February 29, 2008
A very close friend of mine has suffered a devastating loss. She is grieving and today, my thoughts and words are only for her.
I’m thinking of you.
February 28, 2008
What I’m referring to is Chas’s teeth, the what-seems-like 75th that’s just been twisted out of his mouth. It seems to me that we don’t go a month anymore without him yanking out another baby tooth. And at this point, there’s nothing even remotely babyish about those teeth…he’s pulling out huge, honkin’ molars, giant bones with big, bloody undersides. Teeth that even the Tooth Fairy looks at and goes…”what in the hell am I supposed to do with this thing???”
Now, being 11, Chas understands that there is no true Tooth Fairy, a little wisp of a thing that floats in through his window and lugs off a massive piece of his DNA. He knows it’s us but we still like to play along. And we play along because Rhyse is paying attention, he’s far more excited about those teeth nestled under the pillow, awaiting their pickup. But really, we all know they’re really just anxious for the big pay-off.
And around here, fallen teeth are a gold mine. Like hitting the jackpot. Our Fairy leaves the kids $10.00 per tooth. Yes, I hear your gasps of disapproval, imagine you clutching your chests like I’ve just admitted to throwing newborn pups into a river. But hear me out….
We aren’t super indulge-y with our kids, quite the opposite, in fact. There are no toys purchased in the grocery or at a quick run-in at Target. We say no and we say it very, very often. So, when it comes that there is an opportunity for our kids to make a buck, we let ‘em have it. I mean really…what can you buy for a quarter? Or even a dollar? Not much. But for $10, you can get a book, a few matchbox cars, a used game for your Gameboy at GameStop.
Or you can save it, knowing your wonderful Grandpa will match it if you stick it into the bank. Now you’ve made $20.
So for us, it’s a learning experience, a way for them to get a special little something, while also a rite of passage. Plus, once upon a time we only had a ten and how do you go back to a buck after that???
February 27, 2008
Marriage is about compromise, no? And we definitely subscribe to that philosophy…it’s crucial to live harmoniously and also, sometimes one of us just cares more than the other about an issue. Apparently, music falls under this category…though I had no idea!
The other night, as I was searching for music for my blog, Charlie logged on also and began creating his own music folder (which he labeled “Friggin Good Songs”). I took a peek at Friggin Good Songs yesterday and while I did find some that were no brainers, (”Groove is in the Heart” comes to mind) I was really surprised by his choices! I had never even heard some of the songs he cared enough about to plunk in his folder. And he’s always been good about finding totally obscure but great tunes (”Your Woman” by White Town)…his taste in music is really, really different than mine.
And the reason I don’t automatically know this is because we have very prescribed roles in the car (this is really the only time we’re listening to music together). He drives the vehicle, I drive the stereo. Period. And so we listen to whatever I choose (or whatever Greer will tolerate as she will often bark, “Mommy, I don’t YIKE that song!” from the depths of the car and I will find something more palatable for her little diva ears).
He’s been quietly compromising for years (ummm, 16?), allowing me to tunelessly sing along to Maroon 5 or something equally pop-ish, the whole while probably itching to flip the station to something hip and alternativeish. Soooo…because I do appreciate this small sweet gesture, and because I know he leaves my blog on and listens to my music, I have hijacked some tunes from Friggin Good Songs so he can feel musically satisfied, too.
Added for you: “Modern Love”, “Groove Is In The Heart”, “Send Me On My Way” and the weird one by Live. :) The others I just couldn’t stomach, sorry, love. Have reached compromise quota. Enjoy your songs…
February 26, 2008
The songs that appear on my blog are all there for a reason. Here’s a few:
“Over the Rainbow”- to my family, the five people I cherish the most in this world. Because dreams really do come true.
“You Get What You Give”- for Charlie, I know he loves this song. For giving every bit of you, every day. I look forward to giving back to you for the rest of my life. I love you.
“Yellow”- for my children. “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do.”
“Suddenly I See”- for my daughter, my own beautiful girl. And because I know this song will bring you running to me, wanting to dance.
“Blessed”- for my family and friends who are expecting or dreaming of babies. This one has a special place in my heart, touched me at a difficult time in my life. And I still love it.
“Let It Be”- for my Mom. She knows why it’s special. Have faith, I love you.
“I’m Too Sexy”- for my little sister. The title is explanation enough. XO
“Atomic Dog”- for my oldest friend, Steph. Because it wasn’t THAT long ago, we were just young girls having fun and no matter where we were…a bar, a TG, MY WEDDING, I knew you’d come find me and we’d dance our @$$es off. :)
“Your Woman”-for Charlie. I will never be able to hear this and not think of last night. Thanks for the dance party.
Finally, “I’m Still Standing”. Because I am.
February 25, 2008
February 25, 2008
Chas is quitting basketball. And my usual stance on quitting things is…you don’t. I do believe in teaching my kids the value in making commitments and seeing them through. We’ve never allowed him to quit anything mid-session, mid-season, before…and it has come up…but I’ve never even entertained the idea of letting him quit.
However, I do believe there is some merit in learning “when to say when” and I’d like to teach him that, too. His heart isn’t in it, he’s not enjoying himself…it’s evident to watch him on the court. Games have taken on a torturous feel, we squabble weekly over practices, it’s become a source of contention and anxiety. Frankly, too much energy is being expelled over something that does not bring him a bit of joy. So I say…enough. It was his idea to join, and his idea to quit. We will call the coach and explain. I do feel bad for Chas bailing on the team, but I also think court time should be given to the boys who really want to play. And that’s not my kid.
Here he is at Rhyse’s basketball game proving my point for me. :) He’d rather read a good book than watch the game. You won’t find me complaining about that, I’m just happy he came to us, argued his points, and seems at peace with it all.
February 24, 2008
Every so often, once or twice a month, we are lucky enough to enjoy Date Night. We love Date Night! Our kids love it even more as they are packed off to my mom’s where they are spoiled senseless, fed things I probably don’t want to know about and just loved, loved, loved. Charlie and I had a much-looked-forward-to dinner out with Creux-man (who was on his best behavior all night long), followed by coffee and book browsing at Barnes and Noble. We picked Greer up after…she is an early riser and the boys like having my mom all to themselves for a bit.
It’s always surprising to us when we’re out with just one of the kids, when a stranger will ask, “Is this your first?” It’s downright shocking to hear, and I think…”Isn’t it written all over me somewhere? Can’t you tell that half of my world is missing?” They are such extensions of me, of us, that I suppose I just assume we don’t look completely right when we are out with just the baby. And though we love Date Night, and know better at this point to ALWAYS accept when my mom offers, my life feels re-balanced the moment they walk in the door the following day. I am very grateful to get out with Charlie, to have a break from the nightly grind (we need it), to have uninterrupted conversations (a huge bonus!), a nice dinner and a glass of over-priced wine but…I miss them when they’re gone. The house feels empty, too quiet, their beds deserted where there should be a tangle of arms and legs (it is a rare night to find them in separate beds, they love co-sleeping). So, it’s wonderful the next morning when they come back home, happy, tired, usually carrying new treasures they’ve suckered my mom into giving up or purchasing. We’re refreshed as a family, excited to start a new day together. And my mommy heart is at peace…my babies are back.
February 23, 2008
We thought we forgot snack today at Rhyse’s game. And this is a bigger deal than you might think because, in my humble opinion, these kids play games because they know they’re going to get a snack at the end. That’s how popular Game Snack is. For whatever reason, the bringing of snack does not occur to either Charlie or myself until about five minutes into the game every weekend. He looks at me and says, “Uh, do we have snack today?” Pause. Horrified silence on my part. “Ummm. I don’t know. Maybe. We didn’t have it last week so…???” And make no mistake, this…the Game Snack…falls under my jurisdiction. But my jurisdiction is bursting at the seams, quite honestly, and non-life-threatening issues like game snack have gone the way of…everything else non-life-threatening. Gone. So we do the head-hanging thing of asking the Coach mid-game if we, yes, the same unprepared parents who make it to the game by the skin of our teeth every week, might, maybe, are supposed to be doling out snacks in 35 minutes? He of course didn’t know (it wasn’t HIS week so why should he?) and Charlie ended up leaving to get it just in case. In the end, we didn’t have snack but God knows if we hadn’t left to get it, we would’ve had to slink out the back door before anyone realized that we were the Forgot Snack Parents.
My point in this is to issue a public apology to a fourth-time Mommy who once upon a time forgot Game Snack. I can only imagine what my response had been (probably”it’s fine”) knowing my face said (”how in the world could you forget Game Snack?”) To you….I get it. I only had the boys at the time and not only knew exactly when I had snack but I bought it waaaaay beforehand and had the juices perfectly chilled and probably home-baked whatever I brought. My sincerest apology, Other Mommy of Four, and to the rest of you….be ye not judgemental as you may find yourselves one day apologizing to me in YOUR blog! ;)
We’re off to Chas’ soccer game where we might also have snack. Which we do have but will probably leave sitting by the door.
February 23, 2008
Our Saturdays belong to the boys. We wake up and we prepare for a long day of sport-watching and sport-playing. Mornings begin with a basketball game for Rhyse, bright and early (well, for us 10:00 IS bright and early). He’s a good little defender and knowing Rhyse, that’s not surprising…the more physical contact, the better. Today though, he scored his first basket! So sweet was he, he stood there with his mouth open…couldn’t believe that one of his many shots finally hit pay-dirt! The Kinders are particularly fun to watch as most of them just enjoy chasing another boy around in circles for an hour…which is pretty much how the game goes. Anyhoo…here’s our little guy, proud as can be. Two points for Rhysie!
February 22, 2008
I don’t know how to break this to her but…Greer’s most favorite bag in the world is going to break. What I do know is that this is not going to end well for me.
On Valentine’s Day, we attended a little party with some of our good homeschooling friends to give the kids a chance to exchange valentine’s, get together, play. Each child had a white lunch bag with their name on it that they could decorate with stickers and the other kids would fill it with their valentines. Greer just had a ball, lovingly applying glittery hearts and words to her bag and she was so thrilled to later find it stuffed with all kinds of goodies. She has taken such a liking to this bag and truly embraced making it “hers”. First, she eliminated all the boyish valentines…there was an instanteous ban on Spiderman and Harry Potter. Then she ooh’ed and ahh’ed over all the Disney Princess and Barbie cards she received and kept pulling them out, looking them over, putting them back. And she has taken this bag everywhere for the past 8 days. It’s been car-shopping, out to dinner, clutched in her fist while she sleeps. Unfortunately, it IS a paper sack and all her love has just worn holes right into the bottom of it. Valentines are beginning to peek out, threatening to ruin her mood and my entire evening. I told her, “Greer, I’m not sure your bag is going to last much longer…look, it has a few holes in it.” And she looked at it, rubbed my arm and said, “S’ok Mama, you fix it for Greerie.” Ummm…
I can only hope there is a store nearby clearancing their white bags and glittery stickers.
