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!

Silence Can Be Sweet

As a mom of youngsters, I still have plenty of the "Why is it so quiet?" panic moments. If these guys aren't bouncing off of furniture and coming up with grandiose play ideas, silence usually predicates mischief of sorts. But sometimes I catch them just enjoying a quiet moment (and a morning sunbeam) for what it is.

We're Alive

Happy New Year! I haven't updated things in a while despite the fun-filled season (or because of it). Long story short: we survived Christmas and enjoyed a lazy start to 2016. Photo dump staaaaaarts... now!

Legos, legos, legos!

We had fun at Great Wolf Lodge - and made a video over on our YouTube channel.

Uncle Jamesy came to visit and we got lost in the rain in the woods for three hours - it was great!

Staying sharp for a visit from the fat man in the red suit.

Spoiler alert: Santa came to visit.

Took the boys sledding up towards Mt. Baker; mom suffered a minor concussion (no, really) but everyone had fun. Sledding in your 30s is a little different than you envision.

I found a little love note written in the early morning frost on my car as we got ready for school. Squeee!

Did I mention Legos? Millenium Falcon: check!

Sipping on smoothies in Safeway like a boss.

Little boy energy radiating throughout the house on short, gray winter days.

Shut Up and Dance

Season's greetings, everyone! I'm taking a break from decking the halls with boughs of holly* to sit down and write for a moment. My musings are inspired by two things: a trip to the post office this morning and the song on the radio as I drove back home.

The post office at this time of year is not everyone's favorite place. I have been five times in the last two weeks, apparently a glutton for queue punishment and apparently not a great planner. But you know what, I don't think it's the worst thing in the world. I met an elderly woman in line last week who told me of her travels to Egypt and lands far away. Another time, the boys told a joke to the ladies behind me ("Why did the cow cross the road? To go to the mooooovies...") which earned some smiles and a few giggles amongst the line. I was proud of them.

But I tried chatting it up with the woman in front of me in line this morning and it went poorly. Her responses were one worded and her back turned to my direction; I took it as the silent message it was... to shut up. I didn't feel rejected or upset, but obviously I started analyzing her and her packages in lieu of conversation. I can turn off my mouth, but my brain sure does love to observe and there is no off button for that.

I believe more fiercely than ever that happiness is a choice. I don't quite understand why some people choose to stew while standing in a line. Don't get me wrong: I get frustrated when lines are preventable. I'm human. But if a line is a line, that is what it is: just a line. Turn on your "om" and go with the flow. We all have stories, we all have heartbreak, we all have personal struggles and journeys. I don't discount if those are the things you are stewing about - go ahead and stew and cry and help yourself through it. I've been there and am there on most days. But the rest of the time, just try to make life more pleasant for yourself or someone standing in line.

I have one tattoo on my body and it simply reads "Be happy." For the love of all that is holy, people: just live a pleasant life. Joy doesn't need to leak out of your pores, but just smile once in a while - especially if you're standing in a huge line at the post office. Talk to that crazy lady in line behind you (I don't bite!).

And now to the song that peppered my ears on the way home. It was the infectious pop hit "Shut up and Dance" by the band Walk the Moon. A bit of a departure from my usual tunes, but man I love that song. It is catchy, it is fun and it has a great message.

Merry Christmas, everyone!




*Just kidding: I'm cleaning up Legos. Again.

Growing Up at the Pumpkin Patch

We feed and water them daily. Maybe next year they will smile.

2013

2014

2015

Quotes

Anders: Hey Mom, friends can't be beat, right?

Me: Yeah, buddy. That's sweet! Did you hear that on a show or something? You're right: friends can't be beat.

Anders: Yep. You don't beat your friends. That would hurt and they would need to go to the hospital.

Me: Kinda something like that...

Happy 5th Birthday, Landon!

You're terribly silly. You're terribly sweet. You're terribly smart. Sometimes I just can't physically let you go when we are wrapped up together in a hug. As I like to say: You make my heart happy. And as you like to say: I love you more than the last number on the longest number line.

You love Legos, books, board games, mazes and drawing your own creations of friendly zombies (?). Your alternate ego is "Mr. Goo," a resident vampire who has been with us the majority of the year (and has thankfully decided to evolve from his original mischievous villain state to a more domesticated, gentile version ... lest "Mommy Goo" take his cape away forever).

Your favorite song of the year was Parry Gripp's Neon Pegasus, followed closely by The Cranberries (Zombie, of course) and Weezer. But you're not too cool for school just yet because you can still bust out any Laurie Berkner song with the best of the storytime crowds. You know that the queen of soul is Aretha Franklin and the king of pop is Michael Jackson. I so hope your affinity for a range of music will maintain itself in the years to come. But even if it doesn't, you're still golden.

I love you more than, well, infinity.

Ode to Our Couch

As the shorter days fall into place, I'd like to publicly thank our couch. Where snuggles are had, tussles are rumbled, naps sneak in and where movies are enjoyed.