A pretty smooth week.
Everything has clicked along as expected. With the exception of snow on the grass, roof and trees yesterday morning... followed by beautiful sun in the afternoon and this morning.
We are looking forward to the weekend. Mike is off for the next three days. Caleb has a birthday party to attend, his first birthday party for a classmate this year.
I have an appointment to speak with Caleb's teacher and discuss her observations about Caleb's development in comparasion to his peers. I hope to get a confirmation to the general decision we have made in terms of putting him in Kindergarten again. Everyone I've spoken with has confirmed the decision in various ways. But, the red tape starts with a teacher conference, therefore that's where I begin.
So that is all for right now. Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Just a little catch up...
Friday was MOPS. Jockey loves going and eating the mommy's food. Mike picked up the boys so that I could pack everything away after the craft at MOPS.
Friday night we had "movie night" at Jockey's preschool. They wore pj's and watched some cartoon that had them entertained. Mostly it was just something to do and hang out with Jockey's buddies. The mommies got to talk a bit too.
Lots of "stuff" to do this week without anything major to report. Household chores etc. Sunday was church, nice. Grocery shopping, laundry, the usual.
Joshy had decided that he likes girl's bums and their long hair.... don't really know why.
Caleb's opinion is that he would like to be in Kindergarten again and learn everything fully, be the oldest and biggest and smartest in class and read... So I'm going to look into what it takes to re-register for Kindergarten. He can always take AP classes in High School, do running start, or be skipped ahead a grade, but it would be awful to endure being the smallest (too small sometimes) for sports, youngest to get his license etc, and too young to be mature enough for college.
So another week has begun and pretty much more of the usual.
Friday was MOPS. Jockey loves going and eating the mommy's food. Mike picked up the boys so that I could pack everything away after the craft at MOPS.
Friday night we had "movie night" at Jockey's preschool. They wore pj's and watched some cartoon that had them entertained. Mostly it was just something to do and hang out with Jockey's buddies. The mommies got to talk a bit too.
Lots of "stuff" to do this week without anything major to report. Household chores etc. Sunday was church, nice. Grocery shopping, laundry, the usual.
Joshy had decided that he likes girl's bums and their long hair.... don't really know why.
Caleb's opinion is that he would like to be in Kindergarten again and learn everything fully, be the oldest and biggest and smartest in class and read... So I'm going to look into what it takes to re-register for Kindergarten. He can always take AP classes in High School, do running start, or be skipped ahead a grade, but it would be awful to endure being the smallest (too small sometimes) for sports, youngest to get his license etc, and too young to be mature enough for college.
So another week has begun and pretty much more of the usual.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Hello and happy Sunday.
Life is just clicking along here on President's Day weekend.
I passed another kidney stone (not as bad as Nov or July's, but not painless mind you.) In church, I was reminded once again of the blessing of the God-given/provided ways and tools to deal with this reoccurring event in my life. Sometimes God takes us around the same tree (aka, trial) because we didn't learn or didn't learn it all the first time, but sometimes we have to go around the same tree of blessing to be reminded of God's constantcy, renew our gratefulness, and see the depth of the blessing and provision for us. So another stone passed with a few bumps, and for those who are counting, that is 3 strained and caught in 8 months!
Mike and I have made a huge decision to register Joshy for a second year of Preschool rather than put him into Pre-K for the '09-'10 school year. He is chronologicially allowed to move forward, but after talking with other moms of boys with close to the cut off birthdays... and thinking ahead... It is our choice to give Joshy the advantage of being the oldest, more intellectually developed, probably still not ever going to be the tallest, most socially developed kid in his class. He'll be 16 when he starts his sophmore year (rather than just before Junior), he'll be 18 his entire senior year, and a full19 when he goes into college. We looked at all the advantages and there was just one disadvantage of having peer pressure to buy smokes in the senior year. He will be legally able to get a job, old enough to drive to it, he'll be able to get to more extra-cirricular activites/sports etc. I think we are making the right choice, although I had to face my selfishness in trying to get more time for me sooner and get him into Kindergarten in '10 rather than the pre-k he'll now go into that year. Once I swallowed my selfishness, I was able to see the advantages and started to feel objective about this choice. I do worry about putting that much more time between the boys in school/peers, but then again there's more time between having to pay for college for the boys now too. I do worry about Joshy sooo wanting to be a "big boy", but I really don't want him to be the runt in his class (more than just the inevitable physical). I think this is a good decision, and I'm hoping that the undeniable confidence in the decision will come the closer we get to it. If anything, I'll get to keep my "baby" with me longer, right? Does this mean I get to stay in MOPS longer too?!
So no school tomorrow, but lots of errands.... with both kids, sigh. Well, it can't all be sun and roses.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Life is just clicking along here on President's Day weekend.
I passed another kidney stone (not as bad as Nov or July's, but not painless mind you.) In church, I was reminded once again of the blessing of the God-given/provided ways and tools to deal with this reoccurring event in my life. Sometimes God takes us around the same tree (aka, trial) because we didn't learn or didn't learn it all the first time, but sometimes we have to go around the same tree of blessing to be reminded of God's constantcy, renew our gratefulness, and see the depth of the blessing and provision for us. So another stone passed with a few bumps, and for those who are counting, that is 3 strained and caught in 8 months!
Mike and I have made a huge decision to register Joshy for a second year of Preschool rather than put him into Pre-K for the '09-'10 school year. He is chronologicially allowed to move forward, but after talking with other moms of boys with close to the cut off birthdays... and thinking ahead... It is our choice to give Joshy the advantage of being the oldest, more intellectually developed, probably still not ever going to be the tallest, most socially developed kid in his class. He'll be 16 when he starts his sophmore year (rather than just before Junior), he'll be 18 his entire senior year, and a full19 when he goes into college. We looked at all the advantages and there was just one disadvantage of having peer pressure to buy smokes in the senior year. He will be legally able to get a job, old enough to drive to it, he'll be able to get to more extra-cirricular activites/sports etc. I think we are making the right choice, although I had to face my selfishness in trying to get more time for me sooner and get him into Kindergarten in '10 rather than the pre-k he'll now go into that year. Once I swallowed my selfishness, I was able to see the advantages and started to feel objective about this choice. I do worry about putting that much more time between the boys in school/peers, but then again there's more time between having to pay for college for the boys now too. I do worry about Joshy sooo wanting to be a "big boy", but I really don't want him to be the runt in his class (more than just the inevitable physical). I think this is a good decision, and I'm hoping that the undeniable confidence in the decision will come the closer we get to it. If anything, I'll get to keep my "baby" with me longer, right? Does this mean I get to stay in MOPS longer too?!
So no school tomorrow, but lots of errands.... with both kids, sigh. Well, it can't all be sun and roses.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The boys both had their valentines day parties today. (No school until next Tuesday).
They are both delighted with the goodies that they received.
I think we have entered into a new phase though. Caleb promptly sorted out all of the girly valentines (pricess, dora, fairies) for disposal; thanks for the candy but, he didn't want them because they are girly. He kept the TMNT, Transformers, Spiderman, Batman, Power Rangers etc; these are all tucked away in his room. That's boys for ya. I know we are in a phase, I can only pray that it lasts until he's out of his teens for a less complicated life... and then swings definitely and inevitably back for his twenties. I was just surprised and humored by his opinion of girly valentines.
They are both delighted with the goodies that they received.
I think we have entered into a new phase though. Caleb promptly sorted out all of the girly valentines (pricess, dora, fairies) for disposal; thanks for the candy but, he didn't want them because they are girly. He kept the TMNT, Transformers, Spiderman, Batman, Power Rangers etc; these are all tucked away in his room. That's boys for ya. I know we are in a phase, I can only pray that it lasts until he's out of his teens for a less complicated life... and then swings definitely and inevitably back for his twenties. I was just surprised and humored by his opinion of girly valentines.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Another week has begun... with a little of the white stuff.
Yes, we have a trace amount of snow lining our grass this morning. Nothing on the roads fortunately, which meant that school was on schedule. The sky is now a crisp blue with just bit of white clouds beginning to roll in. I checked and we aren't forecasted for more snow, but we can always hope! Tuesday night/Wednesday is good for me.
Caleb and Joshy were excited about the snow, and I can be that this afternoon is going to be an outdoor, wet, cold and fun kind of day followed very closely with hot cocoa and naps... Sounds like a great day to me!
Joshy (unfortunately) is beginning to follow in his brother's footsteps. Since we began to take the pacifier away, he has begun to suck his thumb. sigh. Just when you think, hey we did ok with this one, we can ALWAYS take away a pacifier, he switches and gets ahead of us. Why don't these kids come with a rule book?!
Speaking of rule books....
Last Friday was MOPS. It was probably one of the most impactful topics (for me) to date. Basically it was on reinforcing/affirming the Nature of our Child. The nature of our child as defined by their gender. The long story short, reinforcing and stregnthening their gender defined role to increase self-awareness and self confidence. For me, I paid attention mostly to the boy specific details being as that is most applicable in my life. What I came away with has given me insight to boys, and a little bit of grace for their stupid actions.
Boys should be trained up in a manner that will form them into good men. Good men are Priests (spiritual leaders of the house), Providers (of more than just financial) and Protectors (of all aspects: emotional, social, psychological, physical, etc). Because of these future roles they will behave in ways meant to develope these aspects of their lives.
Jumping off the couch is not mere an attempt to disobey and annoy Mom (please note, mom is a girl and it isn't built into her the need to do this). Jumping off the couch is a way for boys to conquer and explore. Conquering the couch is a boy expression that developes them into courageous protectors. Understanding this, I can change my perspective and be a bit more graceful and less high strung. Boys will turn everything into a weapon, it is a natural expression of the wish to protect. Granted they need direction with in that activity that will prepare them for the role.
These boys will need to be trained to be "gentlemen", not because women are able to open a door or walk on the correct side of the sidewalk... but because it affirms, rather than contradicts, the boys nature to protect (and women will inherently feel protected by these actions).
As married men, my boys will have to be the leaders of the household and ensure the spiritual wellbeing and growth. This has to be modeled to them. HOW to do this role. Pray with the children to teach them HOW to pray, and often to teach them to be in the habit. I must pray for my children of course because I can't do this on my own. They will need to be taught HOW to study, How to pursue God's will, How to living in the morals the Bible teaches... and to be strong enough and wise enough to lead others in these skills too.
And Providers, obviously there is the financial, but it is so much more. They need to provide environments where others can express themselves. To provide information, skills for care-taking, finances, etc.
NOW, I know how to appeal to their boy nature in their discipline and training. Caleb hits Joshy, now I say... that doesn't follow God's law (golden rule), that doesn't follow God's command to be your brother's keeper, and as family Caleb need to protect Joshy not hurt him. And then later in the day, Joshy hit Caleb and we go around the tree again... different boy. I know that I will attempt to draw to one of these three roles into my disscussions and discipline of/with the boys. They need to be following God, they need to be responsible for the care of others, commitment to providing for the tangible needs of their family. And as a Mom (and Dad MUST help too as the BIGGEST role model), it's my job to get these boys trained. I'm not just trying to get them through childhood alive and eating with a fork while sitting at the table.... It's a bigger job than just making them civilized. I have mini-men that need to know how to do it right.
Like I said, the best MOPS to date.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Yes, we have a trace amount of snow lining our grass this morning. Nothing on the roads fortunately, which meant that school was on schedule. The sky is now a crisp blue with just bit of white clouds beginning to roll in. I checked and we aren't forecasted for more snow, but we can always hope! Tuesday night/Wednesday is good for me.
Caleb and Joshy were excited about the snow, and I can be that this afternoon is going to be an outdoor, wet, cold and fun kind of day followed very closely with hot cocoa and naps... Sounds like a great day to me!
Joshy (unfortunately) is beginning to follow in his brother's footsteps. Since we began to take the pacifier away, he has begun to suck his thumb. sigh. Just when you think, hey we did ok with this one, we can ALWAYS take away a pacifier, he switches and gets ahead of us. Why don't these kids come with a rule book?!
Speaking of rule books....
Last Friday was MOPS. It was probably one of the most impactful topics (for me) to date. Basically it was on reinforcing/affirming the Nature of our Child. The nature of our child as defined by their gender. The long story short, reinforcing and stregnthening their gender defined role to increase self-awareness and self confidence. For me, I paid attention mostly to the boy specific details being as that is most applicable in my life. What I came away with has given me insight to boys, and a little bit of grace for their stupid actions.
Boys should be trained up in a manner that will form them into good men. Good men are Priests (spiritual leaders of the house), Providers (of more than just financial) and Protectors (of all aspects: emotional, social, psychological, physical, etc). Because of these future roles they will behave in ways meant to develope these aspects of their lives.
Jumping off the couch is not mere an attempt to disobey and annoy Mom (please note, mom is a girl and it isn't built into her the need to do this). Jumping off the couch is a way for boys to conquer and explore. Conquering the couch is a boy expression that developes them into courageous protectors. Understanding this, I can change my perspective and be a bit more graceful and less high strung. Boys will turn everything into a weapon, it is a natural expression of the wish to protect. Granted they need direction with in that activity that will prepare them for the role.
These boys will need to be trained to be "gentlemen", not because women are able to open a door or walk on the correct side of the sidewalk... but because it affirms, rather than contradicts, the boys nature to protect (and women will inherently feel protected by these actions).
As married men, my boys will have to be the leaders of the household and ensure the spiritual wellbeing and growth. This has to be modeled to them. HOW to do this role. Pray with the children to teach them HOW to pray, and often to teach them to be in the habit. I must pray for my children of course because I can't do this on my own. They will need to be taught HOW to study, How to pursue God's will, How to living in the morals the Bible teaches... and to be strong enough and wise enough to lead others in these skills too.
And Providers, obviously there is the financial, but it is so much more. They need to provide environments where others can express themselves. To provide information, skills for care-taking, finances, etc.
NOW, I know how to appeal to their boy nature in their discipline and training. Caleb hits Joshy, now I say... that doesn't follow God's law (golden rule), that doesn't follow God's command to be your brother's keeper, and as family Caleb need to protect Joshy not hurt him. And then later in the day, Joshy hit Caleb and we go around the tree again... different boy. I know that I will attempt to draw to one of these three roles into my disscussions and discipline of/with the boys. They need to be following God, they need to be responsible for the care of others, commitment to providing for the tangible needs of their family. And as a Mom (and Dad MUST help too as the BIGGEST role model), it's my job to get these boys trained. I'm not just trying to get them through childhood alive and eating with a fork while sitting at the table.... It's a bigger job than just making them civilized. I have mini-men that need to know how to do it right.
Like I said, the best MOPS to date.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!
The weekend gets to begin for a lot of us (not Mike unfortunately).
MOPS is this morning and Jockey is looking forward to his class. Caleb gets to go to school. And of course, I get to hang out with the Ladies of MOPS. And drum roll, I'm going to go to Snohomish for their annual city antique sale! Kind of excited to go. Still probably won't buy anything... but it's the idea that the dream is 10% off and therefore 10% closer. Like having 4 of the 6 numbers in the lottery insteal of just 3. (3 #'s in the lottery equals just going to the antique stores without children).
So the kids and I are going to kid back with a $5 pizza and hang out tonight. Should be mellow. Talk to you later.
The weekend gets to begin for a lot of us (not Mike unfortunately).
MOPS is this morning and Jockey is looking forward to his class. Caleb gets to go to school. And of course, I get to hang out with the Ladies of MOPS. And drum roll, I'm going to go to Snohomish for their annual city antique sale! Kind of excited to go. Still probably won't buy anything... but it's the idea that the dream is 10% off and therefore 10% closer. Like having 4 of the 6 numbers in the lottery insteal of just 3. (3 #'s in the lottery equals just going to the antique stores without children).
So the kids and I are going to kid back with a $5 pizza and hang out tonight. Should be mellow. Talk to you later.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Sick....
I've still got the bug, mostly in my throat and chest. I thought it was over on Monday, but, yesterday I think I had a fever in the morning while I was working.
Jockey is better.
Caleb (CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!) hasn't gotten it. I gave him Elderberry Immunity booster (part of my free stuff purchased months ago) and I'm hoping that it will help him avoid the flu.
Mike, he says he isn't feeling well. But he's still getting to work because no worky no payee.
Jockey is still adding "ee" to everything he says. "truckee" "brotheree" "shirtee"
Caleb's done excellent at school having gone several days/weeks without stages. Everyday I ask him to tell me what he did at school... he says patterns. I'm looking for Reading, Counting, Math, Money, etc...
For Awana, Caleb is learning the challenging feat of memorizing the 27 books of the New Testament. It's been rough drilling him, but he's gotten it in chunks, the final test is saying all 27 together!
Well, off to school for Caleb, and I have to drive.
I've still got the bug, mostly in my throat and chest. I thought it was over on Monday, but, yesterday I think I had a fever in the morning while I was working.
Jockey is better.
Caleb (CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!) hasn't gotten it. I gave him Elderberry Immunity booster (part of my free stuff purchased months ago) and I'm hoping that it will help him avoid the flu.
Mike, he says he isn't feeling well. But he's still getting to work because no worky no payee.
Jockey is still adding "ee" to everything he says. "truckee" "brotheree" "shirtee"
Caleb's done excellent at school having gone several days/weeks without stages. Everyday I ask him to tell me what he did at school... he says patterns. I'm looking for Reading, Counting, Math, Money, etc...
For Awana, Caleb is learning the challenging feat of memorizing the 27 books of the New Testament. It's been rough drilling him, but he's gotten it in chunks, the final test is saying all 27 together!
Well, off to school for Caleb, and I have to drive.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Uh-oh, Sick.
I came down with the flu/cold last night, literally within an hour I went from feeling normal to shoving Comtrex in me and heading for bed. Joshy's got it too. Ick.
It's hard to find separation in the house to prevent anyone else getting sick. The boys will sneak sharing drinks and food. And right now they are curled up with Mike watching Football, which means breathing the same air. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion when one person gets it, we will all get it. Frustrating.
I'm already looking at paring things down to the minimum for myself and the boys. I'm hoping I'm over this fast. I have to get to work tomorrow (a job I can/do take the kids with me). And I can push everything else back until Thursday. I am suppose to help with Awana Thursday, but if one of the kids is sick I have to stay home with them and can't help. Sigh, how inconveinent. I don't want the boys missing any more school. Caleb's missed so much due to snow and floods...
Well, it's not in my control so I guess I'll just get over it and find some yummy soup.
I came down with the flu/cold last night, literally within an hour I went from feeling normal to shoving Comtrex in me and heading for bed. Joshy's got it too. Ick.
It's hard to find separation in the house to prevent anyone else getting sick. The boys will sneak sharing drinks and food. And right now they are curled up with Mike watching Football, which means breathing the same air. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion when one person gets it, we will all get it. Frustrating.
I'm already looking at paring things down to the minimum for myself and the boys. I'm hoping I'm over this fast. I have to get to work tomorrow (a job I can/do take the kids with me). And I can push everything else back until Thursday. I am suppose to help with Awana Thursday, but if one of the kids is sick I have to stay home with them and can't help. Sigh, how inconveinent. I don't want the boys missing any more school. Caleb's missed so much due to snow and floods...
Well, it's not in my control so I guess I'll just get over it and find some yummy soup.
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