Cass and her friends Aubrey and Nick
Mark (the skeleton) with his friends Andrew and Brandon
4 years ago
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween
Mark (the skeleton) with his friends Andrew and Brandon
I've been tagged....
Ok, I am new to blogland by only a few months, and I have been tagged a couple times and couldn't figure out what that was all about. Today however, I will attempt my first tag (drum role please....) My old (not old as in advanced age, but old as in long time friend :) ) Dione tagged me.
Rules:- link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog
Share 10 random weird facts about yourself
http://http//seetheseegrists.blogspot.com/ (Here is Dione's blog)
As for 10 random weird facts about myself, I'm not at all random and certainly not weird, :) but here goes.
1. I can tell you the time within a few minutes without a watch or clock.
2. I am an insomniac, I have learned to survive on a few hours of sleep a night. (just don't give me an IQ test in the mornings)
3. I once got stuck in a large garbage dumpster.
4. I was dragged up on stage to learn and perfom a Tahitian dance in front of a large group of strangers. (Who knew my hips could do that!)
5. I don't ever put my keys on the key rack. When I can't find them (which is often), I will look everywhere but there (because I never put them there!). Finally when all my usual stash places have been searched I will call Kelly and he will say, "I put them on the key rack!" I tell him,"how many times have I told you not to do that!!
6. I have a water bottle, snacks and plenty of reading materiel in my van, I am always waiting for my children at one location or another.
7. I love to read and read 3 or 4 books a week. (Middle of the night is my favorite time)
8. I have watched the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice more times than I can count.
9. I am not organized, my children automatically cover their heads when they open a closet or cupboard. It's always wise to watch for falling objects around here. Maybe I should start requiring hard hats.
10. When I was pregnant with Ryan I craved nachos with jalapenos and grapefruit juice. (yes, at the same time-- by the way, I can't stand either anymore...imagine that!)
I tag Melissa, Kim, and my sisters Rachael, Lucy, Cora and Anna.
Rules:- link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog
Share 10 random weird facts about yourself
http://http//seetheseegrists.blogspot.com/ (Here is Dione's blog)
As for 10 random weird facts about myself, I'm not at all random and certainly not weird, :) but here goes.
1. I can tell you the time within a few minutes without a watch or clock.
2. I am an insomniac, I have learned to survive on a few hours of sleep a night. (just don't give me an IQ test in the mornings)
3. I once got stuck in a large garbage dumpster.
4. I was dragged up on stage to learn and perfom a Tahitian dance in front of a large group of strangers. (Who knew my hips could do that!)
5. I don't ever put my keys on the key rack. When I can't find them (which is often), I will look everywhere but there (because I never put them there!). Finally when all my usual stash places have been searched I will call Kelly and he will say, "I put them on the key rack!" I tell him,"how many times have I told you not to do that!!
6. I have a water bottle, snacks and plenty of reading materiel in my van, I am always waiting for my children at one location or another.
7. I love to read and read 3 or 4 books a week. (Middle of the night is my favorite time)
8. I have watched the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice more times than I can count.
9. I am not organized, my children automatically cover their heads when they open a closet or cupboard. It's always wise to watch for falling objects around here. Maybe I should start requiring hard hats.
10. When I was pregnant with Ryan I craved nachos with jalapenos and grapefruit juice. (yes, at the same time-- by the way, I can't stand either anymore...imagine that!)
I tag Melissa, Kim, and my sisters Rachael, Lucy, Cora and Anna.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Little Boy's Prayer Answered
When Mark's bike was stolen from our garage, he kept asking why someone would steal a little boy's bike. A few nights after the break in to our garage, I (Kelly) was kneeling down to pray with Mark. Before he prays, he always lists things he is thankful for and what blessings he needs. As he prayed, he said "Please bless my bike that it will be ok and that it will find its way home."
Well, tonight, his bike found its way home. A neighbor works at a nearby school and has been checking the bike racks everyday. Today she was at the grocery store near our home and happened to walk up from a different direction to the entrance of the store than she usually does, and walked past the bike rack. She noticed a bike that looked just like Mark's that was laying near the racks. This was earlier in the day. She mentioned it to Josh this evening and then Josh and Val went to check it out. The bike was still there, and Val called the police. Josh had printed out pictures from Mark's birthday party with Mark and his bike and brought them to show the police since we hadn't recorded the serial number.
When the officer arrived he was able to verify that the bike was Mark's from the pictures, and some of the things we described were noticable about the bike that was his. Mark was very happy to bring his bike home. I arrived home and found Mark riding his bike around the cul-de-sac in the dark. He said his bike is faster than he remembered.
From this, it can be learned that Heavenly Father really does hear the prayers of little boys, and answers them. It is also a lesson on how simple and pure faith can make a difference in the things we pray for. I don't believe this to be a coincidence. I think a little boys prayers were answered tonight.
Well, tonight, his bike found its way home. A neighbor works at a nearby school and has been checking the bike racks everyday. Today she was at the grocery store near our home and happened to walk up from a different direction to the entrance of the store than she usually does, and walked past the bike rack. She noticed a bike that looked just like Mark's that was laying near the racks. This was earlier in the day. She mentioned it to Josh this evening and then Josh and Val went to check it out. The bike was still there, and Val called the police. Josh had printed out pictures from Mark's birthday party with Mark and his bike and brought them to show the police since we hadn't recorded the serial number.
When the officer arrived he was able to verify that the bike was Mark's from the pictures, and some of the things we described were noticable about the bike that was his. Mark was very happy to bring his bike home. I arrived home and found Mark riding his bike around the cul-de-sac in the dark. He said his bike is faster than he remembered.
From this, it can be learned that Heavenly Father really does hear the prayers of little boys, and answers them. It is also a lesson on how simple and pure faith can make a difference in the things we pray for. I don't believe this to be a coincidence. I think a little boys prayers were answered tonight.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
I need ideas....
I have to teach a lesson on being dependable in Young Women's next Sunday. I am teaching all groups in a combined lesson. I need stories, object lessons or any ideas you might have.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Josh Earned His Eagle
On Thursday, Josh had his board of review for his Eagle Scout. He was very nervous about the board. He would get to sit by himself facing 5 adult leaders who spent over a half an hour interviewing him.
He came out of the room with a smile as they closed the doors for discussion. About 10 minutes later they invited Josh and I back into the room to congratulate him on earning his Eagle. Ryan earned his Eagle on June 1st, but has not received it yet as he was waiting to have an Eagle court of honor with Josh. Josh's best friend Kyle earned his Eagle the same night as Josh. So we will have to plan an Eagle court of honor for three great kids. We will let you know when it will be held. It will be a few weeks before we hear back from the Scouts National office. Then we can plan a date.
He came out of the room with a smile as they closed the doors for discussion. About 10 minutes later they invited Josh and I back into the room to congratulate him on earning his Eagle. Ryan earned his Eagle on June 1st, but has not received it yet as he was waiting to have an Eagle court of honor with Josh. Josh's best friend Kyle earned his Eagle the same night as Josh. So we will have to plan an Eagle court of honor for three great kids. We will let you know when it will be held. It will be a few weeks before we hear back from the Scouts National office. Then we can plan a date.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thank You and an update
I just wanted to say thanks to all my family and friends for their support of my tough day yesterday. When I got online this morning and saw all the comments it made me not feel so ridiculous for leaving my purse in my car, and felt like the world wasn't all bad, that there are caring people out there. Thanks again for your support and friendship.
I'm afraid my tough day is all to common. It sounds like a lot of people have had their privacy invaded. Just as an update, we found a leather planner left outside the door they accessed to get into the garage. We opened it up and called the owner. His truck was broken into that night, and he actually got a glimpse of the thieves. He said that they (there was two of them) were on foot, and looked to be young teenagers. They were already to the end of the block when he got out in his yard to find out why the truck alarm was going off. It was about 3:30 a.m. Then yesterday evening, a man about a mile from my house called and said he had a bunch of cards, receipts and mail in his back yard that must have been thrown over the fence. He found something with my name and phone number and called me. I went and picked it up and realized that most of the mail was from several houses within the mile radius of my home. Some had been opened and some just left. I took them all to their respective homes to make the families aware someone had been snooping in their mailboxes during the night. Some of these owners had noticed that stuff in their garages and cars had been rifled through, but none of them thought anything valuable had been taken. So PG police had a busy day yesterday. I did get my library card, costco, health and dental cards back. But the id, credit cards, bank card and checkbook are still gone and they kept the gum! :) Some of you asked if they actually broke into the garage, and the answer is no. But they went along the side of our house, to get in through the "man door" as the police call it which happened to be unlocked. The large garage doors out front were down. We found a couple of flashlights on our property, so we think maybe ours was the last stop.
I'm afraid my tough day is all to common. It sounds like a lot of people have had their privacy invaded. Just as an update, we found a leather planner left outside the door they accessed to get into the garage. We opened it up and called the owner. His truck was broken into that night, and he actually got a glimpse of the thieves. He said that they (there was two of them) were on foot, and looked to be young teenagers. They were already to the end of the block when he got out in his yard to find out why the truck alarm was going off. It was about 3:30 a.m. Then yesterday evening, a man about a mile from my house called and said he had a bunch of cards, receipts and mail in his back yard that must have been thrown over the fence. He found something with my name and phone number and called me. I went and picked it up and realized that most of the mail was from several houses within the mile radius of my home. Some had been opened and some just left. I took them all to their respective homes to make the families aware someone had been snooping in their mailboxes during the night. Some of these owners had noticed that stuff in their garages and cars had been rifled through, but none of them thought anything valuable had been taken. So PG police had a busy day yesterday. I did get my library card, costco, health and dental cards back. But the id, credit cards, bank card and checkbook are still gone and they kept the gum! :) Some of you asked if they actually broke into the garage, and the answer is no. But they went along the side of our house, to get in through the "man door" as the police call it which happened to be unlocked. The large garage doors out front were down. We found a couple of flashlights on our property, so we think maybe ours was the last stop.
Monday, October 20, 2008
I want to live in Mayberry
You remember Mayberry. I'd like to live in a place where you just have to worry about the silly antics of Barney Fife and eat Aunt Bee's pies. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning someone broke into our garage and spent some time rifling through my van. As smart and intelligent as yours truly is, I left my purse in my car. Gone is my cell phone, credit cards, debit card, checkbook, drivers license and so on. They didn't take my entire purse, just all the cards and a few miscellaneous items. I'm not sure what the thief is going to do with my pleasant grove library card, my weight watchers membership, and two packs of gum, I told the police that that their suspect pool should include overweight bookworms with minty fresh breath. I have spent my morning talking to the police, visiting my bank, and calling and cancelling everything in my name. I feel naked now, no id, no credit cards, no bank cards or checks....nada. I went to the bank and they wanted proof of id, to open a new account. I was wondering if they actually listened to the reason I wanted a new bank account. I'm thinking probably not. Perhaps the saddest loss is Mark's birthday bike. He told me several times, "mom, why did they have to take a little boy's bike, it was just a little boys." It broke my heart, especially after his generosity with his sister when he won a bike at school. But not once today did I hear from him that he wished he didn't trade in that bike for Cass so he'd still have one to ride, not even once. He just brought me a few dollar bills and a lot of change that he had been saving and asked if it was enough for another one. So after today, I'm ready for a black and white life in a quiet little town where the only criminals is the town drunk who locks himself up in the county jail.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
blue flu
You would think by looking around my house tonight that everyone was coming down with something. It seemed to get more contagious with each touchdown TCU made. We had a big group of teenagers over here watching the game. I have learned an amazing thing. If you feed teenagers, particularly of the male variety they will come, and keep coming. At the beginning of the BYU season we started having football parties over here for the games. It started with just a couple teenage boys from the neighborhood, and slowly over the weeks our numbers have grown. I have discovered you don't need the largest, coolest house in the neighborhood, you don't need to have expensive toys and gadgets to draw them in, you just need food--it doesn't even necessarily need to be great food, just lots of it. Our bank account has taken a bit of a hit this football season, but it's so fun to have my kids hang out here with their friends. They will even talk to Ry and Josh's old mom if I'm forcing food on them. Tonight I set up all the food, then came upstairs for most of the game and Kelly was a trooper and handled all the craziness that ended in a sad loss. Better luck next time. By the way, you are all invited over for the next game. I'll save you a spot.Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Kids Time Zone
There are lots of time zones, Mountain, Pacific, Central, Eastern and so on. The new one I have noticed is the Kid Time Zone. It is hard to set a clock to that one. It's dependant on the activity and entertainment factor. Apparently I, as a parent, am not qualified to tell time in this zone, and therefore should turn to my children for help. If piano practicing is happening or timed daily reading for school, 30 minutes, really looks like 10! If it's watching TV, playing video games, outdoors with friends, 30 minutes really looks like hours!
I am so tired of my children trying to convince me that the clock I've been watching to time their practicing, reading and so on is wrong. But the one they have their eyeballs on is correct and time's up. Mine must be running out of batteries or something, and maybe there was a power outage with the one plugged into the wall. Yeah, that's it. On the other extreme, I tell them only 30 minutes until I want them home for dinner, and an hour later I'm trying to track them down all the while I'm hearing complaints that it's only been a few minutes. So either I am in some Star Trek space time continuum loop, or my children do indeed live in their own Time Zone. Too bad for them that the Parental Time Zone is enforced over here.
I am so tired of my children trying to convince me that the clock I've been watching to time their practicing, reading and so on is wrong. But the one they have their eyeballs on is correct and time's up. Mine must be running out of batteries or something, and maybe there was a power outage with the one plugged into the wall. Yeah, that's it. On the other extreme, I tell them only 30 minutes until I want them home for dinner, and an hour later I'm trying to track them down all the while I'm hearing complaints that it's only been a few minutes. So either I am in some Star Trek space time continuum loop, or my children do indeed live in their own Time Zone. Too bad for them that the Parental Time Zone is enforced over here.
Short week in a nutshell
Today is the last day of school until next Tuesday. The kids are out on Fall Break. Normally you'd think, great a break from helping kids with homework, but no. They all have projects due first of next week so what it really means is more stress for parents to motivate their kids to DO their homework when they are on vacation. Who thought that was a great idea?
A couple days ago Mark woke up complaining below his ear hurt and part of his neck, I thought he slept on his neck weird, he complained about it off and on and then yesterday he woke up looking like he had the mumps on the left side of his face. I took him into the doctor and apparently his lymph node under his ear got infected, it was swollen to the size a bit larger than a quarter, the doctor said he hadn't seen one get that big. So he is on antibiotics and I hope they kick in soon, because he is in a lot of pain. In the fifteen + years I've been a parent I haven't seen that happen before.
I had been expecting a UPS delivery any day and this morning I looked up the tracking info only to discover it was delivered yesterday and left in the garage. (which was apparently open, while Josh was out playing and I was at Ry's football game) For anyone who hasn't had the privilege of touring my garage, you are missing out! It resembles Ryan's closet I wrote about a month or so ago. An elephant could be out there and you'd never find it! It's like searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack. I went and looked all over this morning and couldn't find it anywhere. I was about to file a claim when Cass said she would go out and look. Shortly, she came running in saying, "mom I found it, but I can't get it! Your tire is on it!" That's right I drove right over it and didn't notice. oops. Luckily, it was in a bag not a box, and only the corner was stuck under the tire and all was fine. I don't think Ryan with his new knowledge of driving rules will let me forget this one. I think what maybe more disturbing, is that was the first place Cass looked. Is this another insight into my driving? I was a bit relieved when I asked her why she knew to look there, she said "when I can't find something I always look under my bed first." :)
A couple days ago Mark woke up complaining below his ear hurt and part of his neck, I thought he slept on his neck weird, he complained about it off and on and then yesterday he woke up looking like he had the mumps on the left side of his face. I took him into the doctor and apparently his lymph node under his ear got infected, it was swollen to the size a bit larger than a quarter, the doctor said he hadn't seen one get that big. So he is on antibiotics and I hope they kick in soon, because he is in a lot of pain. In the fifteen + years I've been a parent I haven't seen that happen before.
I had been expecting a UPS delivery any day and this morning I looked up the tracking info only to discover it was delivered yesterday and left in the garage. (which was apparently open, while Josh was out playing and I was at Ry's football game) For anyone who hasn't had the privilege of touring my garage, you are missing out! It resembles Ryan's closet I wrote about a month or so ago. An elephant could be out there and you'd never find it! It's like searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack. I went and looked all over this morning and couldn't find it anywhere. I was about to file a claim when Cass said she would go out and look. Shortly, she came running in saying, "mom I found it, but I can't get it! Your tire is on it!" That's right I drove right over it and didn't notice. oops. Luckily, it was in a bag not a box, and only the corner was stuck under the tire and all was fine. I don't think Ryan with his new knowledge of driving rules will let me forget this one. I think what maybe more disturbing, is that was the first place Cass looked. Is this another insight into my driving? I was a bit relieved when I asked her why she knew to look there, she said "when I can't find something I always look under my bed first." :)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Passage of time (be warned: reading this will pass a lot of time)
I just got done listening to the Sunday morning session of General Conference. The prophet's talk especially touched me. Probably because just recently I am realizing how quickly time passes. President Monson has such a gift for expressing his thoughts so profoundly. I want to reread his talk already. I remember when Ryan, Josh and Cass were babies, and I wished away that time. I wanted them to always be onto the next step. When they were so little I couldn't wait till they could crawl. When they could crawl, I couldn't wait until they could walk and talk. Then I was wishing for t-ball games, dance recitals and kindergarten. I seemed to always look ahead, and not appreciate their accomplishments that were happening right then.
There were a few times when I sat back and realized how quickly time had flown by. I remember sending each one to first grade, and crying as I began to grasp that they would be away from home almost as much as their waking hours at home. I remember before each of them were baptized, wondering where those last 8 innocent years had gone. Knowing that they were getting to an age where they would be responsible for their decisions on a greater level. I remember worrying if had I used my time to the best of my ability. Had I taught them all I could up to that point? I realized that my years of greatest influence on them has passed by so quickly and all too soon other things were going to creep in and fight for importance in their lives.
Finally by the time Mark came along, I had learned a few things. I remember wanting to keep him my baby for as long as I could. In fact I still call him my baby, much to his frustration. I remember not wanting him to crawl or walk too fast. Enjoying every baby talk word that came out of his mouth and purposely holding him back a year from kindergarten as his birthday was on the borderline. By now I have a completely different perspective. I am the mother of two teenage boys and a daughter who has been acting like a teenager for years. My baby is getting so independent and doesn't like his mom around as much. I blink and a school year passes by, and I know that just around the corner I will be sending boys on missions. I remember vividly so many older and wiser people telling me to enjoy the stages of life that I was in, because all too soon they would be gone. As I was knee deep in diapers and temper tantrums, it didn't seem possible. But now, I wish daily for time to stop, and it only goes faster. President Monson's talk brought all these thoughts to the forefront. His statement several times repeated, to find "joy in the journey" touched me. I just bought a sign to hang on my wall earlier this week that says "Blessed is the life that enjoys the journey" So hearing this talk brought all the emotions I've been thinking about recently to the surface.
I don't like change, and resist it at every turn, and now that changes in my children's life are happening at record pace, I am resisting it even more. I learned an important thing today, I recognized I've been obsessing (me obsess? imagine that!) about how time has passed and dreading the future, but not taking the time to enjoy the moment. It's crazy, earlier in life I wished away the seemingly hard times of sleepless nights and constant mischief, and now I'm wishing away the future, willing away the time when this family I have now will change. What I found in common with both of these situations is that I'm still not focusing on the blessings of today. I need to stop worrying about what has passed and what is just around the corner. Apparently I still haven't figured all this out. So for many of you, I'm sure this epiphany I have just had, is something you probably figured out a lot sooner than I did. You are probably all the ones who told me to slow down, and enjoy each stage. But now I'm in a position to tell those of your who who are younger than I am to learn from my mistakes. To listen to me who is definitely older and working on being a little wiser to enjoy your babies, the first words, the sweet kisses, and even the temper tantrums--because soon strong willed opinionated teenagers will emerge thinking they are the wise ones, and all too soon you will have to bribe or tackle your children to get those hugs once given so easily.
There were a few times when I sat back and realized how quickly time had flown by. I remember sending each one to first grade, and crying as I began to grasp that they would be away from home almost as much as their waking hours at home. I remember before each of them were baptized, wondering where those last 8 innocent years had gone. Knowing that they were getting to an age where they would be responsible for their decisions on a greater level. I remember worrying if had I used my time to the best of my ability. Had I taught them all I could up to that point? I realized that my years of greatest influence on them has passed by so quickly and all too soon other things were going to creep in and fight for importance in their lives.
Finally by the time Mark came along, I had learned a few things. I remember wanting to keep him my baby for as long as I could. In fact I still call him my baby, much to his frustration. I remember not wanting him to crawl or walk too fast. Enjoying every baby talk word that came out of his mouth and purposely holding him back a year from kindergarten as his birthday was on the borderline. By now I have a completely different perspective. I am the mother of two teenage boys and a daughter who has been acting like a teenager for years. My baby is getting so independent and doesn't like his mom around as much. I blink and a school year passes by, and I know that just around the corner I will be sending boys on missions. I remember vividly so many older and wiser people telling me to enjoy the stages of life that I was in, because all too soon they would be gone. As I was knee deep in diapers and temper tantrums, it didn't seem possible. But now, I wish daily for time to stop, and it only goes faster. President Monson's talk brought all these thoughts to the forefront. His statement several times repeated, to find "joy in the journey" touched me. I just bought a sign to hang on my wall earlier this week that says "Blessed is the life that enjoys the journey" So hearing this talk brought all the emotions I've been thinking about recently to the surface.
I don't like change, and resist it at every turn, and now that changes in my children's life are happening at record pace, I am resisting it even more. I learned an important thing today, I recognized I've been obsessing (me obsess? imagine that!) about how time has passed and dreading the future, but not taking the time to enjoy the moment. It's crazy, earlier in life I wished away the seemingly hard times of sleepless nights and constant mischief, and now I'm wishing away the future, willing away the time when this family I have now will change. What I found in common with both of these situations is that I'm still not focusing on the blessings of today. I need to stop worrying about what has passed and what is just around the corner. Apparently I still haven't figured all this out. So for many of you, I'm sure this epiphany I have just had, is something you probably figured out a lot sooner than I did. You are probably all the ones who told me to slow down, and enjoy each stage. But now I'm in a position to tell those of your who who are younger than I am to learn from my mistakes. To listen to me who is definitely older and working on being a little wiser to enjoy your babies, the first words, the sweet kisses, and even the temper tantrums--because soon strong willed opinionated teenagers will emerge thinking they are the wise ones, and all too soon you will have to bribe or tackle your children to get those hugs once given so easily.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
brain dead ramblings of a mother at the end of a very long day
I have decided that as I get older I am less successful at multi-tasking. I remember a few years ago, I could make dinner while talking on the phone, juggle a baby on my hip, answer a math question, tell Ry he hit a wrong note on the piano, make a solar system out of salt dough and still have a smile on my face (ok, forget the smile, this isn't a fairy tale). Now I find myself wandering through rooms trying to remember why I needed to go there in the first place. Drifting off into space while my children repeatedly try to get my attention. I used to be able to get their names right by at least the second try, now I'm throwing out names no one has ever heard of. I tell you, kids destroy brain cells. How did my mom do 8?
We are in the throws of homework again. Did I say awhile ago I couldn't wait to send the kids back to school? I am now thinking a little less structure would be good. I know, the grass is always greener on the other side.
Today I have spend over 3+ hours supervising, helping, motivating, and in some cases threatening my children to accomplish their homework. Mark had to write his first book report. Considering he has just mastered spelling Christensen, that is a big project in itself. He is just supposed to phonetically spell words, but he is my perfection child. He wants to know if it's spelled right. I tell him, just write down all the sounds you hear in the word. " But mom, is it right?" I tell him, that his words are fine, and that spelling will come later. He insists that he wants the "bestest grade" so everything has to be just right. After diligently persuading, arguing and not getting satisfied, he decided I was the one who didn't know how to spell and went off to find a sibling!
Tonight after dinner, as it's getting dark I asked Ry if his homework was done. He said, "yeah mom, I'm good......all I have to do is my driver's ed assignment" That turned out to be mother involved since he had to drive and park near several intersections and write down the mistakes drivers make and spend at least an hour doing so. He had to list the color and type of the car as well as the error. Did I mention it was dark so we had to have the interior light on to write? Here we are looking like some stalker people in a minivan, staring at cars going through intersections and writing things down. I was afraid someone was going to call the police on us for suspicious activity. We kept arguing over color of cars because it was dark, "it was blue" I'd say, "no, dark green" Ry would argue. Finally I'd say something like "who the heck cares what color the car is just write something down!" Memories of conversations with Mark earlier were starting to resurface. We did finally accomplish the homework and are back safe and sound with no black marks on our records. Whew!
Needless to say, I'm ready for a bubble bath and something that doesn't involve spelling or stalking. I think I earned an A today. Do I get credit in heaven for that? There has to be some big degree we can earn in the life after this one.
We are in the throws of homework again. Did I say awhile ago I couldn't wait to send the kids back to school? I am now thinking a little less structure would be good. I know, the grass is always greener on the other side.
Today I have spend over 3+ hours supervising, helping, motivating, and in some cases threatening my children to accomplish their homework. Mark had to write his first book report. Considering he has just mastered spelling Christensen, that is a big project in itself. He is just supposed to phonetically spell words, but he is my perfection child. He wants to know if it's spelled right. I tell him, just write down all the sounds you hear in the word. " But mom, is it right?" I tell him, that his words are fine, and that spelling will come later. He insists that he wants the "bestest grade" so everything has to be just right. After diligently persuading, arguing and not getting satisfied, he decided I was the one who didn't know how to spell and went off to find a sibling!
Tonight after dinner, as it's getting dark I asked Ry if his homework was done. He said, "yeah mom, I'm good......all I have to do is my driver's ed assignment" That turned out to be mother involved since he had to drive and park near several intersections and write down the mistakes drivers make and spend at least an hour doing so. He had to list the color and type of the car as well as the error. Did I mention it was dark so we had to have the interior light on to write? Here we are looking like some stalker people in a minivan, staring at cars going through intersections and writing things down. I was afraid someone was going to call the police on us for suspicious activity. We kept arguing over color of cars because it was dark, "it was blue" I'd say, "no, dark green" Ry would argue. Finally I'd say something like "who the heck cares what color the car is just write something down!" Memories of conversations with Mark earlier were starting to resurface. We did finally accomplish the homework and are back safe and sound with no black marks on our records. Whew!
Needless to say, I'm ready for a bubble bath and something that doesn't involve spelling or stalking. I think I earned an A today. Do I get credit in heaven for that? There has to be some big degree we can earn in the life after this one.
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