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A lot of my furniture is Ikea. No I am not ashamed to admit it. I am a sucker for their environmentally conscious values, family friendly atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Where else can you go and 'kid check' your kid eat actually good food that is not all preservative laden while you pick up new dishes for $30??
Well a few years ago during one of my moves my bed broke. It is screwed together now but I would like to replace it. The thing with my Ikea stuff is I can stand it if it dented, dinged, or destroyed and with my kids and animals things happen- a lot.
Anyway. So we went to Ikea after spending several hours in the pool. It was great. Kids ate. Checked the oldest (stinky is old enough and potty trained but they kids need to be 37 in tall- he is 35) Went back up stairs to play some trains before the shopping then the power went out. Peas and Stinky were remarkably calm- picked them up went down stairs and unchecked Princess- who was kind of royally pissed.
We had an Ikea emergency- and all survived really well.
One of the things I HATE about Ikea though is I am always so inspired to redo things in my house but I lack the time, finances, muscles, and pretty much everything else aside from the desire to do it.
Also I seem to lack a 'girl' gene that is useful for making a house more 'home' and decorating and accessorizing (this goes for clothes as well). so if any of you readers want to take pity on me offer decorating advice- or something...help!!!
It was fun, really.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Maybe if I keep telling myself that I'll believe it... really it was fun. I could have done with out the face wacking but- it could have been a lot worse.
Today we went blueberry picking with my good friends children. She got to get her hair done and I took her kids. To be honest I was really nervous about watching them for this period of time- I broke my toe the other day and it has been painful so I have been that mobile and it was a rainy day.... so my usual way of playing with the kids was out.... especially considering my three get squirmy when inside. These two kids are great though. They are genuinely sweet and I wish to heaven my kids would behave as well as that more often. They get along so nicely with my kids too. Stinky has a bit of a crush even. It was not bad- I like the way they absorb each other.
We braved the rain. Drove an hour. Got POURED on it was like the skies just opened and dumped everything on us. We were wet so so wet. I made the big kids 'ponchos' from big garbage bags. and the little ones were in a stroller and had towels...fat lot of good that did us. We had to drive to the field and that was so the opposite of fun. The bumps scared the kids to death...as the benches were slick with rain and were bouncing all over because it was a country 'trail' road would be aiming pretty high.
then we got to the picking area and proceeded to pick...blueberries are not as conducive to little kids picking as raspberries or strawberries- but we got it done while getting a rather refreshing shower or deluge. All was well until Stinky accidentally cracked Princess in the face with his metal bucket and made her bleed (at least she did not get a tooth knocked out) then if possible it rained even harder. We called it...and went back-on the bumpy trail from hell. Tears and lots of drama ensued from Princess. Stinky looked a lot more concerned than anything. We got into the shed and purchased our berries. Then the 'ponchos' were removed and the kids were soaked to the skin. Thankfully- I forgot to bring the towels in from the pool the other day and I stripped the kids down wrapped them in towels and turned up the heat.
We headed home. On to 55. Those of you unfamiliar with Chicago roadways this is a fairly effective punishment for pretty much any felony- but may at times cross the line to cruel and unusual- especially during poor weather- like today.
On this trip we go right passed a refinery that was putting out steam or smoke or something- the kids thought it was a cloud factory- I did not have the heart to correct them it was too cute.
We arrived home still damp two hours later- with lots of berries.
I could have done with out the less than amusing bumpy ride and the face whack but is was fun.
Today we went blueberry picking with my good friends children. She got to get her hair done and I took her kids. To be honest I was really nervous about watching them for this period of time- I broke my toe the other day and it has been painful so I have been that mobile and it was a rainy day.... so my usual way of playing with the kids was out.... especially considering my three get squirmy when inside. These two kids are great though. They are genuinely sweet and I wish to heaven my kids would behave as well as that more often. They get along so nicely with my kids too. Stinky has a bit of a crush even. It was not bad- I like the way they absorb each other.
We braved the rain. Drove an hour. Got POURED on it was like the skies just opened and dumped everything on us. We were wet so so wet. I made the big kids 'ponchos' from big garbage bags. and the little ones were in a stroller and had towels...fat lot of good that did us. We had to drive to the field and that was so the opposite of fun. The bumps scared the kids to death...as the benches were slick with rain and were bouncing all over because it was a country 'trail' road would be aiming pretty high.
then we got to the picking area and proceeded to pick...blueberries are not as conducive to little kids picking as raspberries or strawberries- but we got it done while getting a rather refreshing shower or deluge. All was well until Stinky accidentally cracked Princess in the face with his metal bucket and made her bleed (at least she did not get a tooth knocked out) then if possible it rained even harder. We called it...and went back-on the bumpy trail from hell. Tears and lots of drama ensued from Princess. Stinky looked a lot more concerned than anything. We got into the shed and purchased our berries. Then the 'ponchos' were removed and the kids were soaked to the skin. Thankfully- I forgot to bring the towels in from the pool the other day and I stripped the kids down wrapped them in towels and turned up the heat.
We headed home. On to 55. Those of you unfamiliar with Chicago roadways this is a fairly effective punishment for pretty much any felony- but may at times cross the line to cruel and unusual- especially during poor weather- like today.
On this trip we go right passed a refinery that was putting out steam or smoke or something- the kids thought it was a cloud factory- I did not have the heart to correct them it was too cute.
We arrived home still damp two hours later- with lots of berries.
I could have done with out the less than amusing bumpy ride and the face whack but is was fun.
Toxic
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What do you do when a friendship you have been in has turned unhealthy for you and your family? I am struggling with that. What am I supposed to say: 'Sorry I do not want you in my life you are driving me batshit insane'? I feel like it is more drama laden than needs to be. This person has changed and is someone I no longer respect or, well, like... If it were smaller differences of opinion I am ok- hey everyone has a right to their own- but when I can no longer respect the person there are issues. And I do not want to have this particular brand of crazy around my kids- Heaven knows they get enough of my crazy here- no need to confuse them.
This goes back a long time. I am not good at breaking up with ANYONE. I have done it but it was always awful. Some people can do it with grace and some people can take it with grace. I cannot do any of it. What am I supposed to do? stop returning calls and texts? write a heartfelt email? talk- talking for me doesn't work well- I either become to passive or I get to aggressive; I lack a medium assertive setting.
This goes back a long time. I am not good at breaking up with ANYONE. I have done it but it was always awful. Some people can do it with grace and some people can take it with grace. I cannot do any of it. What am I supposed to do? stop returning calls and texts? write a heartfelt email? talk- talking for me doesn't work well- I either become to passive or I get to aggressive; I lack a medium assertive setting.
Peas's New Car!
She is 17 months going 17 years! She got her first new car! Okay, Okay- I confess it is plastic (but come on my Honda is plastic (well a lot of it is)).
Peas is the proud- and possessive- owner of a cozy coupe. The red and yellow rubbermaid looking ones...yea- those. That was found for us courtesy of a bargain hunting friend who seriously can find pretty much anything at a steal.
She was kind enough to pick up our $5 cozy coupe for us and drop it off for Peas- and Peas bonded- immediately. It was love at first sight. She was beaming with pride at her wheels.
Now she needs to learn to share. Considering how protective teens can be over their first car- I guess it is normal for her to be rather possessive of it. Sharing with sister and brother though would be nice.
Peas is the proud- and possessive- owner of a cozy coupe. The red and yellow rubbermaid looking ones...yea- those. That was found for us courtesy of a bargain hunting friend who seriously can find pretty much anything at a steal.
She was kind enough to pick up our $5 cozy coupe for us and drop it off for Peas- and Peas bonded- immediately. It was love at first sight. She was beaming with pride at her wheels.
Now she needs to learn to share. Considering how protective teens can be over their first car- I guess it is normal for her to be rather possessive of it. Sharing with sister and brother though would be nice.
a chance for play a chance to learn
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Playgroups are pretty awesome things. Kids get a chance to burn energy and learn cooperation, exercise their creativity, practice problem solving, language.....etc.
My group of friends meets at various parks and stays all day. We pack picnic lunches that turn into buffets for the kids and adults to pick and share from. One woman always had awesome food (Ms.LW) seriously what she can do with rice, avacado, corn, and beans is phenomenal.
Anyway. There is no structure to these groups. The kids just play. Sure they argue but they solve it mamas intervene if necessary but it gets them outside, keeps them active, and allows us mamas to chat.
One thing I love about these groups is not only do my children learn important skills that no book could teach them, I learn too. I learn from these moms whom I greatly respect. I learn parenting techniques- I get advice on anything and everything. Watching them parent their children has made me into a better mother. Something that I am a) deeply indebted for and b) still learning. But I have learned so many fantastically effective ways for dealing with less than cooperative behavior in respectful positive ways. So moms thank you!
My group of friends meets at various parks and stays all day. We pack picnic lunches that turn into buffets for the kids and adults to pick and share from. One woman always had awesome food (Ms.LW) seriously what she can do with rice, avacado, corn, and beans is phenomenal.
Anyway. There is no structure to these groups. The kids just play. Sure they argue but they solve it mamas intervene if necessary but it gets them outside, keeps them active, and allows us mamas to chat.
One thing I love about these groups is not only do my children learn important skills that no book could teach them, I learn too. I learn from these moms whom I greatly respect. I learn parenting techniques- I get advice on anything and everything. Watching them parent their children has made me into a better mother. Something that I am a) deeply indebted for and b) still learning. But I have learned so many fantastically effective ways for dealing with less than cooperative behavior in respectful positive ways. So moms thank you!
And now the Reunion and the Aftermath
Sunday, August 2, 2009
August 1, 2009 was reserved back in June for this party. There was no way to escape it. To be honest I was not too excited about going a) there is not a lot of things that I can do up there b) keeping track of the kids up there makes me nervous c) I get really nervous in groups of people... But we trekked north to WI and in the end I am really happy I did- I should not have gone in with a less than enthusiastic attitude. After an 'epic journey' filled with closed expressways and traffic we arrived in one piece. The kids beat me out of the car- as usual- off to see their cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and other relatives (termed cousins).
The weather in IL was less than great- cold, drizzly, windy, icky- and it started like that in WI but in short order it cleared up and was pleasant- not hot- a little cool- but decidedly better than IL. Princess took off and made friends with her cousins (not entirely sure how they are related on the grande tree but today they are cousins) and played happily until they went down to the beach when she cajoled her uncle and cousins into playing in the lake with her. She only had a slightly fantastic time.
Stinky found the food- the guacamole to be specific. The boy loves 'cados'. He ate and ate then played and played. He went up the stairs from the pier to beach about 30 times carrying water- I got tired watching.
Peas made the rounds being her sweet lovely snuggly self- she also made the beach into a naked baby beach and played in the sand and water (I am a bad mama and forgot her bathing suit despite thinking about it over and over).
Soon enough it was dinner time and we feasted on Italian beef, sausage, chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, and mac and cheese.... Stinky was too busy running in circles- literally to eat that much aside from cookies- but Peas and Princess ate well.
Then cake for our cousins birthday- and what kid doesn't want cake? Stinky apparently until he saw his sister and her friends eating it then he convinced his aunt to give him an icing laden piece. Which he devoured.
Back to the beach they went for a boat ride and the biggest surprise of all. Princess and Stinky convinced Grandma and Papa to let them spend the night and the next day there! So I only had one child to contend with over night and today. So we left at 10 ish and the kids were still going strong. Hopefully they will be tired tonight!
The weather in IL was less than great- cold, drizzly, windy, icky- and it started like that in WI but in short order it cleared up and was pleasant- not hot- a little cool- but decidedly better than IL. Princess took off and made friends with her cousins (not entirely sure how they are related on the grande tree but today they are cousins) and played happily until they went down to the beach when she cajoled her uncle and cousins into playing in the lake with her. She only had a slightly fantastic time.
Stinky found the food- the guacamole to be specific. The boy loves 'cados'. He ate and ate then played and played. He went up the stairs from the pier to beach about 30 times carrying water- I got tired watching.
Peas made the rounds being her sweet lovely snuggly self- she also made the beach into a naked baby beach and played in the sand and water (I am a bad mama and forgot her bathing suit despite thinking about it over and over).
Soon enough it was dinner time and we feasted on Italian beef, sausage, chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, and mac and cheese.... Stinky was too busy running in circles- literally to eat that much aside from cookies- but Peas and Princess ate well.
Then cake for our cousins birthday- and what kid doesn't want cake? Stinky apparently until he saw his sister and her friends eating it then he convinced his aunt to give him an icing laden piece. Which he devoured.
Back to the beach they went for a boat ride and the biggest surprise of all. Princess and Stinky convinced Grandma and Papa to let them spend the night and the next day there! So I only had one child to contend with over night and today. So we left at 10 ish and the kids were still going strong. Hopefully they will be tired tonight!
Yet another big day
sometime it seems like we have a lot of big days. But then I look at our lives and they are remarkably dull!
Anyway I'll divide this into two parts: Pre-Family reunion and Family reunion and the aftermath.
We have a place that my family goes to breakfast regularly enough not to need to look at the menu. It is a mile or so from the house and it is one of those places that squeezes the orange juice to order. They also are not shy with portions! The kids always get Micky Mouse pancakes and I always get a veggie omelet. We were going to go there for breakfast yesterday as I have run out of pretty much all food and have not made it to the store- maybe tomorrow- but the kids needed to eat so off we went.
Yesterday was also the day that Miss Lori from PBS Kids was having a personal appearance at Whole Foods which was across the parking lot from the breakfast place. Miss Lori you understand is the kids version of U2 or Bon Jovi or some celebrity like that. So we stopped and played there for an hour or so in unseasonably freezing cold (seriously Mother Nature it is August) and spitting rain and wind just enough to make everyone even more freezing.
The kids were thrilled. Princess had a smile plastered on her face such that I am surprised her face did not stick like that and Stinky was vibrating seriously he trembles when he gets excited. Miss Lori was great. She was warm and kind and sweet! Totally awesome- and made me feel bad for my lack of patience that happens more than I would like. Did you know she liked Micheal Jackson? Well she does! How do I know this? Princess.
They had a great time singing and dancing and learning simple choreography to songs that were about being healthy and active they loved playing a "Jump Jump Jumping " game and were so so sad to leave. But not before a picture!
Anyway I'll divide this into two parts: Pre-Family reunion and Family reunion and the aftermath.
We have a place that my family goes to breakfast regularly enough not to need to look at the menu. It is a mile or so from the house and it is one of those places that squeezes the orange juice to order. They also are not shy with portions! The kids always get Micky Mouse pancakes and I always get a veggie omelet. We were going to go there for breakfast yesterday as I have run out of pretty much all food and have not made it to the store- maybe tomorrow- but the kids needed to eat so off we went.
Yesterday was also the day that Miss Lori from PBS Kids was having a personal appearance at Whole Foods which was across the parking lot from the breakfast place. Miss Lori you understand is the kids version of U2 or Bon Jovi or some celebrity like that. So we stopped and played there for an hour or so in unseasonably freezing cold (seriously Mother Nature it is August) and spitting rain and wind just enough to make everyone even more freezing.
The kids were thrilled. Princess had a smile plastered on her face such that I am surprised her face did not stick like that and Stinky was vibrating seriously he trembles when he gets excited. Miss Lori was great. She was warm and kind and sweet! Totally awesome- and made me feel bad for my lack of patience that happens more than I would like. Did you know she liked Micheal Jackson? Well she does! How do I know this? Princess.
They had a great time singing and dancing and learning simple choreography to songs that were about being healthy and active they loved playing a "Jump Jump Jumping " game and were so so sad to leave. But not before a picture!
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