressed, everything becomes more difficult. Although they still play and play and play. I think both of them have enjoyed reconnecting after the busy school year and having down time to set up their elaborate play schemes.
-He adores Gemma. He is kind and gentle. He tells complete strangers at the park proudly that she is his baby sister and she is CUTE. Even strangers who clearly do not want to talk to a 6 year old about how cute his baby sister is. William was so helpful with Gemma while John was in Korea. Without his help, life would have been much more difficult.
-He adores dinosaurs. Everything dinosaur. He has long since left me in the dust (fine by me and I will say that I'm not trying very hard at this particular subject) with his breadth and depth of knowledge on the subject.
- We've become much more interested in trying new foods. Maybe just a bite or two. Even last year this was so difficult for him. Now he enjoys trying something new. He might not eat more than a bite, but at least he is trying some new things.
-Much of the time he is so easy going, it takes me by surprise when he digs his heels in about something. He wears whatever clothes I put out, no arguing. He eats what is on his plate with little to no interference from me. Time to go to the library? Sure mom. Hand me some wipes? Sure, do you need anything else mom?
He sure isn't perfect, but we do love him lots and lots. This summer has been wonderful and I have enjoyed spending more time with his as company. I've enjoyed listening to his ideas, thoughts and questions rather than being exhausted by the constant stream of thought that used to come from him. We're currently working hard on learning that some words have big meaning and can lead you to big trouble. Like a lot of kids, he talks first and thinks about the words much, much later. And that mouth has been a source of trouble for him, but we're working on in!
William:
-still loves to read. Currently loving the Magic Tree House chapter books, Magic School Bus Chapter Books, Geronimo Stilton Chapter books and any book on dinosaurs he can get his hands on. Although he is capable of reading the books on his own, he still loves (and prefers) to be read to. I find him up many nights reading by the hall light at the end of his bed until 9:30. This will have to come to an end when school starts, but until then I turn a blind eye.
-He is Amelia's best friend and she is his. Or worst enemies. There isn't any inbetween. Most days after breakfast, these two will disappear into their rooms and play (almost) happily until lunchtime. Until I go in and demand they put clothes on (remind me to tell you sometime about my pajama hypothesis). Somehow after they are dressed, everything becomes more difficult. Although they still play and play and play. I think both of them have enjoyed reconnecting after the busy school year and having down time to set up their elaborate play schemes.
-He adores Gemma. He is kind and gentle. He tells complete strangers at the park proudly that she is his baby sister and she is CUTE. Even strangers who clearly do not want to talk to a 6 year old about how cute his baby sister is. William was so helpful with Gemma while John was in Korea. Without his help, life would have been much more difficult.
-He adores dinosaurs. Everything dinosaur. He has long since left me in the dust (fine by me and I will say that I'm not trying very hard at this particular subject) with his breadth and depth of knowledge on the subject.
- We've become much more interested in trying new foods. Maybe just a bite or two. Even last year this was so difficult for him. Now he enjoys trying something new. He might not eat more than a bite, but at least he is trying some new things.
-Much of the time he is so easy going, it takes me by surprise when he digs his heels in about something. He wears whatever clothes I put out, no arguing. He eats what is on his plate with little to no interference from me. Time to go to the library? Sure mom. Hand me some wipes? Sure, do you need anything else mom?
He sure isn't perfect, but we do love him lots and lots. This summer has been wonderful and I have enjoyed spending more time with his as company. I've enjoyed listening to his ideas, thoughts and questions rather than being exhausted by the constant stream of thought that used to come from him. We're currently working hard on learning that some words have big meaning and can lead you to big trouble. Like a lot of kids, he talks first and thinks about the words much, much later. And that mouth has been a source of trouble for him, but we're working on in!
Giggles
Almost every day something happens that I think "I need to write this down". Then life gets busy and when I have a moment to breathe, I a) don't feel like writing it down and wrestling with octopus Gemma over the phone/computer or b) I can't remember what was so funny.
I have a few memories llllooooooonnnng overdue and I perhaps have even written about them here before. However, in the last few days they keep resurfacing over and over. And every time I think about them I giggle. So, here is a post about things that make me giggle.
#1 - William was maybe 3? We were struggling with some problem behaviors and our method of dealing was time outs. William would sit in the assigned Time Out Chair for 3 minutes when he was not exhibiting the behavior we expected. Because I tend to not pay attention to time AT ALL, I always set the oven timer to remind myself when the time out was supposed to be over. Left to my own timing skills, it could be anywhere from 4 hours to 2 days before I noticed my child was still in time out (still true, x3).
One particularly difficult day, William served many time outs in his Time Out Chair. Later in the evening, we were making something in the oven (likely a frozen pizza. we are super gourmet that way), and the oven timer went off. William's head whipped up and with wide, wide eyes asked "Who is in time out now?"
I was laughing so hard I could hardly answer. "No one," I finally replied.
"But....the timer....." he trailed off.
And then we had to explain that the oven timer wasn't only for his time outs. It had other uses as well....
#2
In June, we were at the Lake of the Ozarks for my work conference. The resort had a lovely pool and our room was conveniently located adjacent to the pool. Only it turns out to be very difficult to swim for enjoyment when you have 3 kids at the following levels:
1) child believes he can swim. Has no fear and is not worried. Totally confident in his own skills. Reality: He cannot swim for distances greater than 3 feet. While we have made great stride, we still aren't there. In this pool, he cannot quite touch the bottom, which means he needs to be holding on to someone/something any time he is in the pool AND be closely supervised due to his overconfidence in his own skills.
2) Cannot swim and knows it. Has a healthy fear of the water and has to be convinced every time to get in. Cannot touch the bottom and must hang on to someone/something the entire time while in the pool.
3) Cannot swim and doesn't care. Love to splash/kick/wiggle at random times. Slippery when wet plus the wiggly component plus the no fear attitude means extreme caution must be used. Whoever is in charge of this child much be very vigilant.
After discussing with coworkers, one wondered why I didn't bring floaties for the kids so it wouldn't be so stressful. My mouth gaped like a fish as I asked myself "Why? Why? Why didn't that occur to me?"
Floaties were promptly acquired and inflated for pool use the following day. William loved the arm floaties in particular. He paddled around with them on and tormented his sister by considering letting her have a try.....but, no.
What happened next could have been a different story, but since it turned out okay it has now become funny. Hilarious in my mind even.
All 5 of us are paddling around in the pool. John and I are holding Gemma and Amelia. We switch as needed by request or to assist the other child (ie: I took Amelia to the bathroom). William was paddling between John and I, taking the time to torment and tease his sister through both splashing and offers to share the floaties.
When I looked up next, I noticed William hanging onto the edge, removing the arm floaties, and putting them on the edge of the pool. I looked away to check briefly on the girls and when I looked back, William was struggling to put the floaties back on. He was putting them back on his legs. His legs are so slender that the floaties slid alllllll the way on up to his thighs.
One beat later, the floaties did exactly what they were designed to do. They floated. They floated to the surface of the water with William's skinny chicken legs still firmly attached.
William was totally not prepared and was swept off his feet. The look on his face was total disbelief and confusion. His head came close to going under and I reached out to grab him. Baby under 1 arm, big kid under the other.
The look of shock, confusion, disbelief and outrage STILL sends me into a fit of giggles. We then went on to chat about why that wasn't a good idea and how the floaties needed to stay on his arms, etc.
Less than 10 minutes later, I looked over and he was again removing the floaties from his arm and putting it on his leg. Although it was funny the first time, now it was serious and get got out of the pool. Out we went and back to our room.
I have a few memories llllooooooonnnng overdue and I perhaps have even written about them here before. However, in the last few days they keep resurfacing over and over. And every time I think about them I giggle. So, here is a post about things that make me giggle.
#1 - William was maybe 3? We were struggling with some problem behaviors and our method of dealing was time outs. William would sit in the assigned Time Out Chair for 3 minutes when he was not exhibiting the behavior we expected. Because I tend to not pay attention to time AT ALL, I always set the oven timer to remind myself when the time out was supposed to be over. Left to my own timing skills, it could be anywhere from 4 hours to 2 days before I noticed my child was still in time out (still true, x3).
One particularly difficult day, William served many time outs in his Time Out Chair. Later in the evening, we were making something in the oven (likely a frozen pizza. we are super gourmet that way), and the oven timer went off. William's head whipped up and with wide, wide eyes asked "Who is in time out now?"
I was laughing so hard I could hardly answer. "No one," I finally replied.
"But....the timer....." he trailed off.
And then we had to explain that the oven timer wasn't only for his time outs. It had other uses as well....
#2
In June, we were at the Lake of the Ozarks for my work conference. The resort had a lovely pool and our room was conveniently located adjacent to the pool. Only it turns out to be very difficult to swim for enjoyment when you have 3 kids at the following levels:
1) child believes he can swim. Has no fear and is not worried. Totally confident in his own skills. Reality: He cannot swim for distances greater than 3 feet. While we have made great stride, we still aren't there. In this pool, he cannot quite touch the bottom, which means he needs to be holding on to someone/something any time he is in the pool AND be closely supervised due to his overconfidence in his own skills.
2) Cannot swim and knows it. Has a healthy fear of the water and has to be convinced every time to get in. Cannot touch the bottom and must hang on to someone/something the entire time while in the pool.
3) Cannot swim and doesn't care. Love to splash/kick/wiggle at random times. Slippery when wet plus the wiggly component plus the no fear attitude means extreme caution must be used. Whoever is in charge of this child much be very vigilant.
After discussing with coworkers, one wondered why I didn't bring floaties for the kids so it wouldn't be so stressful. My mouth gaped like a fish as I asked myself "Why? Why? Why didn't that occur to me?"
Floaties were promptly acquired and inflated for pool use the following day. William loved the arm floaties in particular. He paddled around with them on and tormented his sister by considering letting her have a try.....but, no.
What happened next could have been a different story, but since it turned out okay it has now become funny. Hilarious in my mind even.
All 5 of us are paddling around in the pool. John and I are holding Gemma and Amelia. We switch as needed by request or to assist the other child (ie: I took Amelia to the bathroom). William was paddling between John and I, taking the time to torment and tease his sister through both splashing and offers to share the floaties.
When I looked up next, I noticed William hanging onto the edge, removing the arm floaties, and putting them on the edge of the pool. I looked away to check briefly on the girls and when I looked back, William was struggling to put the floaties back on. He was putting them back on his legs. His legs are so slender that the floaties slid alllllll the way on up to his thighs.
One beat later, the floaties did exactly what they were designed to do. They floated. They floated to the surface of the water with William's skinny chicken legs still firmly attached.
William was totally not prepared and was swept off his feet. The look on his face was total disbelief and confusion. His head came close to going under and I reached out to grab him. Baby under 1 arm, big kid under the other.
The look of shock, confusion, disbelief and outrage STILL sends me into a fit of giggles. We then went on to chat about why that wasn't a good idea and how the floaties needed to stay on his arms, etc.
Less than 10 minutes later, I looked over and he was again removing the floaties from his arm and putting it on his leg. Although it was funny the first time, now it was serious and get got out of the pool. Out we went and back to our room.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
How to make a baby tired
Ps. I love these pictures because somewhere we have a picture of William and Amelia in about the same way - Amelia is pushing William on this very toy at grandpa and grandma's house.
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