If you can hear screaming . . . it's probably me!
I know this is nothing new to all you parents out there that our kids can be a handful. Actually they can be far more than that at times.
Well today it was one of those times for me.
When I think about my childhood, I marvel about how lucky I was to grow up in the 70's and 80's when technology was still in it's infancy. I was more content to read Judy Blume or create barbie houses and make up stories with my dolls than to sit glued to my Magnavox Odyssey game consol.
Not that those things didn't cause other issues, like me stealing money from my best friend to buy a Blueberry Muffin doll . . . but that's a story for another time.
Yesterday Kid #1 received a very generous gift card from his Aunt for his 6th Grade graduation. Now being the red-blooded, 11 1/2 yr old gamer that he is, he wanted to spend it on . . . you guessed it, video game equipment.
So this afternoon I took all three kids to Game Crazy. Kid #2 was even nice enough to forgo stopping at the grocery store for her lunch so her older brother could take care of the giftcard that was rapidly burning a hole in his pocket. When we got there, it turned out that everything he was looking for was either out of stock or on backorder. He was told by the sales associate that there would be more but he'd have to come back in a couple of days.
He wouldn't have any of it!
First he bugged me about his allowance he was owed and I told him I didn't have the papers in from of me so I didn't know how much he was owed. Then he started in on me about coming back to the store later today so he could look for something else. I told him if he dropped the attitude and changed his behavior I would consider it.
That wasn't good enough.
We left Game Crazy and went to the store because Kid #2 had been very patient. As we got out of the car, Kid #1 asks me if he can get something to drink. I told him as long as it wasn't soda that was fine. He suggested Gatorade, I said no (too much sugar). He asks if he can get anything and I told him yes, but nothing with sugar.
Get get in the store and what does he ask for? A diet soda.
At this point my blood pressure has shot up about 20 points and he's digging in to argue with me.
My arguement back at him was . . . when I give you an answer, accept it and move on. It doesn't mean to badger me until I change it to what you want to hear. Accept it and move on.
The thing is, it's not just him. It's all three of them. I know it's not necessarily the advanced technology that's doing this but I'm finally to the point where I wish I could destroy this concept of 'instant gratification' that is so ingrained in their heads. I need to destroy it or it's going to destroy me.
One of the many reasons why I left So. Cal. was because of this mindset. I never thought I was going to have to deal with it in my own home.
So after many apologies from all three, they're outside right now swimming in their little pool, enjoying the finally smoke-free air, and getting along.
It's these moments I have to hold onto and remind myself it was all worth it.
Sorry for the venting . . . thanks for listening. :)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
He may be smart, but he's still 6 . . .
It's been a banner week for Kid #3! He learned how to tie his shoes (YEA!), found out he can ride a bicycle w/o trainers (DOUBLE YEA!), and yesterday he spent the day at his best friend's house . . . without mom!
However, even with all this excitment going on, every once in a while I still get reminded that even though my baby is no longer a baby, he's still a little kid.
This summer I've been allowing the kids to stay home alone for about an hour or so while I get some writing work done (since we have no home office and I can't focus w/o being reminded that something needs to be done/put away/cleaned).
The kids know the rules when I'm gone and Kid#1 and #2 need to pay special attention to Kid #3.
But when I got back from my work time yesterday, Kid #2 comes out to tell me that Kid #3 decided to beat the world's record for staring into a flashlight . . .
OH MAN!
So I calmly ask him why he did it, he answered, "I thought it was a good idea."
Me: "Did Kid #1 tell you not to do it?"
Kid #3: "Yes,"
Me: "Did Kid #2 tell you not to do it?"
Kid #2: "Yes I did Mom!"
Me to Kid #3: "Have the purple spots gone away yet?"
How did I know to ask that? :)
Kid #3: "Yes Mommy."
Me: "Just remember kiddo, if you keep doing that, the purple spots won't go away. And it would be really hard for you to play basketball and baseball when all you see are spots."
Kid #3: "Okay Mommy."
Me: "So no more flashlight?"
Kid #3: "No more flashlight."
Some time you just need to hit them where they live . . . and hide all the flashlights :)
It's been a banner week for Kid #3! He learned how to tie his shoes (YEA!), found out he can ride a bicycle w/o trainers (DOUBLE YEA!), and yesterday he spent the day at his best friend's house . . . without mom!
However, even with all this excitment going on, every once in a while I still get reminded that even though my baby is no longer a baby, he's still a little kid.
This summer I've been allowing the kids to stay home alone for about an hour or so while I get some writing work done (since we have no home office and I can't focus w/o being reminded that something needs to be done/put away/cleaned).
The kids know the rules when I'm gone and Kid#1 and #2 need to pay special attention to Kid #3.
But when I got back from my work time yesterday, Kid #2 comes out to tell me that Kid #3 decided to beat the world's record for staring into a flashlight . . .
OH MAN!
So I calmly ask him why he did it, he answered, "I thought it was a good idea."
Me: "Did Kid #1 tell you not to do it?"
Kid #3: "Yes,"
Me: "Did Kid #2 tell you not to do it?"
Kid #2: "Yes I did Mom!"
Me to Kid #3: "Have the purple spots gone away yet?"
How did I know to ask that? :)
Kid #3: "Yes Mommy."
Me: "Just remember kiddo, if you keep doing that, the purple spots won't go away. And it would be really hard for you to play basketball and baseball when all you see are spots."
Kid #3: "Okay Mommy."
Me: "So no more flashlight?"
Kid #3: "No more flashlight."
Some time you just need to hit them where they live . . . and hide all the flashlights :)
Monday, June 23, 2008
What I've read this summer . . . Vol 2
Stargirl - Jerry Spinelli
For this week I read the other book I had borrowed from Kid #1's teacher, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I had been wanting to read a book by Mr. Spinelli for a long time, and since the teacher had just received this as a lit book and hadn't read it yet, I thought, what the heck.
I have only one word for this book . . . WOW!
Stargirl is a Middle Grade novel, but I was thrown off at first because the novel takes place in high school and not many MG novels do. In fact this book breaks a lot of rules and that's a very good thing!
The main character goes through an amazing transformation through his relationship with a girl who is so vivid, who's character just pops out at you and holds onto you until the end.
By the second to the last chapter I was in tears. At first I thought it was a hormonal thing, but I came to find out it was Mr. Spinelli's incredible writing.
In the end, the thing that struck me the most was how Stargirl affects Leo and his outlook on the world. I could very much relate to that feeling as I have had several people in my life who have affected me in that same way, including a couple of special people these past few months.
And that was the reason why I was crying.
I highly recommend this book and would read it again in a heartbeat!
Until next week . . . Happy Reading! :)
Stargirl - Jerry Spinelli
For this week I read the other book I had borrowed from Kid #1's teacher, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I had been wanting to read a book by Mr. Spinelli for a long time, and since the teacher had just received this as a lit book and hadn't read it yet, I thought, what the heck.
I have only one word for this book . . . WOW!
Stargirl is a Middle Grade novel, but I was thrown off at first because the novel takes place in high school and not many MG novels do. In fact this book breaks a lot of rules and that's a very good thing!
The main character goes through an amazing transformation through his relationship with a girl who is so vivid, who's character just pops out at you and holds onto you until the end.
By the second to the last chapter I was in tears. At first I thought it was a hormonal thing, but I came to find out it was Mr. Spinelli's incredible writing.
In the end, the thing that struck me the most was how Stargirl affects Leo and his outlook on the world. I could very much relate to that feeling as I have had several people in my life who have affected me in that same way, including a couple of special people these past few months.
And that was the reason why I was crying.
I highly recommend this book and would read it again in a heartbeat!
Until next week . . . Happy Reading! :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Oh to be in the mind of a six-year-old boy . . .
Kid #3 - "Mommy! There's a spider in the bathroom! A big one!"
Me: "Where is it?"
Kid #3 - "Next to the toliet!"
Me: "Okay, I'll be there in a minute!"
30 seconds later . . . .
Kid #3 - "It's okay mommy!"
Me - "What's okay?" I ask as I walk into the bathroom to the sound of a flushing toliet.
Me - "Why is it wet next to the toliet?" I bend over to smell a strong urine odor . . . and a small dead spider.
Kid #3 - "The spider's dead Mommy." He tells me as I'm trying very hard to to laugh.
Me - "That's fine sweetie, but next time let me take care of it . . . you don't need to drown it. Okay?"
Kid #3 - "Okay Mommy."
It's nice to know he has no problem killing spiders . . .
Kid #3 - "Mommy! There's a spider in the bathroom! A big one!"
Me: "Where is it?"
Kid #3 - "Next to the toliet!"
Me: "Okay, I'll be there in a minute!"
30 seconds later . . . .
Kid #3 - "It's okay mommy!"
Me - "What's okay?" I ask as I walk into the bathroom to the sound of a flushing toliet.
Me - "Why is it wet next to the toliet?" I bend over to smell a strong urine odor . . . and a small dead spider.
Kid #3 - "The spider's dead Mommy." He tells me as I'm trying very hard to to laugh.
Me - "That's fine sweetie, but next time let me take care of it . . . you don't need to drown it. Okay?"
Kid #3 - "Okay Mommy."
It's nice to know he has no problem killing spiders . . .
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Yes, I am a rabid baseball fan . . .
Last night I finally got to do something I've been waiting 3 months for . . . going to a Giants game. Unfortunately going to a baseball game for me is not easy. AT&T Park is just over an hour away (without traffic) and not only are the tickets expensive, but buying food also costs a small fortune!
Thankfully Hubby got tired of listening to me whining about going so he set us up with some very nice seats, and we sat with the guys we got the tickets from (one of whom works at my grocery store).
Right off the bat I'm hooping it up and enjoying the atmosphere. About half way through the first inning a gal sits next to me. I say hi and can see she's in her late teens/early 20's. Soon after she sat, I'm cheering our players, yelling out their names and stuff, and I start to get the distinct feeling this girl's not liking my enthusiasm. Out of the corner of my eye I can see she moving around a bit and her body language was screaming, "What's up with her?"
You know what? I didn't care and I hooped it up even more! It was one of the funniest thing I have ever experienced!
Unfortunately our ballpark isn't just a ballpark, it's considered a "destination point" for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who decides to visit San Francisco. I once had to listen to two guys behind me planning their trip the following day to the Wine Country while I was trying to watch the game. Very annoying!
It almost makes my consider moving to the American League and become an A's fan . . .
Ah . . . NO! I don't think so!
So now I'm looking forward to my next Giants game even more! :)
Last night I finally got to do something I've been waiting 3 months for . . . going to a Giants game. Unfortunately going to a baseball game for me is not easy. AT&T Park is just over an hour away (without traffic) and not only are the tickets expensive, but buying food also costs a small fortune!
Thankfully Hubby got tired of listening to me whining about going so he set us up with some very nice seats, and we sat with the guys we got the tickets from (one of whom works at my grocery store).
Right off the bat I'm hooping it up and enjoying the atmosphere. About half way through the first inning a gal sits next to me. I say hi and can see she's in her late teens/early 20's. Soon after she sat, I'm cheering our players, yelling out their names and stuff, and I start to get the distinct feeling this girl's not liking my enthusiasm. Out of the corner of my eye I can see she moving around a bit and her body language was screaming, "What's up with her?"
You know what? I didn't care and I hooped it up even more! It was one of the funniest thing I have ever experienced!
Unfortunately our ballpark isn't just a ballpark, it's considered a "destination point" for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who decides to visit San Francisco. I once had to listen to two guys behind me planning their trip the following day to the Wine Country while I was trying to watch the game. Very annoying!
It almost makes my consider moving to the American League and become an A's fan . . .
Ah . . . NO! I don't think so!
So now I'm looking forward to my next Giants game even more! :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
What I've read this summer . . .
Flipped - Wendelin Van Draanen
One of the things I've decided to do this summer to help my kids reading (and my blogging) is to do some summer reading and then review it. I'm hoping to read a book a week so next Monday I'll have another installment.
Now I read all kinds of books, but I have to admit most of what I'll be reading are children's lit (call it my own form of market research).
So this week's book is Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. It's a Middle Grade novel that good for 5th graders and up. I borrowed the copy I read from Kid #1's teacher and she has used it in her 6th grade literature groups.
In a nutshell . . . I LOVE THIS BOOK! The chapters go back and forth in a he said/she said fashion so the book it told through the point of view of both main characters. I first read it a couple of years ago. I got so caught up in it I blew off my in-laws (who I had invited to dinner) and sat on the couch to finish it. I hadn't felt that excited about a book since I had stayed up until midnight to finish Harriet The Spy when I was 10!
A few months ago I had lent my copy to a friend of mine and that's why I had to borrow the copy I read. Since it's such an easy read, I decided to start the summer with it.
I've already started on my next book . . . if you've read this book, let me know! If you haven't and decide to, ENJOY!!! :)
Flipped - Wendelin Van Draanen
One of the things I've decided to do this summer to help my kids reading (and my blogging) is to do some summer reading and then review it. I'm hoping to read a book a week so next Monday I'll have another installment.
Now I read all kinds of books, but I have to admit most of what I'll be reading are children's lit (call it my own form of market research).
So this week's book is Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. It's a Middle Grade novel that good for 5th graders and up. I borrowed the copy I read from Kid #1's teacher and she has used it in her 6th grade literature groups.
In a nutshell . . . I LOVE THIS BOOK! The chapters go back and forth in a he said/she said fashion so the book it told through the point of view of both main characters. I first read it a couple of years ago. I got so caught up in it I blew off my in-laws (who I had invited to dinner) and sat on the couch to finish it. I hadn't felt that excited about a book since I had stayed up until midnight to finish Harriet The Spy when I was 10!
A few months ago I had lent my copy to a friend of mine and that's why I had to borrow the copy I read. Since it's such an easy read, I decided to start the summer with it.
I've already started on my next book . . . if you've read this book, let me know! If you haven't and decide to, ENJOY!!! :)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The snowball has finally flown off the mountain . . .
Here I am, back again! Usually the last two months before school gets out are truly a killer and this year was no exception. Some of the high points:
- Kid #1 is officially a 7th grader! Yes, my Pumpkin graduated from elementary school on the 4th and we are both so excited! I'm so proud of him and I know next year is going to be great for him!
- Kid #2 got through 4th grade and developed into a social butterfly. Sweet Pea has always been the kind of kid who holds people at arms length (especially new ones) but this year, rather than having just one or two girls coming over on a regular basis, she rapidly expanded her friend base and I her choice of friends have been great (I hope this continues through JH and HS).
- Kid #3 had a great first year in Kindergarden! His teacher (who was new to our school this year) was wonderful! He finished up his first year in Little League and still amazes me with the way he gets so much enjoyment being out on the field. We are so ready for 1st grade!
- My main reason for not blogging much the past two months is because I have been having two incredibly creative months with my writing, so rather than writing here, I've been pouring all my energy into that part of my life and I'm hoping by the end of the year I will be seeing some definite results. As much as I have missed doing this, I'm hoping this summer to do more of both. :)
- My other reason for not blogging has to do with my new job! In February I got hired by our school district as a full inclusion aide for one of our special needs children. Originally I had been paired up with a little girl with physical issues and have spent the past 2 months working with her. I was incredibly excited about this and have had the most wonderful time getting to know her and her family. Unfortunately I found out around Memorial Day that another aide with more seniority had decided to take on the little girl herself since her child was going into 5th grade (I'm presuming this is to help with her own job security since she will have more time with this little girl). So I was offered the opportunity to work with another child with cognitive challenges. After thinking about it long and hard I decided to accept. It's going to be a MAJOR challenge, but I think I'm up to it.
I had several people ask me if I was angry or bitter about being "removed" from my original child, and although I was suprised and a little hurt, it helped to hear from both the little girl's mom and teacher that they were disappointed to hear I wouldn't be working with her because of the relationship I had developed with her in those two short months.
But I've always tried to live by the motto, "Everything happens for a reason."
Hubby is still trudging along in the trenches of the mortgage world (like everyone else in his situation). But I know everything will work out for the best based on the above-mentioned motto.
I am still working at Starbucks . . . and loving it!
That's it for now . . . more to come later.
Here I am, back again! Usually the last two months before school gets out are truly a killer and this year was no exception. Some of the high points:
- Kid #1 is officially a 7th grader! Yes, my Pumpkin graduated from elementary school on the 4th and we are both so excited! I'm so proud of him and I know next year is going to be great for him!
- Kid #2 got through 4th grade and developed into a social butterfly. Sweet Pea has always been the kind of kid who holds people at arms length (especially new ones) but this year, rather than having just one or two girls coming over on a regular basis, she rapidly expanded her friend base and I her choice of friends have been great (I hope this continues through JH and HS).
- Kid #3 had a great first year in Kindergarden! His teacher (who was new to our school this year) was wonderful! He finished up his first year in Little League and still amazes me with the way he gets so much enjoyment being out on the field. We are so ready for 1st grade!
- My main reason for not blogging much the past two months is because I have been having two incredibly creative months with my writing, so rather than writing here, I've been pouring all my energy into that part of my life and I'm hoping by the end of the year I will be seeing some definite results. As much as I have missed doing this, I'm hoping this summer to do more of both. :)
- My other reason for not blogging has to do with my new job! In February I got hired by our school district as a full inclusion aide for one of our special needs children. Originally I had been paired up with a little girl with physical issues and have spent the past 2 months working with her. I was incredibly excited about this and have had the most wonderful time getting to know her and her family. Unfortunately I found out around Memorial Day that another aide with more seniority had decided to take on the little girl herself since her child was going into 5th grade (I'm presuming this is to help with her own job security since she will have more time with this little girl). So I was offered the opportunity to work with another child with cognitive challenges. After thinking about it long and hard I decided to accept. It's going to be a MAJOR challenge, but I think I'm up to it.
I had several people ask me if I was angry or bitter about being "removed" from my original child, and although I was suprised and a little hurt, it helped to hear from both the little girl's mom and teacher that they were disappointed to hear I wouldn't be working with her because of the relationship I had developed with her in those two short months.
But I've always tried to live by the motto, "Everything happens for a reason."
Hubby is still trudging along in the trenches of the mortgage world (like everyone else in his situation). But I know everything will work out for the best based on the above-mentioned motto.
I am still working at Starbucks . . . and loving it!
That's it for now . . . more to come later.
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