a little "status update"

3 doctor's visits in less than 24 hours.  Strep is making the rounds.

1 yr old refused to get out of crib this morning.  Just requests more books.

4 year old takes violin just to play on stage.  Attention starved?

Ragnar 2nd year in a row, this time with Jason.  Can't Wait!!!

I lost my mojo.  Can someone please come clean and organize my house?

Quick visit to ID to visit Grandpa Lloyd one last time.  What a sweetheart.

Goblin Valley, Green River, Wild Horse Canyon.  Fabulous weekend.  Just ignore the part where everyone but mom forgot it was Mother's Day.

Teaching a child to ride a 2 wheeler is painful.  For child and adult. 3 down, 1 to go.

Soccer season survived.  Whew!  I will not coach soccer next year.  I will not coach soccer next year.  I will not coach soccer next year.  Please remind me of this in the fall.  2 times is enough.

Philly=awesome.  Although 3 skinny white girls (2 with red hair) are quite an anomaly and attract a bit of attention in downtown Philly.  Favorite Part- Eastern State Penitentiary tour.

My doctor told me I was underweight.  I told him that if I had boobs my BMI would change.

"I feel like a morning star." Sung by 1 year old.  Love little kids' singing.

Apples and cheese in bed.  Sounds like heaven.

Wait, people are actually reading my blog?

I got online tonight and read a few blogs. I rarely do that. In doing so, I remembered- I HAVE A BLOG! (It came as a surprise to me too.) So I logged in thinking maybe I should post. I came across the stats tab,which I have NEVER checked in the years of running this so-called blog. I

discovered that people actually LOOK at my blog! Say what?? They may not read it. Or comment. But I guess they do visit it. So . . . here is a brief update.

1. Everyone is getting older and bigger but not necessarily wiser.

They are all still cute and fun and quirky. But I'm still waiting for the day that the 10 year old will not make the same mistakes as the 18 month old. Did you really just pick that up off the ground and put it in your mouth? Further down are some pictures to prove their physical growth and development.And for all you naysayers; yes, I am being sarcastic. They are good kids; I love them. They are learning and I'm proud of some of the things they are doing.

2. We still enjoy spending time together and do so often.

We've done lots of skiing this winter with our season passes. We thoroughly enjoyed our Family Christmas present- a trip to Hawaii. When I got our tax return I immediately wanted to go on another vacation. The library is always a popular destination in this house, some weeks we go 3x. We do lots of fun chores together. You know what they say . . .

3.The monotony of daily life never gets old

Everyday homework and chores never cease to elicit strong emotional responses.

4. No matter how good your baby is they all eventually reach the terrible 2s

Lanie, my dear sweet, easy child is getting closer to 2. No matter how good the child, they all go through it. She currently loves saying "NO" to everything no matter how unoriginal I tell her it is. Her little tantrums and

desires for independence would be quite endearing if I was a first time parent but unfortunately, I have been down this road too many times and only know that this is just the beginning.

5. I am a decade into parenthood

Mara just turned 10. I say "just" but it was 2 months ago. That is recent in my book. I can't believe I have been staying at home, wiping bums, picking up toys, buckling car seats, making meals 3x a day for 10 years. Wow! Time flies when you're having fun? But I've also been reading bedtime stories, singing songs, holding hands, kissing owies, and comforting nightmares for 10 years. As a 10 year old Mara seems SO old. She looks old too. She is a pretty good kid but I am scared to death for what is to come. Her emotions can be too much for me now!

6. Asher is still a momma's boy and that is fine by me

Recently he came home with a school project where they posted information about themselves and it ended with a picture of them. People were supposed to guess who it was by the info. Here is what Asher wrote: I have beautiful green eyes. (awww) My name starts with an A. I like playing hard soccer. (As opposed to wussy soft soccer.) Who am I?

7. Eden got her tonsils out

Here is a video of her day of. It really wiped her out. She was a trooper and I'm glad we did it. She eats better, she sleeps better but the miraculous transformation I was hoping for -- you know, where she is an angel child-- no such luck. She's still a real garden of Eden. Full of spunk and sass. shhhh-somedays, I think she has no conscience.

As far as blog posts, this one could keep going but I have to save something for the next post. You know, in 5 months! Let me know if you'll be around.

Obsessed

Jason

Travelling. This lucky dog has traveled the globe the past 6 months with work. I was able to accompany him to Bali but other than that I stayed home with the kiddos. That's all right though. I had lots of good food to keep me company. We won't attach photos. It will make us all jealous.

Luisa

I LOVE these. Have you tried them? I love chips. These are like chips but better because they are healthier. I can indulge in my chip obsession without feeling guilty. I have gone through 2 huge bags in the last month. (Granted, Jason's been travelling a lot!) I bought one to use at Christmas but I doubt it will survive 'til then.

Mara

Whistling. She recently discovered the art of whistling and can't stop. She thinks it is fabulous. She also recently discovered that not all people love it. In her words "Mom, did you know some people don't like whistling. Every time I was whistling Annie (friend) kept telling me to stop, that it was annoying." Yes honey, I know, heaven help me, I KNOW, but I also know how much you like it so I will just smile and not say a word.

Asher

Soccer. Soccer. Soccer. Soccer. It's 10 degrees out and this boy is in the pitch black winter night practicing in the backyard. He tells me his plans to play in the world cup and has no doubts that he will obtain that goal because he practices every day at school and at home. He has created a chart of the people who are better than him and what he has to do to pass them up. He says it's like a video game in his mind.

Eden

Nailpolish. I don't know that there are any 4 year olds more adept at painting nails. And it's not an innate skill. Lots of practice.

Lanie

Pumpkins. In the fall when pumpkins were aplenty and we each picked one out, this little girl carried hers around like a babydoll. It sat at the table with her, went in the tub with her, you name it, it was there. Everytime we went anywhere you would hear her pointing out the pumpkins everywhere. When we tossed the original after it got mushy, we got a MUCH smaller one that wouldn't get soft and wouldn't hurt so much when dropped on my foot!

Old Habits

Here I am yet again, weeks (months?) going by without a post. Typically, I'm the kind of person to beat myself up over the many, many dumb little things I do or don't do day in and out. Like not posting on my blog for months. Staying up too late reading others blogs when I should be sleeping. Not making the most of EVERY minute in EVERY day. And so on, and so forth. I feel guilty for doing anything fun, enjoying myself, or taking the luxury of being lazy and relaxing for a moment. So, with the fall I say, let's throw those old leaves off and start anew. Here is a list I made of ways I (and you) can earn points to show you are moving in the right direction. I think it may help increase your/my confidence and boost your/my self esteem.

1) If you got up today- then give yourself a point.

2) If you got dressed before, say, 10 am, another point.

3) If you showered 2 bonus points. (You know me and hygiene.)

4) Anytime I feed anyone-points. Feeding myself, the kids, the fish- all great things. I deserve to be recognized for that.

5)Any simple mundane household task- all worth points. ( Making my bed. Loading the dishwasher. Picking up a piece of garbage and throwing it away instead of stepping over it and waiting for the kids to come home and do it. All very noteworthy accomplishments.)

6)Keep track of all the comments I wanted to say but didn't. A fantastic feat.--5 points

7)Taking a break from "work" to play with the kids.--3 points

8) Looking in the mirror before going out--2 points

9) Listening to some music--point. Why not?

10) Smiling-- point. Absolutely!

11)Getting the kids (and me) where we need to be--2 points. No need to be on time, who are we kidding, just getting there is an accomplishment in and of itself.

12)Doing something on your to-do list, even if it is half-assed.--5 points. Seriously, the fact that you did it really is more than enough. Day late and a dollar short- I don't care. I'm just happy if I complete a task.

13) Stopping a project in the middle and saving it for later rather than pressing through when really tired. 5 points.

5 points to me, right now because I am going to bed with this post unfinished. I am that awesome! Enjoy your own awesomeness right now for all the great things you did today.

The blog dilemma

So, you're thinking I forgot about my blog or have been so busy I haven't posted. While both of the above could be true really it boils down to the blog dilemma. Or dilemmas.

1- do you post on your blog just to post something even if it isn't that interesting? Just to remind people you still have a blog that you are keeping alive, even if it is boring? But then you take the chance that people stop reading bc well, it's boring.

2-to make a blog somewhat interesting you've got to give something a little juicy. Am I willing to do that to keep people reading? Posting about swim lessons, story time, summer travels and whatnot are great. But after a while everyone loses interest. I mean, you can find thousands of other mommy bloggers posting the same things. Probably with their kids in the same poses, coming down a water slide, hiking in the mountains, yea, yea. What keeps my interest in blogs is when people get personal. They share the dirt. That's the good stuff. But I don't know that I'm willing to do that. Partially because it is personal but usually because it also implicates other people in the process-family members, friends, neighbors, anyone who may have been involved int latest scandals. Oh yes, I have scandals! And wouldn't you like to know ...
So, what do you say? Boring family humdrum or interesting opinions and scandals that I really shouldn't share but I know you'd love to hear just so you can feel better about yourself?

Boring: I ran Ragnar (a running relay race) 20 miles in 12 hours, no sleep. Awesomeness. Also did a triathlon, and some other races. Found a new band I liked-Beirut, having fun with the kids over the summer, hiking, went to Oregon for a few days to see my brother off to brazil for a mission, keeping busy playing with friends and family.

Interesting: was yelled at for having postpartum by a close friend, struggled for a while and took a break from everything while I sorted things out to figure out what I really wanted for myself. Feeling rather rebellious and entitled but quite enjoying it so don't be surprised when you hear some pretty brash things come out of my mouth. How's that for juicy but too much honesty?
Well, there you have it

There's a first time for everything

Here are a few recent firsts.

"Tie"-Dyed EggsI saw these on this website months ago and have been excited for Easter. It was really easy and fun. The eggs looked SO cool. BTW- is anyone else re-thinking the Easter Bunny? Next year our Easter Bunny will be very different. Less candy. Fo' Shur!

Cloth Diapers

This is something I've wanted to do for a long time but have been intimidated. It's a whole different language that frankly, is so cheesy and obnoxious. (Think "Fuzzibunz", "Bumgenius", "Happy Heinys", "The Cloth Diaper Whisperer"- I only wish I was joking. That's not even the worst of them.) Anyway, after visiting my SIL Megan who is making some great steps toward being more eco-friendly (check out this blog for ideas) I knew that it was time to take the plunge. I spent hours researching and some moolah with my initial purchase BUT I am very pleased to report that I am loving it. Jason wasn't completely on board at first but I think he is coming around. Check out that booty! That is the diaper- no cover. So cute, right? Next Step- Waste Free Lunches.

Half Marathon

I consider myself a runner even if I'm not always consistent. Between pregnancies and babies it makes it hard. I started running a few weeks after Lanie's birth and it felt great but shortly after developed hip pain. I discovered that my tendons were messed up from the broken tailbone in delivery so I started Physical therapy and was told to take a break from running. Jason's company was a sponsor of the SL Marathon and Half so we signed up for free. I've always wanted to do a 1/2 marathon and the cheapskate in me could not let the opportunity pass. So, that's how I ended up doing a 1/2 marathon with NO training. And by no training I mean that it had been over a month since I had run at all and in 2011 if you added up all my runs together they may have totaled a 1/2 marathon. I was quite nervous that it would be pure torture but I've always felt that I could run and run as long as I went slow. Well, that's exactly what I did and it was AWESOME! I loved it. I felt great, it was so fun and I can't wait to do another.

The "Talk"

That's right. For any of you who have to approach this topic let me introduce you to a great icebreaker "Sex in a Pan." That's right. I initiated this conversation by having Mara help me make dessert for Sunday dinner which was "Sex in a Pan." It was great. We talked about it while making dessert. Relaxed and comfortable. We'll just see where this leads . . .

Mockingjay baby

That's right folks. You saw it here first.

His Name is Asher

Recently it was Asher's birthday so I figure that it's time to gush. If you don't like mothers who gush about their children then please, don't hesitate to go to something way more interesting, like facebook, or your laundry.

This week at school Asher is the "Monster of the week". A little cheesy but cute nonetheless. Essentially he is being spotlighted this week. It's one of those things that as a parent you can feel annoyed about because it is one more thing to have to be on top of. But on the other hand- it gives you a chance to stop and think about your child and how special they are.

Every day this week there is a new thing to do- Monday: poster, Tuesday: favorite story to bring and read, Wednesday: Estimating Jar, Thursday: Special Something about child, Friday: Special Surprise. Like I said, it's a love-hate thing. Of course I think my child is something special and want him to have his chance to shine but it also feels like a time for the parents to shine because the more creative you are and more time you put in the better your child looks. I hate that. I'm not creative--Hello, blog title, and especially not when I'm tired, which, with 4 children and a nighttime nursing baby, when am I not tired? (Let's not forget I just got back in town from one trip and then leave for another on Friday, with no husband in town, and I've got other deadlines looming over me . . .) As I thought about the Thursday special something about my child (suggestion ideas- write a story, write a poem, blah, blah) I felt overwhelmed until BAM, I realized that music is one thing that Jason and I can do. So VOILA- a song is born. During Mara's violin lesson I wrote the ultra-sappy but oh so true lyrics. Then Jason pounded out the guitar and drums and we each did our own vocals. Nothing radio worthy but I think that Asher will feel special and loved and it shares just a little of how we feel about this sweet, tender boy that is such an integral part of our family.

On Perfection

The Perfect Woman

I know how to do it! That's right. I've got the secret. It's really all smoke and mirrors and I'm getting good at it. After having a hard autumn (just call me Crazy Hormone Woman) I've finally gained a little self-control when it comes to my tongue. (Long overdue- I know.) It was a necessity if I was to keep control of my tears. I've realized how much better I come across when I just keep my mouth closed. I can look like I have it all together. I just get dressed (I know- shouldn't be hard, right) show up on time to things, do what's asked of me and say nothing. It's really quite easy. Just don't come over. Or look in my car. Or look too closely at my kids. Or look in my pantry. (Yes, there are 5 combs, 3 flashlights, 2 toothbrushes, 1 belt buckle and innumerable sets of chopsticks in my pantry- all completely necessary.) Or get too close. With friends- all bets are off.

The Perfect Baby

How in the world did I survive motherhood before? Truly, I say that my joy in motherhood has grown immensely with dear Lanie. Of course, she's not quite perfect- she isn't sleeping through the night. But really, I'm okay with that. She is an angel. Just when I needed one. I only hope that her toddler years are just as angelic!

The Perfect Middle ChildSugar and spice and everything nice . . .

Ahh, and now, true perfection. Now I don't mean the that Eden is the Perfect Child. I mean, Eden has perfected the art of being the middle child. (I know, the irony of the name is not lost on me.) You know, the one who screams for attention. You want a power struggle? You got it. It really takes nothing to have a power struggle. She can create one out of thin air. What's that Eden, you don't want to walk? OK, I'll carry you. Oh, you don't want me to carry you. OK, umm, you just want to sit on the floor and cry and blame me for everything wrong in your life. Sure, I'm positive that's what people come to the library for.

Tantrums? You got it! Again, she's pretty creative. She can find a subject. Today she has had 2 tantrums that have consisted of "It's too far 'til my birthday. I can't wait that long." Her birthday isn't until June. Where does she come up with this stuff?

We go day by day- some days she doesn't want to be called cute, or she doesn't want to be funny and I can't laugh at her. She keeps me on my toes! I must say, I don't find much validation as a mother when my 3 year old says "I don't want parents. I don't want you as a mom. "

That's when I just smile to myself and think of the hundreds of times that people tell me this time goes too fast and I'll wish for it back. I'm logging the memories to relive someday when my house is peaceful and quiet.

2010-- A Year in Numbers

1 family member lost- RIP Zoe

68 times I came home expecting to hear Zoe's tail wagging welcoming me home

68 times I was so grateful to not have to clean up dog poop

100 music lessons paid for and driving to and from

7500 hours practicing violin and piano

24 buttons busted while watching children perform

1 kid added to the family

10 years added to my life

22 the amount of times people have asked me if we are "done"

500 meals delivered through "Meals on Wheels"

50 the number of times one of my meals on wheels recipient has said "you look too young to have 4 children."

50 the number of times that compliment made me feel good. (Yes, I am that needy!)

33 times Eden colored somewhere she shouldn't (books, walls, body, beds, etc.)

33 times cleaning and doing consequences before I finally got smart and threw away the markers

6 average hours of sleep per night

8 average hours NEEDED of sleep per night

27 cranky whiny moments during the day from lack of sleep FOR MOM!

4 beautiful, needy, funny, whiny, sweet, frustrating children

13 moments a day of "this is madness"

infinite moments a day of laughter, sweetness, fleeting childhood

7 unfinished blog posts

20 funny remarks thought of to put on blog

0 funny remarks posted on blog

unknown people still reading my blog

I'm converted.

Well people, it has finally happened. It only took 4 children to get me here but I've finally come 'round.

I like babies.

There. I've said it and I'm not going back. I finally got a baby that doesn't have reflux. Only moderate colic (lasted through about 9 weeks). She is 3 1/2 months now. She sleeps in her crib for naps- not my arms. She smiles; she plays; she gains weight; she only wakes up 2 times at night. It's heavenly. So, while I've had my roughest recovery. (Broken tailbone- still hurting) Every time I look at that dear, sweet child I can't help but smile. She is beautiful and lovable and pure joy. NOW, I understand why people like babies and want to just have babies. When I'm holding her, it's just to hold her and have fun; not working to keep her from crying and fussing. Imagine that- holding a baby for the fun of it. It is an amazing concept.
I finally get what all the fuss is about!
Now- admire:

The price you pay

Wiping muddy footprints off the counter-- that's the price you pay for giving the 3yr old the chore of wiping the counter.

Single parenting for weeks --that's the price you pay for having a stable job.

Walking out of the house with kids that look like they dressed in the dark --that's the price you pay for teaching your children independence and letting them dress themselves.

Dirty newspapers on the bathroom counters, garbage cans not put away properly, re-vacuuming the house--that's the price you pay for giving your kids chores and teaching them to contribute to the family and work.

Kids who are tired and cranky because they sneak out of bed to lay by the nightlight and read-- that's the price you pay for teaching them to love books.

Spending all day Saturday at the music store for violin recital, ensemble festival and so on-- that's the price you pay to help your kids gain valuable music skills that they will cherish in life.

Fractured tailbone, bleeding all over, bloodshot eyes, constant postpartum weepiness--that's the price you pay for a gorgeous, sweet child.

This Thanksgiving I recognize that while there is a price to pay for most things, the blessings outweigh the input. Although my life is busy and exhausting and hard work-- I wouldn't have it any other way. Even in my worst, most difficult moments I can truly say I would do it all again for what I gain--4 beautiful, amazing children who make me laugh and cry daily and a husband who works hard and cares for us.

PS The picture has nothing to do with the post. It is just the most recent photo of all of us. The whole scooby gang-- Daphne, Shaggy, Freddy, Velma, Scrappy doo and Scooby Doo. We had fun this Halloween. Hope you did too!

Firsts . . .

First day of 3rd grade

First day of 1st grade

First day of preschool

(FYI: My kids all get to pick out their first day outfit at the store. This explains Eden's dress which she found all on her own and fell in love with. It's pink, it has a cupcake on it, and it twirls beautifully. What more could you ask for?)
First day of life

First family photo
(Can you see that the baby is no longer inside me but strapped to me?)

Notice how my last two posts are mostly pictures? That's about all I can do right now. Plus you don't want to hear about all my postpartum hormonal rollercoaster rides!

Before and After

Before

AfterBeforeAfterBefore

After

Due dates come and go, but pregnancy is forever

Oh wait, it's not. But sometimes- like right now- it feels a little like it is forever. My body is not doing the things it normally does leading up to labor/delivery so I'm a little worried. I don't want to be induced. I feel fine and the baby is fine so I have no problem waiting. It's just modern medicine that doesn't like it when you go over. We'll just keep taking it one overdue day at a time and be patient!
Enough of that, so I'm in a new neighborhood with people who have never seen me pregnant before and they always worry because I'm small. I'm sure they think I'm just saying it to be modest but really this is my biggest pregnancy. But you don't have to take my word for it . . . (Anyone know what that comes from?)
Here are my pictures from my past 3 pregnancies right before we walked out the door to the hospital. I don't have one of those yet from this pregnancy- as you are well aware- so you will have to do with a picture from today- 3 days overdue.
Pregnancy 1-Mara
Pregnancy 2 Asher

Pregnancy 3 Eden
Pregnancy 4 (Many thanks to my photographer- Asher- who only cut off my head a tad!)
What do you think?

"Girl, you'll be a woman soon . . ."

I am 32 years old. And I am a woman. I know, I don't wear womanhood well but I'm coming into my own. I'm just starting to grow into it. Here are a few "womanly" things I am just starting to do--
1) for the first time this year I had a wax. It was for the cruise. I had my legs waxed. That was a first. Someday maybe I'll do my eyebrow. Yes, that's singular. For a reason.

2) Sometimes I wear deodorant. Sometimes.

3) Jason bought me a set of makeup brushes for my birthday. I don't really use them that much since I don't use powder or blush or whatever else it is people put on with brushes. I'm sure I'll learn sometime in the next 32 years.

4) I now own an eyelash curler. For that 1 day a week I wear mascara.

5)I also bought eyeliner this year. I'm discovering how to use it.

6) I got my first pedicure 3 years ago. It only took 3 years to get my second one this year. Manicures still won't be happening. I'm a pianist for heaven's sake.

7) I have lotion that is specifically for my face. And I use it on my face. I know, sounds outrageous but true.

8) I even own a few headbands/clips for my hair. Is that too far?

Someday I may start to shower more than twice a week, or purchase clothes at actual department stores and not thrift stores. Or then again, maybe not. I still need to figure out how to decorate, and scrapbook, and make crafts and arrange flowers, wear jewelry, the list goes on and on. I think I hide it pretty well b/c people are always surprised by my lack of womanly skills and decorations on the wall of my house. The good news is that people in my neighborhood don't really know about my blog so I can pull it off a little longer that I'm a woman and I know what I'm doing. So, if you have a friendly advice that you've always wanted to pass on to me but never felt like you could- here's your chance.


Shame on anyone who knows the song for the blog title. I hate that singer.

All those within earshot

Yes, those are my children crying like it's the end of the world. Don't worry, I just asked them to weed a 2x4 plot of ground. This is one of those times when I pull the old "When I was a child I worked on the farm and we had to do . . . and . . . . and . . .." but really, they don't appreciate it. My siblings can vouch for me when I say it really sucked. And it was really, really long, hot, and hard. My kids do not know how good they've got it. Maybe I'll send them to my parents for a week to work on the farm. It will be like boot camp. They'll come back and be glad for the minuscule yard weeding.
So, if you hear the screaming, crying, yelling (from both sides) just know it's not abusive. Well, not by adult standards.

Summer Lovin'

It's summertime and the livin' is easy.
And that ain't no lie. I love that I can lie in bed until 8:30 with Eden next to me watching Dora. (Maybe a little too much since yesterday at a friend's house she said to her friend "Darce, come on- vamanos") I love that I can rest in the afternoon while my kids are doing quiet time or playing at a friends. I love the sun and the heat and swimming and . . . .the list goes on and on. Here are a few updates on our summer.

Mara
Mara is doing swim team and while at the first meet she was last in her age group for backstroke, at the second she dropped 15 seconds and moved up to 2nd to last. We're focusing on the 15 seconds! She practices every day and doesn't complain. That is something to be proud of. She is also doing tennis lessons with Asher for the 2nd summer in a row and they really seem to like it. I don't know how good she is because diligent mother I am, I send them out the door to walk to our friend's house for their lessons and have them come home when they're done. I have no idea what they are actually doing in that hour but I know I'm enjoying the time to get stuff done. You know, exciting stuff like weeding, laundry, all the fun things moms do when their kids are gone. Mara also started violin, FINALLY (as she would say). She's been wanting to but I made her wait. I warned her it's like piano where she has to practice every day and whatnot but she seemed determined. So far she has taken to it really well and I'm learning too!

Asher
For the month of June Asher was doing soccer camp which was great b/c we had to get out the door by 7:45 and it gave me a chance to do the track and Mara to bike around while he played. They had a guest instructor from England so now Asher insists on calling it "football." He also did T-ball with his buddies. I lied about his birthday by a couple months so he could play with his buddies and be the tallest kid on his team and intimidate the 4 yr olds. It worked very well. He did swim lessons which once again, I have no idea how he did b/c I just sat at the side of the pool with my friends and chatted. He enjoyed it a made a new friend- his friend's big sister who now always wants him to come over and play!

Eden
Well, she only colored on the walls once in the last month so we are really celebrating. Nothing went in the toilets and no lotion or makeup ended up anywhere it shouldn't be. She plays with toys now, of all things, and is getting more constructive and less destructive. ON the down side, her hair is now an inch long and she has already twisted it into a knot. The clippers will be coming out again soon. She loved swimming. I hated the fact that the cold water made her have to go to the bathroom EVERY time except for once. So instead of relaxing on the side of the pool I got to carry a wet child to the bathroom, help her strip, wipe and wash and then go back out for the last 2 minutes of lessons. She also had her birthday and loved going to the pool and all the other fun stuff. Lastly, she had an ultrasound on a cyst which was fairly traumatizing but she is doing well.

Me
I went to Oregon for my sister's graduation with her MSW from Portland State and enjoyed being in downtown Portland with family. My brother and his family came for a few days and we did lots of fun stuff and ate lots of food. It was great! Otherwise, I've been doing lots of driving and hanging out at the pool, park and home. But I love it. I love the heat. Relaxing. Weeding. Actually, scratch that one. Late night walking. Summer. I love it.

Hope all is well with you. I know this isn't an interesting post but it is a post so that's a start. How's your summer?

Meet "Eddie"

this cute girl

+

this: (knots cut out approx 1-2x daily)

=this Meet "Eddie"

time will only tell if this breaks the habit.

Willpower

Willpower is a funny thing. You may think you have a lot of willpower. Except for that one area. I love this quote by Victor Hugo-- People do not lack strength; they lack will.
I like to think I'm this type of person. Physically, I will keep going. Despite how tired I am, how down I am, whatever. I will make dinner for my family, take treats to the neighbor, play piano for the choir, read stories to my kids. I will work and work and work and work . . .
But, that is what's easy for me.
Do I have willpower when it comes to my tongue? Sometimes.
Do I have willpower when it comes to my emotions? Not as much.
That is not as easy for me. I can't will myself to feel a certain way about a situation. I can control my tongue more but the emotional side is tricky. I'm sure we've all found ourselves in situations where if we could, we would have willed ourselves to not cry, yet, unfortunately we can't. That is part of the human condition. So, until I botox myself an unfeeling mask of a face, with the smiles and laughter you may occasionally see an "undesirable" emotion such as me crying or heaven forbid, getting angry. Sorry, I'm working on it.

Beginning to see the light

People, I know we're not completely through but I'm feeling like I'm coming out on the other side. Things are starting to get better.
Before you get worried thinking this is some heavy topic (or excited thinking I'm going to share something deep) let me tell you I'm talking about our 2 1/2 year trial called Eden.
This child is something else.
I tell people that if you take all the horrible things your 2 year olds did and put it all together, you get Eden. She has gone through every horrible stage of a 2 year old. I ran into an old friend and she commented on my Christmas card and said "is Eden really that much trouble?". Oh honey, yes, yes, and YES! Here are just a few of the stages she has gone through--

makeup infatuation (still going on but mostly now limited to "lips" as she calls chapstick and any lipstuff). This led to makeup being colored all over my bathroom and numerous other things. I still have to be careful because I may walk into my bathroom to find her putting on mascara.
climbing onto the counter and getting into the cupboards- again, it's getting better. She will still sometimes climb on the counter to pour her own drink (another infatuation) but . . .better.
tantrums-getting better. You still may show up at my house and hear her screaming outside. (I put her out on the deck for the neighbors to listen to and not me) but it's less often.
Dog food and dog water-now that she's a little older she can get Zoe food and water and there's less of a mess.
Toilets-oh, toilets. In one week we lost 5 toothbrushes in the toilet. The next week, we had to replace our toilet only to find a little play cookie lodged in one of the kinks.
coloring on things-walls, floors, books, herself, the table, and on , and on, and on.
the fridge-ketchup is a favorite and easy to squeeze into the mouth.
nudity-she still likes changing frequently but usually asks now and, big step, keeps her underwear on. whew!
sneaking candy
hiding-oh, this was a bad one. Eden is a really good hider. And very quiet. I could search over the house for 10 minutes and still not find her. Telling her if she didn't come out in 10 seconds or she would be in a timeout didn't work. That doesn't really motivate her to come out, now does it?
Spitting/hitting- we are still in the throes of this but I'll take it when compared to some of the other stuff.
Well, this is just a start.
So, who's up to the challenge? What did your 2 year olds do and let's see if Eden did it too.