watched our friend Grant try an unorthodox method!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Clean up
watched our friend Grant try an unorthodox method!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Two Little Monkeys and a Lost Princess
Yesterday was not the quiet day I anticipated!
It started out well. The kids and I got up at a reasonable time - early enough to fit in breakfast and lunch before pre-school! We hung out at home and I made a decision that might just save my sanity.
When I went back to work I decided that I would not do chores or work while the kids were with me, because the little time we had should be quality time with mum. Since I have been spending "naptime" (1-4pm) at pre-school with Emma, and evenings with the family, that has meant no time for chores!
If you know me [at all!] you know I do like to have a tidy and somewhat clean environment and clean clothes! So this has not been going well for my anxiety level. As I surveyed the crumby carpet and grubby floors I realized the kids should know that the house does need to be cleaned! (See where I'm going?!).
And so I cleaned around them playing, taking a break here and there to play or feed! And all three of us had a great morning.
Toby went for a nap at noon, and Nanna came over to be there while I took Emma to pre-school. She was excited again, and it makes me so happy to see her so confident and independent!
After she sat in her chair in the classroom I asked the teachers if they wanted me to stay and they said absolutely not, they were fine. Happily I left to go home - which is only 5 minutes away!
I was able to get some work done while Toby slept, and Nanna got to go home and do the same!
After school Toby and I went to pick up Emma, and stood out in the rain waiting for her. Doing that all Winter will be great!!
We cam home and the kids played with Scott while I made dinner. He took them upstairs to get them out of my hair - raw chicken and toddlers do not mix!
Around 5.30pm, I was headed to the bathroom when I heard an almighty thud and then crying. Both kids were jumping on the bed, Emma landed close to the edge and as the mattress bounced her up she toppled over and landed face first on the hardwood floor.
She was inconsolable for about 10-15 minutes, until we put Cinderella on the TV! Throughout the evening she was fine, not sleepy despite having had no nap - we were watching for signs of a concussion! However, she developed a large bump on the forehead, mercifully hidden by her hair, but also one half of her top lip tripled in size.
Because Emma can't move that lip, it has not impacted her speech, and the fact that it is immobilized should allow it to heal faster.
We had friends over last night so the kids were up until after 9pm. Bedtime was awash with tears, not least because we could not find Emma's beloved Sleeping Beauty doll and bedtime companion. Three adults looked high and low but could not find the lost princess.
Emma eventually compromised and accepted Jasmine as a substitute. Later we found SB under the back of the sofa!
Emma slept in our bed so I could keep an eye on her after the head trauma. She did well and was so tired she barely moved.
We were all woken around 2am by Toby screaming until Scott went and got him, and let him join us. Emma woke up and rather than being sluggish and disoriented, immediately and clearly said "Did you find Sleeping Beauty?" I truly believe that girl has supernatural strength!
Roll on the weekend!
It started out well. The kids and I got up at a reasonable time - early enough to fit in breakfast and lunch before pre-school! We hung out at home and I made a decision that might just save my sanity.
When I went back to work I decided that I would not do chores or work while the kids were with me, because the little time we had should be quality time with mum. Since I have been spending "naptime" (1-4pm) at pre-school with Emma, and evenings with the family, that has meant no time for chores!
If you know me [at all!] you know I do like to have a tidy and somewhat clean environment and clean clothes! So this has not been going well for my anxiety level. As I surveyed the crumby carpet and grubby floors I realized the kids should know that the house does need to be cleaned! (See where I'm going?!).
And so I cleaned around them playing, taking a break here and there to play or feed! And all three of us had a great morning.
Toby went for a nap at noon, and Nanna came over to be there while I took Emma to pre-school. She was excited again, and it makes me so happy to see her so confident and independent!
After she sat in her chair in the classroom I asked the teachers if they wanted me to stay and they said absolutely not, they were fine. Happily I left to go home - which is only 5 minutes away!
I was able to get some work done while Toby slept, and Nanna got to go home and do the same!
After school Toby and I went to pick up Emma, and stood out in the rain waiting for her. Doing that all Winter will be great!!
We cam home and the kids played with Scott while I made dinner. He took them upstairs to get them out of my hair - raw chicken and toddlers do not mix!
Around 5.30pm, I was headed to the bathroom when I heard an almighty thud and then crying. Both kids were jumping on the bed, Emma landed close to the edge and as the mattress bounced her up she toppled over and landed face first on the hardwood floor.
She was inconsolable for about 10-15 minutes, until we put Cinderella on the TV! Throughout the evening she was fine, not sleepy despite having had no nap - we were watching for signs of a concussion! However, she developed a large bump on the forehead, mercifully hidden by her hair, but also one half of her top lip tripled in size.
Because Emma can't move that lip, it has not impacted her speech, and the fact that it is immobilized should allow it to heal faster.
We had friends over last night so the kids were up until after 9pm. Bedtime was awash with tears, not least because we could not find Emma's beloved Sleeping Beauty doll and bedtime companion. Three adults looked high and low but could not find the lost princess.
Emma eventually compromised and accepted Jasmine as a substitute. Later we found SB under the back of the sofa!
Emma slept in our bed so I could keep an eye on her after the head trauma. She did well and was so tired she barely moved.
We were all woken around 2am by Toby screaming until Scott went and got him, and let him join us. Emma woke up and rather than being sluggish and disoriented, immediately and clearly said "Did you find Sleeping Beauty?" I truly believe that girl has supernatural strength!
Roll on the weekend!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Common Question
Probably the most common question Christians are asked is "If God is so loving, why does he allow good things to happen to bad people, or bad things to happen to good people?"
I think the basic answer is because God allowed. He gave us all free-will, to make choices, to be all that he made us to be, or not. We may never know what specific choices lead to some of our circumstances, maybe it was someone else's choices that impacted our life.
We see it all the time, where decisions made have repercussions many years down the road, while they seemed "right" at the time.
Today I read this devotional and I think it gives a clear picture of our relationship to a loving, and just God.
I think the basic answer is because God allowed. He gave us all free-will, to make choices, to be all that he made us to be, or not. We may never know what specific choices lead to some of our circumstances, maybe it was someone else's choices that impacted our life.
We see it all the time, where decisions made have repercussions many years down the road, while they seemed "right" at the time.
Today I read this devotional and I think it gives a clear picture of our relationship to a loving, and just God.
This is the crisis we're in: God's light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness ... because they were not really interested in pleasing God. John 3:19 (Msg)
The horrific mass murder of innocent Americans on 9/11 left all rational people shocked, angry, grief-stricken and numb. Our tears flowed freely and our hearts carried a deep ache.
With pain is so heartfelt and so personal, it’s only natural to ask, Why does God allow such evil to happen? If God is so great and so good, why does he allow human beings to hurt each other?
The answer lies in what is both our greatest blessing and our worst curse: our capacity to make choices. God has given us a free will. Made in God's image, he has given us the freedom to decide how we will act and the ability to make moral choices. This is one asset that sets us apart from animals, but it also is the source of so much pain in our world. Every one of us is capable of making selfish, self-centered or even evil choices. Whenever that happens, people get hurt.
Sin ultimately is selfishness. I want to do what I want, not what God tells me to do. Unfortunately, sin always hurts others, not just ourselves.
God could have eliminated all evil from our world by simply removing our ability to choose. He could have made us puppets -- marionettes on strings that he pulls. By taking away our ability to choose, evil would vanish.
But God doesn't want us to be puppets. He wants to be loved and obeyed by creatures who freely, voluntarily choose to love him and each other. Love is not genuine if there is no other option.
Yes, God could have kept the terrorists from completing their suicidal missions. He could have short-circuited their ability to choose their own will instead of his. But, to be fair, God also would have to do that to all of us. While you and I aren't terrorists, we do hurt others with our own selfish decisions and actions.
In a world of free choices, God's will is rarely done! Doing our own will is much more common -- much easier. Don't blame God for the tragedy of 9/11. Blame people who ignored what God says to do: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
In heaven, God's will is done perfectly. That's why there is no sorrow, pain or evil there. But this is earth, a fallen, imperfect place. We must choose to do God's will every day. It isn't automatic. That is why Jesus told us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
The Bible explains the root of evil: "This is the crisis we're in: God's light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness ... because they were not really interested in pleasing God" (John 3:19, Message). We're far more interested in pleasing ourselves than we are in pleasing the one who made us.
Many other questions race through our minds during dark days, but the answers will not come from pollsters, pundits or politicians. We must look to God and his Word for comfort and direction, for answers to our questions. We must humble ourselves and admit that each of us often chooses to ignore what God wants us to do.
I suspect houses of worship across America have been packed this weekend, as they were the weekend after 9/11. In times of crisis we cry out to connect with our Creator. The urge is deep-seated and universal. The first words uttered by millions on Sept. 11, 2001, were, "Oh, God!"
We were made for a relationship with God, but he waits for us to choose him. He is ready to comfort, guide and direct us through our grief. But the choice is ours.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Back to school
a brief "good.". Nothing more, nothing less.
We took it as a good sign that she did not actively dislike it, nor
say she did not want to return - you know she would!!
So it was a pleasant surprise when she danced about and leapt on to
Nanna's lap singing about going back to school today.
She was excited to remember her teachers names, but added "I don't
remember my friends names :-( , but they're still my friends!"
As we walked along the sidewalk to the doors she danced and sang. She
could not wait to run up the ramp to get inside.
She was even less concerned about me leaving, and was excited when I
came back a half hour later, as I met her occupational therapist
Lorraine, in the classroom.
Lorraine came to assess the environment for any modifications Emma
might require.
Emma went potty by herself. She played with the other kids. Then she
ate crackers with the other kids, and drank water from a small, but
open, cup.
When the other kids were done and Emma polished off a lot of crackers
we told her she didn't need to finish the water. The other kids were
getting books out and sitting together.
She assured us that she wanted to finish the water, and she did! I
was amazed - I have to nag her to drink at home.
Her teacher relayed a story from last week. When all the kids sat on
the rug Indian-style (cross legged) Emma told the teacher she wanted
to sit on her knees. Not knowing any better she agreed, assuming she
was not able.
The same thing happened during story time. But later she observed
Emma sitting cross legged playing. She realized she had been duped!!
Lorraine and I observed circle time. Emma did great with the
interaction but fidgeted with everyone else and was a big attention
seeker! I later told the teacher "don't give her any special
attention - she knows better!"
All seems to be going well and we are hopeful that I can drop her off
and leave like everyone else soon!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Princess Party
Yesterday was Emma's friend Abby's 4th birthday party. We headed over the river to New Jersey for a special Princess Party.
Emma was excited for several reasons:
Emma was excited for several reasons:
- To see Abby
- To go to a party
- To dress as a princess
But the ultimate surprise was to come later, after the girls watched a short princess movie, a special guest arrived...
Abby's babysitter had fashioned a Belle (of Beauty and the Beast) costume. All the girls were awestruck, but only my Emma continued to find her voice. Every question "Belle" asked the birthday girl, Emma chimed in to answer.
She was fascinated by the princess and had a great time. She even ate a banana and strawberry cream cheese sandwich!
With Emma's birthday just two months away, it really gave us food for thought on what we could do for her party. And some really delicious princess cupcakes!!
Abby's babysitter had fashioned a Belle (of Beauty and the Beast) costume. All the girls were awestruck, but only my Emma continued to find her voice. Every question "Belle" asked the birthday girl, Emma chimed in to answer. She was fascinated by the princess and had a great time. She even ate a banana and strawberry cream cheese sandwich!
With Emma's birthday just two months away, it really gave us food for thought on what we could do for her party. And some really delicious princess cupcakes!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Silent Night
Emma's favorite bedtime song is Silent Night. She always asks if we can sing two bedtimes songs and, if you say yes, she asks for "two Silent Nights".
Here's how it went tonight:
Me: Silent night... (italics means I'm singing - I can't hold a tune for anything, but Emma likes it!)
Em: Can I sing with you?
Me: sure.
Both: Holy Night. All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin...
Em: There's no drink in here.
Me: Mother and Child.
I'll get you one.
Holy infant...
Em: I want ice in it.
Me: ...so tender and mild.
okay
Sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Here's how it went tonight:
Me: Silent night... (italics means I'm singing - I can't hold a tune for anything, but Emma likes it!)
Em: Can I sing with you?
Me: sure.
Both: Holy Night. All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin...
Em: There's no drink in here.
Me: Mother and Child.
I'll get you one.
Holy infant...
Em: I want ice in it.
Me: ...so tender and mild.
okay
Sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Friday Fun
Today was another one of those days. I could not get myself out of bed this morning, so we ended up running late to get Emma to speech therapy.
I'm quick to realize how unreasonable it is for me to expect the kids to respond to my hurried pleas that we are late, when Emma says to me "why are you being mean?"
"I'm not honey..okay I am, I'm sorry, but please could you pee a little quicker!"
As Emma sits on the potty she asked me about the new top I was wearing. Then she pulled her own t-shirt so that one side of the neckline was "off the shoulder" and said (this is great!) "have you ever done this? Sarah* wears her shirts like this!" (*Sarah is not the name she used for a friend of mine in her twenties - name changed to protect her rep.!)
I later commented to Scott, even three year olds watch what women wear and as is the standard with kids, will pick up on the most controversial things you do, be it language, dress or attitude!
After therapy, a brief visit at Nanna's to pick up Toby, it was home for lunch. Both kids were tired after yesterday evening (more on that later!)
After nap they were hilarious. At one point Toby was trying to tell Emma something and added very grown-up gesturing to his indistinguishable baby babble. I had to turn the camera on him when he started getting schreechy...
Scott was working late, so Nick Jr. and I tried to keep the kids amused. At some point Toby realized he can move the ottoman by himself (I don't think Emma can yet!) and shoved it up against the TV stand.
The two of them climbed up to get a closer view of things.
Then a song came on and the kids started to dance together. It was too cute to let it pass and I snuck away to grab the camera...
I wish I could have recorded them all day today as they were playing together and being totally adorable. However, Toby will freeze or run if the camera comes out, so I have to be sneaky. Unless, it's something he wants to show-off like last night...
This is his new fun thing to do!
I'm quick to realize how unreasonable it is for me to expect the kids to respond to my hurried pleas that we are late, when Emma says to me "why are you being mean?"
"I'm not honey..okay I am, I'm sorry, but please could you pee a little quicker!"
As Emma sits on the potty she asked me about the new top I was wearing. Then she pulled her own t-shirt so that one side of the neckline was "off the shoulder" and said (this is great!) "have you ever done this? Sarah* wears her shirts like this!" (*Sarah is not the name she used for a friend of mine in her twenties - name changed to protect her rep.!)
I later commented to Scott, even three year olds watch what women wear and as is the standard with kids, will pick up on the most controversial things you do, be it language, dress or attitude!
After therapy, a brief visit at Nanna's to pick up Toby, it was home for lunch. Both kids were tired after yesterday evening (more on that later!)
After nap they were hilarious. At one point Toby was trying to tell Emma something and added very grown-up gesturing to his indistinguishable baby babble. I had to turn the camera on him when he started getting schreechy...
Scott was working late, so Nick Jr. and I tried to keep the kids amused. At some point Toby realized he can move the ottoman by himself (I don't think Emma can yet!) and shoved it up against the TV stand.
The two of them climbed up to get a closer view of things.
Then a song came on and the kids started to dance together. It was too cute to let it pass and I snuck away to grab the camera...
I wish I could have recorded them all day today as they were playing together and being totally adorable. However, Toby will freeze or run if the camera comes out, so I have to be sneaky. Unless, it's something he wants to show-off like last night...
This is his new fun thing to do!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
First Day of School
The day started out slow. My intention was to get up early, have the kids up relatively early (so Toby would be napping before we left for school at noon) and spend good time with the kids.
Intention is worthless without action!! This was us at 9am...
Emma woke up shortly after, full of beans...
while Toby slept through us talking until 9.20am. 12pm nap out the window!!
I was definitely more anxious than she was, worrying about making a good impression with the other moms (whom I was too shy to approach!), and ended up rushing around because we got up so late!
Nanna arrived at noon to stay with Toby, and Emma and I got ready to leave...
It was pouring rain, but as we waited in the car, Emma was nonplussed!
As soon as the door opened she was through it, before any of the other kids hit the pathway...
Emma took a seat at the table, where (cleverly) playdoh awaited. She asked me if I was staying and I said "for a bit, but then I was leaving." She asked where I was going and I said "I'll wait in the car." After about 30 seconds she told me I could "go now"!
I don't think she even watched me leave...
I spent the next two hours on a sofa in the church lobby, reading. It was the best chance I have had to read lately, it was great!
About a half hour before school was due to end, I took a peak through the door. She was playing by herself, as most kids were, and then went over to the table to do the craft.
Then I went to wait outside with the other parents, and Scott joined me. Emma was the first one out the door and said she had a good time. When I asked what she did, she responded with "circle time, I ran, jumped and then I came home."
She does want to go back - that's a win!
Intention is worthless without action!! This was us at 9am...
Emma woke up shortly after, full of beans...
while Toby slept through us talking until 9.20am. 12pm nap out the window!!I was definitely more anxious than she was, worrying about making a good impression with the other moms (whom I was too shy to approach!), and ended up rushing around because we got up so late!
Nanna arrived at noon to stay with Toby, and Emma and I got ready to leave...
It was pouring rain, but as we waited in the car, Emma was nonplussed!
As soon as the door opened she was through it, before any of the other kids hit the pathway...
Emma took a seat at the table, where (cleverly) playdoh awaited. She asked me if I was staying and I said "for a bit, but then I was leaving." She asked where I was going and I said "I'll wait in the car." After about 30 seconds she told me I could "go now"!
I don't think she even watched me leave...
I spent the next two hours on a sofa in the church lobby, reading. It was the best chance I have had to read lately, it was great!
About a half hour before school was due to end, I took a peak through the door. She was playing by herself, as most kids were, and then went over to the table to do the craft.
Then I went to wait outside with the other parents, and Scott joined me. Emma was the first one out the door and said she had a good time. When I asked what she did, she responded with "circle time, I ran, jumped and then I came home."
She does want to go back - that's a win!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Beach trip
We weren't able to squeeze in a full vacation this summer, but really wanted to get some beach time in with the kids. Rather than fork out a small fortune for a hotel over the holiday weekend we decided to do two day trips to the beach and just pay $50 for a tank of gas!!
We were really pleased that Melissa and Keith (good friends, and Mel was Emma's OT for two years) were staying down there for the weekend so we met them on the beach and were able to shower at theirs before we hit the boardwalk.
Both nights the kids pretty much stayed up all day and late into the evening, having so much fun. I grabbed some shots with my phone during the fun...
Emma helps decorate the giant hole Scott dug as soon as we arrived
Then we buried his legs and decorated them!
Scott tried his hand at surf fishing, but was no more successful than the experienced guys!
Toby appeared smitten with 3 year old Evelyn, Melissa's niece and followed her everywhere!
And Evelyn followed Emma... (note the bag of cheddar popcorn, of which Emma ate 50%!)
Out for pizza on the boardwalk, Toby hangs with the guys...
while Emma chills with the girls!
Scott had buffalo chicken pizza
Then on to the pier for the rides
Toby enjoyed the carousel, and waved to Daddy on every round
Melissa and Emma rode together
At 11pm, Emma toasts a great weekend with a yummy ice-cream!
Toby passed out back at Melissa's as we got the kids ready for bed before heading home.
A great weekend, and a great end to the summer!
We were really pleased that Melissa and Keith (good friends, and Mel was Emma's OT for two years) were staying down there for the weekend so we met them on the beach and were able to shower at theirs before we hit the boardwalk.
Both nights the kids pretty much stayed up all day and late into the evening, having so much fun. I grabbed some shots with my phone during the fun...
Emma helps decorate the giant hole Scott dug as soon as we arrived
Then we buried his legs and decorated them!
Scott tried his hand at surf fishing, but was no more successful than the experienced guys!
Toby appeared smitten with 3 year old Evelyn, Melissa's niece and followed her everywhere!
And Evelyn followed Emma... (note the bag of cheddar popcorn, of which Emma ate 50%!)
Out for pizza on the boardwalk, Toby hangs with the guys...
while Emma chills with the girls!
Scott had buffalo chicken pizza
Then on to the pier for the rides
Toby enjoyed the carousel, and waved to Daddy on every round
Melissa and Emma rode together
At 11pm, Emma toasts a great weekend with a yummy ice-cream!
Toby passed out back at Melissa's as we got the kids ready for bed before heading home.
A great weekend, and a great end to the summer!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Backpack
almost as big as her!
No, she cant have a smaller one, it has to be big enough to put the
things she makes at school in.
We also bought her some new clothes for the fall, including stretchy
pants to make going potty by herself easier!
Last days of summer
have plans for a while and the kids just wanted to stay home - suits
me!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
PJs
the kids in their cute pajamas.
Toby is especially cute because he's pretty skinny (all muscle!). I
tried to get a picture, but after several minutes these were the best
I could get! He rarely stays still to get a picture taken.
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