Sandra might shoot me, but I had to include this picture. What a dedicated mama going over the wall to get candy for the kids, otherwise, the kids probably would have gone in the street after it.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
St. Patrick's Day parade
We went to the St. Patty's Day parade downtown with the Prizeman's. The kids were too excited to get candy. Shane was very concerned that I brought bags for his candy, thankfully I remembered. Myann kept getting overlooked, because she didn't have a bag part of the time, and she gave this look of sheer rejection. We quickly got her a bag.
Sandra might shoot me, but I had to include this picture. What a dedicated mama going over the wall to get candy for the kids, otherwise, the kids probably would have gone in the street after it.
Sandra might shoot me, but I had to include this picture. What a dedicated mama going over the wall to get candy for the kids, otherwise, the kids probably would have gone in the street after it.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A day in the life of having one child
I don't remember what it is like to only have one child, I guess that is good, because I have 3!!!! Well Wednesdays give me a small glimpse of what it would be like. We have our usual morning and then I take Shane and Myann up to preschool, never before 9:30 am and usually much later. After that, it is just Anders and I to do whatever needs to be done. Today I had to take the van for an oil change and tire rotation, so we left the car and walked to the bank and the coffee shop (BTW it was 15 degrees F, but have acclimated because it was actually enjoyable.) Anders even seemed to like it. We settled at the coffee shop (Black Tie - best coffee shop in Spokane) and I actually drank my coffee in the shop and enjoyed a scone, bouncing Anders in my lap and flipping through the mail. It was blissful, 3 kids in a coffee shop would be anything but bliss. No one else was in there, so I just had fun talking to Anders and getting smiles, not that it is hard. Anders will smile every time you smile or talk to him - he is the happiest baby ever. I get to enjoy the time with him because I don't have to chase the other two around.
Seriously, this is the face I spent the whole day with. And I think I really have the cutest baby, at least that is what I get told all day long :) - so maybe it's the hat.
After we got home, I put Anders down for a nap and I got to do household stuff for 3 hours uninterrupted. Again, pure bliss. So this isn't a typical Wednesday, normally I have lots of errands and running around, but this was a good one. And for those worried about Myann, the middle child, she had this same quality time too. We used to have lots of solo time when Shane was in preschool and before Anders was born. I have been fortunate enough to get alone time with each one.
Rotten Myann story: Myann is not a morning person 90% of the time, so we let her play in her crib for a while in the morning before getting her. Better for her and better for us. Well this morning I heard her on the monitor and she seemed to have woken up happy so I went and got her and brought her downstairs. Shane is a huge morning person, annoyingly so. He loves sunny mornings because the light shining through the windows cast "rainbows" all around the house. So Shane is shouting, "It is a beautiful day and look at all the rainbows." Well he ran into the kitchen and repeated it to Myann and she had a baby doll in her hand which she just whacked Shane in the face with. I looked back to see blood pouring down his face and he was whimpering, not even crying just whimpering. And bless his heart said, "I didn't do anything mom, I just said it was a beautiful day." My heart broke for him, I quickly put Myann in a corner for time out and started to contain the bleeding. It was bad and all I could think was put pressure on his nose, but his nose was so red from being hit that I didn't want to squeeze it. His mouth was full of blood, so I had to check to make sure she didn't knock a tooth out. It was just that so much blood was coming out that it was filling his mouth. After about 5 minutes it finally stopped bleeding. Shane was a trooper, so I walked him over to Myann and showed her what she did to him. I thought that would have the longest lasting impact. Though Shane reminded her all evening about what she did, so I doubt he'll let her forget any time soon. Who knew baby doll heads were that hard or that Myann was that strong. My goodness!
Random photo: I saw this when I was downloading photos. So this is what Dad does when mom is not around.
Seriously, this is the face I spent the whole day with. And I think I really have the cutest baby, at least that is what I get told all day long :) - so maybe it's the hat.
After we got home, I put Anders down for a nap and I got to do household stuff for 3 hours uninterrupted. Again, pure bliss. So this isn't a typical Wednesday, normally I have lots of errands and running around, but this was a good one. And for those worried about Myann, the middle child, she had this same quality time too. We used to have lots of solo time when Shane was in preschool and before Anders was born. I have been fortunate enough to get alone time with each one.
Rotten Myann story: Myann is not a morning person 90% of the time, so we let her play in her crib for a while in the morning before getting her. Better for her and better for us. Well this morning I heard her on the monitor and she seemed to have woken up happy so I went and got her and brought her downstairs. Shane is a huge morning person, annoyingly so. He loves sunny mornings because the light shining through the windows cast "rainbows" all around the house. So Shane is shouting, "It is a beautiful day and look at all the rainbows." Well he ran into the kitchen and repeated it to Myann and she had a baby doll in her hand which she just whacked Shane in the face with. I looked back to see blood pouring down his face and he was whimpering, not even crying just whimpering. And bless his heart said, "I didn't do anything mom, I just said it was a beautiful day." My heart broke for him, I quickly put Myann in a corner for time out and started to contain the bleeding. It was bad and all I could think was put pressure on his nose, but his nose was so red from being hit that I didn't want to squeeze it. His mouth was full of blood, so I had to check to make sure she didn't knock a tooth out. It was just that so much blood was coming out that it was filling his mouth. After about 5 minutes it finally stopped bleeding. Shane was a trooper, so I walked him over to Myann and showed her what she did to him. I thought that would have the longest lasting impact. Though Shane reminded her all evening about what she did, so I doubt he'll let her forget any time soon. Who knew baby doll heads were that hard or that Myann was that strong. My goodness!
Random photo: I saw this when I was downloading photos. So this is what Dad does when mom is not around.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Maybe our last day in the snow
Well the morning started out rough, but one call to my mom and things got better. I vented and she talked to Myann, which distracted Myann. She had been so clingy all morning, actually all 3 were, so I had all 3 in my lap for most of the morning, which makes me a bit crazy - I like my personal space. After talking to my mom, Anders went down for a nap and I dressed Myann and Shane for the snow. Out we went to play. It actually wasn't too cold and despite a few fights, Shane and Myann played nicely together, while I shoveled. Yes, we have a snowblower, but I still prefer to shovel if I have the time. Shoveling is cathartic, and after that, the rest of my day was wonderful. The kids were a wet mess, amongst all the snow, they were drawn to the downspout where the water was pouring down from the melting snow.
Does this look cool or what?
After undressing my little popsicles, we had hot milk and then naps. So only Myann napped, but Shane and I enjoyed a bit of quiet time.
As for Myann, she has a new trick, stalling at bedtime. She has been building up to this for a while now, I guess I really didn't notice, but now I know she is obviously stalling. One last kiss, one last hug, move the book there, I want a drink, and then taking forever to pick a song and then waiting until I have had enough and put her to bed and then she pleads for a song. Lots of pauses between every request and turning on the most pathetic tears if need be. And she has this very dramatic cry, where she blinks, holding her eyes closed for a long pause, forcing a tear out and then looking away from you and pursing her lips. It is sooooooo pathetic, but really does make you feel bad. She is our master manipulator and I am afraid for what the future holds.
Does this look cool or what?
After undressing my little popsicles, we had hot milk and then naps. So only Myann napped, but Shane and I enjoyed a bit of quiet time.
As for Myann, she has a new trick, stalling at bedtime. She has been building up to this for a while now, I guess I really didn't notice, but now I know she is obviously stalling. One last kiss, one last hug, move the book there, I want a drink, and then taking forever to pick a song and then waiting until I have had enough and put her to bed and then she pleads for a song. Lots of pauses between every request and turning on the most pathetic tears if need be. And she has this very dramatic cry, where she blinks, holding her eyes closed for a long pause, forcing a tear out and then looking away from you and pursing her lips. It is sooooooo pathetic, but really does make you feel bad. She is our master manipulator and I am afraid for what the future holds.
Monday, March 9, 2009
It begins...
the sass that is. Today Shane got yelled at getting into the car because he hit his sister. As we were driving off he told me he was done with Washington and going to Texas because his Grandma was there and she loved him. Great, he is already threatening to leave us for the grandparents, we'll never make it through adolescence.
Today was dental appt day. Shane was perfect, seriously perfect at the dentist office. He was so excited to get more of his wild berry floss, that he was all too happy to please. By the time we left, he had conned the staff out of 5 things of the floss, we might actually have a month's supply, Shane REALLY likes the berry floss and I can't find it in any store. Myann was less cooperative, she did not care for the female assistants. She was happy to talk with them, but they nor any of their tools could go near her mouth. So Myann did not get her teeth cleaned. But the moment the cute male dentist came in, she was all too happy to cooperate with him and opened wide for him to check out her teeth. Anders was his normal smiley happy self and charmed all the ladies in the office. Anders could be the happiest baby ever!
Myann with the mascot bear - she must have given this bear 10 hugs, none on camera of course.
Speaking of Anders, I was holding him today and thinking that I am the luckiest mom ever. I LOVE holding a sleeping baby, and holding Anders is pure bliss. It is so hard to put him down, but since I have two other kids and a household, holding a sleeping baby for very long is not a luxury I have.
Other news, Alex was in the hospital over the weekend. He was released today and all seems to be well, I guess as well as you can be with a tumor growing in your heart, but under the circumstances, he is ok. But waiting for phone calls and not being there is excruciating. I am a family girl all the way, I want to be with my family 24/7, I want to know everything and be a part of everything, so this is brutal. If the week goes well, Alex and his family will be here on Saturday, I can't wait to have them all here and under my roof.
Today was dental appt day. Shane was perfect, seriously perfect at the dentist office. He was so excited to get more of his wild berry floss, that he was all too happy to please. By the time we left, he had conned the staff out of 5 things of the floss, we might actually have a month's supply, Shane REALLY likes the berry floss and I can't find it in any store. Myann was less cooperative, she did not care for the female assistants. She was happy to talk with them, but they nor any of their tools could go near her mouth. So Myann did not get her teeth cleaned. But the moment the cute male dentist came in, she was all too happy to cooperate with him and opened wide for him to check out her teeth. Anders was his normal smiley happy self and charmed all the ladies in the office. Anders could be the happiest baby ever!
Myann with the mascot bear - she must have given this bear 10 hugs, none on camera of course.
Speaking of Anders, I was holding him today and thinking that I am the luckiest mom ever. I LOVE holding a sleeping baby, and holding Anders is pure bliss. It is so hard to put him down, but since I have two other kids and a household, holding a sleeping baby for very long is not a luxury I have.
Other news, Alex was in the hospital over the weekend. He was released today and all seems to be well, I guess as well as you can be with a tumor growing in your heart, but under the circumstances, he is ok. But waiting for phone calls and not being there is excruciating. I am a family girl all the way, I want to be with my family 24/7, I want to know everything and be a part of everything, so this is brutal. If the week goes well, Alex and his family will be here on Saturday, I can't wait to have them all here and under my roof.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Oh Myann, what are we going to do?
Saturday we had dinner with our neighbors, the most awesome neighbors ever by the way. They invited another neighbor family and I had not met the husband before. It was love at first sight for Myann. She instantly began the show for him. She was good and ran off to play with the other kids for a while, but at one point she got hurt and came upstairs looking for comfort. The daughter of the neighbor tried to comfort Myann and Myann pointed across the room and said, "I want her dad". That was it, she was in his arms the rest of the night. Fortunately, he was a good sport and was happy to oblige, but I feel so bad when Myann finds "her person" and refuses to leave their side. Brian doesn't like that I always talk about Myann's affinity for men, but come on, she is man obsessed. The rest of the evening was great and we even lost track of time and stayed past 10:30 pm, with the kids - talk about nuts for us.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Kid funnies
Yesterday Shane woke and said, "Mom, I had a superhero dream. Optimus Prime, my friend, gave me his powers and I could fly. But it was just in my imagination, because when I woke up, my powers were gone."
Myann in the car yesterday, "Jingle Bells, jingle bells, hey, jingle bells, jingle bells hey". So at bed time she asked me to sing jingle bells, I obliged, but was tired and it was the 4th song, so I only sang the first stanza. Then I said good night, she looked at me and put her hands up and said, "Where Dashing through the snow?" I was so busted, but I thought I was good since she never sang those verses during the car ride.
Myann in the car yesterday, "Jingle Bells, jingle bells, hey, jingle bells, jingle bells hey". So at bed time she asked me to sing jingle bells, I obliged, but was tired and it was the 4th song, so I only sang the first stanza. Then I said good night, she looked at me and put her hands up and said, "Where Dashing through the snow?" I was so busted, but I thought I was good since she never sang those verses during the car ride.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Big White
On Wednesday, we drove to Big White (near Kelowna, British Columbia), in a caravan with the Prizemans and Tina. We had really been looking forward to this trip, as it had been a very long time since we had taken a family vacation that wasn't to Texas. The drive was uneventful and beautiful, until we headed up the mountain and then the snow started coming down. The kids were also pretty good until this point and we were all ready to just be there. We rented a 4 bedroom condo in the heart of the village, thank you Sandra for insisting on this. Our location proved to be the best location for a family and our condo worked out perfect for 2 families and even Tina got her own room. Thursday and Friday we enrolled Shane in half day ski school. So Thursday morning we went down to the school area to watch Shane and Tina (snowboarding lessons). The weather was perfect and watching the lessons were great.
Myann even cuted her way into Shane's group for snack time.
In the afternoon, Brian and Todd took Shane and James to ride the mini snowmobiles. According to the guys, the boys loved it and were not too happy when their time was up. They also were apparently not interested in being anywhere near the pink snowmobile. Lastly, we did a dinner out to celebrate Brian's birthday before he left.
Friday, Brian's birthday, he flew to Omaha and I stayed on the couch most of the day sick. The adults cared for me and my kids, thank you guys. After Shane's lesson we stayed around the condo until the evening sleigh ride. The sleigh ride was cold but fun. Each of the tots even had a chance to man the reins.
Saturday, I attempted to ski, but my pinched nerve made it almost impossible, so after 2 runs, I returned to the condo. The skiing was awesome though and I can't wait to go back. We spent the rest of the day ice skating and tubing. Shane has really improved on ice skates since the first time we went, partially due to the walkers they provided.
Tubing was also a hit, except Shane didn't like the concept of passing the tube to the people in front of you in line. He couldn't get enough. Myann looked horrified the entire time down the hill, even saying "I not scared" over and over again, but once we reached the bottom she would say, "Do again."
Saturday night was the kids carnival night with games and characters. The kids loved running around, but it was a bit overwhelming for us adults.
Sunday morning we awoke to snow falling, not good when you are about to drive down the mountain. We packed and headed out. Despite my being sick, hurt, Brian leaving for his Uncle's funeral, and the truck battery dead, we had a wonderful vacation. Big White was beautiful and the kids had a wonderful time. Going with the Prizemans and having Tina was the best way to vacation with kids. The kids loved playing together.
Myann even cuted her way into Shane's group for snack time.
In the afternoon, Brian and Todd took Shane and James to ride the mini snowmobiles. According to the guys, the boys loved it and were not too happy when their time was up. They also were apparently not interested in being anywhere near the pink snowmobile. Lastly, we did a dinner out to celebrate Brian's birthday before he left.
Friday, Brian's birthday, he flew to Omaha and I stayed on the couch most of the day sick. The adults cared for me and my kids, thank you guys. After Shane's lesson we stayed around the condo until the evening sleigh ride. The sleigh ride was cold but fun. Each of the tots even had a chance to man the reins.
Saturday, I attempted to ski, but my pinched nerve made it almost impossible, so after 2 runs, I returned to the condo. The skiing was awesome though and I can't wait to go back. We spent the rest of the day ice skating and tubing. Shane has really improved on ice skates since the first time we went, partially due to the walkers they provided.
Tubing was also a hit, except Shane didn't like the concept of passing the tube to the people in front of you in line. He couldn't get enough. Myann looked horrified the entire time down the hill, even saying "I not scared" over and over again, but once we reached the bottom she would say, "Do again."
Saturday night was the kids carnival night with games and characters. The kids loved running around, but it was a bit overwhelming for us adults.
Sunday morning we awoke to snow falling, not good when you are about to drive down the mountain. We packed and headed out. Despite my being sick, hurt, Brian leaving for his Uncle's funeral, and the truck battery dead, we had a wonderful vacation. Big White was beautiful and the kids had a wonderful time. Going with the Prizemans and having Tina was the best way to vacation with kids. The kids loved playing together.
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