Kindergarten on the Horizon

We have submitted the paperwork. We tried out a school bus. This is happening.

Random Parenting Tip #578

I haven't mastered much of this parenting gig, but I will say we successfully adopted a trick a couple years ago from a friend about managing transitions for the wee ones. And as anyone who has asked their toddler to "put away their playdoh so we can go to the grocery store where mommy will complain about the current price of grapes and avoid the odd cashier* in checkout lane number 4" knows, transitions can be testy.

Set a timer: pick a timer, any timer. For a solid year, we lived by the "When the clock goes 'beep beep beep'..." way of transitioning to other activities and errands. The only way the kids used to leave the park is if my phone went off using the "dog barking" alarm. Man, that was a good trick in my pocket for a while. Now transitions aren't that much of an issue anymore. There they go again, growing up and stuff. 

I think the timer method works because it puts the onus on a third-party; young children are dimly fooled into thinking it's out of your hands. Plus it acknowledges you are providing them remaining time to finish what they are doing. 

True story: when I came out of the shower a few days ago, I was confused why the boys were dressed and all ready for the day. It turns out they had set a 2 minute timer for themselves to see if they could get dressed (which explained the heavier breathing and twisted pants). I'm sure there's a childhood complex brewing somewhere in there**, but I'll take it for now!

*No, seriously. His name is Michael. But he pronounces it as "Meekayl" to be quirky. 
**At age 27, Landon's left side subtly twitches anytime a timer goes off.

In Defense of Not Having a Pet

A common line I hear often: "You guys need to get a dog!" 

No. No, we don't. Here is my blurb in defense of NOT having a canine companion in our home.

(1) Energy. It takes energy to walk a dog, feed a dog, play with a dog, chase a dog when he escapes, take care of him when he is sick, clean up his turds, etc. Even if I have the residual energy on some days, I'm not sure if I want to direct it towards those things right now. I rather be able to help a friend, accept a random beer date, read a book, insert whatever floats your boat here. 

(2) Time. See "energy."

(3) Money. Dayuuum, pets be expensive. I still remember the vet bills from our dog growing up, and for a self centered 13 yr old to be affronted by the cost of a shot and a dental cleaning says a lot. 

(4) Freedom. You can't take a dog everywhere with you. We like to travel. We like to do stuff. Kennels can be great, but they can be horrible and your dog comes out with PTSD symptoms. Also, the related cost - see "money."

(5) Cleanliness. Sure, there is likely data that supports folks with pets have better immune systems because they are constantly exposed to dander and germs and such. But I know what a dingleberry is and I don't like them. I don't need an itchy butt dog with extra pee dripping off his wiener, boot scootin' boogy-ing around on his ass on the same carpet that my kids roll around on daily. I'm purely only dealing with little human pee and poo at this point in my life.

I'd consider this dog. Cool trick.

Now that I've said my piece on the topic, know this: I love dogs. They are awesome. They are your best friend and your kids' best friend and act as this little epicenter of a family and they don't even know it (the most lovable characteristic of all). It can teach so many lessons for kids in patience, caretaking and friendship. This, I know. I fiercely loved my dog growing up and I so look forward to the boys having the same experience. Buuuuut, not now. Someday, yes, but not now.

Hope you have a dingleberry-free day!

Hello, hello

Why, hello there! Thanks for visiting the blog that I have been woefully lack in updating these past several months and overall in general. Life isn't crazy or anything. In fact, it is rather the opposite for the most part. And perhaps that is why there haven't been too many updates - I'm spending time laughing with hubby on the couch, watching shows in the evenings. The few preschool mornings to myself are spent working out and taking care of myself better. Weekends are spent helping the boys with Legos while Daddy is out running and then we spend time together as a family, farting around. I assume this is what it feels like to be a "normal" non-military family. So I am rejoicing in the simplicity of it all until things ramp up again for next year's deployment.

Not us. But I assume that's what a non-military family looks like...?

I have a personal goal to be better about writing and sharing pictures again, so buckle up for the next round! Things to document include Erik and I's journey on the Whole30 (food program), my "lazy" days with the boys as Landon closes the gap to Kindergarten in the fall, general parenting wins and fails, an ode to my missing IUD (spoiler alert: ends with a trip to the OR table), Erik's woodworking build of Anders' new bed (he can't stay in a half disassembled crib forever) and other fun stuff along the way. Well, fun stuff for us, at least. You're just here, killing time and procrastinating on much more important stuff to do. Thanks for being here - hello again!