Well I survived, not sure how but I did. We seem to be at a happy place with the clothes that have been picked and the hairstyle. She had been, for the most part, trying to keep her hair nice and listens to instructions most of the time. We're trying to keep her involved in church and I hope that we'll be able to involve in karate or some other sport. I am hopeful that this will be a great school year for her.
We were very proud of her test scores and we encouraged her to just do her best and work hard.
The youngest is enjoying soccer and seemed to be sleeping better. He definitely needs a consistent schedule if we are going to make our new activity list work. I am not going to have much free time so I hope to have great quality time since I can't have the quantity.
Here's to the adventures that await us in September.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Day Twenty-Two and Twenty Three
#21 The dreaded shopping day. The previous days had been going so well. Of course we had the usual shake up with little brother but things seemed to be calm and mild. It started with underwear...I refused to let her get bikinis so we compromised on hipsters. I guess briefs are too old school. Then it was backpack time. I had already made it clear I would not be spending an arm and a leg for a backpack, especially since she had one that was still in good working condition. Once that was settled we went to work on finding jeans and pants. Of course none of my suggestions worked. So I backed off and let her do some trial and error in the dressing room. Once I got her to recognize her size and try on clothes accordingly things went a little better. I think I'm going to start paying my sister to come and do this every summer because I don't think my blood pressure can handle it!
My 4 year old is trying to tell me all about Heroica and how it all works and how he "needs" this and that for his Legoworld.
#22 We went to the beach, without my husband. Met up with some people from church [daughter is 11 and son is 6] for a playdate. Went well, the girls boogie boarding and the boys playing in the sand. There was another 6 year old boy there as well and he liked the water and my son took to following after everything he did. Soon he was in the water, splashing and jumping the waves. It was all good until the lifeguards ordered everyone out of the water due to a confirmed 12-14 ft shark sighting. We left and spent some time in the pool. Made little man take a quick nap before soccer practice. He did very well and is getting better and better. Too hot to cook so we did pizza and enjoyed some horsing around and pillow fighting.
I knew it was too good to last...at least that was what I thought initially...asked my daughter what our agenda was for tomorrow. [She still needs tennis shoes, pants and a few tops] I asked her if she had enough pants/jeans...she didn't give me a "real" answer so I went in her room and started looking. Well come to learn she has more the 12+ tops so she should be okay but for some reason feels like she needs more. I explained that if she has perfectly good clothes in her closet there is no need for me to buy more. She continued to be moody and fuss at her brother wanting to kick him out and I told her no and let him stay. I recommended she chill out and I adjusted her list for shopping.
Later she comes in my room, while I was doing my homework, to ask me about veins in her eyes. She has been upset because she is worried that the veins will reach her eyes. I explained her eyes are red and that from all salt and chlorine we were exposed to today her eyes are just tired and need to rest. She seemed to relax and we'll see how things progress. I am so glad I didn't yell and scream but I must make sure to watch and recognize when the problem is not the problem and be ready to help and provide comfort.
My 4 year old is trying to tell me all about Heroica and how it all works and how he "needs" this and that for his Legoworld.
#22 We went to the beach, without my husband. Met up with some people from church [daughter is 11 and son is 6] for a playdate. Went well, the girls boogie boarding and the boys playing in the sand. There was another 6 year old boy there as well and he liked the water and my son took to following after everything he did. Soon he was in the water, splashing and jumping the waves. It was all good until the lifeguards ordered everyone out of the water due to a confirmed 12-14 ft shark sighting. We left and spent some time in the pool. Made little man take a quick nap before soccer practice. He did very well and is getting better and better. Too hot to cook so we did pizza and enjoyed some horsing around and pillow fighting.
I knew it was too good to last...at least that was what I thought initially...asked my daughter what our agenda was for tomorrow. [She still needs tennis shoes, pants and a few tops] I asked her if she had enough pants/jeans...she didn't give me a "real" answer so I went in her room and started looking. Well come to learn she has more the 12+ tops so she should be okay but for some reason feels like she needs more. I explained that if she has perfectly good clothes in her closet there is no need for me to buy more. She continued to be moody and fuss at her brother wanting to kick him out and I told her no and let him stay. I recommended she chill out and I adjusted her list for shopping.
Later she comes in my room, while I was doing my homework, to ask me about veins in her eyes. She has been upset because she is worried that the veins will reach her eyes. I explained her eyes are red and that from all salt and chlorine we were exposed to today her eyes are just tired and need to rest. She seemed to relax and we'll see how things progress. I am so glad I didn't yell and scream but I must make sure to watch and recognize when the problem is not the problem and be ready to help and provide comfort.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Day Fifteen through Twenty-One
Things have actually been okay. No major drama or tantrums from either group.
My daughter is starting to take more initiative when it comes to her hair, still needs help and work but at least she is making an effort. Her skin is doing well and I believe she'll keep up the regimen now that she sees the effects. She made me angry again when we talked about backpacks. Borders is closing and there was one on sale for $10!!! I should have just bought it and said use this or use nothing. WE are way to easy on our kids and let them get away with too much. Well its ending now, she'll either take it or get the Wal-mart style and that will be the end of it. I am not looking forward to clothes shopping tomorrow. I hope to be able to get her into Karate soon. I hope she is blessed with a great gal pal and someone who will just be her friend without the drama.
My son is being a typical 4 year old, getting into everything and bothering everybody. He too is being spoiled with his major Lego hangup. Unfortunately my husband bought him more Legos and he can't sleep right just for fantasizing abougt getting more figures to complete his world. Soccer practice went well and he is starting to listen...sometimes. Maybe next year we will try T-ball. I am glad he is a social kid and that he seems to make friends readily. It amazing how different a kid he is when he is at school, church or around others. How do I get him to act "nice" like that at home!!! Though I am glad he isn't a trouble maker while away from us. I still haven't had the heart to tell him I don't have peanuts!
My daughter is starting to take more initiative when it comes to her hair, still needs help and work but at least she is making an effort. Her skin is doing well and I believe she'll keep up the regimen now that she sees the effects. She made me angry again when we talked about backpacks. Borders is closing and there was one on sale for $10!!! I should have just bought it and said use this or use nothing. WE are way to easy on our kids and let them get away with too much. Well its ending now, she'll either take it or get the Wal-mart style and that will be the end of it. I am not looking forward to clothes shopping tomorrow. I hope to be able to get her into Karate soon. I hope she is blessed with a great gal pal and someone who will just be her friend without the drama.
My son is being a typical 4 year old, getting into everything and bothering everybody. He too is being spoiled with his major Lego hangup. Unfortunately my husband bought him more Legos and he can't sleep right just for fantasizing abougt getting more figures to complete his world. Soccer practice went well and he is starting to listen...sometimes. Maybe next year we will try T-ball. I am glad he is a social kid and that he seems to make friends readily. It amazing how different a kid he is when he is at school, church or around others. How do I get him to act "nice" like that at home!!! Though I am glad he isn't a trouble maker while away from us. I still haven't had the heart to tell him I don't have peanuts!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Day Twelve through Fourteen
Day #12
Things are quiet, which is good. We started doing some serious dusting and organizing, its going to take me a good 3 days to complete the kitchen. This is keeping the kids busy and out of my hair.
Speaking of hair, my daughter is seeming to settle in with her hairstyle. Now we will tackle back to school shopping in the next week.
Went out to eat and realized that our daughter is now in the adult bracket...my husband was not expecting that. One of these days he'll need to start coming to terms that she's growing up.
Day #13
My son went to his soccer practice. Did pretty good, but must learn how to listen and follow direction. He did play well with others and there wasn't too much drama, though it will be interesting to see how he learns to play with girls.
After practice we ran across the county to a birthday party. The kids enjoyed the pool and breaking the pinata. It was nice to get home and relax. Though I was back at cleaning and straightening to my house will be ready for the new school season.
Day #14
Nice quiet day. We went out to eat after church, we're learning now that our daughter is 12, she costs a bit more now. Decided to take the day off from cleaning and do some writing. The teenage storm is quiet for the moment.
Things are quiet, which is good. We started doing some serious dusting and organizing, its going to take me a good 3 days to complete the kitchen. This is keeping the kids busy and out of my hair.
Speaking of hair, my daughter is seeming to settle in with her hairstyle. Now we will tackle back to school shopping in the next week.
Went out to eat and realized that our daughter is now in the adult bracket...my husband was not expecting that. One of these days he'll need to start coming to terms that she's growing up.
Day #13
My son went to his soccer practice. Did pretty good, but must learn how to listen and follow direction. He did play well with others and there wasn't too much drama, though it will be interesting to see how he learns to play with girls.
After practice we ran across the county to a birthday party. The kids enjoyed the pool and breaking the pinata. It was nice to get home and relax. Though I was back at cleaning and straightening to my house will be ready for the new school season.
Day #14
Nice quiet day. We went out to eat after church, we're learning now that our daughter is 12, she costs a bit more now. Decided to take the day off from cleaning and do some writing. The teenage storm is quiet for the moment.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Day Six through Eleven
Day #6
Took the kids to Belmont Park and the beach. It was a great day and very relaxing. My daughter tried her hand at boogie boarding and learned its a big workout. She wasn't quite up to riding the rides. I didn't want to, our son is too young and my husband can't ride. We spent six great hours together.
Day #7
My sister came in last night and would spend the day. Her main purpose for the trip was to visit the international cottage in Balboa Park which are only open on Sundays. After a great Sunday service, we picked up some fast food and headed down. The kids did pretty good but after a while they started they usual complaining. I let it be know that that attitude was what kept them from having certain blessings because I don't reward bad behavior.
It was great to visit with my sister and see how she is doing.
The kids are on a television fast, so it will be interesting to see how well they will find other things to occupy their time.
Day #8
My sister returned home and my son returned to preschool. My daughter began to clear out her room of old clothes and things she no longer wanted. I had a $10 gift certificate to use....can you guess what I bought??? One pair of sleep pants for myself and four bras for my daughter. If my son would have had his way he would have gotten more shirts. I understand Sinbad's statement more than ever, "human atm."
The kids had some withdrawal wanted to watch tv or watch me play a game. I decided I'll wait till they are in bed before I attempt to play from no on. My son was so automatic in wanting to turn the tv on when he got home from preschool. It really doesn't take a long time to make a bad habit.
She started fretting over her face. Her skin was showing it got some sun on Saturday, she had some major peeling going on, and she was starting to get frantic.
I explained it will pass but that wasn't enough.
Day #9
My son was invited to be part of a panel that was investigating how children reconcile when a person says pieces, parts and whole. Capt. Blue was my son's reference point. For example he was shown a whole shoe and a shoe but in two pieces. He was asked was it a good job or bad job when Capt Blue said he had 3 shoes and why. My son's answers were very inventive, sometimes saying Capt Blue broke his shoe, so he did a bad job. Other times he made up such an elaborate story all I could do was shake my head. Its amazing how our kids think but it also let me know that I must be patient when communicating with my children because they may not understand at first and might need to rephrase so they get it.
Helped my her prepare spaghetti for the first time. We used the leftover ground beef from taco night so teaching her how to brown ground beef will come later. Everything turned out well and I will be putting her to use in the kitchen more often.
I pulled out various board games and the kids kept very busy and had fun. For sure I'll make sure Sun, Tues and Thurs will be non television days and we'll play board games. We did finally hear from my son's soccer coach, now to go spend more money.
Day #10
We put off our major shopping trip, hubby's request, and that was just fine with me. After a discussion about cost, we agreed to let her get an mp3 player. She was been looking at ipods and we spent a good portion of time looking at websites so she could get an idea about what she wanted. So we headed to WalMart and did some shopping: Me for household items, Her ipod. She saw an RCA mp3 player for $20 less and decided on that. Wow spending her own money made her be frugal about the purchase... and of course I told her she could get other things with the money she saved. I had her start using the skin repair cream immediately to help with the freckles and peeling.
Now come the tears....well we needed to work on her hair. For 3 days I didn't say anything about her hair...wanted to see if she'd take some initiative. Well she did, she washed her hair with leave in condition. I had my work cut of for me. She showed me a hairstyle and we went at it. Unfortunately her dandruff is starting to concern me...how could it creep up so quickly! Anyway I got her bangs back and there wasn't a tangle to be found...but she way crying. What!? Did I miss something here??? I didn't say anything I just gave her a box of tissues and continued working on her hair. I bumped some curl in the bottom and explained that we would need to "teach" her hair to behave the way we wanted it to behave.
While picking up my son and pizza.. my stress level had significantly elevated, I stopped by Big Lots and purchased a journal. I wrote a few comments in them and told her she could write me back and put in on my pillow. I told her I loved her and it will all work out. My husband got caught up in work so I took her to her youth group and we processed to put rollers in the hair for the first time. We'll see what happens.
Day #11
Okay what happened was.... just kidding.
I still had not achieved the look she wanted but she did look nice. While in the bookstore, spending that $20, we looked at a few hair magazines and she told me what she wanted...spirals and bangs. Lord, I need a guide on how to do curly Qs!! We had a good day returning a few things my son didn't need and window shopping. Of course she found another style she wants me to try....Lord help!
I put her in charge of making dinner, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. I made the cornbread. Things went well again. It was great to eat dinner as a family.
While she was in her room I noticed the journal on my pillow. She apologized for being emotional yesterday, didn't understand why. I wrote her back and told her to be patient with herself because it is going to be alright. I slipped in back on her pillow while she was brushing her teeth. I made sure to reinforce how much better skin was looking and the importance of sun block.
And the adventures continues...
Took the kids to Belmont Park and the beach. It was a great day and very relaxing. My daughter tried her hand at boogie boarding and learned its a big workout. She wasn't quite up to riding the rides. I didn't want to, our son is too young and my husband can't ride. We spent six great hours together.
Day #7
My sister came in last night and would spend the day. Her main purpose for the trip was to visit the international cottage in Balboa Park which are only open on Sundays. After a great Sunday service, we picked up some fast food and headed down. The kids did pretty good but after a while they started they usual complaining. I let it be know that that attitude was what kept them from having certain blessings because I don't reward bad behavior.
It was great to visit with my sister and see how she is doing.
The kids are on a television fast, so it will be interesting to see how well they will find other things to occupy their time.
Day #8
My sister returned home and my son returned to preschool. My daughter began to clear out her room of old clothes and things she no longer wanted. I had a $10 gift certificate to use....can you guess what I bought??? One pair of sleep pants for myself and four bras for my daughter. If my son would have had his way he would have gotten more shirts. I understand Sinbad's statement more than ever, "human atm."
The kids had some withdrawal wanted to watch tv or watch me play a game. I decided I'll wait till they are in bed before I attempt to play from no on. My son was so automatic in wanting to turn the tv on when he got home from preschool. It really doesn't take a long time to make a bad habit.
She started fretting over her face. Her skin was showing it got some sun on Saturday, she had some major peeling going on, and she was starting to get frantic.
I explained it will pass but that wasn't enough.
Day #9
My son was invited to be part of a panel that was investigating how children reconcile when a person says pieces, parts and whole. Capt. Blue was my son's reference point. For example he was shown a whole shoe and a shoe but in two pieces. He was asked was it a good job or bad job when Capt Blue said he had 3 shoes and why. My son's answers were very inventive, sometimes saying Capt Blue broke his shoe, so he did a bad job. Other times he made up such an elaborate story all I could do was shake my head. Its amazing how our kids think but it also let me know that I must be patient when communicating with my children because they may not understand at first and might need to rephrase so they get it.
Helped my her prepare spaghetti for the first time. We used the leftover ground beef from taco night so teaching her how to brown ground beef will come later. Everything turned out well and I will be putting her to use in the kitchen more often.
I pulled out various board games and the kids kept very busy and had fun. For sure I'll make sure Sun, Tues and Thurs will be non television days and we'll play board games. We did finally hear from my son's soccer coach, now to go spend more money.
Day #10
We put off our major shopping trip, hubby's request, and that was just fine with me. After a discussion about cost, we agreed to let her get an mp3 player. She was been looking at ipods and we spent a good portion of time looking at websites so she could get an idea about what she wanted. So we headed to WalMart and did some shopping: Me for household items, Her ipod. She saw an RCA mp3 player for $20 less and decided on that. Wow spending her own money made her be frugal about the purchase... and of course I told her she could get other things with the money she saved. I had her start using the skin repair cream immediately to help with the freckles and peeling.
Now come the tears....well we needed to work on her hair. For 3 days I didn't say anything about her hair...wanted to see if she'd take some initiative. Well she did, she washed her hair with leave in condition. I had my work cut of for me. She showed me a hairstyle and we went at it. Unfortunately her dandruff is starting to concern me...how could it creep up so quickly! Anyway I got her bangs back and there wasn't a tangle to be found...but she way crying. What!? Did I miss something here??? I didn't say anything I just gave her a box of tissues and continued working on her hair. I bumped some curl in the bottom and explained that we would need to "teach" her hair to behave the way we wanted it to behave.
While picking up my son and pizza.. my stress level had significantly elevated, I stopped by Big Lots and purchased a journal. I wrote a few comments in them and told her she could write me back and put in on my pillow. I told her I loved her and it will all work out. My husband got caught up in work so I took her to her youth group and we processed to put rollers in the hair for the first time. We'll see what happens.
Day #11
Okay what happened was.... just kidding.
I still had not achieved the look she wanted but she did look nice. While in the bookstore, spending that $20, we looked at a few hair magazines and she told me what she wanted...spirals and bangs. Lord, I need a guide on how to do curly Qs!! We had a good day returning a few things my son didn't need and window shopping. Of course she found another style she wants me to try....Lord help!
I put her in charge of making dinner, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. I made the cornbread. Things went well again. It was great to eat dinner as a family.
While she was in her room I noticed the journal on my pillow. She apologized for being emotional yesterday, didn't understand why. I wrote her back and told her to be patient with herself because it is going to be alright. I slipped in back on her pillow while she was brushing her teeth. I made sure to reinforce how much better skin was looking and the importance of sun block.
And the adventures continues...
Friday, August 5, 2011
Day Five
Teenagers....there really is not understanding them if they don't even understand themselves. She had really gotten into wanting to look like everyone else. We've been having some hair issues...she things is should be lighter [there is not way I'm letting her dye her hair at this age!]. I ask (nicely), "Hey how to you want your hair to look?", "What style would you like?". The responses I get are "I don't know."
Well duh! How in the world am I to help you achieve a look when you don't even know what it is???!!! And the you get upset and moody and put you bad attitude on the rest of us. You would think with all the time she spent on the internet she would have found some styles that she was interested in and would say, "Hey mom, something like this would be nice."
But nooooo! I am subjected to evasiveness like I have never seen. I thought my patients were bad when it came to trying to hide information. Again, I could be over reacting. Maybe she really doesn't know. I am not going to let her completely off the hook, since if she really wanted something than she should make the effort to find out about it, figure it out and not just sit back and let the wind blow things her way.
I do hope she'll keep up the skin cleaning regimen. Its help me stay motivated to remove all my makeup every night. Now if I can get her to feel that way about daily showering and keeping her toes and finger nails in shape!! I try not to think about what is going to happen once she starts her period.
I did keep my word and took her over to a clothing store not far from the house. She decided NOT to bring the catalog [I felt it was a mistake] and see what was available. She didn't admit it but she had gotten very emotional...maybe thinking we weren't going to make it to the store. We dropped of an Avon order before heading and my customer got a little talkative. Something that should have been done in 2 mins. took 18. Well we still were going to go, though I knew we'd have to rush because another client was stopping by in less than an hour. It all worked and I didn't say anything to her but I don't even have a category for that one. Or maybe I do, "Oh ye of little faith." Maybe that one will do.
Anyway earlier I had used a tape measure to check her chest measurements...the girl is going to need new underwear for back to school. Another goal is to get her to start thinking more healthy but not be obsessed with weight. My all these fine lines!
Okay back to the shopping. Well she looked but couldn't really make up her mind. She did try on a t-shirt and a halter top but didn't quite achieve the "catalog" log. They had a great sale [$2 shirts on a clearance rack]...now me I would have cleaned up, but $40 worth so I could get the $20 coupon and come back and buy jeans or something. Not my child. Note her catalog order would equal around $72 consisting of 4 shirts and a pair of shorts. She selected two $2 shirts and that was it. We could have been half way down with BTS shopping but now she only picks 2 tops. I swear she is her father when it comes to be cheap. I am all for saving but this was an excellent opportunity and it wouldn't be wasteful. Of course my feeling will not be hurt if she takes the $3.88 tops for WalMart.
All I can say is I'll be happy when I am working and back in shape!
My son survived his first week back to preschool. No trouble putting him to bed tonight. I think as long as we keep including him and talking to him like a big boy he may just calm down and be more respectful of others. I know we must be patient and consistent.
Well the house is quiet, time for me to quiet down too.
Well duh! How in the world am I to help you achieve a look when you don't even know what it is???!!! And the you get upset and moody and put you bad attitude on the rest of us. You would think with all the time she spent on the internet she would have found some styles that she was interested in and would say, "Hey mom, something like this would be nice."
But nooooo! I am subjected to evasiveness like I have never seen. I thought my patients were bad when it came to trying to hide information. Again, I could be over reacting. Maybe she really doesn't know. I am not going to let her completely off the hook, since if she really wanted something than she should make the effort to find out about it, figure it out and not just sit back and let the wind blow things her way.
I do hope she'll keep up the skin cleaning regimen. Its help me stay motivated to remove all my makeup every night. Now if I can get her to feel that way about daily showering and keeping her toes and finger nails in shape!! I try not to think about what is going to happen once she starts her period.
I did keep my word and took her over to a clothing store not far from the house. She decided NOT to bring the catalog [I felt it was a mistake] and see what was available. She didn't admit it but she had gotten very emotional...maybe thinking we weren't going to make it to the store. We dropped of an Avon order before heading and my customer got a little talkative. Something that should have been done in 2 mins. took 18. Well we still were going to go, though I knew we'd have to rush because another client was stopping by in less than an hour. It all worked and I didn't say anything to her but I don't even have a category for that one. Or maybe I do, "Oh ye of little faith." Maybe that one will do.
Anyway earlier I had used a tape measure to check her chest measurements...the girl is going to need new underwear for back to school. Another goal is to get her to start thinking more healthy but not be obsessed with weight. My all these fine lines!
Okay back to the shopping. Well she looked but couldn't really make up her mind. She did try on a t-shirt and a halter top but didn't quite achieve the "catalog" log. They had a great sale [$2 shirts on a clearance rack]...now me I would have cleaned up, but $40 worth so I could get the $20 coupon and come back and buy jeans or something. Not my child. Note her catalog order would equal around $72 consisting of 4 shirts and a pair of shorts. She selected two $2 shirts and that was it. We could have been half way down with BTS shopping but now she only picks 2 tops. I swear she is her father when it comes to be cheap. I am all for saving but this was an excellent opportunity and it wouldn't be wasteful. Of course my feeling will not be hurt if she takes the $3.88 tops for WalMart.
All I can say is I'll be happy when I am working and back in shape!
My son survived his first week back to preschool. No trouble putting him to bed tonight. I think as long as we keep including him and talking to him like a big boy he may just calm down and be more respectful of others. I know we must be patient and consistent.
Well the house is quiet, time for me to quiet down too.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Day Four
Today was a good day. We had to stick around the house because our satellite had wigged out. Thankfully, we got a great technician and he saved us some money and go all the remotes working nicely with all the televisions. I love professionals!
Made a light dinner, heard no complaints and we finally got candles so we could sing happy birthday to my daughter.
I reviewed her catalog choices and recommended that we do some window shopping and then we could make our purchases once we saw the prices. She is starting to see that the cost of things isn't as cheap as she sometimes believes.
She had completely cleared out her room and my hope it that she will maintain being organized and tidy.
My son is enjoying being back in school and its great that he is able to use of some of his energy and be a little calmer at home. We've got to work on his "quiet" self play more.
Its been a long day, time to turn in early.
Made a light dinner, heard no complaints and we finally got candles so we could sing happy birthday to my daughter.
I reviewed her catalog choices and recommended that we do some window shopping and then we could make our purchases once we saw the prices. She is starting to see that the cost of things isn't as cheap as she sometimes believes.
She had completely cleared out her room and my hope it that she will maintain being organized and tidy.
My son is enjoying being back in school and its great that he is able to use of some of his energy and be a little calmer at home. We've got to work on his "quiet" self play more.
Its been a long day, time to turn in early.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Day Three
My daughter's 12th birthday. All in all it was a good day. She was excited to open her cards and gifts. I kept a straight face when she joined us at the breakfast table dressed in her pajamas and tiara.
She couldn't quite decide what she wanted to do for the day. Soak City and Belmont Park kept coming up. The state of my physical appearance really don't lend me to wanting to be out and about but I know I can't close myself off. Gotta get motivated again. No one told me being a parent was so tiring.
Anyway I showed her out to shop through a catalog and write down requests she has. She wanted to know it there was a store locally we could by the same items...sometimes but other times you have to shop online.
As I watched her today she seems unable to make concrete decisions. Sometimes...
I wonder if that was fault of me and her father. I rarely am indecisive. I know what I want, when I want it and how I want it. Have I made the decisions for so long that now that we've through the ball in her court she can't seem to think it through and then do it? Or is she so uncomfortable with this new room to grow that she is overwhelmed.
When she was smaller I used to "secretly" joke about how 'blonde' my child was. No serious offense to real blondes but there were days when I all I could do was shake my head.
Putting the stereotypes and generalizations aside, I had to look at the three fingers pointing back at me as I pointed one at her. Had my strong woman stance caused my daughter to become this pretty wall flower that allowed others to make and shape all her choices? Or maybe I was jumping the gun. Maybe this is what the teenage years are for. A time to recognize and acknowledge your own mind and heart and begin to assert some independence while learning.
Patience...there's that word again! May my learning patience for my daughter rub off on her to learn patience with her brother.
I am actually optimistic. She was happy with the am/pm skin moisturizers I purchased for her. I'll start explaining the importance of taking care of her skin, body and belongings even more now so she'll make good long term habits that will last her a life time.
May I remember to know make her into WHO I want her to be but be supportive of the person she is developing into and that she is called to be.
She couldn't quite decide what she wanted to do for the day. Soak City and Belmont Park kept coming up. The state of my physical appearance really don't lend me to wanting to be out and about but I know I can't close myself off. Gotta get motivated again. No one told me being a parent was so tiring.
Anyway I showed her out to shop through a catalog and write down requests she has. She wanted to know it there was a store locally we could by the same items...sometimes but other times you have to shop online.
As I watched her today she seems unable to make concrete decisions. Sometimes...
I wonder if that was fault of me and her father. I rarely am indecisive. I know what I want, when I want it and how I want it. Have I made the decisions for so long that now that we've through the ball in her court she can't seem to think it through and then do it? Or is she so uncomfortable with this new room to grow that she is overwhelmed.
When she was smaller I used to "secretly" joke about how 'blonde' my child was. No serious offense to real blondes but there were days when I all I could do was shake my head.
Putting the stereotypes and generalizations aside, I had to look at the three fingers pointing back at me as I pointed one at her. Had my strong woman stance caused my daughter to become this pretty wall flower that allowed others to make and shape all her choices? Or maybe I was jumping the gun. Maybe this is what the teenage years are for. A time to recognize and acknowledge your own mind and heart and begin to assert some independence while learning.
Patience...there's that word again! May my learning patience for my daughter rub off on her to learn patience with her brother.
I am actually optimistic. She was happy with the am/pm skin moisturizers I purchased for her. I'll start explaining the importance of taking care of her skin, body and belongings even more now so she'll make good long term habits that will last her a life time.
May I remember to know make her into WHO I want her to be but be supportive of the person she is developing into and that she is called to be.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Day Two
Well today was a good day. Kids were up at a reasonable hour and I was able to enjoy my cereal in peace. My daughter behaved herself and was actually a model of what I how I knew she could be.
Hmmmm, must be that pesky birthday coming up tomorrow.
My children are picky eaters, pure and simple. Didn't want to eat any leftovers and it was too hot to cook anything in the kitchen. I guess if they get hungry they'll eat what is set before them.
Today our discussion surrounded around a show I was watching [Harry's Law: episode #4 regarding suing fast food chains for making people fat] and was what was being said true.
I broke it down to her: Businesses want to make money so they advertise in such a way to entice us to use our money on their products. Fast food is general is not good for us. It is made in such a way to make us want it and it does unhealthy things to our bodies.
Further went on to say that I am an overweight black woman that is at risk of some bad things [hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, death].
Since she had been somewhat appearance motivated, I felt I needed to tell her you have to be health oriented so that the beauty show inward outward...or at least something like that.
While we were in WalMart she had seen a product for some facial cleaner and she got all excited. I told her that was the response they wanted, in hopes that she would put it in her basket while she shopped. She didn't need the product but because she saw the item on tv the thought had been placed and she remembered.
She hasn't tried her hair removal in a few days...not that she had a lot of hair on her legs but she doesn't want to listen to me. Well at least she did workout today.
Now to get her to stop watching shows on her laptop. She came to me later in the day so say her eye was twitching and when was it going to start. I told her it was time to stop watching the shows and do something else. She does have a new book she can start reading but I'll see if she can self start that project without my interference.
Now if I can just get my son to start listening without me having to threaten in within an inch of his life.
Time for some escapism...Darkfever here I come....
Hmmmm, must be that pesky birthday coming up tomorrow.
My children are picky eaters, pure and simple. Didn't want to eat any leftovers and it was too hot to cook anything in the kitchen. I guess if they get hungry they'll eat what is set before them.
Today our discussion surrounded around a show I was watching [Harry's Law: episode #4 regarding suing fast food chains for making people fat] and was what was being said true.
I broke it down to her: Businesses want to make money so they advertise in such a way to entice us to use our money on their products. Fast food is general is not good for us. It is made in such a way to make us want it and it does unhealthy things to our bodies.
Further went on to say that I am an overweight black woman that is at risk of some bad things [hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, death].
Since she had been somewhat appearance motivated, I felt I needed to tell her you have to be health oriented so that the beauty show inward outward...or at least something like that.
While we were in WalMart she had seen a product for some facial cleaner and she got all excited. I told her that was the response they wanted, in hopes that she would put it in her basket while she shopped. She didn't need the product but because she saw the item on tv the thought had been placed and she remembered.
She hasn't tried her hair removal in a few days...not that she had a lot of hair on her legs but she doesn't want to listen to me. Well at least she did workout today.
Now to get her to stop watching shows on her laptop. She came to me later in the day so say her eye was twitching and when was it going to start. I told her it was time to stop watching the shows and do something else. She does have a new book she can start reading but I'll see if she can self start that project without my interference.
Now if I can just get my son to start listening without me having to threaten in within an inch of his life.
Time for some escapism...Darkfever here I come....
Monday, August 1, 2011
Day One August First
Though I have two days until her 12th birthday I can already see the changes. We did survive the our first year of middle school, with the family surviving my first year of nursing school. But my quiet, social awkward baby was streaming lining her way to moody and attitude-ness.
To her credit she gets her solitude from me and her father. We like to spend time with people and socialize but we also like our alone time. She turned that time into drawing and creating the most unique creatures we had ever seen. Unfortunately I am the eldest of four and when I am social I love it and thrive. I sometimes get things immediately, its almost as if everything comes to me naturally. My husband the baby of the family was happy to blend in with the background and not be noticed.
We were excited like most soon to be parents. Pregnancy went well, no trouble delivering and we didn't go overboard with spoiling with our precious little girl. We tried not to get too excited when she became Ms. Picky eater. We held on to our cool when she let her fear of balloons almost paralyze her at school.
We knew enough to know that all kids are unique and that you can't let yourself stress out over every little thing.
Well just because I am a mom doesn't mean I cease to be human. Where was it written we had to satisfy every whim of our child. My parents didn't and neither did my husband's parents. We weren't going to either. She was just going to have to get over it when we said no.
At school things seemed to go well. We tried tap, ballet and going to summer camp. Either way she is a very blessed little girl.
After trying for another baby and a loss, our son arrived a month before her 8th birthday. We had harmony. Making sure to take time out with her so she didn't feel left out with the new baby in the house.
The peace would cease once our son decided he was as old as his sister and wanted to do everything that she did. Their adventures would usually work out but she soon began to act like she didn't want him around.
So I stepped back and began to look at my patient levels. Being in school and working were stressing me to a new level so I started to revisit my parenting skills. We strove to be fair and not let our emotions dictate discipline.
So now we stand on the brink of a new adventure where she starts to want more independence and we work to shape and mold her into the woman she is supposed to be.
I knew this day was coming. I don't like the attitudes but I know that if I can maintain being a patient teacher, I can help her express herself in an appropriate manner and still feel respected by me and her father.
Let the challenge begin........
To her credit she gets her solitude from me and her father. We like to spend time with people and socialize but we also like our alone time. She turned that time into drawing and creating the most unique creatures we had ever seen. Unfortunately I am the eldest of four and when I am social I love it and thrive. I sometimes get things immediately, its almost as if everything comes to me naturally. My husband the baby of the family was happy to blend in with the background and not be noticed.
We were excited like most soon to be parents. Pregnancy went well, no trouble delivering and we didn't go overboard with spoiling with our precious little girl. We tried not to get too excited when she became Ms. Picky eater. We held on to our cool when she let her fear of balloons almost paralyze her at school.
We knew enough to know that all kids are unique and that you can't let yourself stress out over every little thing.
Well just because I am a mom doesn't mean I cease to be human. Where was it written we had to satisfy every whim of our child. My parents didn't and neither did my husband's parents. We weren't going to either. She was just going to have to get over it when we said no.
At school things seemed to go well. We tried tap, ballet and going to summer camp. Either way she is a very blessed little girl.
After trying for another baby and a loss, our son arrived a month before her 8th birthday. We had harmony. Making sure to take time out with her so she didn't feel left out with the new baby in the house.
The peace would cease once our son decided he was as old as his sister and wanted to do everything that she did. Their adventures would usually work out but she soon began to act like she didn't want him around.
So I stepped back and began to look at my patient levels. Being in school and working were stressing me to a new level so I started to revisit my parenting skills. We strove to be fair and not let our emotions dictate discipline.
So now we stand on the brink of a new adventure where she starts to want more independence and we work to shape and mold her into the woman she is supposed to be.
I knew this day was coming. I don't like the attitudes but I know that if I can maintain being a patient teacher, I can help her express herself in an appropriate manner and still feel respected by me and her father.
Let the challenge begin........
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