Our middle daughter, Rachel, is attending college 2 1/2 hours away from home. She is an elementary ed/special education student. Her week-end visits are not restful for her.....at all. She is the sister that Lucas and Eli treat with great deference and in return expect complete and utter servitude and unending playtime (I'm aware that doesn't make sense ~ it's the way they roll).
Sydney is their anchoring sister. She's here day in and day out, they know her moods, likes, dislikes, friends, boyfriend (Parker we are so grateful you like to laugh). She is their school transportation, "boss" when we aren't home and generally the sister they are most likely to bicker with and not listen to until she comes unhinged...... because that's what brother's do.
Alison is their sister of "idol" proportions......(Alison do NOT let that go to your head!). She is the sister that they are awed by (Eli loves to see what her hair color will be week to week), she is the one they are, shall we say. intimidated by. When she brings out her RN voice they listen up. It's similar to a mom voice but I think they aren't quite sure if she's carrying a syringe as back up :) She has never threatened this, they definitely respect the nurse side. When she speaks they listen for the most part and think that because she has her own place she is the absolute goal to achieve. From day one Lucas has said he wants to be a doctor because Alison is a nurse. Not sure if it's his view that nurses are female and doctors are male or he thinks he would finally get to boss Alison....not even then buddy!
But I digress. Eli is very aware that Rachel is on her way to becoming a teacher, therefore, in his book just short of Alison's "idol" status. He wants her to read, to listen to him read and pretty much impress her with how smart he is. Saturday she took them into the library to check out books....that's another whole story.
As he waited to go, he wanted a snack, I gave him a banana. As he's eating it he says, "Hey, Mom. Does banana have sugar?" Ok. Can you tell we really, REALLY watch how much sugar he gets? This is a pretty standard question for him these days. He knows things don't go well on sugar overload. I said, "It has potassium, that's good for you." I asked if he could say that word. He said no but then Rachel asked him to repeat it that was a different story, no need to impress the mom anymore.
I don't know why but English words that he has learned since coming home don't have an accent. It's probably a very well proven fact of English language learners but when listening to an accented conversation suddenly change to a non accent for one or two words is interesting. The word potassium was a little hard to get him to try but when it came out it was clear, with all the sounds. It was also accompanied by a huge grin for his sister, to let her know she should be adequately impressed. To make sure she stayed in awe of his abilities, he's been practicing this word......a lot!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
What's For Breakfast
On Saturday mornings, if we aren't all going 20 different directions, Mike and the boys make breakfast. The women of the household appreciate this but are sometimes "worried" as to what we will be eating.
This mornings' menu was monkey bread (basically cinnamon, sugar and butter baked over biscuits). No way nutritional but yummy. Lucas and Eli had not had them before this morning.
As Sydney was off to state speech contest, it was just Rachel and myself left to enjoy their creation.
Rachel came out of her bedroom and Lucas asked if she wanted orange juice, hot chocolate or coffee. Her reply was, "what are we having for breakfast?" Lucas looked at the oven where the monkey bread was baking and said, "I don't know it stinky good though."
I'm not thinking he has a career as a food critic.
This mornings' menu was monkey bread (basically cinnamon, sugar and butter baked over biscuits). No way nutritional but yummy. Lucas and Eli had not had them before this morning.
As Sydney was off to state speech contest, it was just Rachel and myself left to enjoy their creation.
Rachel came out of her bedroom and Lucas asked if she wanted orange juice, hot chocolate or coffee. Her reply was, "what are we having for breakfast?" Lucas looked at the oven where the monkey bread was baking and said, "I don't know it stinky good though."
I'm not thinking he has a career as a food critic.
Friday, March 11, 2011
It's Black, It's White...No It's Bickering Brothers!
I know, I know....for those that gave me dire warnings about boys and their, shall we say, unique perspectives, noises, need for physical contact and the billion other things that make boys - boys.
I'm choosing to blame the current level of bickering, shoving and all around disgruntlement that Lucas and Eli have towards one another, on spring weather. It could be hormonal, it could be brotherly irritations, it could be that they are actually independent, functioning, opinionated, irritated and somewhat irrational 9 and 11 year olds. I choose to think it's spring.
Spring conjures up pleasant feelings. There is an end to spring thus a hopeful end to the bickering. Spring marks the end of cold enforced togetherness. Spring weather gives me hope that I won't be turned in for child endangerment when I tell them to take the bickering outside. I've never been so grateful to live in the country where they can go burn off energy and get space from one another.
Girls are often given a bad wrap for being hormonal...HA! I used to feel sorry for Mike because he was trapped for a lot of years with 4 females in the house.....now I feel sorry for his mom for all the years she was trapped with 3 males in the house and the only females she could account for were a cow and female dog to even things out!
I'm choosing to blame the current level of bickering, shoving and all around disgruntlement that Lucas and Eli have towards one another, on spring weather. It could be hormonal, it could be brotherly irritations, it could be that they are actually independent, functioning, opinionated, irritated and somewhat irrational 9 and 11 year olds. I choose to think it's spring.
Spring conjures up pleasant feelings. There is an end to spring thus a hopeful end to the bickering. Spring marks the end of cold enforced togetherness. Spring weather gives me hope that I won't be turned in for child endangerment when I tell them to take the bickering outside. I've never been so grateful to live in the country where they can go burn off energy and get space from one another.
Girls are often given a bad wrap for being hormonal...HA! I used to feel sorry for Mike because he was trapped for a lot of years with 4 females in the house.....now I feel sorry for his mom for all the years she was trapped with 3 males in the house and the only females she could account for were a cow and female dog to even things out!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Uneven Sibling Issues
Sibling adoptions are a challenge unto themselves....or so they are in our world. I wouldn't want to change them or anything like that. It's just that sometimes it's really a challenge to keep pace with the issues being dealt with by each one of the boys.
One of the big issues to be talked about and learned about and talked about.....and did I mention talked about, is helping your internationally adopted child retain their culture and birth heritage. It's an important part of their lives and through adoption becomes a part of ours. Unfortunately only one of the boys is interested at all in talking or learning about anything concerning their Filipino heritage. Our other son wants nothing to do with anything about his past. It's sad that he feels this way right now....but it does present a challenge when trying to incorporate the culture of the Philippines and interests of one and not pushing it on the other until he's interested.
Our biggest concern in this area was whether we'd find ways to help the boys retain their culture, now it's shifted more to how to let one explore and grow and let one come to terms with his choices and to not let resentment between the two grow for those choices.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
100% and Proud
For those of you that have been reading this blog for awhile, you know that Eli is our youngest. He also had a lot of preconceived, negative notions about education. It had always been a struggle, with little success and with even less positive reinforcement.
A lot can change in 15 months. We still have moments where he struggles and I'm quite positive that his patience and attention are short but he's excited to learn......that to us is huge....and apparently to him.
He met me at the door the other night. When I say met me at the door, translate this into I couldn't get the door open because he was standing on the other side of it waving a paper and screaming, "I got 100!"
When I wedged myself into the house, the famed test paper was shoved up my nose. He was dancing full tilt in the hallway singing some happy song about getting 100% on his spelling test. Then he stopped short, turned around and asked me if 100% makes him smart. To think this kid was every made to feel dumb is unbelievable. His creativity and ability to figure out how things work show he has so many talents. Now if we can just build on his academic confidence!
A lot can change in 15 months. We still have moments where he struggles and I'm quite positive that his patience and attention are short but he's excited to learn......that to us is huge....and apparently to him.
He met me at the door the other night. When I say met me at the door, translate this into I couldn't get the door open because he was standing on the other side of it waving a paper and screaming, "I got 100!"
When I wedged myself into the house, the famed test paper was shoved up my nose. He was dancing full tilt in the hallway singing some happy song about getting 100% on his spelling test. Then he stopped short, turned around and asked me if 100% makes him smart. To think this kid was every made to feel dumb is unbelievable. His creativity and ability to figure out how things work show he has so many talents. Now if we can just build on his academic confidence!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Likin' America
We have a lot of conversations with Lucas about the Philippines and America. He is starting to ask more and more questions. Then and now. There and here. Orphanage and home. Sometimes these are really long lengthy talks and others are fly by questions.
The other day while I was making lunch, he appeared at my elbow, grabbed me around the middle and said, "Mom, America good. I like it." He then grabbed his book off the counter, went into his room and started reading it.
While this particular comment didn't require much from me at the time, outside of listening, it did leave me standing there wondering what on Earth brought that revelation about.
Sunday we had all the kids at home for dinner. He found it very important to tell "his" story about the Philippines to Alison. Alison was a little lost as to why he was directing the story at her but we later came to the conclusion that he had not actually told her in his own words about his life before the orphanage, during and when we came to pick up the boys. I guess it was another step in their sibling relationship. Theirs' is probably the one with the most transitions. Alison is oldest, Lucas was oldest. Alison has her own place and so we generally see her once or twice a week, so their time together is broken up.
So all around I'm thinking he's found a lot of things and people he thinks are pretty neat about America.
The other day while I was making lunch, he appeared at my elbow, grabbed me around the middle and said, "Mom, America good. I like it." He then grabbed his book off the counter, went into his room and started reading it.
While this particular comment didn't require much from me at the time, outside of listening, it did leave me standing there wondering what on Earth brought that revelation about.
Sunday we had all the kids at home for dinner. He found it very important to tell "his" story about the Philippines to Alison. Alison was a little lost as to why he was directing the story at her but we later came to the conclusion that he had not actually told her in his own words about his life before the orphanage, during and when we came to pick up the boys. I guess it was another step in their sibling relationship. Theirs' is probably the one with the most transitions. Alison is oldest, Lucas was oldest. Alison has her own place and so we generally see her once or twice a week, so their time together is broken up.
So all around I'm thinking he's found a lot of things and people he thinks are pretty neat about America.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sometimes You Make a Wrong Call
Well. I know I'm not alone. Parents in general mess up in dozens of ways every day. Sometimes....when your child announces they don't "feel good" a certain, undisclosed parent, will do a bare bones diagnosis and say...."Oh, I think you are ok. Let's try school and see how it goes." Yeah! Everyone heads out the door for the day.
Then that night, your child says, "I hurt here (pointing to his throat). Hmmm....ok. Said throat is a little red, typical cold symptoms develop (I'll spare you the descriptions) so said, unnamed Mom breaks out the cold meds and cold symptoms are alleviated.....Ummmm nope.
This morning Lucas' throat was nasty. Mike made a doctor's appointment. Once again, we are a little "sceptical" of driving 60 miles to the doctor in order to be told it's a virus, nothing to do but wait. Yep....not this time.
Lucas has bacterial pneumonia. Say it...go ahead...I have....BAD CALL MOM! He's on antibiotics and should be feeling better soon. I wonder how long it will take until I can read his ques. He kept saying he was ok......translation: I don't want you to take me to the doctor. When he points to his throat it could mean his chest. Pretty sure if he understood about mom guilt and that he possesses the ability to get most anything out of this inadequate parent......at least until the mom guilt wares off.
Then that night, your child says, "I hurt here (pointing to his throat). Hmmm....ok. Said throat is a little red, typical cold symptoms develop (I'll spare you the descriptions) so said, unnamed Mom breaks out the cold meds and cold symptoms are alleviated.....Ummmm nope.
This morning Lucas' throat was nasty. Mike made a doctor's appointment. Once again, we are a little "sceptical" of driving 60 miles to the doctor in order to be told it's a virus, nothing to do but wait. Yep....not this time.
Lucas has bacterial pneumonia. Say it...go ahead...I have....BAD CALL MOM! He's on antibiotics and should be feeling better soon. I wonder how long it will take until I can read his ques. He kept saying he was ok......translation: I don't want you to take me to the doctor. When he points to his throat it could mean his chest. Pretty sure if he understood about mom guilt and that he possesses the ability to get most anything out of this inadequate parent......at least until the mom guilt wares off.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Knock, Knock.....
They've discovered (attempting) to tell jokes. Yep....some are better than others. Most of the time what happens around the joke telling is funnier. Here's the conversation last night:
Eli: "Knock, Knock."
Lucas: "Who's there?"
Eli: "Snow"
Lucas: "Snow who?"
Eli: "Mom says it's going to snow Saturday!"
Lucas: "WHAT! Mom! NO MORE SNOW!
There is no more humor in Iowa, in March, at least when it comes to snow.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Writing an Apology....Another First
Can I just start by saying, "Wow! I am totally in awe of Eli and his enormous growth these past 15 months. I'm equally in awe of Lucas but for a range of things different from Eli.
Eli is....well.....not his brother. Surprised? We aren't. We live with them. No two siblings are the same but sometimes it's easy to blur the lines and expect the similar accomplishments, growth, you name it. I have a new respect of parents with twins.
I've written a little about Eli's experiences before arriving home. To say the least he was not a "favorite" of care givers. He does not tolerate anything or anyone he feels is a waste of time. From the referal information, to doctors evaluations to school.....he simply did not have a positive start with the adult world. He didn't go to school for the majority of his life in the Philippines. He did not trust adults and only relied on Lucas. He's not lazy or stupid. He's actually shockingly intelligent. Talk with him, you'll find out, don't talk down to him, he'll dump you in the pile with the others who have treated him poorly. Trust me, you'll be in a pile of personalities that you'd be embarrassed to associate with.
If a person were to look at his transition from arrival home until now, and if you could possibly understand all the areas in which he has had to adapt; language, family life, education, emotionally and behaviorally, coping mechanisms needing adjustments, to developing a new, evolved relationship with Lucas. It's a miracle that the scared, angry, grieving kid from last January is now a little boy who will cuddle up to me when I'm sick on the couch, put his arm around me and pat my head to see if I'm ok, who willingly does chores, who cleans up his room and now feels remorse over broken toys (even if it's an accident). He has also learned what an apology is and some ways to make an apology. He wanted to send his teacher an apology for not doing his best. Fifteen months ago he wouldn't have cared who or what a teacher was or comprehend the need.
I also find myself extremely short on patience in the area of explanations. I have talked myself blue trying to explain the background of children from institutions and the life time amount of baggage that comes along. It's not to say that this excuses or gets them a free pass with people, I believe that people and the boys are better off with information than with operating blindly. I don't expect others to automatically know institutional behaviors (let me clue you it's a whole area of development that is not widely known, especially in the United States). My frustration comes with repeated need to "fight the fight" with the same individuals who were never expected to have to "know" these issues but who are now knee deep in them. I get that they did not "ask for this new learning curve." I want to childishly tell them, "Well the boys didn't ask to be abandoned and orphaned. They didn't ask to be adopted into a different country and language. No matter how they were explained the changes that would be happening, no 8 and 9 year old is going to "get it" just like the new people in their lives could not possibly imagine how many zillion areas of early child development they have not experienced and are still learning. Just because you have a, now, 9 and 10 year old in front of you, does not mean you are experiencing the behaviors, attitudes and abilities of a 9 or 10 year old child raised in the United States from birth. Deal with it. They've come so far, they will go further, they will be more than anyone right now can imagine. Again, this mom, wants to say, "Adjust yourselves people because this is not nor ever will be "done". When you are told by people who know that this is years worth of learning.....they mean it.....and when you find yourself on the receiving end of an apology from either of our sons.....don't take it lightly......they truly mean it and take it to heart.
Can you tell I'm proud of them and Momma Bear is sharpening some claws.
Eli is....well.....not his brother. Surprised? We aren't. We live with them. No two siblings are the same but sometimes it's easy to blur the lines and expect the similar accomplishments, growth, you name it. I have a new respect of parents with twins.
I've written a little about Eli's experiences before arriving home. To say the least he was not a "favorite" of care givers. He does not tolerate anything or anyone he feels is a waste of time. From the referal information, to doctors evaluations to school.....he simply did not have a positive start with the adult world. He didn't go to school for the majority of his life in the Philippines. He did not trust adults and only relied on Lucas. He's not lazy or stupid. He's actually shockingly intelligent. Talk with him, you'll find out, don't talk down to him, he'll dump you in the pile with the others who have treated him poorly. Trust me, you'll be in a pile of personalities that you'd be embarrassed to associate with.
If a person were to look at his transition from arrival home until now, and if you could possibly understand all the areas in which he has had to adapt; language, family life, education, emotionally and behaviorally, coping mechanisms needing adjustments, to developing a new, evolved relationship with Lucas. It's a miracle that the scared, angry, grieving kid from last January is now a little boy who will cuddle up to me when I'm sick on the couch, put his arm around me and pat my head to see if I'm ok, who willingly does chores, who cleans up his room and now feels remorse over broken toys (even if it's an accident). He has also learned what an apology is and some ways to make an apology. He wanted to send his teacher an apology for not doing his best. Fifteen months ago he wouldn't have cared who or what a teacher was or comprehend the need.
I also find myself extremely short on patience in the area of explanations. I have talked myself blue trying to explain the background of children from institutions and the life time amount of baggage that comes along. It's not to say that this excuses or gets them a free pass with people, I believe that people and the boys are better off with information than with operating blindly. I don't expect others to automatically know institutional behaviors (let me clue you it's a whole area of development that is not widely known, especially in the United States). My frustration comes with repeated need to "fight the fight" with the same individuals who were never expected to have to "know" these issues but who are now knee deep in them. I get that they did not "ask for this new learning curve." I want to childishly tell them, "Well the boys didn't ask to be abandoned and orphaned. They didn't ask to be adopted into a different country and language. No matter how they were explained the changes that would be happening, no 8 and 9 year old is going to "get it" just like the new people in their lives could not possibly imagine how many zillion areas of early child development they have not experienced and are still learning. Just because you have a, now, 9 and 10 year old in front of you, does not mean you are experiencing the behaviors, attitudes and abilities of a 9 or 10 year old child raised in the United States from birth. Deal with it. They've come so far, they will go further, they will be more than anyone right now can imagine. Again, this mom, wants to say, "Adjust yourselves people because this is not nor ever will be "done". When you are told by people who know that this is years worth of learning.....they mean it.....and when you find yourself on the receiving end of an apology from either of our sons.....don't take it lightly......they truly mean it and take it to heart.
Can you tell I'm proud of them and Momma Bear is sharpening some claws.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Oh My Back!
Ok....something to consider when adopting "older" kids..... the size of your children when they decide they want to be held, cuddled and carried and the age of your back.
Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to do traction if necessary (and I think it may be) but I just wish I had advanced warning or some kind of "carry me" radar.
Eli will be 10 in June. He may look quite compact but let me tell you the U.S./Iowa feeding program he's been on for the past 18 months have made that little body into a heavily (strong on the heavy) weight program for this mom.
No matter when these surprise hugs, running jumps to be held occur they momentarily stun me (good thing cause the stun blocks the back spasms). He absolutely, under no circumstances wanted to be touched when he arrived home. I remember being so thrilled when we graduated to holding hands. I have a confession to make though, we had to teach him what being carried around was about. He didn't know to hold on, didn't know to wrap his legs, didn't know he could relax. Now he's got it mastered as he climbs up our bodies and leans over backwards, laughing hysterically.
Now please excuse me as I reach for the Aleve and and ice pack....Happy Hugging Everyone:)
Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to do traction if necessary (and I think it may be) but I just wish I had advanced warning or some kind of "carry me" radar.
Eli will be 10 in June. He may look quite compact but let me tell you the U.S./Iowa feeding program he's been on for the past 18 months have made that little body into a heavily (strong on the heavy) weight program for this mom.
No matter when these surprise hugs, running jumps to be held occur they momentarily stun me (good thing cause the stun blocks the back spasms). He absolutely, under no circumstances wanted to be touched when he arrived home. I remember being so thrilled when we graduated to holding hands. I have a confession to make though, we had to teach him what being carried around was about. He didn't know to hold on, didn't know to wrap his legs, didn't know he could relax. Now he's got it mastered as he climbs up our bodies and leans over backwards, laughing hysterically.
Now please excuse me as I reach for the Aleve and and ice pack....Happy Hugging Everyone:)
Friday, February 18, 2011
I'm Funny
We've noticed over the last few weeks how each of the boys' humor is expanding. Eli is always a goof ball but doesn't really understand jokes. Lucas takes almost everything seriously and waits to see if others find something funny. Part of it is language, part of it is probably not wanting to "get it wrong".
These last few weeks have really changed in this area. Knock, knock jokes are amazingly funny to them......we think so too even if it's the same one repeated 20 billion times. They laugh at jokes on tv and unfortunately they've learned to laugh hilariously at one another and their sisters, either of which usually ends badly.
Today Lucas came into the kitchen and said, "Mom, I'm funny. I wasn't funny in Philippines, I didn't know jokes, I'm funny here, I like jokes and laugh." With that he turned around and went back in his room to play. Here's to the goof ball and the knock, knock jokes and the arguments from teasing....whatever it takes to bring the laughter.
These last few weeks have really changed in this area. Knock, knock jokes are amazingly funny to them......we think so too even if it's the same one repeated 20 billion times. They laugh at jokes on tv and unfortunately they've learned to laugh hilariously at one another and their sisters, either of which usually ends badly.
Today Lucas came into the kitchen and said, "Mom, I'm funny. I wasn't funny in Philippines, I didn't know jokes, I'm funny here, I like jokes and laugh." With that he turned around and went back in his room to play. Here's to the goof ball and the knock, knock jokes and the arguments from teasing....whatever it takes to bring the laughter.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Thank You Mom
We drove to the car dealership tonight to pick up Mike's new company car. Typical of Iowa weather in February.....it wasn't a pleasant evening. It has been warmer these last few days, with lots of melting snow.....which brings fog....a lot of fog and with it comes mist. Yeah!
Mike said it had to be about the worst weather he'd ever pick a new car up in. Add to it that by the time we started to the dealership 40 miles away it was dark. Yeah again!
The boys were really excited to go along and to be "first" to ride in a NEW car. Mike drove it across the street to the gas station and then decided I should drive cause he'd been driving all day. Yeah! Again! (You got the part about the fog, mist and pitch black, can't see 15 feet in front of you conditions?)
We made it 2/3's of the way home and came up on a deer beside the road which resulted in the sudden need to apply the brakes. The deer stood still and we made it by without incident. Then we hear Eli from the back seat, "Thank You Mom! for not hitting the deer. It would be bad and dead." Yep, pretty sure Dad nor his company would have appreciated the introduction to Bambi. It did serve as a lesson to the shorter family members that there is a reason Mom preaches the seat belt rule. I am also pretty sure Lucas is looking into litigation on whiplash.
Mike said it had to be about the worst weather he'd ever pick a new car up in. Add to it that by the time we started to the dealership 40 miles away it was dark. Yeah again!
The boys were really excited to go along and to be "first" to ride in a NEW car. Mike drove it across the street to the gas station and then decided I should drive cause he'd been driving all day. Yeah! Again! (You got the part about the fog, mist and pitch black, can't see 15 feet in front of you conditions?)
We made it 2/3's of the way home and came up on a deer beside the road which resulted in the sudden need to apply the brakes. The deer stood still and we made it by without incident. Then we hear Eli from the back seat, "Thank You Mom! for not hitting the deer. It would be bad and dead." Yep, pretty sure Dad nor his company would have appreciated the introduction to Bambi. It did serve as a lesson to the shorter family members that there is a reason Mom preaches the seat belt rule. I am also pretty sure Lucas is looking into litigation on whiplash.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Super Nanny ~ Ultimate Warrior
Apparently and without our realizing it the boys have a new hero. It is Jo Frost, better known as Super Nanny on t.v.
The boys, especially Lucas, are convinced she is the ultimate in making "naughty, really mean kids" behave. They also are convinced that she will show up at our house if they misbehave. Now I'm not sure but their views are comparable to the boogy man and Captain America (with a British accent - they are also convinced she doesn't speak English) all rolled into this one woman.
We discovered their awe of her tonight when they thought her tv show was on (Charlie Brown was instead and that apparently eased the disappointment). They have seen her program a whole 2 times but it was enough to convince them that we should never ask her to come to our house and they promise to be very, very good. It's almost better than saying Santa is watching!
The boys, especially Lucas, are convinced she is the ultimate in making "naughty, really mean kids" behave. They also are convinced that she will show up at our house if they misbehave. Now I'm not sure but their views are comparable to the boogy man and Captain America (with a British accent - they are also convinced she doesn't speak English) all rolled into this one woman.
We discovered their awe of her tonight when they thought her tv show was on (Charlie Brown was instead and that apparently eased the disappointment). They have seen her program a whole 2 times but it was enough to convince them that we should never ask her to come to our house and they promise to be very, very good. It's almost better than saying Santa is watching!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Half Time Shower
Well Mike is trying. And trying. And trying. To explain football and more importantly the Super Bowl to the boys. Lucas is much more interested, Eli would be more interested if it was a combination WWF/MMA and Kung Fu Panda. Let's say it lasts a little longer than his attention span.
I, being shall we say, not at all interested chose to read a book uninterrupted with sporadic laundry duty. On one of my laundry room trips I met up with Eli who is exalting his choice to take a shower.....it's 7:00?
I said, "why are you taking a shower, aren't you watching football with Dad and Lucas?" He had to give me his "my mom is so lame" look and said, " Mom, it's half time, I STINK!" Hmmm. There must have been some highly physical snack eating during the first half......I'm going back to my book, hope he gets out of the shower before the game is over.
I, being shall we say, not at all interested chose to read a book uninterrupted with sporadic laundry duty. On one of my laundry room trips I met up with Eli who is exalting his choice to take a shower.....it's 7:00?
I said, "why are you taking a shower, aren't you watching football with Dad and Lucas?" He had to give me his "my mom is so lame" look and said, " Mom, it's half time, I STINK!" Hmmm. There must have been some highly physical snack eating during the first half......I'm going back to my book, hope he gets out of the shower before the game is over.
Rights of Hand Me Downs
Apparently Eli is aware of some sort of rights to hand me downs that we have never encountered before. Either that or he just really wants his brothers' things....clothes more than toys.
This morning I told the boys to go get their Sunday School clothes out and get dressed. Eli brought out a shirt to make sure it was all right to wear. As I'm looking at this shirt, I'm thinking I don't think that's his shirt. Lucas, always 10 steps ahead, hollers, "HEY! That's my shirt!"
Eli, in his advanced wisdom of such things, tells us, "No. You are 11. I am 9. You have this shirt when you were 9. It's mine now, I am 9." Well. All righty then. Eli did learn a lesson that apparently supercedes the hand me down rule......it's his brothers' rule of it's mine until I tell you differently and because I'm 11 I will enforce this rule.
Brothers!
This morning I told the boys to go get their Sunday School clothes out and get dressed. Eli brought out a shirt to make sure it was all right to wear. As I'm looking at this shirt, I'm thinking I don't think that's his shirt. Lucas, always 10 steps ahead, hollers, "HEY! That's my shirt!"
Eli, in his advanced wisdom of such things, tells us, "No. You are 11. I am 9. You have this shirt when you were 9. It's mine now, I am 9." Well. All righty then. Eli did learn a lesson that apparently supercedes the hand me down rule......it's his brothers' rule of it's mine until I tell you differently and because I'm 11 I will enforce this rule.
Brothers!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Called to the Principal's Office
That is what we heard on Friday afternoon when Lucas was digging through his bag for something the principal gave him to show us.
Okay. No matter how old you get no one hears the words, "called to the Principal's office" and doesn't experience that momentary panic and think what did I do? Parents not only have a flash back to their school days but have the new wonder of thinking what did my kid do? This all takes place in the brain in a millisecond but it happens.
As the picture shows he had a wonderful trip to the principal for his award on his scholastic improvement. It's a big deal (I mean that seriously) and he hasn't let us forget it (I mean that seriously.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
When You Are Old....
This evening we were watching a news program on aging parents. It contained an interview with adult children of elderly parents and the situations they find themselves handling for their parents.
Lucas and Eli conducted their usual running conversations of who, what, why and as the story progressed they became quite intense as to why the "old" dad and mom needed to be taken care of. They just couldn't get their brain around that.
We finally gave them the example of my mom who is in an assisted living apartment and needs help from all of the family sometimes. Man....did the light bulbs switch on.
Eli's concern, "are you old?" My response, "not that old yet." (probably getting there faster than I'd like).
Lucas' take on this ...... "Mom, when you old I take care of you, you take care of me now." Eli nodded his head, with great wisdom, agreeing that this would be the best course to take for Mike and my twilight years.
Now you may wonder how this differs from conversations we've had with the girls on this subject. Their take....Alison says she knows a really good nursing home....Rachel says, ummm nope and Sydney digs a really good hole. The differences in kids :)
Lucas and Eli conducted their usual running conversations of who, what, why and as the story progressed they became quite intense as to why the "old" dad and mom needed to be taken care of. They just couldn't get their brain around that.
We finally gave them the example of my mom who is in an assisted living apartment and needs help from all of the family sometimes. Man....did the light bulbs switch on.
Eli's concern, "are you old?" My response, "not that old yet." (probably getting there faster than I'd like).
Lucas' take on this ...... "Mom, when you old I take care of you, you take care of me now." Eli nodded his head, with great wisdom, agreeing that this would be the best course to take for Mike and my twilight years.
Now you may wonder how this differs from conversations we've had with the girls on this subject. Their take....Alison says she knows a really good nursing home....Rachel says, ummm nope and Sydney digs a really good hole. The differences in kids :)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Explaining a Cemetery
Did you ever watch a movie and just watch it? No explaining, no thinking, no brain waves firing? Yep, we used to do that too. Watch a movie, just to watch.
These days when we watch with the boys, the movie does not end when the credits roll. You do not passively sit and watch any part of the movie, every corner of that screen is analyzed, every piece of the background action is absorbed.
It really makes it hard to pick a show that will work for entertainment as most lead to a lot of stress for the boys and stress for the parents. I think the pause and rewind button on our remote is worn out.
School was dismissed early due to weather today and mid afternoon I decided we needed a little noise relief and put in a movie. We actually made it a good distance into it before I had to stop and explain something. I think we restarted the movie after a half hour talk. The question.....what is that place? It was Arlington National Cemetery. The boys know what a cemetery is, what grave markers are. They had not seen a military funeral or the very obvious military markers of Arlington.
Lucas and Eli asked why they were all the same, where it was at, who was buried there, if we knew anyone buried there, does everyone in a war go there, do they put the flag in the grave, how many markers are there in the cemetery and so many other things that I can't even remember. The thing that amazes me is that the view of Arlington was way in the background, not a major feature of the show.
Can you imagine watching a show and pulling that much detail from the picture. No wonder videos are so overwhelming to them. Next time you sit down to watch tv or a movie try this experiment, don't look at the foreground of the picture, look way in the back. Try it for 5 minutes. It will give you great insight into the mind of someone who is processing every piece of data they can lay their minds to. And for those of you who meet up with Lucas and Eli on a daily basis.....just because they may not see what's in front of them, they may be seeing what is out of your vision.
These days when we watch with the boys, the movie does not end when the credits roll. You do not passively sit and watch any part of the movie, every corner of that screen is analyzed, every piece of the background action is absorbed.
It really makes it hard to pick a show that will work for entertainment as most lead to a lot of stress for the boys and stress for the parents. I think the pause and rewind button on our remote is worn out.
School was dismissed early due to weather today and mid afternoon I decided we needed a little noise relief and put in a movie. We actually made it a good distance into it before I had to stop and explain something. I think we restarted the movie after a half hour talk. The question.....what is that place? It was Arlington National Cemetery. The boys know what a cemetery is, what grave markers are. They had not seen a military funeral or the very obvious military markers of Arlington.
Lucas and Eli asked why they were all the same, where it was at, who was buried there, if we knew anyone buried there, does everyone in a war go there, do they put the flag in the grave, how many markers are there in the cemetery and so many other things that I can't even remember. The thing that amazes me is that the view of Arlington was way in the background, not a major feature of the show.
Can you imagine watching a show and pulling that much detail from the picture. No wonder videos are so overwhelming to them. Next time you sit down to watch tv or a movie try this experiment, don't look at the foreground of the picture, look way in the back. Try it for 5 minutes. It will give you great insight into the mind of someone who is processing every piece of data they can lay their minds to. And for those of you who meet up with Lucas and Eli on a daily basis.....just because they may not see what's in front of them, they may be seeing what is out of your vision.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Canadian, Norwegian, Southern Filipino?
I cannot even begin to imagine where Eli has come up with his latest accent/slang terminology.
While it's hilarious to listen to when he's yahing this and that and throwing in a deep southern accent, it is extremely hard to figure out what he's saying. It just slips through once in awhile but where is it coming from?
You would think he's been watching weird shows on tv or something. After four days of this "accent" I must say I'm ready for him to develop our flat, Midwest tone, it's a little hard on the ears not to mention the brain.
While it's hilarious to listen to when he's yahing this and that and throwing in a deep southern accent, it is extremely hard to figure out what he's saying. It just slips through once in awhile but where is it coming from?
You would think he's been watching weird shows on tv or something. After four days of this "accent" I must say I'm ready for him to develop our flat, Midwest tone, it's a little hard on the ears not to mention the brain.
Monday, January 24, 2011
A First at Age 11
Tomorrow Lucas will be 11 years old. His 2nd birthday with us. It kind of feels like we are celebrating 2 things at once. An adoptive parent is usually hyper aware that there are conflicts with chronological and developmental ages for their kids. But I have to confess that sometimes things can still make it by us and we are surprised about a reaction until it hits us that, "oh yah, this is another first." Makes me have a "duh" moment as a parent.
Lucas was so excited to have his first "friends" birthday party. We went to a movie and pizza. He had so much fun but was in his worry frame of mind, where he found it hard to relax because he was concerned about what was next. By the end though he had that fun thing down. You can tell by the picture.....or maybe that was when the sugar and caffeine hit.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Adam and Eve
Today is proving to be one of those hectic days where parents need to clone themselves.
Sydney is off to district group speech contest (without parents) :( and Lucas is having his first birthday party with friends from school. He turns 11 on Tuesday but he's taking some friends to the movies and pizza today. As we've come to learn in the past year, boys are a totally different species and combine that with movie, candy, soda and pizza........let me say Mike, Rachel and myself are on party duty. I can't believe I used to take the girls and a whole car full of their friends by myself.....guess I've gotten smart, scared or old....take your pick.
Anyway, Sydney is part of a duo performing a speech depicting Adam and Eve in conversation with God before and after the "apple". The catch is they are reversed roles, Sydney portrays Adam and Parker is Eve....give credit to a 16 year old guy who has it together enough to do this! Yes this is the bragging part, they are absolutely hilarious. (Side note - we just learned they received a 1 rating and will be going to state!)
Sydney and Parker have put a lot of hours into this performance. Practicing at home, at school, at church. This morning at the breakfast table the boys realized Sydney wasn't here and asked when she left (7:00 a.m.) and we told them what she was doing.
Well, no one can say that these two don't pay attention and retain what is going on in their environment. Eli pops up with, "Weeelll, Hello Adam." Lucas follows with, "Weeellll Helllooo Eve!" And proceeded to keep us in stitches with their interpretations of Sydney and Parker and Adam and Eve.
Now. I'm just hoping tomorrow at Sunday School, these two portrayals don't appear to enlighten the entire Sunday School room, the teachers will be wondering what on Earth we're telling them.
Sydney is off to district group speech contest (without parents) :( and Lucas is having his first birthday party with friends from school. He turns 11 on Tuesday but he's taking some friends to the movies and pizza today. As we've come to learn in the past year, boys are a totally different species and combine that with movie, candy, soda and pizza........let me say Mike, Rachel and myself are on party duty. I can't believe I used to take the girls and a whole car full of their friends by myself.....guess I've gotten smart, scared or old....take your pick.
Anyway, Sydney is part of a duo performing a speech depicting Adam and Eve in conversation with God before and after the "apple". The catch is they are reversed roles, Sydney portrays Adam and Parker is Eve....give credit to a 16 year old guy who has it together enough to do this! Yes this is the bragging part, they are absolutely hilarious. (Side note - we just learned they received a 1 rating and will be going to state!)
Sydney and Parker have put a lot of hours into this performance. Practicing at home, at school, at church. This morning at the breakfast table the boys realized Sydney wasn't here and asked when she left (7:00 a.m.) and we told them what she was doing.
Well, no one can say that these two don't pay attention and retain what is going on in their environment. Eli pops up with, "Weeelll, Hello Adam." Lucas follows with, "Weeellll Helllooo Eve!" And proceeded to keep us in stitches with their interpretations of Sydney and Parker and Adam and Eve.
Now. I'm just hoping tomorrow at Sunday School, these two portrayals don't appear to enlighten the entire Sunday School room, the teachers will be wondering what on Earth we're telling them.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
No Touchy!
Okay. Maybe a little of his sisters' OCD where food placement is concerned has rubbed off on Eli. Tonight at supper, I was putting the much despised vegetables on his plate and he frantically starts building a bridge between the corn and his beans and wieners, screaming, "No touchy, mom! Corn only here."
I had to put the corn exactly where he designated, while ensuring him that there would be no rogue kernels of corn trying to invade his beans and wieners. One thing about a kid who doesn't like his food touching.....he ate the corn fast so it couldn't get out of control and he did it without complaining that he didn't like it. You may also notice (as I'm sure our girls did) that I did not disclose which or how many of them seem to have this OCD fetish of no food touching. Their mom is smart!
I had to put the corn exactly where he designated, while ensuring him that there would be no rogue kernels of corn trying to invade his beans and wieners. One thing about a kid who doesn't like his food touching.....he ate the corn fast so it couldn't get out of control and he did it without complaining that he didn't like it. You may also notice (as I'm sure our girls did) that I did not disclose which or how many of them seem to have this OCD fetish of no food touching. Their mom is smart!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
He's Pink
When I get home from work, almost every day, Lucas has something that he wants me to explain to him. Usually it's something from school, about friends or missed social cues. His brain must be so tired at the end of a day, I can't imagine.
One of the things he thought was a total mystery was that one of his best friends' face turns red when he laughs. According to Lucas, his friend laughs a lot. Okay after we talked about skin color and blushing and all that it entails, he looks at me and asks, "but he's okay?" Poor kid probably thought his friend had an incurable skin issue.
One of the things he thought was a total mystery was that one of his best friends' face turns red when he laughs. According to Lucas, his friend laughs a lot. Okay after we talked about skin color and blushing and all that it entails, he looks at me and asks, "but he's okay?" Poor kid probably thought his friend had an incurable skin issue.
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Rock
At dinner time Sydney and Eli sit next to one another at the table. To say we are trying to reinstill some mealtime manners is an understatement. Unfortunately for those of us teaching, we get tired of repeating. Sydney being one of these unfortunate, overworked manner teachers.
Tonight she stopped talking and started in with glaring at her littlest brother in the hopes he would miraculously acquire the ability to read her thoughts. Her errors with this method were not realizing that he is:
Tonight she stopped talking and started in with glaring at her littlest brother in the hopes he would miraculously acquire the ability to read her thoughts. Her errors with this method were not realizing that he is:
- a male
- a brother who loves to irritate his sister
in short her method was less than effective until her glare apparently cracked Eli's steely resolve at which point he turned to me and said, "Mom! Me need rock right here." Then he proceeded to show that he wanted a large rock between the two of them. I thought it could possibly be effective from both their view points......Mike said no.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Did You Know?
Did you know that when it snows it is not just frozen water crystals?
In the eyes of two boys who were too fascinated last year to think beyond snow balls, snow men and forts, this year they see ice cream cones, snow tears (flakes), ice tears (sleet),ice caves like the "laskians" have (interpreted to be people from Alaska), snow blowers (no not the machine, wind blowing snow around)and the lists go on and on. So do the interpretations until we figure out which part of the snow we're talking about.
Unfortunately, right now, we have a lot of snow examples for them to broaden their horizons. Gotta love January in Iowa!
In the eyes of two boys who were too fascinated last year to think beyond snow balls, snow men and forts, this year they see ice cream cones, snow tears (flakes), ice tears (sleet),ice caves like the "laskians" have (interpreted to be people from Alaska), snow blowers (no not the machine, wind blowing snow around)and the lists go on and on. So do the interpretations until we figure out which part of the snow we're talking about.
Unfortunately, right now, we have a lot of snow examples for them to broaden their horizons. Gotta love January in Iowa!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Milk?
It has been a lesson in "espionage" parenting to make sure the boys get enough calcium in their diets. For over a year we've tried a lot of different items. We finally mastered cheese (Lucas' new favorite food, after of course the not to be outdone chicken) and yogurt on a limited basis.
I think Eli may have been experiencing cabin fever, snow storm dementia or hit his head but last night he came into the kitchen, tapped me on the arm and said, "I need some milk." I'm pretty sure the kid thinks I'm a little slow on the uptake, usually he just flabbergasts me to the point I'm temporarily incapacitated. I said, "Are you sure?" Why, why would I ask him that and not just give it to him? Maybe he's right, I am a little slow. He, got this look on his face that pretty much said, "wow, I'm going to have to draw her a picture." "Yes, Mom! I want to drink milk."
I poured him a glass and watched him chug it. I was sincerely hoping we wouldn't have a return visit. He handed the glass to me, smiled and went back to playing. I don't know what inspired the sudden "need" to drink milk but hey it worked and outside of the kid continuing to talk to me as if I'm the one learning English I'm all for it.
I think Eli may have been experiencing cabin fever, snow storm dementia or hit his head but last night he came into the kitchen, tapped me on the arm and said, "I need some milk." I'm pretty sure the kid thinks I'm a little slow on the uptake, usually he just flabbergasts me to the point I'm temporarily incapacitated. I said, "Are you sure?" Why, why would I ask him that and not just give it to him? Maybe he's right, I am a little slow. He, got this look on his face that pretty much said, "wow, I'm going to have to draw her a picture." "Yes, Mom! I want to drink milk."
I poured him a glass and watched him chug it. I was sincerely hoping we wouldn't have a return visit. He handed the glass to me, smiled and went back to playing. I don't know what inspired the sudden "need" to drink milk but hey it worked and outside of the kid continuing to talk to me as if I'm the one learning English I'm all for it.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snow Day Part Two
I have supper in the oven and have issued the no more outside directive to the boys. It continues to snow....yipppeee....I've learned my lesson, no more wishing for snow days or at least until late February.
The last trip back inside Eli yells from the doorway, "MOM! Hot up my clothes!" His clothes were soaked, he was soaked and he thought I should dump it all into the dryer so he could go back out. Not happening. Although ..... if I hide in the dryer, could they find me?
The last trip back inside Eli yells from the doorway, "MOM! Hot up my clothes!" His clothes were soaked, he was soaked and he thought I should dump it all into the dryer so he could go back out. Not happening. Although ..... if I hide in the dryer, could they find me?
9 Inches of Insanity and Growing
Ok. I admit it. I committed one of the cardinal sins of parenting. I wished for a snow day. For those of you sitting at home with your cooped up children, I apologize. I should have been much more specific and wished the snow day was for the school I work at and not my kids school. Five hours, 9 inches of snow and accumulating and I am going to stick someones head in a snow drift. I can say this without remorse as the head may very well be my own.
Our first half of this day brought a wake up call from Eli at 6:45 because he just knew we overslept and were late for school. Followed this up with a demand for waffles and eggs.....yep that didn't work out well, three trips to "play outside" resulting in 3 soaked snow pants, 4 sets of mittens and a lost hat, the topper to these outside excursions was the discovery, resuscitation and unfortunately ultimate death of a sparrow.......(the girls just never had the need to pick up dead or nearly so things and bring them inside). We are now deaf from hearing, "I'm hungry!", "I'm bored!" "Can I (fill in the blank and say it a billion times). I did mention the snow drift was looking inviting right?
Our first half of this day brought a wake up call from Eli at 6:45 because he just knew we overslept and were late for school. Followed this up with a demand for waffles and eggs.....yep that didn't work out well, three trips to "play outside" resulting in 3 soaked snow pants, 4 sets of mittens and a lost hat, the topper to these outside excursions was the discovery, resuscitation and unfortunately ultimate death of a sparrow.......(the girls just never had the need to pick up dead or nearly so things and bring them inside). We are now deaf from hearing, "I'm hungry!", "I'm bored!" "Can I (fill in the blank and say it a billion times). I did mention the snow drift was looking inviting right?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I Liked Him Better When He Didn't Talk
No that is not a statement from any parental figure in our household.
It is, however, Lucas' sentiments expressed at the dinner table when Eli was holding up his end of the conversations and very diligently expressing himself. In the middle of the verbal barrage, Lucas turned to me and said, "I liked him better when he didn't talk in the Philippines! He talks all the time now."
After I was done choking, I had to explain that it was ok for Eli to talk and maybe he just had a lot of talking to catch up on. Not that the explanation appeased Lucas (I know it didn't slow Eli down) as he turned back to his meal, I heard Lucas mumbling, "talk, talk, talk, he still talks too much."
Outside of Lucas and probably a few teachers the rest of the world should be glad and prepared that he's found his voice, the kid is smart, funny and has the most interesting insights. Hopefully he's bright enough to ease up so Lucas doesn't try to put a muzzle on him.
It is, however, Lucas' sentiments expressed at the dinner table when Eli was holding up his end of the conversations and very diligently expressing himself. In the middle of the verbal barrage, Lucas turned to me and said, "I liked him better when he didn't talk in the Philippines! He talks all the time now."
After I was done choking, I had to explain that it was ok for Eli to talk and maybe he just had a lot of talking to catch up on. Not that the explanation appeased Lucas (I know it didn't slow Eli down) as he turned back to his meal, I heard Lucas mumbling, "talk, talk, talk, he still talks too much."
Outside of Lucas and probably a few teachers the rest of the world should be glad and prepared that he's found his voice, the kid is smart, funny and has the most interesting insights. Hopefully he's bright enough to ease up so Lucas doesn't try to put a muzzle on him.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Put K Not C
"Mom! Put K not C....I read it......it should be K not C!" What? This is the breakfast time announcement, pronouncement or disgusted with the English language tirade I experienced from Eli this morning.
He had finished breakfast and was putting his coat and mittens on to go outside and feed the dogs. He was reading the words on his new gloves.....as he is very proud of reading and being able to figure words out on signs, clothing, cars, whatever. This morning the gloves were under scrutiny. They have a guitar with the word ROCK on them. Thus, his long winded, very loud explanation of why it should have just a K, why did it have a C, the C doesn't do anything and that it shouldn't be there.
He had finished breakfast and was putting his coat and mittens on to go outside and feed the dogs. He was reading the words on his new gloves.....as he is very proud of reading and being able to figure words out on signs, clothing, cars, whatever. This morning the gloves were under scrutiny. They have a guitar with the word ROCK on them. Thus, his long winded, very loud explanation of why it should have just a K, why did it have a C, the C doesn't do anything and that it shouldn't be there.
- I did not have my coffee yet
- I did mention this is all shouted at high decibel
- He would not let it go
- I did NOT have my coffee yet
- I got him different gloves
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
ELL Frustrations
It seems like we take 3 steps forward and 2 steps back some weeks when it comes to the boys learning to read. Eli has come so far from a year ago. He started out with no English and no reading or writing, no school experience for the most part. Lucas had schooling, had to learn English also and to read and write in English. So I need to tell myself that even when we have a tough night with reading books and homework they have achieved more in a year than some kids (and grown ups) do in a much longer time frame.
I also need to kick myself in the butt when I'm frustrated with constantly explaining and reexplaining that "no they aren't where their AMERICAN peers are with the school work. No, we've been told, by people who are very knowledgeable, that it will take SIX years, not six months before we should expect that. There are no miraculous infusions of knowledge." It is in the gutter, sweat, tears and a few unpleasant thoughts directed at random individuals, warfare!
And then......the sun shines. Eli sitting at the table with one of his two nightly reading books, telling us how to pronounce "ing" at the end of his words. How to find the start and the end of a book.....yes that has to be learned also. It's Lucas reading something (not necessarily a school book) and coming to us to tell us what he knows about it. Guess what? His knowledge wasn't contained within the reading material and he was correct. It's Rachel sitting at the table and working with Lucas to help him make it through those school reading books that are kicking his butt.
So at the end of this rant I've learned I need to notice the sun more and let the cloudy parts go knowing that the sun is on the other side and we are truly having more sunny weather all the time.
I also need to kick myself in the butt when I'm frustrated with constantly explaining and reexplaining that "no they aren't where their AMERICAN peers are with the school work. No, we've been told, by people who are very knowledgeable, that it will take SIX years, not six months before we should expect that. There are no miraculous infusions of knowledge." It is in the gutter, sweat, tears and a few unpleasant thoughts directed at random individuals, warfare!
And then......the sun shines. Eli sitting at the table with one of his two nightly reading books, telling us how to pronounce "ing" at the end of his words. How to find the start and the end of a book.....yes that has to be learned also. It's Lucas reading something (not necessarily a school book) and coming to us to tell us what he knows about it. Guess what? His knowledge wasn't contained within the reading material and he was correct. It's Rachel sitting at the table and working with Lucas to help him make it through those school reading books that are kicking his butt.
So at the end of this rant I've learned I need to notice the sun more and let the cloudy parts go knowing that the sun is on the other side and we are truly having more sunny weather all the time.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Work Order
Today was the first day back to school for the kids after Christmas break. The school I work for starts up tomorrow.
Eli was excited to talk about his day, Lucas wanted to know what "my" school had for lunch. I reminded them that I didn't have school today.
With total disgust for their slacker mom, Eli informs me, "Mom, You go to school. No more stay home." Ok, Mr. Boss Man. I think he thought I skipped school. Back to the work trenches for everyone tomorrow :)
Eli was excited to talk about his day, Lucas wanted to know what "my" school had for lunch. I reminded them that I didn't have school today.
With total disgust for their slacker mom, Eli informs me, "Mom, You go to school. No more stay home." Ok, Mr. Boss Man. I think he thought I skipped school. Back to the work trenches for everyone tomorrow :)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Dealing
We do a lot of that at our house when it comes to the boys' previous life experiences and memories.
A person wouldn't think that with there only being a year difference in their ages that their memories and experiences would be so varied. Some of it is that Lucas is much more verbal and can express things better. Eli is becoming more willing to talk about his earlier years but he is a very in the moment kid.
One of the "dealing" situations we run into is when the boys bring up an experience from the Philippines and what they think they saw and what probably was happening are two very different things. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot and I do mean a lot of things that they tell us about in great detail that no kid should witness but thank goodness as of yet they've not pieced the truth of these experiences together.
Other times, there are things we have to point out the truth of what was happening for safety sake. For instance, today Lucas was telling us he could "hold" fire in his hands because he saw a man do it in the Philippines. Okay....much discussion and detective work along with a whole lot of fill in the blank led us to the conclusion that they'd gone to a circus/magic show where he saw this performed. Now our next "dealing" session is getting him to understand it was a trick and not something he can do. Sometimes I'd like to get a hold of those who exposed these kids to so much and didn't bother to provide the guidance and explanations for the experience.
Our safety issues, when the boys first arrived, dealt with crossing streets, strangers, allergic reactions and them getting lost. Now it's moved up a level to constantly explaining real and make believe. I feel bad when they are enjoying a show or whatever and we have to point out that it's make believe so they don't actually try it themselves. It dims the child like wonder in their eyes and feels like you've just revealed secrets of Santa and the Tooth Fairy.
A person wouldn't think that with there only being a year difference in their ages that their memories and experiences would be so varied. Some of it is that Lucas is much more verbal and can express things better. Eli is becoming more willing to talk about his earlier years but he is a very in the moment kid.
One of the "dealing" situations we run into is when the boys bring up an experience from the Philippines and what they think they saw and what probably was happening are two very different things. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot and I do mean a lot of things that they tell us about in great detail that no kid should witness but thank goodness as of yet they've not pieced the truth of these experiences together.
Other times, there are things we have to point out the truth of what was happening for safety sake. For instance, today Lucas was telling us he could "hold" fire in his hands because he saw a man do it in the Philippines. Okay....much discussion and detective work along with a whole lot of fill in the blank led us to the conclusion that they'd gone to a circus/magic show where he saw this performed. Now our next "dealing" session is getting him to understand it was a trick and not something he can do. Sometimes I'd like to get a hold of those who exposed these kids to so much and didn't bother to provide the guidance and explanations for the experience.
Our safety issues, when the boys first arrived, dealt with crossing streets, strangers, allergic reactions and them getting lost. Now it's moved up a level to constantly explaining real and make believe. I feel bad when they are enjoying a show or whatever and we have to point out that it's make believe so they don't actually try it themselves. It dims the child like wonder in their eyes and feels like you've just revealed secrets of Santa and the Tooth Fairy.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Close Encounter
How do you know when your child may have indulged in too much soda over the holidays?
Well, for Eli it was simple. All five of our kids were home tonight for supper, movies and down time before we all start back to school and work.
I (yes, I was the one who contributed to the delinquency of soda at night) poured pop into Eli's glass and didn't think much about it until the girls started hysterically laughing. Eli apparently was very excited to see the foam at the top of his glass as he thought it meant he'd have a full glass.
Bending over the top of his glass and the closer the foam came to the rim, the quieter his chant of, "closer, closer, closer, YES!" He did deflate a little as the foam receded but was still pleased that he'd gotten the soda to begin with. I, on the other hand, reconfirmed that as a parent, if you give your hyper child pop at night, you deserve whatever you get!
Well, for Eli it was simple. All five of our kids were home tonight for supper, movies and down time before we all start back to school and work.
I (yes, I was the one who contributed to the delinquency of soda at night) poured pop into Eli's glass and didn't think much about it until the girls started hysterically laughing. Eli apparently was very excited to see the foam at the top of his glass as he thought it meant he'd have a full glass.
Bending over the top of his glass and the closer the foam came to the rim, the quieter his chant of, "closer, closer, closer, YES!" He did deflate a little as the foam receded but was still pleased that he'd gotten the soda to begin with. I, on the other hand, reconfirmed that as a parent, if you give your hyper child pop at night, you deserve whatever you get!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Blow My Whistle
You know when your child has a new toy or a new skill and they really, really want to show you how wonderful that toy or skill is?
In the middle of cooking for our New Year's Eve party and in the middle of the boys "supposedly" cleaning their room I hear, "Mom, come look at my whistle!" Okay I was a little distracted but it did cross my mind as there was no way on this earth that I had purchased or had they received a whistle.....come on I'm not that deaf or senile yet.
I walked into their bedroom and he says, "Look I can blow my whistle." He then proceeded to show me that he had learned to whistle. Thank goodness God provided little boys so many avenues to make noise with their bodies! :)
In the middle of cooking for our New Year's Eve party and in the middle of the boys "supposedly" cleaning their room I hear, "Mom, come look at my whistle!" Okay I was a little distracted but it did cross my mind as there was no way on this earth that I had purchased or had they received a whistle.....come on I'm not that deaf or senile yet.
I walked into their bedroom and he says, "Look I can blow my whistle." He then proceeded to show me that he had learned to whistle. Thank goodness God provided little boys so many avenues to make noise with their bodies! :)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Potatoesssss
This was the "educational" (argument) debate between Lucas and Eli at supper time. I'd fixed fried potatoes with supper and after their second helping they started in on if there is one potato there is no "s", more than one potato has an "s" on the end. Eli in his unexpected and wholly inaccurate knowledge continued to explain to all of us that if there are 3 potato the word has 3 "s" and so on.
Lucas than takes up the volume by yelling, "huh uh!" Back and forth they went until Eli looks at me (why am I the chosen referee - Mike is sitting right there!) and says, "Mom, I right, yes?" Lucas yells, "Mom, he no know what he's talking about!"
Well there was a whole lot of correction that should have probably taken place in those exchanges but I cut my losses and told Eli that in this case Lucas was right.....his response....."Oh man! Come on!"
Lucas than takes up the volume by yelling, "huh uh!" Back and forth they went until Eli looks at me (why am I the chosen referee - Mike is sitting right there!) and says, "Mom, I right, yes?" Lucas yells, "Mom, he no know what he's talking about!"
Well there was a whole lot of correction that should have probably taken place in those exchanges but I cut my losses and told Eli that in this case Lucas was right.....his response....."Oh man! Come on!"
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Separation Anxiety From Everyone
Sorry to all for dropping the ball on posting. I decided I was going to have to cut back in order to make all ends meet at Christmas time. I'll have to work on getting some holiday pictures posted soon.
I thought I'd post this quickly as I've just returned from retrieving Lucas from his first overnight at a friends' house. Ok, I know the kid is almost 11 but this is a big first for all of us. The first time he has spent a night away from Eli. The first time he went to a non relatives' home without any of us. The first time he was totally on his own to communicate with people who had not been around him much. The first time he had to mind his manners and remember the lessons he's learned. Guess what? The kid did amazing! His friends' mom was very impressed with his manners and how he knew that he wasn't allowed to watch certain videos. Yeah!
Unfortunately the rest of us didn't survive his foray into independence as well. I nearly had a panic attack after I dropped him off, I had to call Lynn and have her tell me it would be ok. Eli was even less thrilled when he finally got it through his head that Lucas would not be coming home at bedtime. He kept asking if I was sure. At 9:00 he asked if he could sleep with us....again a big step as he had never slept anywhere without Lucas. Alison called later in the evening and found out that Lucas was at his friends. She totally forgot to talk about what she called for because she was stressing also asking if I was sure. Our friend, Chris, called and she too did several checks to see if we'd heard anything.....she called this morning too. What can I say these boys have a whole lot of people stressing on their behalf and a few of us need to loosen the strings. Luckily, Lucas and Eli are very good at stretching into new territory.
I think we are all taking a nap this afternoon. Lucas informs me that he didn't sleep last night....he kind of looks like it, I didn't sleep well....Eli spins like a top in his sleep when he wasn't patting my arm to wake me up and check to see if I was OK!
Mike was talking this morning. He said, "Did you ever think a year ago that either one of the boys would reach this point where Lucas was brave enough to voluntarily handle new situations for an extended time and Eli would be able to handle his world on his own without Lucas?" Now if their family and friends can handle it....that is the question!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Growed Up!
Have you ever been in a store and saw a toy that you had as a child? Then bought the said item for your child because you thought you'd pass the fun you had down to your "precious" little one?
Retro toys are in and Mike discovered a blast from the past. He brought Lucas and Eli a packet of "Amazing Expanding Pets". Do you remember those little, clear capsules you put in hot water and watch them dissolve until the animal shaped sponge is revealed? What can I say, things like that were fascinating in the late 60's.
I'm not quite sure what Lucas and Eli thought was going to come out but I know for the 5 minutes it took for the sponges to "magically" appear, Eli kept running to the counter hollering, "Is it growed up?"......repeatedly......loudly.......oh yeah......repeatedly.
Clue #1: Don't buy your child a gift that requires patience, especially at Christmas time.
Clue #2: Don't give said child the gift at night time.
Clue #3: Don't forget to explain that they shouldn't pull the capsule apart in an effort to shorten the "amazingly" long time the "amazing" pet capsule takes to dissolve....it's not pretty.
Retro toys are in and Mike discovered a blast from the past. He brought Lucas and Eli a packet of "Amazing Expanding Pets". Do you remember those little, clear capsules you put in hot water and watch them dissolve until the animal shaped sponge is revealed? What can I say, things like that were fascinating in the late 60's.
I'm not quite sure what Lucas and Eli thought was going to come out but I know for the 5 minutes it took for the sponges to "magically" appear, Eli kept running to the counter hollering, "Is it growed up?"......repeatedly......loudly.......oh yeah......repeatedly.
Clue #1: Don't buy your child a gift that requires patience, especially at Christmas time.
Clue #2: Don't give said child the gift at night time.
Clue #3: Don't forget to explain that they shouldn't pull the capsule apart in an effort to shorten the "amazingly" long time the "amazing" pet capsule takes to dissolve....it's not pretty.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Let Me Tell You...
When I started writing this blog, I asked the girls if it was okay to include them in posts. They were a little "gun shy" of what I might write (where is the trust?)
All three of our girls have been wonderful when it has come to accepting, encouraging, defending when needed and teasing their brothers over this past 14 months. We are extremely proud of the way they've each met the challenges and changes.
Sydney, as the only sister still living at home full time, has probably had the most changes to her daily life. She is the one who willingly drives them to and from school, she goes to their sporting events, she babysits with them for an hour each day after school, she lets them commandeer the tv, she listens as they talk non stop through supper and listens to the increased volume of our house.
It's quite a change from what she may have thought her life was going to be like the last 2 years before she heads for college. She can get aggravated with her brothers, never doubt that, but she also is one of the first to acknowledge and work to find answers for them when needed. She will defend them, teach them and play with them.
We are very aware and extremely proud of her willingness to help, that allows for me to continue working, the boys to have a consistent person to meet some of the daily tasks. I'm also sure there are times when she dreams of the quiet before boys, not tripping over remote control cars and not having to take turns for the bathroom.
So even though I don't write a lot about any of our three wonderful daughters, they are truly gracious young women who have expanded their lives and hearts to include two rambunctious, hilarious, at time irritating little brothers. They've expanded their lives and hearts and that is a gift that this set of parents will have forever.
All three of our girls have been wonderful when it has come to accepting, encouraging, defending when needed and teasing their brothers over this past 14 months. We are extremely proud of the way they've each met the challenges and changes.
Sydney, as the only sister still living at home full time, has probably had the most changes to her daily life. She is the one who willingly drives them to and from school, she goes to their sporting events, she babysits with them for an hour each day after school, she lets them commandeer the tv, she listens as they talk non stop through supper and listens to the increased volume of our house.
It's quite a change from what she may have thought her life was going to be like the last 2 years before she heads for college. She can get aggravated with her brothers, never doubt that, but she also is one of the first to acknowledge and work to find answers for them when needed. She will defend them, teach them and play with them.
We are very aware and extremely proud of her willingness to help, that allows for me to continue working, the boys to have a consistent person to meet some of the daily tasks. I'm also sure there are times when she dreams of the quiet before boys, not tripping over remote control cars and not having to take turns for the bathroom.
So even though I don't write a lot about any of our three wonderful daughters, they are truly gracious young women who have expanded their lives and hearts to include two rambunctious, hilarious, at time irritating little brothers. They've expanded their lives and hearts and that is a gift that this set of parents will have forever.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Giving Back
These days, our evening conversations revolve around Christmas, Christmas programs, Christmas gifts, Santa, how Santa gets in the house, how he will find our tree because I put it in the family room instead of by the fireplace, etc.....
This past week-end Lucas was talking about Christmas in the Philippines and in Zamboanga at the orphanage. He explained what they would receive as gifts and from whom, what happened to those gifts and which children received what.
He sat still for a little while and then asked if he could send his bike to the orphanage because they only had one for the kids to share and from his description it didn't have a seat and one of the pedals was missing.
I explained that while we couldn't actually send his bike to the kids but that we could check to see if we could make a donation, he got the most concentrated face. I asked if he thought that it would be okay to do something like that. His answer was kind of sad. He thought maybe we should send them a little toy but then to buy "big" food because there wasn't always enough and even though you can't play with food that would be better to give because stomach aches aren't fun......well poo.
This past week-end Lucas was talking about Christmas in the Philippines and in Zamboanga at the orphanage. He explained what they would receive as gifts and from whom, what happened to those gifts and which children received what.
He sat still for a little while and then asked if he could send his bike to the orphanage because they only had one for the kids to share and from his description it didn't have a seat and one of the pedals was missing.
I explained that while we couldn't actually send his bike to the kids but that we could check to see if we could make a donation, he got the most concentrated face. I asked if he thought that it would be okay to do something like that. His answer was kind of sad. He thought maybe we should send them a little toy but then to buy "big" food because there wasn't always enough and even though you can't play with food that would be better to give because stomach aches aren't fun......well poo.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Singing for Whom?
Wednesday evening was the Christmas concert for the boys. Just before leaving for the concert, we asked if they knew their songs (this year they have the tune if not all the actual words.)
Lucas starts into his grades' songs - at full volume - thanks for the preview.
Eli simply states, "I am singing for the Tooth Fairy."
Hmmm.....do you know the song? Yep, All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth. He is now convinced that the Tooth Fairy and Santa work together. I just knew Santa had to have more help than elves!
Lucas starts into his grades' songs - at full volume - thanks for the preview.
Eli simply states, "I am singing for the Tooth Fairy."
Hmmm.....do you know the song? Yep, All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth. He is now convinced that the Tooth Fairy and Santa work together. I just knew Santa had to have more help than elves!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
What Language Do You Speak?
Last night was a guys and girls night out for supper courtesy of some lingering gift cards. Sydney and I went to meet Alison in Omaha for supper and some shopping. Mike braved discount night at a local chicken place with Lucas and Eli.
Apparently, Eli's talking streak continued throughout supper and on the way home in the car, apparently, Mike was having trouble keeping up with the subject and couldn't understand one of the words Eli kept saying over and over. Finally, Eli looked at him and says, "What language do you speak? I speak ENGLISH!" Ok, yes, it was a little on the lippy side but hilarious!
Apparently, Eli's talking streak continued throughout supper and on the way home in the car, apparently, Mike was having trouble keeping up with the subject and couldn't understand one of the words Eli kept saying over and over. Finally, Eli looked at him and says, "What language do you speak? I speak ENGLISH!" Ok, yes, it was a little on the lippy side but hilarious!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Divorce, Death and Adoption
Bet that title had some of you wondering. It's something that crossed my mind this morning on the way to work. It's amazing how much can fly through your brain in a quiet 15 minute commute.
I was thinking about all the changes that our family has gone through this last year. The boys arrived home during the holidays last year, Mike's grandmother passed away and a whole multitude of other life changing events have taken place.
I can remember a friend talking about the changes in her circle of friends and family after the death of her husband. Many of those close to her began to feel uncomfortable and drifted away. The same thing occurred in family situations where she noticed a feeling of isolation. Other friends have mentioned this after a divorce. People that have been friends as couples are no longer moving in the same circles and eventually lose touch.
This "phenomenon" is also seen by many when they adopt. I guess I was counting my blessings on the friends that we are lucky to have. Those core group of friendships remain in place and for the most part, those friends who were raising children when our girls were growing up are still hanging with us as the boys have come into our family. Mike and I are truly grateful to these wonderful people who haven't shied away from a change to the structure of our friendship and are sharing themselves with us. They are truly an awesome bunch of people.
I was thinking about all the changes that our family has gone through this last year. The boys arrived home during the holidays last year, Mike's grandmother passed away and a whole multitude of other life changing events have taken place.
I can remember a friend talking about the changes in her circle of friends and family after the death of her husband. Many of those close to her began to feel uncomfortable and drifted away. The same thing occurred in family situations where she noticed a feeling of isolation. Other friends have mentioned this after a divorce. People that have been friends as couples are no longer moving in the same circles and eventually lose touch.
This "phenomenon" is also seen by many when they adopt. I guess I was counting my blessings on the friends that we are lucky to have. Those core group of friendships remain in place and for the most part, those friends who were raising children when our girls were growing up are still hanging with us as the boys have come into our family. Mike and I are truly grateful to these wonderful people who haven't shied away from a change to the structure of our friendship and are sharing themselves with us. They are truly an awesome bunch of people.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Eli's Memories
Of the two boys, Lucas is usually the one who talks about the Philippines, the people, the orphanage and their friends there. Eli doesn't like to talk about any of it. We've not pushed. Usually he listens to Lucas and nods his head with a couple details coming out. We take our ques from them as to what questions we ask.
Mike and I are still trying to figure out the trigger for tonight's conversation at supper. Eli was making quick work of his chicken when he stopped, looked up and started talking about waiting for his mom and dad, he stopped pointed at us and said "that's you," then talked about being told we were coming and the plane rides from Zamboanga to Manila and then to HIS home, again he stopped to say, "this home, my home." He talked about his auntie's letting him buy candy for the airplane trip to Manila and then sleeping at the hotel and on the plane home with us. He even talked about what he had to eat in the restaurants the week we spent in Manila. He had me worried that he'd actually start naming the restaurants.
It was amazing the detail he came up with. He literally has not talked about a lot of those things for the past year but they were sitting inside until he was ready to let them resurface. I was really happy to finally start hearing those memories from him. For the most part they were things we had learned through Lucas but to hear Eli put a voice to them himself was huge.
I am totally flabbergasted by both Lucas and Eli, not only are they moving forward with learning all that their new lives bring along but they are also learning to look at, process and hopefully put to rest some of their earlier experiences and realize that there were good times in the past and it's okay to talk about them. Doesn't matter how many times we say it's ok to talk about things until they are ready it's not going to happen, whether it takes a year or a life time, I think we all will be learning for years to come.
Mike and I are still trying to figure out the trigger for tonight's conversation at supper. Eli was making quick work of his chicken when he stopped, looked up and started talking about waiting for his mom and dad, he stopped pointed at us and said "that's you," then talked about being told we were coming and the plane rides from Zamboanga to Manila and then to HIS home, again he stopped to say, "this home, my home." He talked about his auntie's letting him buy candy for the airplane trip to Manila and then sleeping at the hotel and on the plane home with us. He even talked about what he had to eat in the restaurants the week we spent in Manila. He had me worried that he'd actually start naming the restaurants.
It was amazing the detail he came up with. He literally has not talked about a lot of those things for the past year but they were sitting inside until he was ready to let them resurface. I was really happy to finally start hearing those memories from him. For the most part they were things we had learned through Lucas but to hear Eli put a voice to them himself was huge.
I am totally flabbergasted by both Lucas and Eli, not only are they moving forward with learning all that their new lives bring along but they are also learning to look at, process and hopefully put to rest some of their earlier experiences and realize that there were good times in the past and it's okay to talk about them. Doesn't matter how many times we say it's ok to talk about things until they are ready it's not going to happen, whether it takes a year or a life time, I think we all will be learning for years to come.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Mom! I Need...
.....costume for God. Hmmm! Well since this is Lucas' statement at lunch on Sunday after church, I assumed it was Christmas service related and not a direct request from on high.
It took some questioning and finally Sydney was able to figure out that what he meant was he needs a shepard's robe. I think we probably need to check with the Sunday School teacher as his description to her was, "I watching sheep." I do believe he's headed for disappointment as the sheep in question are not actually present.
It took some questioning and finally Sydney was able to figure out that what he meant was he needs a shepard's robe. I think we probably need to check with the Sunday School teacher as his description to her was, "I watching sheep." I do believe he's headed for disappointment as the sheep in question are not actually present.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Dad Gave Me......
Imagine if you will Tweety Bird on helium....got the picture?.....got the sound?
That is what greeted me at the door on Friday after work. I arrived home to find Mike (home early) and in charge of snack time. Usually Sydney handles this and is very, very schooled in what snacks will do what to which brother and, shall we say, their activity level. Mike unfortunately doesn't possess, retain or understand the residual affects of sugar overload. No, he really does know but sometimes slackens the reigns.
Eli greeted me with, "Mom,mom,mom dad made popcorn, we put sugar on it. It's really, really, really good. Do you want some, you can have some, I have some, it's really, really, REALLY GOOD!" I slowly turn to my husband, who is obliviously doctoring up his own popcorn.....no it wasn't actual sugar but close enough, it was Kettle Corn flavoring....not much difference. Thank goodness it's basketball practice night for Eli. I just feel sorry for the kids on the team that had to keep up with "Tweety Bird" and his Kettle Corn enhanced speed.
That is what greeted me at the door on Friday after work. I arrived home to find Mike (home early) and in charge of snack time. Usually Sydney handles this and is very, very schooled in what snacks will do what to which brother and, shall we say, their activity level. Mike unfortunately doesn't possess, retain or understand the residual affects of sugar overload. No, he really does know but sometimes slackens the reigns.
Eli greeted me with, "Mom,mom,mom dad made popcorn, we put sugar on it. It's really, really, really good. Do you want some, you can have some, I have some, it's really, really, REALLY GOOD!" I slowly turn to my husband, who is obliviously doctoring up his own popcorn.....no it wasn't actual sugar but close enough, it was Kettle Corn flavoring....not much difference. Thank goodness it's basketball practice night for Eli. I just feel sorry for the kids on the team that had to keep up with "Tweety Bird" and his Kettle Corn enhanced speed.
Friday, December 3, 2010
It's a Matter of Perspective
Last year at this time and temperature we never worried too much about the boys keeping their winter clothes on here at home or at school. Winter weather was definitely not their favorite. Well a year later they've become acclimated and have decided they don't need their coats, gloves or hats.
Okay, they are not dumb. They know they will get cold. They know it won't feel good when they warm up. But as Lucas very precisely and seriously explained to me last night, "I cannot play basketball with gloves. I cannot make baskets. I NEED to make baskets. Where are gloves that I can play basketball?" Well considering the windchill this week has been barely above zero, silly mom that I am, put their heavier gloves out for them to wear to school.
Lucas went to the glove drawer and pulled out the $1.00/Walmart knit gloves and proclaimed that they were the much needed basketball gloves....oh they also needed to be black. Hmmmm.....whatever gets him through recess without frostbite. I'll give him another week and see which pair of gloves he's wearing.
Okay, they are not dumb. They know they will get cold. They know it won't feel good when they warm up. But as Lucas very precisely and seriously explained to me last night, "I cannot play basketball with gloves. I cannot make baskets. I NEED to make baskets. Where are gloves that I can play basketball?" Well considering the windchill this week has been barely above zero, silly mom that I am, put their heavier gloves out for them to wear to school.
Lucas went to the glove drawer and pulled out the $1.00/Walmart knit gloves and proclaimed that they were the much needed basketball gloves....oh they also needed to be black. Hmmmm.....whatever gets him through recess without frostbite. I'll give him another week and see which pair of gloves he's wearing.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
What Can Santa Bring You?
I am always amazed by the hilarious conversations and statements that come out of Eli's mouth. Last night we were sitting, watching one of the billion Christmas specials and Mike asked the boys what they wanted Santa to bring them.
Number one I was totally shocked that Mike opened that flood gate at bedtime. I think he probably fell and hit his head or something.....
Lucas had to ponder as he is still under the belief that he can only ask for one thing and he has to chose wisely. Eli ( who is enthralled with our friends' 17 year old son who is an avid hunter) pipes up with...."I want a gun. I will shoot deer. ...... . I will shoot penguins!" Ummm, no we weren't watching the Penguins of Madagascar and it's been months since we went to the zoo, I have no clue where that came from....maybe he hit his head too?
Number one I was totally shocked that Mike opened that flood gate at bedtime. I think he probably fell and hit his head or something.....
Lucas had to ponder as he is still under the belief that he can only ask for one thing and he has to chose wisely. Eli ( who is enthralled with our friends' 17 year old son who is an avid hunter) pipes up with...."I want a gun. I will shoot deer. ...... . I will shoot penguins!" Ummm, no we weren't watching the Penguins of Madagascar and it's been months since we went to the zoo, I have no clue where that came from....maybe he hit his head too?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
That's Fantastic!
While I was cooking supper last night Mike was having the boys read their books to him in the living room. Let me tell you the amount of time it takes to read a book these days is definitely shortening.
Later during supper we were talking about the stories and how much both of their reading is improving. I said, "Do you remember last year when you didn't know how to read the words? You are becoming really good readers."
Well apparently my estimation of their greatness was not "good" enough. Eli pops up and informs me, "No Mom! It is a...m...a...z...i...n...g! We amazing readers!" I'd say the confidence level and enthusiasm for school are on the upswing.
Later during supper we were talking about the stories and how much both of their reading is improving. I said, "Do you remember last year when you didn't know how to read the words? You are becoming really good readers."
Well apparently my estimation of their greatness was not "good" enough. Eli pops up and informs me, "No Mom! It is a...m...a...z...i...n...g! We amazing readers!" I'd say the confidence level and enthusiasm for school are on the upswing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)