Barefoot Children in the Rain

Spring Break

2009-04-06T17:28:00.011-04:00

Spring Break means I have time to update and upload- sorry David that it has been so long since anything new has been posted! This week I will work hard to get the soccer pics and videos up as well as the ones of the Easter egg hunt.

William is spending the night off with a friend for the first time tonight. He is well prepared with 3 stuffed animals, his "Go Dogs" blanket, Bolt, his new favorite movie, and the knowledge they are having pizza tonight. Jackson is having a great time with all this undivided attention and use of all the toys without having to share. A few times, like when dad first got home, Jackson forgot that he wasn't here and went screaming "BUBBA!!!!!!" through the house

More Disney

2008-11-29T17:01:00.012-05:00

We started our adventure by going to the dinner show at the Polynesian- it was fantastic! The show kept the boys entertained, and W actually ate a lot of what was served- the rice, veggies and chicken were all a hit. J didn't eat any of his dinner, but he did eat 3 desserts- chocolate moose volcanos with mango and pineapple sauce.

Boys enjoying the dinner show

On our ride back to the hotel we got to ride it the front of the monorail. Since J thought that was the best ride he went on all week- it was definitely a highlight. Every time a monorail would go by J would yell "MONORAIL!MONORAIL!" which attacked a lot of attention from onlookers, who usually commented about the "big word from a little guy"- if only they knew!

Each day we got to the park as it opened, stayed way beyond normal nap time, came back to the hotel for a nap, had dinner, and headed back to the park until long past bed time. Our second night we went to Epcot and saw the Reflections of Earth show (I think that was the name). We all loved it, but J said it was too loud and hurt his ears, even though during the show he was enthralled. W loved the Norway viking ride and asked all week to go back and do it again.

William shows off the moves he learned at school

Most nights we went back to the Magic Kingdom. It was amazing with all the Christmas lights, the light parade was also spectacular. W and J sat with their mouths hanging open through the whole parade. W named each character- including the fairy godmothers from Snow White (who knew?) and J said "hi" to each passing character. I am posting two short videos that feature the boys, but if anyone wants to see the whole parade, it is pretty cool.

Light Parade with the boys' reactions

We were lucky with most rides at night- the lines weren't too bad, except for Dumbo and Peter Pan, we never had much of a wait. J loved It's A Small World so much, we rode it several times, J felt so comfortable with the the "characters" he said "hi!" "bye" and "good-night" to almost every doll in the ride.

The boys loved the Haunted Mansion as much as their Dad (who opted to ride it by himself rather than ride Small World yet again). We were able to walk right in, and as J said - "it wasn't scary, it was silly scary"

W is a fan of the roller coasters, so our days at the Magic Kingdom were spent gather fast passes and making plans for the major attractions. Since we got there so early everyday, it wasn't much of a problem. And with the rider switch policy, W got to ride most things twice- once with H and once with me. Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean were W favorites. I am sure Space Mountain would have been on the list if he had been tall enough.

Epcot was surprisingly busy. Everyone made a mad dash for the Soarin' and Test Track fast passes. We headed to Soarin' and then rode the Nemo ride and talked to Crush while we waited for our time on Soarin'. It was worth the wait- one that made us late to our lunch reservations at The Coral Reef. We saw huge turtles and fish swim by, and even saw a scuba diver. Great way to spend our lunch break. After lunch it was a visit with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald, then on to test track.

Animal Kingdom was our least favorite- although over all it wasn't bad. The animals were cool, but it was pretty much like a visit to the zoo. The safari was good, as was the Bugs Life movie. Other than that...not much going on. The Dinosaur ride looked really scary, so William passed on it. He was too small for Everest, and Primeval Whirl was not running that day. W and H rode a ride like Thunder River. We had a good time, but it was a slower day and not a park to ride a lot of rides. H and I were both longing to ride Everest, but that will have to wait for one of the guys to reach 44".

Hollywood Studios was CRAZY. H and I planned to split up, he would go get fast passes to Tower of Terror, while the boys and I went to stand in line for Toy Story Mania. WOW!. EVERYONE went to Toy Story. By the time we got there, and we went straight there at the opening, the fast pass line for TS was a 30 minute wait. The line for the ride was outrageous, but I jumped in line anyway. There was no way to wait on H without incurring an additional 30 minute wait, so we went on in. It only took about 30 minutes, great time considering that by the time we got off the wait time was up to 100 minutes and 140 minutes when we were leaving the park. I wish H could have ridden, he would have had a blast, and been better at the arcade style games than me. I could see why it was so popular.

Tower of Terror was great! W and H rode first. It was the first time W got off a ride and didn't want to get back on. I talked him into it (so I could ride) and he was fine. He was still smiling when we got on and off the second time.

William loved Star Tours, I was glad I only had to ride that once.

J got to do a lot at this park too. We went to see Playhouse Disney Live on Stage. Then he got to meet Handy Mandy. I think that was the highlight of his day. Mator and Lightening McQueen were parked at the garage for pictures, and we had lunch at Pizza Planet. It was definitely a movie filled day.

More info and videos later!

Disney!!

2008-11-28T18:16:00.004-05:00

I know - it have been almost 4 months,and no new pics. I can't believe how busy we have been since school started. I WILL be better about this, hopefully. J and W both do and say such amazing things that I want to share, but ... where does the time go?

Before I start posting our Disney pictures and stories, I have to share a short J story.

The other night at dinner H, W and I were talking about the planets and stars and that they were soon going to start a new mission to take astronauts to the moon. J, who had been eating, and not talking much, looked up and said - "But they might fall off."

I said "Who might fall?"

J "They might fall off the moon."

Now to DISNEY WORLD!!! We had a fantastic time, and I know I will have a hard time deciding which ones to pick.

First Day of School

2008-08-04T17:28:00.003-04:00

W's first day of school was today! I wasn't able to take him this morning, but he was all smiles when I picked him up this afternoon. He took me to see his classroom and his seat. He said that he didn't like school, but my teacher friend he waits with in the afternoon said he came down with a big smile and his arm wrapped around someone. He ate all his lunch "except for just a little bit of jelly" (jell-o). He said he did not get in trouble today, although a friend from class last year got in trouble ten times (this is an unverified claim of course).

I also had a terrific first day. I know I am really going to enjoy my classes. I am not used to talking so much in a day, and now I have a terrible sore throat and no voice. Hopefully it will be back before tomorrow's classes!!!!

Balance

2008-08-02T21:05:00.003-04:00

W and I went to the birthday party of a friend who has moved out of town. We had a wonderful time, and it was so good to see our old friends again. I love to watch W play with this family. The two boys are older, and their daughter is younger. W is normally very shy and quiet (in fact he spoke his first words to their father today- we have known them for YEARS), but with these children he cuts loose and yells and screams and will even yell his own directions sometimes. It is wonderful to see this side of him.

Despite this freedom in play, his true nature shins through. When it was time for the pinata, he was ready- stick in hand, in position to pounce. When the candy spilled he dove in and began to pick out the pieces he wanted- one by one. The older kids filled their bags quickly with heaping handfuls and moved on, he continued to hunt for the pieces and flavors that he wanted, careful not to get the gum that he is not allowed to chew. The best moment of the party for me (certainly not for him) was when he and their 2 year old daughter were the only two left at the candy pile. He picked up a lolly pop and turned to her and asked "... do you have a lolly pop yet?" She peered into her bag and he said "here, you can have this one" and gave her the last lolly pop. W loves "pops," they are one of his favorite treats. I am so thankful for his caring, concern and unselfishness. I want that moment to live in my mind forever. When we got home and looked in his bag, he had one lolly pop. I was even more proud.

We are concerned about his lack of aggression, and we fear that he could be "run over" by other kids at school. Had he been a candy grabber, he would have missed the opportunity to share with someone else. I hope that he finds balance for himself that will allow him the opportunities to care lovingly for his neighbors and take care of himself. He seems to have found it- today he got what he wanted, he took nothing that he did not need, and while he missed out on extras, he had enough to share- a balance that we should all strive for.

Where has the time gone

2008-07-29T20:18:00.003-04:00

Wow! I can't believe that tomorrow the week will be half over! We had a wonderful weekend, with a lot of time with the grandparents. The boys and I went to visit Mimi and Papa (Pop-Pop, as J has renamed him) Friday, and Sunday Nana and Grand-D came and spent the day with us. It was nice to wrap up the summer break with family time.

We are all having a hard time adjusting back to the schedule. W is so tired at night that we are putting him to bed at the same time as J- 7:30. They probably need to go to bed even earlier, but we can't seem to manage that and still have time to spend with them in the evening! We are going to work in a trip to the pool tomorrow after I pick them up. We haven't been since before the beach, and W is anxious to go back!

W is looking forward to his Open House, he is counting down the days. We pass his new school each day and he talks about all the things he will see in his new school (the toys and cubbies and books and bathrooms and lunch room and library, etc). I am glad he is so excited. I hope Thursday fuels his excitement.

Phrase Friday

2008-07-25T15:18:00.009-04:00

J's phrase for the week is "I ike tat song" or "I don' ike tat song." Every time anything resembling music can be heard J must make his opinion known. If he really "iks tat song" he will shout "Up peas, Mommy! Up peas!" until it is at the desired volume and dancing ensues.

W's upcoming school is the driving force behind his phrase this week: "...when you were at school?" Everything seems to spur a question about what it was like when I was in school. Yesterday, when we were approaching the school were I teach, he begin to ask questions about my friends and teachers and the physical appearance of my elementary school. One more week before my big guy starts school. Wow!

All most time

2008-07-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

It is almost time for the school year to begin. This beginning is the most difficult. Not because I long to stay home (although I do desperately wish I could take J to work with me), but because this is W first year of "real" school. He will begin pre-k at our neighborhood school- the big building that hold kids as old as eleven! Actually, the school is small, I think only two classes of each grade, but still...it is much larger than the church preschool program that he went to 3 days a week last year.

When did he get so big? I am already a nervous wreck, this list doesn't begin to cover my worries.

He is so shy- will he really speak up when he has a question or a need?
He is such a slow and picky eater- I will pack his lunch each day, but will he have enough time to finish eating? H bought a timer and we have been timing each meal for the 20 minutes he will get at lunch.
Will he make friends?
Will he behave?
Will his teacher see that when he is "dazed" that he isn't not paying attention- he is really trying to see what he can "see" in that object (it took me forever to figure this one out- for example his pile of peas looks like a dog, or if you turn the toy this way it really looks like the sun partially covered with a cloud, etc...I kid you not)

I don't express my worry to him, but he expresses his worries to me. He doesn't want to take mac and cheese or "the best noodles in the world" (the sodium filled $00.15 a pack kind) because he doesn't want to take things that are "long or messy." At lunch the other day I explained that his class will not say the blessing together like they did this year at school, but that he could say the blessing to himself. He said "what if no one else wants to say it, or if they don't want me to say it?" I am not sure where this came from, as he has never been in that situation, but the look of panic was real. I told him he could say it silently in his head if he would rather do that. He nodded and smiled, and his shoulders relaxed. I am not sure if that was what I should have said. I hope the Lord will understand my hesitation in making my child nervous. He will shine his light in non-verbal ways.

We met his teacher- they do home visits for pre-k. She seems really nice and excited about the year. W liked her, although he didn't actually speak to her while she was here. I know he will have a wonderful year, but I can't help but worry.

She doesn't look like a Patty

2008-07-23T15:09:00.000-04:00

W wanted to copy the pineapple face we saw on display at the grocery store. He figured out how many and what fruits we would need. He wanted to place everything himself and leave it as a surprise for Daddy (no doubt to those of you that know Daddy- he don't really like anything on the face...). When everything was finished W decided the face needed a name, and that it looked like a "she." He told me to pick a name. I tried, naming several reasonable names, all with strong "nos" and vigorous head shaking and twice I was told "That is not a name" (although I beg to differ- as would several children I have taught). My last suggestion was "Patty Pineapple." He said "NO, SHE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A PATTY!" Very exasperated with me. I gave up, and repeated my earlier request for him to pick a name........Alealeeya (I spelled it phonetically, I have no idea how it would be spelled A-lea-lee-ya) You decide. Does she look like an Alealeeya? Is Alealeeya a real name?

Cloth Diapers are Awesome!

2008-07-17T21:29:00.000-04:00

I have to sing the praises of cloth diapers! I love cloth diapers! J's diaper rash is gone, and only rears it's ugly head when he sleeps though a wet or dirty diaper. We had to switch to cloth swimmers too. They are fabulous!

Cloth is a little more work. I wash a load every night because the thought of dirties sitting all night freaks me out. And, as I have to remind anyone who keeps him, you actually have to change him when he is wet. What!?! What a concept! With the cloth, that point is emphasized though actually inconvenience to the ones in charge. The diapers will hold one potty with no problem, no leaks, no issues. If you let it go and try and allow a 2nd or 3rd bathroom break to go by, there will be problems. Not that I am perfect, I have allowed a few oopses, but each time I see where I made the error, no an issue with the diapers. And there have been no more leaks than when he used disposables. I did put him in disposables for our car trip. I couldn't tell from my seat when he was wet, so I thought that would be best. Just the few hours in the car were not enough to bring back the rash since he was lathered in cream.

I am so thankful that cloth has come so far from the days of pins and folds. The AIO are a life saver for me and for J!

Swimming Lessons

2008-07-17T10:15:00.000-04:00

W's lessons are finally over. They ended just before we left for vacation. I am not sure what happened this year, beyond he does not like to be told what to do. He loves the water. He loves to swim. He is not afraid, and never has been. Our first 3 days were great. Then, it was like another child took over. He refused to do things, and even said "no" to his instructor. Now, it is not unusual to say no to us, but...He started being passive aggressive, saying that he wanted to swim to the right when he was told to swim to the left. By Friday, we struck a deal with him that is he stayed in the pool through the whole lesson, did not say "no" again and did all things asked without crying for the remaining lessons, he could buy the scooter he wanted. Amazing what bribery will do for you.

He not only did all the requirements listed above, he went above and beyond, asking to do things multiple times. These pics are from the last lesson. We also go some great video!

Reviving Vacation

2008-07-16T13:48:00.000-04:00

We had a fantastic time on vacation! J is still having a difficult time adjusting to being back. The past two days he has asked repeatedly to "go to beach?" "to ocean?" and "to water?" As if asking in multiple ways would increase his odds of a "yes." Or, maybe he is afraid I don't understand exactly what he is trying to ask!

The boys and I left Sunday morning. We took our time. I was determined NOT to get stressed out on this drive. Therefore, our 3 1/2 hour trip took closer to 6- yes 6, hours. We stopped for and hour for lunch (and that was at a place with no playground). An 1 1/2 hours later we stopped again for a snack, at a place with a playground- for another hour. Both these stops were planned. Figuring the playground would be a better place when it wasn't lunch hour. I didn't plan on a full hour at both stops, but we did what worked best.

If you did the math, you will notice that left 30 minutes unaccounted for. That was about 10 minutes for really bad weather and 20 minutes for getting lost on a island that I have been to easily 25 times in my life. A few simple changes in road constructions, and an ill-fated turned due to listening to GPS while stuck in the highly unusual traffic jam...ta-da, I was lost. Luckily, as I pointed out to H as I called to fuss about the GPS: it is a small island, and I thought I knew most of it by heart...surely soon I would pass something I recognized. And, I rationalized, it is an ISLAND- I would have to know if I left it...20 minutes is an eternity when your in-laws are waiting on your arrival, when you have already been in the car for 5 hours, when you KNOW you should know where you are.

We arrived safely and the boys were ecstatic to see Nana and Grand-D. Meano (my sister- we are not sure why J dubbed her with this name) arrived not long after, starting the excitement all over again.

Each day our routine was the same- up at dawn (seriously- never later than 6:30 for J), breakfast, and then we hit the beach until lunch, naps that lasted around 3 hours, dress for dinner, eat and the back to bed.

While our routine was the same each day, the house guest rotated. Nana, Grand-D and us were the constants. Meano had to head back home Tuesday, but Sam's sister along with her husband and, to the boys' delight, their cousin P arrived Tuesday night! P is between W and J's age and a perfect playmate. H arrived Wednesday afternoon. We were disappointed this year that H's brother and his wife and twins couldn't come this year. We will be hopeful for next year.

W wanted all the boys to sleep in the same room- he had been planning that since day one. We were unsure how that would work since none of ours had ever shared a room with anyone. Turns out they were so tired every night that it worked perfectly!

We built sand castles and rail road tracks, went fishing with nets (Scout, however only lasted about 1 1/2 hours in his pail of ocean water), and rode numerous waves. We saw jellyfish, crabs, and a bonnet head shark (i think that is what the guy who caught it said it was). He was fishing right near where we were swimming. When he reeled it in, it was about the size of W (just over 3 1/2 ft)! They boys thought that it was awesome. The fisherman let him go and helped him back into the current. J kept trying to get down to touch it and kept shouting "my shark! my shark!" At least they weren't fearful of getting back into the water.

We made friends with a family from Texas whom W fished with the first day, before getting their own nets. The day before they left, this sweet family showed us their hand prints covered in shells that they made using the sand as a mold. They offered us the materials and gave us a quick tutorial. The next day, after a few missed trails, we decided that for our boys feet may do better than hands (their fingers were just too small, and movements too uncoordinated). We ended up with adorable molds of their feet with beautiful shells. It wasn't difficult to do, I hope to make it a tradition.

Nana and Grand-D were kind enough to keep the guys while we went to dinner one evening. It was refreshing to go to a restaurant without a high chair in sight. We were able to visit without interruption. It is easy to forget what that is like!

Overall a refreshing and revitalizing vacation. Enjoy the pictures.

My Best Shot Monday

2008-06-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

These are pics from yesterday after church. I have no idea how to "fix" anything using software- but I vow to learn, eventually. I am also learning how to use my "new" camera (well, new to me). It has great functions and features that I have no idea how to utilize, but I will learn that too. So, go easy on me...

wii fit fun

2008-06-29T18:29:00.000-04:00

Friday night a surprise package arrived! I get as excited about mail as my boys, so we couldn't wait to open it. H ordered a wii fit. As with all video game purchases, I was a little disappointed. I do not like video games. Not so much out of principal as out of boredom.

I was proven wrong this weekend. We have had so much fun! We played late into the evening Friday, A LOT on Saturday, and most of the afternoon today. Everyone has taken turns playing the balance and aerobic games, and H and I have also tried our hand at yoga and the strength training exercises.

Last night, after the boys went to bed, we looked at out "time" for the day and calculated that was at least one movie and 3 cartoons that we were not begged to watch. In fact, until our current "movie night" taking place as I speak, I am not sure if an entire show has been watched this weekend. How wonderful!

Phrase Friday

2008-06-27T08:36:00.000-04:00

Our house is full of fun phrases this week.

J's favorites: "My do." He wants to do everything by himself. It is followed by "I did it!" He runs around the house shouting "I did it! I did it!" raising his hands up in victory- even if he wasn't actually victorious. He was victorious on Wednesday when he said he had to go potty- it was only a little, but boy was he excited. He sat there shouting "I did it! I did it!" We all ran around the house shouting "you did it! you did it!" We aren't pushing the potty training since he isn't 2 yet, but we will definitely take it!

My favorite: "Excuse me!" I am not sure how this phrase was learned by J, other than though example. We have worked on "please, thank you, your welcome, yes/no ma'am/sir" but "excuse me" wasn't something I had focused on very much yet. The other night I was getting something out of the fridge when J wanted to walk by. "Excuse me, Mommy!" rang out loud and clear! It shows they do learn by example, including the good stuff. I have now heard this phrase appropriately over and over through out the week. W has impeccable manners, and I know it is his influence over his little brother that has lead J to develop such wonderful manners.

"We are doing our hair!" Said in unison and ina huff as I opened my bathroom door to my boys with my hair drier, straightener, curling iron, and brushes out of the drawers and in their hands (all unplugged of course).

"I want a fun-over." W explained to me this is when a friend comes over just to have fun. (I guess as opposed to planned activities, like at parties?)

Gender Genetics

2008-06-26T08:37:00.000-04:00

My parents were wrong. I was raised listening to "Free to Be, You and Me." I was raised to believe that gender roles were taught and learned. My parents were wrong. I started to sense that maybe they were mistaken when my first boy was born. He came into the world knowing that a toy car went "vroom," one of his first words was "ball," and he was fearless- about everything. When boy two arrived, I had no doubt that there are just some difference that are standard issue. By J, I had given up trying to always produce a clean passie each time one fell. I would get funny looks when a quick swipe under the water (or with my shirt) was enough to satisfy me- stating to horrified onlookers: "They eat dirt."

Boy humor is also very different. My two were born thinking that all bodily functions and noises are funny. I, who was raised with one sister, am still appalled when burping at the table is not only funny, but becomes a contest filled with giggles. I can only hope that each time I tell them it is not funny and that we do not burp at the table, they are learning that we do not burp at the table with others around. The same goes with gas- where did they learn that it is funny? And even funnier if you are sitting on someone while you toot? It wasn't from me (of course I have a sneaking suspicions that maybe Daddy is teaching them these things in secret).

Their fearlessness is incredible. No tower is too high, ride too fast, or water too deep. There is no fear. This manifest itself in battle wounds constantly- usually, but not limited to, the face region. All appendages have scratches, scrapes and bruises constantly. Our latest wound came this weekend when J "gave" W his cup, at high speed, when W didn't know it was coming. This resulted in a gash right above W's eyebrow that gushed blood throughout the day and allowed him to sport a Batman band-aid on his face.

The only place they show fear is with people outside of their tiny circles. I am glad they have a healthy fear of strangers, but sometimes their anti-social behavior is a little embarrassing!

My parents were wrong. They were just lucky that their two girls were the exceptions. I loved mud, car, and tress, as long as I could wear a dress while playing. My sister was athletic and the ultimate tomboy- who sported Shirley Temple curls.

I know roles can be taught, I know there are exceptions, and I know that all children are different, but I also know that sometimes boys are born boys. I know I can teach them manners. I can teach them to love one another. I can teach them to be kind. I can teach them to love the Lord. I also now know that grown men all over the world stifle giggles when a foul smell wafts through a business meeting.

First Braves Game

2008-06-24T18:22:00.000-04:00

Last night W and I met my sister and a friend in Atlanta for his first Braves Game! He played on the Braves team this year, and we have been avidly watching the college world series, so he was up for some live, major league, baseball fun.

We had great seats in the outfield, but W struggled because he couldn't see the batter "berry well." He did a lot of people watching, and taking us, in turn, up and down the stairs on various quest. Luckily we were on the aisle.

It was well past his bedtime when we made it back to the car, but he stayed up with me talking until we were at least an hour outside of Atlanta. I was shocked. This morning he was bright eyed and bushy tailed, while I was dragging, even though I only lost 1 1/2 hours sleep, and he was going on 3 hours less- go figure!

Family Fun Night

2008-06-19T20:58:00.000-04:00

This afternoon the boys and I went swimming. As usually it was fun and frolicking in the water for hours. They were about ready to call it a day (even though they wouldn't readily admit it) when Daddy showed up! You could hear both of them screaming "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" across the pool, and probably near the 18th green. What a wonderful treat to get to show off all their tricks for Daddy!

They jumped in and swam, and jumped in and swam, and jumped again. J would swim from Daddy to me and say "Daddy back!" (I want to swim back to daddy.) As soon as he would get there "Mommy back!" and he would dive in the water before he had a chance to catch a breath.

Neither one of them could wait their turn to jump into Daddy's arms from the side of the pool. They would rush to the side to jump out and back in as fast as their legs and the "no running" rule would let them.

All of W swimming lessons from last year have flooded back and he is swimming underwater like a pro and is remembering to move his arms and legs at the same time! He is regaining all the confidence in the water that I remember from last year. He will start lessons next week, I am glad he has had time to get back to where he left off before the lessons begin.

We didn't get home until after 7- J's bedtime is promptly7:30, and he will not let you forget it. When I was rocking him, I asked if he had fun at the pool. "Yeaaah." If he had fun with Daddy. "yeaaah." If he had fun with Mommy "Yeaaah." Then, as if he could sense my wondering - Was he really answering the questions, or was he answer based on the tone of my voice?- he said "Bubby fun too." Followed by a recap "Daddy fun, Mommy fun, Bubby fun, me fun too." Satisfied, he reached for the crib.

Phrase Friday

2008-06-13T16:11:00.000-04:00

I can't promise that I can keep up with these theme days, but I will try...

The phrase around our house this week, other than the most resent "Where's Bubby?" (that can be heard shrilling through the house at any given moment since W left for Nana's), is:

"Show Me."

This two word phase means a variety of things to J. At first I was so glad to hear such clear words. There was no mistaking what he was saying. The only problem was it took me a minute to figure out what he meant. No one was trying to show him anything at the moment he stomped his feet and first demanded "SHOW ME!"

He open the pantry and stood reaching, on his tip toes, "Show me! Show me!" I picked him up and he showed me the cereal bars he loves.

I thought I had the new phrase figured out until after dinner he stomped in the middle of the living room "Momma, show me, show me, show me!" with his arms held high in the air. Easy enough to figure out - pick me up.

Got it- let me show you and pick me up.

Until bed time, when I was met with another "Show me, Momma." We were walking toward his bedroom. The soft sweet voice could only mean- hold me. It was followed with my favorite- "wok, wok, peas" (rock, rock, please)

The Moon Song

2008-06-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

W is visiting with Nana and Grand D for a few days. He is having a blast! J and I miss him terribly, and neither of us know exactly what to do with ourselves when he is not around.

Each night our bedtime routine is:
I read a book
Daddy reads a book
W and I set his "Moon in My Room" to the exact phase as the moon outside (even if it is too early to see the moon)
We sing The Moon Song
We say prayers
I tuck him in

Each night he has been gone, W and I still sing The Moon Song over the phone before bed (well, before I go to bed- I have a strong suspicion that he is still awake of many moments to come). I don't know the real name, but my mom sang it to Anna and I growing up, and that was our name for it too.

I am thankful that he feels so confident in his surrounding love that even before a year old, he has enjoyed sleeping away at Nana and Grand D's. And I am thankful he enjoys coming home!

Underwater Painting

2008-06-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I gather up my supplies, purchased the missing necessities and began a new painting. I have not pick up a brush in over 3 years. I started a few small, unfinished, unsuccessful painting when W was an infant, but I never could find the time I needed to really work. As he got older, the time never arrived. Once he could walk any hope of leaving anything out vanished. Then, along came J. I love my children much more than I love painting, but I am glad I no longer have to chose. I set up an easel on our back porch and used nap time over the weekend to start working.

I have begun a painting of J swimming underwater. Yes, he is truly swimming underwater this year. It is awesome to watch. His confidence in himself, in me, and in the water. The lack of any trace of fear. Only pure joy in the weightlessness and freedom of the water. I hope I can capture all of this in a single depiction.

Until I began, I forgot why I held the longing for a brush. I only remembered I did. Once I began, it flooded back to me. The smells and sounds and powers of color. The weightlessness and freedom that comes with oils. The ability to commit to canvas and them wash it all away in a few strokes.

I had so much fun washing away and beginning again that I didn't commit too much in my first swimming lesson. I did get the water color perfected and the position of J's torso and arms. I recalled techniques and preferences that I had repressed. Now, for finding time to continue.

Cloth Diapers

2008-06-08T20:45:00.000-04:00

My little J has a terrible time with diaper rash. We have tried all kinds of diapers and ALL kinds of creams (from discount bargain brands to $200 prescriptions) - nothing works. This week I ordered cloth diapers. AIO (All-in-ones) . They look and use just like disposable, you just wash them instead of throwing them away. My DH is very hesitant, but I am hopeful. I have used them most of the weekend and so far, so good! We have had two minor leaks. One last night- my fault - ran out without the diaper bag, and ended up spending an hour away instead of the 10 minutes I planned. And one today at church. He leaks there most weekends anyway-I am not going to talk about THAT right now.

He has to go back to a sitter for another 2 weeks. I am going to address the diapers with her tomorrow. Hopefully since all I am asking for in the dirties to be thrown in my laundry bag rather than the trash, all will be ok.

DH was gone all weekend for a golf trip with the guys. This is of course when all that can go wrong (that he could fix) will hence, the hour out of the house last night... more on that tomorrow. I am off to PAINT!

Fred is Dead

2008-06-03T22:11:00.000-04:00

Fred the fish is dead. Saturday afternoon W and I added our new fish to the tank (after equalizing the water temperature and stuff). New fish received several names...in the car ride home, he was Comet. Once we arrived home, he was Harry. Sam suggested Oscar the Shark Slayer. I guess he would see something in that little fish we could not. The two fishy friends seemed to get along great all evening.

Sunday morning no one could find Fred. At school Fred liked to hide inside a "log," I was hoping he was hiding inside the sunken ship. During breakfast we discussed the fish may be playing hide-and-seek. I tried to convince W that Fred went home to a lake or a river. He informed me there was no water for Fred to travel in- oh well- it was worth a try.

When we got home from church and there was still no Fred, there was no doubt that not only was Fred dead, apparently he was also eaten by Oscar the Shark Slayer. W handled all this really well. He was a little sad, but over all I was impressed. We handled it as part of nature and didn't dwell too much on what happened. We did decided that Oscar the Shark Slayer will have the whole tank to himself from here on out.

I hope my garden survives better than our first fish...so far so good with the plant life...

Exhausted

2008-05-31T20:00:00.000-04:00

Our summer break started with what I fear will set the tone for the next two months- busy. Two of our closest friends had birthday parties today, and we had a t-ball game between them. After our 2nd party W and I also had to drive to the next town to buy a new goldfish. I know nothing about fish. I had to purchase one for project at in my biology class. The fish survived and survived 2 1/2 weeks in my classroom, so I brought him home. W decided Fred the Fish was lonely and needed a friend. I hope we can keep every one alive.

Our first party was at a playground and a blast for all the kiddies. We were sad to have to be the first to leave in order to make it to the field in time.

W did fantastic at T-ball today, he never had to use the Tee! Up until now we have had to pull it out for at least one of his turns at bat. Papa came to see the game. That made W's day!

Our second party started out a little rough. W was so tired he could hardly play. It was at an indoor bouncy playground. He just kept wandering in circles. Eventually he found his grove and his purpose for the day- the birthday girl's little sister! They walked hand-in-hand everywhere and played together for most of the party. I can't wait to see all this pictures that her mom snapped!

I had decided to try and pick up painting again this summer. While we were out fish shopping, I picked up a few basic supplies. I really miss it. I think that if I can paint a little while the boys play outside each morning then I should have enough time to at least practice a little.

Space

2008-05-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

As I was thinking about what to use this space for, I realized all the things I can't use it for- which was refreshing. I can't use this space to gossip, to tell too many stories about my students, nor to express my anger or irritation with an individual or a short term problem. Anything I write can be conjured up again. I often have a quick and sharp tounge. This space will help me focus on my family, issues that are important to me and a lot of positive thoughts. I tell my students that there are things that you say and do that can be apologized for, but can fully be taken back. When I reflect on the openness of this forum, that is important to remember.

For Starters

2008-05-24T17:01:00.000-04:00

For starters- I know I do not have time for this, but I have been encouraged by Nat, so I will give it a try. It is intriguing to know that someone else might read what I have to say. I warn you: it will be about my boys, my husband, and school, so I can't guarantee how enthralling it will be!

This year I wanted a garden, but was scared due to my black thumb. I picked a few things to grow in pots because that didn't seem as intimidating as "the real thing." Those vegetables survived, so today I transferred them, a long with some new plants to a real garden, in the dirt, in our back yard. Wish me luck! I know it is late in the season for the new plants, hopefully they will make it.