Monday, August 31, 2009

children are made out of rubbah

My sister, Sarah, came to celebrate Devin's birthday with us with her 3 children. Connor , the oldest, is 6 days younger than my oldest, Bailey. Connor is a pretty serious guy and so is Bailey. They are also both just-about-twelve and fully immersed in the tween stage.
Connor decided that at about 1 a.m on Sunday he would try to fly.Seriously. I was asleep on the sofa bed downstairs when I was awakened with the loudest crash. I thought the ceiling was headed for my lap. Connor had somehow managed to leap off of the top bunk of the bunk beds and was curled up on the floor in a ball. Sarah was already there- she was asleep in the room next to his and easily heard him fall. Honestly, I don't think she was even fully awake but her Mom-radar sensed danger so she went straight to it.
Connor would not respond when we asked him if he was ok or if anything hurt. I finally got him to roll his ankles and wiggle his toes then he just crawled back up the ladder and went back to sleep. It took about an hour for my heart to stop racing- We just sat on the floor in amazement at the fact that he didn't actually go right though or break something.
The next morning Connor recalled NOTHING of this adventure. Nothing. Thinks we made it up.

Friday, August 21, 2009

So she DOES listen

Devin has been begging me for what feels like years but is likely months for a pony. Hey it's ME - If we could swing a pony do you think she would have to ask?
We can't get a pony. 2 main reasons. MONEY- those suckers cost a lot to maintain and medicate and shoe and feed. Oh and the poop. See I love our animals.I do. It is just that I am really at my poop limit. As it is, if the girls tell me they're bored they get instant poop scooping duty. BTW this rule has only been tested ONCE by Devin. I have never heard that whine/phrase uttered again.
So back to the story- Devin asking me- for a pony- AGAIN. I explained the financial obligation. I told her if we got a pony I would have to go back to work full time just to pay for it. I asked her which she would rather have- me at home or the horse. I KNOW SHE ANSWERED ME. Well she MEANT to anyway.
It was time for some animal chores to be done and I asked Devin would she like to help.She rolled her eyes, heavy sighed and then breathed I guess so. I looked at her and I said- yeah. YOU want a pony. Do you know how much MORE poop a pony would make? Do you have any idea how BIG your pooper scooper would have to be? And this is every day mind you.....

Today Kelsea walked into the kitchen and said "Mama I reeeealllly want a pet deer. I will clean the dishwasher every day and I will clean ALL( grand hand gestures) of the poop if you let me have one. So yeah, she DOES listen.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

doorway skills and etiquette

Notes for my children - specifically the 11 and just about 9 year old. Oh and yes this really did happen yesterday - 2 seperate incidences in 2 fun filled doorways.

My Bailey, when we leave a building if you choose to walk in the front of us please make sure when we come to a door that you actually use your arms and OPEN it. Do not stand there staring at it like you do not know how it works. Also, when I say to you "Open the door,Bailey" do not panic flailing your arms about and scurry to both sides of the door. oooopen it. I know you have done it before. This experience was especially pleasing with the group of 3 people behind us watching you panic. Some doors ARE automatic. Some are not. If the door has not magically opened by the time you can touch it assume it is one of those that are not.

Dearest Devin, when we leave a building and you are second in line out the door- do not stop just beyond the door opening. When I say "Let's go" that request continues alll the way to the car. Please do not wait for further instruction just beyond the threshold causing everyone behind you (including me) to collide into each other.

These are skills I hope you will soon be able to retain and perhaps even pass on to others who may be lacking the same abilities. I never thought this would be an issue but obviously- a refresher is warranted.