In the spirit of the holiday season, we try to carve out a night to have some time just for the four of us. It is such a great activity, that I included it in the advent calendar this year. To make it more "official" (or maybe so my kids would think it was a requirement?) Hmmmm..... I'll have to ponder that one.
Family night is special, but a Christmas time family night is even more so. We pop popcorn, drink hot chocolate, snuggle up with some soft throw blankets and watch a Christmas movie.
It didn't happen that way this year. Instead, here is how it happened......
son: Mom, can I have a friend over to spend the night?
mom: Not tonight sweetheart. Remember, we are going to have a family night and watch a Christmas
movie? Hot chocolate and popcorn - ringing a bell?
son: But Mom, sister got to spend the night last Friday night and I didn't. You always say "no".
mom: That's not true. I would have let you last weekend but you didn't mention it and I can't help it if everyone has conflicting schedules anyway.
son: But mom, I haven't seen this friend all week.
mom: I can't help it if you have to go to school during the day.
son: But mom, can't he just watch the movie with us? He won't be any trouble. I never get to have a sleepover.
mom: But son, I just scheduled for you to sleepover with a friend from school next Friday night.
son: But mom, that is my friend from school. I haven't seen this neighborhood friend all week.
mom: How about if you play with him and return at dinner time?
husband (quietly mumbles): "It's ok with me if it's ok with you."
son: But that is not enough time.
mom: Son, sometimes parents need it to be "just us".
son: Pleeeeeeese?
mom: I guess that would be okay. Go see if he can spend the night. How about I go get the makings for smores and we roast them over the new fire pit?
After roasting marshmallows over the fire pit (and racking up some "your mom is cool" points) we retired to differing areas of the house.
(sometime later after having lost track of time)
mom: where is everybody? are we going to watch a movie? I start walking around looking for my peeps. My husband is in the kitchen working. Not on kitchen things mind you, but working all the same. My daughter is watching Frosty the Snowman on T.V. Okay, I thought to myself, one down two (actually three now) to go. I go in the family room and discover that the boys are watching Dragon Ball Z Kai and playing on the computer and ipad.
son: mom, can we just play a little longer?
(after looking at the time)
mom: okay, that's fine
(after letting them play much too long)
mom: guys it's time to go to bed.
(my husband heads upstairs to help our daughter, while I work on Christmas cards)
So that's how family night quickly dissolved into "everyone to his/her own corner of the house" night.
I had good intentions. Doesn't that count for something? I just got worn down by an incredibly tenacious 9-year-old. What is a mother to do?
Side note: We did get some snuggle time. It involved my youngest in the bed sandwiched between my husband and me. Even the furball doggy got in and joined us. I decided not to ask the boys if they wanted to climb in. I didn't think they would appreciate the humor. What if they didn't get the joke? Then I would just become "weird mom", and after getting brushed off for family night, I didn't think my ego could take it:)
Much love, many laughs, and a Merry Christmas to you!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Disheveled
My daughter is rough on things. Make no mistake, she is very much the sweet little girl who likes to paint her nails, play with make-up, perfume, and put on jewelry. But she is hard on things.
When she gives you a hug, you'd better bend your knees and get balanced, because she lunges into you and squeezes with all her might. When she gives you a kiss, it is enthusiastic and memorable.
Whatever she does, she does with 100% gusto.
So it goes without saying that when she wakes up in the morning, her hair looks like this.........
Not bad you say? Just wait...
Now what say you?
Whatever she does, she does 100% She even sleeps hard.
Now, where did I put my hairbrush...
Much love and many laughs,
Bedhead's Mom
Monday, October 17, 2011
Phone manners and overused words and phrases
I'll admit it. I'm a blatant user of the exclamation point. Especially when I text. It is so much more efficient that actually talking to someone.
Don't get me wrong, I love to have a conversation as much as the next gal. However, when passing along critical information like what time a movie starts, or "Did you mail that letter?", I feel texting can suffice. If I just talked to you three minutes ago and I'm returning an answer to you, just check your message box. We can dispense with pleasantries.
Oh, and please don't answer the phone just to tell me you can't talk now. I release you to be free to let the phone go to voicemail.
How many times have you been about to wrap up an important conversation with someone, only to have a phone ring. Don't answer it. Just don't do it. Finish what you started. Don't hold someone hostage just so you can say goodbye.
Back to the texting, I use a lot of exclamation points because sometimes meaning and tone are lost in translation. I want the receiver of my text to know:
1. I'm in a good mood (unless I'm not, in which case I probably won't text)
2. I like them
3. I don't want them to misunderstand #1 and #2
An exclamation point is the cheerleader in the punctuation family. At least it is when I use it.
I'm aware of my gratuitous use of them and no, I don't plan on changing it. It is used to set the tone and I feel justified in this explanation.
That said, I thought I'd list some of my favorite cliche' sayings.
1. Sexy - example "wow, that washer and dryer are so sleek and sexy". Rowrr....... It just doesn't apply in cases such as these.
2. Journey through this process. It is quite eloquent. It is just entirely overused. So overused that I try to use it as much as I can. Those who know me well will get the joke. Those who don't will probably be nodding in an effort to look interested.
3. 3-D - It's a buzz word designed to get consumers attention. But really, what is the purpose if 3-D soap?
4. Holistic - sounds good doesn't it? "Let's take a holistic approach to doing the laundry."
Comments? Anyone............anyone............?
Much love and many laughs,
A
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
A silent alarm just sounded....
Last night, when I needed to get cleaned up I decided to listen to my ipod and take a soak. "Yes" I thought, "a little bathing would set me up forever!" (Sorry-Jane Austen quote).
When I take a shower, nothing happens. No one comes into my "suite" area. (Man o man-why didn't I have doors put on the bathroom area???)
But when I take a bath something mysterious happens.
Within a mere 2 minutes of plunging myself into steaming hot water, I have a visitor. Another 3 minutes on top of that and I can score two more bath time guests.
What causes this? Is it the sound of relaxation pouring through the pipes and into my freestanding bathtub? Is it the effervescence of my bath fizzies that hearkens to the weary crowd down stairs? Has there been planted in my family's subconscious, the idea that bath time is also, "I have Mom's undivided attention" time?
I can sympathize with the mother in Jill Murphy's book "Five minutes Peace please" It is funny because it is so true. So incredibly true.
In the book, the mother elephant gets her kids their breakfast, and while they eat, she thinks she'll sneak a 5 minute bath. Well as you could probably guess, with in 2 minutes, two of her kids are goofing around in the bathroom while her youngest child jumped right in for a soak himself.
You can find this book in the children's fiction section of your local bookstore. It is not fiction. Not at all.
Maybe that's where the Japanese got the idea for group bathing. Who knows?
So, I've decided enjoy the interruptions with the realization that one day when my kids are grown, I'll actually get those 5 minutes of bath time peace.
And while I'm at it I think I'll invest in some bubble bath. Cause no one needs to see my Rubinesque-ness or make comments about it-thank you very much!
Much love and many laughs,
A
When I take a shower, nothing happens. No one comes into my "suite" area. (Man o man-why didn't I have doors put on the bathroom area???)
But when I take a bath something mysterious happens.
Within a mere 2 minutes of plunging myself into steaming hot water, I have a visitor. Another 3 minutes on top of that and I can score two more bath time guests.
What causes this? Is it the sound of relaxation pouring through the pipes and into my freestanding bathtub? Is it the effervescence of my bath fizzies that hearkens to the weary crowd down stairs? Has there been planted in my family's subconscious, the idea that bath time is also, "I have Mom's undivided attention" time?
I can sympathize with the mother in Jill Murphy's book "Five minutes Peace please" It is funny because it is so true. So incredibly true.
In the book, the mother elephant gets her kids their breakfast, and while they eat, she thinks she'll sneak a 5 minute bath. Well as you could probably guess, with in 2 minutes, two of her kids are goofing around in the bathroom while her youngest child jumped right in for a soak himself.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.com
Don't click on it, you can't sample it here:)
Maybe that's where the Japanese got the idea for group bathing. Who knows?
So, I've decided enjoy the interruptions with the realization that one day when my kids are grown, I'll actually get those 5 minutes of bath time peace.
And while I'm at it I think I'll invest in some bubble bath. Cause no one needs to see my Rubinesque-ness or make comments about it-thank you very much!
Much love and many laughs,
A
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Ways to avoid bedtime
My boy is funny. He is a man-child. He is tenderhearted and kind. He is all boy and I love it.
Two (unintentionally) entertaining traits of his are his vast store of energy and his very active mind. Sometimes his mind is so active that he has difficulty going into "sleep mode" at night.
Below are some reasons he's listed for being unable to sleep:
1. "My ankle hurts." (Last year he sprained his ankle and it only seems to flare up at bedtime. Too bad for him, my husband noticed that the "trick ankle" switches from time to time.)
2. "I have too much energy." (Understatement of the year!)
3. "I can't sleep because my nose is like..........."( fill that in with various sniffs and snorts and you have a idea).
4. "My body is trying to force my eyes open and then closed." (Picture him pretending to fall asleep and jolting awake with eyes wide open.)
5. "Since Monday, my body hasn't wanted to go to sleep."
6. "It feels like there are rocks in my [4" memory foam egg crate topped] bed."
And these are just some of the doozies we've heard in the past.
Needless to say, I'll be updating you with the future bedtime excuses as they occur. He really is a creative fellow and a joy to our lives. I'm amused by his excuses because it's noon on a beautiful sunny day.
If you catch me at 11:30 on a school night battling this problem, you might get a different picture.
It's all about context people:)
Much love and many laughs,
A
Two (unintentionally) entertaining traits of his are his vast store of energy and his very active mind. Sometimes his mind is so active that he has difficulty going into "sleep mode" at night.
Below are some reasons he's listed for being unable to sleep:
1. "My ankle hurts." (Last year he sprained his ankle and it only seems to flare up at bedtime. Too bad for him, my husband noticed that the "trick ankle" switches from time to time.)
2. "I have too much energy." (Understatement of the year!)
3. "I can't sleep because my nose is like..........."( fill that in with various sniffs and snorts and you have a idea).
4. "My body is trying to force my eyes open and then closed." (Picture him pretending to fall asleep and jolting awake with eyes wide open.)
5. "Since Monday, my body hasn't wanted to go to sleep."
6. "It feels like there are rocks in my [4" memory foam egg crate topped] bed."
And these are just some of the doozies we've heard in the past.
Needless to say, I'll be updating you with the future bedtime excuses as they occur. He really is a creative fellow and a joy to our lives. I'm amused by his excuses because it's noon on a beautiful sunny day.
If you catch me at 11:30 on a school night battling this problem, you might get a different picture.
It's all about context people:)
Much love and many laughs,
A
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Literacy Day
Today is Literacy Day at school. The 4th graders and older are going to give presentations on books they've been reading.
The Third graders and younger can dress like their favorite book character. This is both a blessing and a curse.
It's a blessing because it is so much fun you can barely stand yourself. It is a chance to talk about favorite book characters. And it is fun because I was able to discuss critical thinking skills without anyone getting mad or complaining. (1. Which costume would be compatible with being at school and on the playground? The horse costume or Fancy Nancy? 2. Which costume is more easily identified? Judy Moody in jeans and a t-shirt or Fancy Nancy-in a tutu, crown, and beads? After all you don't want to go to the trouble of dressing up when no one can tell the difference between regular clothes and dressing like a book character).
It's a curse because your 7 year old is sooooo excited that she wakes up at 4:40 to get dressed and you made the mistake of staying up too late playing on the website "Pinterest".
It is also a curse because her hair is strawberry blond and straight. Fancy Nancy's hair is bright red, curly and voluminous. Her reality did not measure up to her mind's idea of what this should look like. Tears ensued and threats were made. This was one of those times when you have to make the punishment fit the crime. Either quit crying or I'm taking you out of that costume and you'll wear a uniform to school. We had the luxury of changing clothes if needed because like I said, she woke up at 4:40.
By the time carpool rolled around, she was excited again. Even though her wings were falling down all the time and her hair wasn't exactly like the picture, the excitement emitted from my nieces when she was picked up for school was like a balm to the both of us.
This is what she looked like......
The Third graders and younger can dress like their favorite book character. This is both a blessing and a curse.
It's a blessing because it is so much fun you can barely stand yourself. It is a chance to talk about favorite book characters. And it is fun because I was able to discuss critical thinking skills without anyone getting mad or complaining. (1. Which costume would be compatible with being at school and on the playground? The horse costume or Fancy Nancy? 2. Which costume is more easily identified? Judy Moody in jeans and a t-shirt or Fancy Nancy-in a tutu, crown, and beads? After all you don't want to go to the trouble of dressing up when no one can tell the difference between regular clothes and dressing like a book character).
It's a curse because your 7 year old is sooooo excited that she wakes up at 4:40 to get dressed and you made the mistake of staying up too late playing on the website "Pinterest".
It is also a curse because her hair is strawberry blond and straight. Fancy Nancy's hair is bright red, curly and voluminous. Her reality did not measure up to her mind's idea of what this should look like. Tears ensued and threats were made. This was one of those times when you have to make the punishment fit the crime. Either quit crying or I'm taking you out of that costume and you'll wear a uniform to school. We had the luxury of changing clothes if needed because like I said, she woke up at 4:40.
By the time carpool rolled around, she was excited again. Even though her wings were falling down all the time and her hair wasn't exactly like the picture, the excitement emitted from my nieces when she was picked up for school was like a balm to the both of us.
This is what she looked like......
As I mentioned before she was so excited she could hardly stand it!!!
Literacy day beats Pajama Day any ol' day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Yippee!
Much love and many laughs,
A
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Dress-up compliments of TJ Maxx
Once a week my daughter and a friend go to horseback riding. They love this activity and love spending a little time together in the car because we carpool. It is a great set-up for everyone. Yeah for carpools!!!
Last week it was my turn to drive and I thought I might make a stop by Target to get some office/organizational supplies. (I really am an office supply nerd, but that's for another post:)
Since I was already not headed straight back from lessons, why not stop by TJ's treat myself to a little purse shopping.
I'm a new TJ Maxx devotee. That is probably because I'm always the last one to know about great deals and or sales. I have some friends who are major bargain hunters and I aspire to be like them. However, I often am side-tracked by the new arrivals that are displayed well and really grab you when you first walk in. Digging through the racks is an exercise in frustration for me. However, though it has taken a while, but now I can say I am a true fan of TJ's (I just avoid the center area and I'm happy:)
If you've ever shopped the Maxx, you might be familiar with the fact that they have some really great purses, and when I get on a purse kick-lookout!!!
So the girls and I bee-bopped our way in the store and looked around. Before I knew it, they had gathered purses, wallets and hats to try on. It was so sweet and it gained the attention of the ladies in that part of the store. The ladies admired how cute the girls were! I can vouch that it was a treat to see them play like this. They were absolutely precious.
I had to snap a couple of shots with my phone.
Last week it was my turn to drive and I thought I might make a stop by Target to get some office/organizational supplies. (I really am an office supply nerd, but that's for another post:)
Since I was already not headed straight back from lessons, why not stop by TJ's treat myself to a little purse shopping.
I'm a new TJ Maxx devotee. That is probably because I'm always the last one to know about great deals and or sales. I have some friends who are major bargain hunters and I aspire to be like them. However, I often am side-tracked by the new arrivals that are displayed well and really grab you when you first walk in. Digging through the racks is an exercise in frustration for me. However, though it has taken a while, but now I can say I am a true fan of TJ's (I just avoid the center area and I'm happy:)
If you've ever shopped the Maxx, you might be familiar with the fact that they have some really great purses, and when I get on a purse kick-lookout!!!
So the girls and I bee-bopped our way in the store and looked around. Before I knew it, they had gathered purses, wallets and hats to try on. It was so sweet and it gained the attention of the ladies in that part of the store. The ladies admired how cute the girls were! I can vouch that it was a treat to see them play like this. They were absolutely precious.
I had to snap a couple of shots with my phone.
Never let it be said that a girl can have too many accessories! Also, a side note to Cam's mom, she likes feathers and animal print. I hope you have some retirement money stashed away:)
Much love and many laughs,
A
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