Monday, October 28, 2013

Growing, growing, growing

Guess what he's doing?? He has learned how to do arm farts *eye roll* ...this mom is positively thrilled *another eye roll* He is all boy. He told me one cold morning "If I wear these gloves, it's harder to do arm farts, Mom!" Yep! he's his father's son. Our oldest is doing great in school. The work is getting harder and he doesn't understand why his hand is starting to hurt while writing his spelling words. I told him if he did a little each day it wouldn't hurt as badly...but he still slacks til the last moment. For the first 6 weeks of school, he made A/B Honor Roll....AWESOMENESS!

Our middle child is doing awesomely in school as well. She really enjoys going to school...once she gets there. Mornings are still something to be desired but she'll slowly get into these early (to her) school days.
She is writing more. She loves finding her sight words everywhere. Whether they are in the hymnal at church, on a commercial, or on a poster...she'll find them. Her zeal for learning is incredible. Psst! she recently got a shorter haircut. I'll have to share that picture in a future post :) 

I found our youngest child already perusing the Toys 'r Us ads. She loves to look at the pictures of "cool toys". Christmas is less than 2 months away....this momma better get on the shopping ball.
Each day is an experience with Little Chickie...Whew! and each day, I tend to enjoy my coffee just a tad more. :) Last week, Little Chickie realized that Momma left apples out (as a display on our table..I'm trying to spruce things up a bit). Well, Chickie became the official apple taster....one or 2 bites out of each apple...AHHHHHHH! 
And this morning, she has finally discovered the soap dispenser. She likes the pump action...oh Myyyyyy!! I'm all for clean hands, but not when it requires a full bottle of soap for each wash. 

God, grant me patience to deal with this antics.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

School mornings...where's my coffee?

Sometimes, I space out while dealing with the children and wonder how'd mom and dad do it with 8 kids?  My children aren't super close in age and I only have 3. My parents had 4 in stair step order and then 3 more and 5 years later, the last child was born. I would go completely mad dealing with that many children and seeing to each and every thing they need. But my parents did it and are still kicking. And now enjoying the fruits of their labor....grandkids. 


This morning was one of those "if-I-can-just-get-them-to-school" days. 
My first alarm goes off...it's the one labeled "get up for COFFEE!!" 15 minutes later, the next alarm goes off....SCHOOL!! I start with the oldest. He wants to snuggle in his bed. He seriously thinks if his feet don't touch the floor, then the day really never starts.  After I get him moving, I head to the girls' room. Lights on! and covers pulled off. Talking all the while. 
~off to start Kota on some breakfast~
Usually by this time, Little Chickie is running to have "fute loops" with her big brother. Then it's the task of getting the middle child up. It's a real task. The only day she actually jumped up out of bed was the 1st day of school. Since then, she drags it out longer each day. Then the last alarm goes off. Meaning 15 minutes til the neighbor girl's bus arrives (Lily's friend) and 15 minutes til "Play of the Day" on Good Morning America (That's our cue, that it's almost school time) 
In those next 15 minutes this morning, it was a busy time. Breakfast for 2 to finish, clothes (including socks n shoes) for the middle child. Getting breakfast for middle child...all the while, I realize Little Chickie is running naked through the house. I holler "get panties on or sit on the potty, Leia!!!" Well, she sat on the potty and the next thing I know (I'm doing Lily's hair now while she's brushing her teeth) "I did it, Mommy!" She went to the potty all by herself. The smile on her face made the hectic crazy morning worth it---not that I'd want to replay the adventure again. 
While I love to help my kids with different things, I look forward to the few independent moments...Well, really, I look forward to LOTS of independent moments. As long as they still give hugs and lovin', I'll be okay embracing their independence...I think. 

We made it to school...a few minutes later than our usual time, but they weren't late. 

All the while, my coffee sat at the Keurig. I did hit the brew button, but forgot about it after that. ♥

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Parenting...learning from those before us

In more ways than one, I find myself acting like my parents.
Some might find this as a "curse", but I find this as a compliment to my wonderful parents. It shows that I paid attention at least a little growing up. :)

The sing-songy-make-up-your-own-tune-and-lyrics is a hereditary characteristic for me. My dad was always making up little ditties....for cleaning, learning, obeying, bible verses, and just plain fun. I find myself doing this more often with the youngest. She's at the independent stage and my saying "No" opens all every can of worms with her. She detests that word...and I detest the reaction to that word. So, I've taken to "singing" my words as opposed to "screaming" them. 

As for the characteristics of my mom....Hello, I'm Dr. Joy. Tell me your symptoms. I don't always know the best remedy, but more times than not upping your acidolphilus or just drinking water is my go-to remedy. I can even prescribed chocolate for those crazy times *wink wink* Yep! I'm at your service with my knowledge.

When I realize the different nuggets of characteristics I've taken from my parents over the years, it makes me thankful for them. I never understood their reasoning for different situations when I lived at home. But since I've married and had kids, wow!! my parents are geniuses. They should write a book on "Just because everyone's jumping off a bridge...." oh, you get the idea ♥ 

All I can do--for now--is say Thank you. I hope and pray that they are proud of their youngest daughter. Dad taught us this way back during family devotions...he even put it a tune ♪♫
 "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."
 ~Proverbs 20:11 


Friday, October 11, 2013

Fear of the unknown: sleepwalking

Do you ever have those moments when you think Why can't I fall asleep? I'm thoroughly exhausted. Why am I still awake? 
Last night/early this morning was my moment. Oh, I was thoroughly exhausted. I couldn't even stay awake through the TV shows that I usually watch. I just couldn't figure it out. Finally, I thought...I'll just lie here, sleep will eventually come. Just as I was beginning to doze off, I hear the pitter patter of feet walking through the house. It was the oldest child. So, I lie there and listen. He's walking through the living room and I'm hoping headed to the bathroom (he's been known to be still so asleep to think the living room is the bathroom). The footsteps continue...he's in the kitchen now. I'm waiting to hear the fridge open and hearing him pour tea or grab a water bottle. Nope! I then hear the door to the garage open...Panic sets in. I jump out of bed and run. The garage door is standing open and the door to the outside is open as well. My hearts racing...I scream for Jed. He comes running as I'm saying "He went outside!!!! go find him" 
Why I didn't run right out the door after him, I have no idea.

Yes, we have a sleep walker. This is the first time his sleep walking adventures have escalated to outside.
We got him back in the house, did a potty break, and headed back to his bed. He was still sound asleep.

This momma didn't sleep very well for the remainder of the night. Every little sound woke me. 

I'm thinking this was the reason that sleep eluded me earlier in the night.

Now, we are working to get top locks on our doors that lead to outside. If anything, it will help this momma sleep better knowing my children are safe. 
I think it's the fear of the unknown that scares me the most. 
Sharing this to hopefully help someone else dealing with the same situation and/or to seek advice in the situation. The oldest child remembers nothing of this last night. But I think it will forever be ingrained in my memory.


Monday, October 7, 2013

Fall Mondays

Dakota's logic is probably everyone's logic for a Monday morning.
"But Mooooom, if I don't get out of bed, THEN I don't have to go to school. So....I'll just stay in my bed."

If only we could all do that.
Cool weather has arrived in East Texas. I'm not sure how long it will stick around but for now I'll enjoy it. First off, it makes me want to snuggle up in a blanket with the TV remote and a nice warm cup of coffee. And one I get all the cuddle time finished, I want to go out and do something. Like visit a pumpkin patch or trek through the woods on a hike with the kids and the camera. I'm ready for the changing of the leaves. I know, it's just "dead leaves" but I love that part of fall. I love the smells of fall. Pumpkin coffee, crisp apples, and yummy caramel candies. Mmmmmm! 

So for now, I'll enjoy the day with my yummy coffee and the windows open. 

-enJoy