As a mom, I strive to teach my children everything. Like reading, writing, playing, sharing, being nice to others, taking responsibility, helping, etc. I think this is essential in parenting. There's no handbook that gives you direct information on how to do this, or what to do if you battle. Cause you bet I'd have that handbook read cover to cover about 10 times. Either way, I find teaching my children responsibility the biggest challenge of all.
As a teacher, I am very aware of the correlation of home responsibilities and school performance. Studies show that students that are given chores, responsible for the condition of their bedroom (in early elementary years) and help around the house with other things, perform better in school. They are more responsible with their homework, behavior in class, demeanor around other students, and listening skills. Organized learning environments coincide with a structured home environment. Of course there are exceptions to all the rules. But typically this is the norm.
Where does this leave me? Between a rock and a hard place!!! :) As I ponder my daughter's impending first year of elementary school, I wonder if I've done enough to teach her responsibility. I know that she will academically perform, but that is only one aspect in life. Socially performing is a whole 'nother gamut. A structured home environment is my ultimate goal, only slight of controlling. Trust me, I've lightened up! ;)
I'm not a mom that requires her toys be put in the exact spot I've allocated for them. Now if I'm cleaning her room, they will go where I deem they should. However, if she's doing it, I'm not going to complain if she has her doll and dressup bins interchangeable. We go through her room about once every couple weeks to reorganize and get her stuff separated. She's definitely getting better at sorting her toys. She likes being able to find her things when she wants to play with them. But getting her to do it on her own is a HUGE challenge. She does have one chore so far. She's responsible for cleaning her bathroom and the downstairs half-bath every Monday. She does a darn good job! But when it comes to her room, she whines, cries, fights, and eventually just does it.
I think it's a confidence builder as well. She feels proud of herself when she cleans her own room. And that is where requiring your kids to have home responsibilities will help them at school. Little successes like clean rooms, bathrooms, or other home responsibilities flow into the confidence with classroom performance and academia.
Peace.
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Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Staring at Strangers
Do you ever wonder why it's okay for children to stare at random people and not adults? Mason did just that today at dinner. We went to our local grease pit, The Noisy Goose, for a good ol' fashion heart attack on plate meal and Mason just STARED! It seemed though that when we would try to get him to stop it drew more attention the fact that he was staring at everyone.
I mean I'm personally interested in all those people too. If I could stare and not get dirty looks I would. But I would most definitely draw the line at the cutesy phrases and hand gestures that people do to him as he's staring. Okay maybe I would accept the cutesy hand gestures. Those are much better than the more volatile hand gestures one could give. I guess the smiling faces would be okay too, because the dirty looks would just add to the weirdness of the situation if I were staring.
Not to mention that when Mason stares, he points, yells, and sometimes throws food. Yes, even at random people. But the catch at dinner tonight wasn't even Mason. No it came from my own daughter. Yes even 5 year olds still stare, AT THE OBVIOUS. A fellow with a lazy eye was sitting in the booth in front of us, quietly looking at his menu with one eye and the other eye .. well it wasn't. And she, in all of her innocence and with a very audible tone said, "What's he staring at???"
Peace.
I mean I'm personally interested in all those people too. If I could stare and not get dirty looks I would. But I would most definitely draw the line at the cutesy phrases and hand gestures that people do to him as he's staring. Okay maybe I would accept the cutesy hand gestures. Those are much better than the more volatile hand gestures one could give. I guess the smiling faces would be okay too, because the dirty looks would just add to the weirdness of the situation if I were staring.
Not to mention that when Mason stares, he points, yells, and sometimes throws food. Yes, even at random people. But the catch at dinner tonight wasn't even Mason. No it came from my own daughter. Yes even 5 year olds still stare, AT THE OBVIOUS. A fellow with a lazy eye was sitting in the booth in front of us, quietly looking at his menu with one eye and the other eye .. well it wasn't. And she, in all of her innocence and with a very audible tone said, "What's he staring at???"
Peace.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Screaming Monkeys
It's not often that someone can say they've been around and/or lived with screaming monkeys. And to be quite honest, I'm not sure why anyone would CHOOSE to live in such a volatile environment where the noise level is beyond the recommended decibels by the FDA and all doctor associations. However, in this circumstance, I don't have a choice. :)
Mason is a screaming monkey. He is seriously one of the loudest children I have EVER come across. I know this could be blamed on simple breeding patterns and then one might blame the parents. But I happen to know the parents, very well. They are for sure not screaming monkeys. Something must have happened in the incubation period somewhere between birth and handing him to his momma. Perhaps he was exposed to a rare form of bacteria that changes the genetic components of his body??? There could be argument for this. Scientific arguments. I may have to research this.
This morning while he was eating, mixing, playing with his breakfast, Mason was screeching a pitch that shouldn't be audible by mankind. Though I definitely could hear it, it drove my Mo-dog NUTS!! He started howling along with Mason. I am not completely sure how this noise did not wake my sleeping daughter. I'm very sure that the noise coming out of Mason's mouth could make the likes of Mariah Carey look like she's singing bass. :)
The amazing thing is, he is understandable while using his high pitch ranges. You most definitely can make out a screeching "MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMAAAAA!!!!!" Oh yah, for sure. Perhaps that is the ONLY word he can screech at that level. I don't know. But what I do know is I am going to invest in some headphones to mute the noise.
Peace.
Mason is a screaming monkey. He is seriously one of the loudest children I have EVER come across. I know this could be blamed on simple breeding patterns and then one might blame the parents. But I happen to know the parents, very well. They are for sure not screaming monkeys. Something must have happened in the incubation period somewhere between birth and handing him to his momma. Perhaps he was exposed to a rare form of bacteria that changes the genetic components of his body??? There could be argument for this. Scientific arguments. I may have to research this.
This morning while he was eating, mixing, playing with his breakfast, Mason was screeching a pitch that shouldn't be audible by mankind. Though I definitely could hear it, it drove my Mo-dog NUTS!! He started howling along with Mason. I am not completely sure how this noise did not wake my sleeping daughter. I'm very sure that the noise coming out of Mason's mouth could make the likes of Mariah Carey look like she's singing bass. :)
The amazing thing is, he is understandable while using his high pitch ranges. You most definitely can make out a screeching "MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMAAAAA!!!!!" Oh yah, for sure. Perhaps that is the ONLY word he can screech at that level. I don't know. But what I do know is I am going to invest in some headphones to mute the noise.
Peace.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Run Like the Wind
Well I must admit that I've not been too diligent in my blogging because there are a lot of things going on my head, none of which are related to one another. However, I am super excited about my first real race tomorrow. I am still undecided about whether I'll do the full 5K or just do the easy flat 3K. The 5K doesn't seem to intimidating until you look at the hill involved with the third mile on this route. However, I may just do it to prove to myself I can. Who knows?!?!
At any rate, I'm also very nervous. I've never been a runner .. ever .. in my whole life, except for the 90 ft between bases or when someone or something is chasing me. =) I remember failing miserably in 9th grade during our endurance test, which was 9 or something laps around the track. I remember watching a classmate just push through and run every single lap. I remember getting finished in 45 minutes versus the 20 minutes it took the rest of the class (except for a couple girls that did the walking with me). I wasn't overly over weight yet at that age, but I just didn't care for running. And then because I finished in such a crappy time, I got 4 extra laps from the PE teacher as punishment for doing things so slowly. That's logical, right??
The reason I enjoy running now is because it's a great mind clearer. I have a lot going on. With all the hats I wear on a daily basis I can get pretty bogged down mentally, and running seems to be the only way to clear my head pretty quickly. I love to run fast. And the faster I run the quicker I get my distance covered. Fast for me though, it actually quite slow for seasoned runners. Running brings me closer to the sounds and motions and functions of all the muscles in my body. Just when I think my muscles can't bounce another step, they do.
Every time I run my 2ish mile route in my neighborhood (with the dreadful hill) I round the last corner toward my house and pull out every ounce of energy I have left.
I think that as time goes on and I prepare for other races, I'm hoping to add the diligent eating habits that typically accompany a healthy exercising lifestyle. :) That training starts next Monday. However, I'm looking to get through tomorrow. If I do the 3K, I'd like to finish in 20 or so minutes. If I do the 5K I'd like to finish in under 40 minutes. You might say .. "Why are you adding 20 minutes for an extra 1.3ish miles?" Well my fellow reader, I've been told .. that last mile on your first 5k .. is tough! LOL .. I'm shooting for the moon here, hoping to land among the stars. LOL Cheesy I know.
Anyways, enough rambling!
Peace.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
My Journey with Jesus
So, I've been thinking, praying, thinking some more, and then praying a lot. I don't really recall a time in my life when I've been so convicted with prayer and asking for mercies, or actually thanking Jesus for the many many blessings in my life. I, quite honestly, would do the "Thank you God for ...... -Amen." There's nothing really wrong with that, but it wasn't so personal or meaningful. I mean I'm really thankful for all the blessings in my life, but the last few months, I've been truly and utterly thankful and have become completely aware of how the Lord is working in my life. Granted, I don't know everything that is planned for me, my family, or what the future holds. But I know this, I know that whatever our future brings, the Lord provides the means and the direction.
This isn't easy to say, but I'm not perfect in my following of Jesus. But the fact is I'm striving to follow Him, in all ways. And some things completely frighten me. However, I feel this sense of anxiousness if I don't do it. We all come to this point in our lives, if we do, at a different pace. I thought along time ago my journey would be rapid, because I was raised going to church, Sunday School, participating in youth group, etc. So I had a basic knowledge of Christ, Faith, Grace, Love, etc. But in reality, I never opened myself up to a true and meaningful relationship with Him.
This journey, though somewhat personal, has been an interesting one. I thought that when I felt the heart string tug from Jesus, that it would be so easy to answer, based on my past with Him. I love Jesus. I always have, but I think that I've always just kind of put Him to my side as a friend, instead of a partner and guide in my life.
I'm what you might call a Christian by practice. I do all the things that I should be doing and love doing, but I don't do them with the expression of the Christ. I love helping people, being there for my friends and family. I love attending church. I love listening to sermons that make me want to go out and be a better Christian, but the actual implementation of a Christ-like life gets me. For some reason praying with others or being an example for my children, friends or other family members gets me every time. I'm working on that.
I often think of a song we use to sing the early service at my childhood church entitled "As The Deer." It goes like this:
Lyrics:
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee
Chorus
You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee
Vs.2
You're my friend and You are my brother,
Even though you are a king.
I love you more than any other,
So much more than anything.
Vs3
I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy Giver,
And the apple of my eye.
So where is my relationship with Jesus going?? I have no idea, but I'm really excited to find out. Because the more I know Him, the better my life is!
Peace.
This isn't easy to say, but I'm not perfect in my following of Jesus. But the fact is I'm striving to follow Him, in all ways. And some things completely frighten me. However, I feel this sense of anxiousness if I don't do it. We all come to this point in our lives, if we do, at a different pace. I thought along time ago my journey would be rapid, because I was raised going to church, Sunday School, participating in youth group, etc. So I had a basic knowledge of Christ, Faith, Grace, Love, etc. But in reality, I never opened myself up to a true and meaningful relationship with Him.
This journey, though somewhat personal, has been an interesting one. I thought that when I felt the heart string tug from Jesus, that it would be so easy to answer, based on my past with Him. I love Jesus. I always have, but I think that I've always just kind of put Him to my side as a friend, instead of a partner and guide in my life.
I'm what you might call a Christian by practice. I do all the things that I should be doing and love doing, but I don't do them with the expression of the Christ. I love helping people, being there for my friends and family. I love attending church. I love listening to sermons that make me want to go out and be a better Christian, but the actual implementation of a Christ-like life gets me. For some reason praying with others or being an example for my children, friends or other family members gets me every time. I'm working on that.
I often think of a song we use to sing the early service at my childhood church entitled "As The Deer." It goes like this:
Lyrics:
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee
Chorus
You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee
Vs.2
You're my friend and You are my brother,
Even though you are a king.
I love you more than any other,
So much more than anything.
Vs3
I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy Giver,
And the apple of my eye.
So where is my relationship with Jesus going?? I have no idea, but I'm really excited to find out. Because the more I know Him, the better my life is!
Peace.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
That's for the birds.
Wow! The past few days (weeks) have really tested my patience, diligence, temper, time management. Did I say patience? Oh that's right, I did. No biggie though, I've been repeating myself a lot, lately. So why not on my blog?! Are you following me? Let me tell you, this blog is likely to not have a point. Do any really??
As I sit her staring at the Today Show, a list is forming in my head of all the things I need to accomplish over the next 72 hours. Not including today. But the next 3 days are jam packed with a lot of stuff. I don't really know why I do this to myself. Suppose I like the excitement of unnecessary stress really!?! Who knows? But the point is, I do it. I do it often. And I think that overbooking and overextending myself is one thing I do with 100% perfection.
I find it difficult to have a calm, quiet, and well-planned schedule. Psh! That's for the birds. I mean what Christian mom, wife, business owner, friend, organizer, family member, life lover (I say this one with the hope that it will actually mean something today) wouldn't want a less stress calendar of events. You know, the one thing that would help this is if my son would just take his nap while I type this blog. Oh a maid would help too!
I feel stressed. Do you get that?? If not, I'll elaborate more. My husband called on his way home from work yesterday and I prepared him for the house when he got here. I said, and I quote, "Don't say one thing about the condition of the house when you walk in the door." Okay, so maybe that was more of a warning that I'm not in the mood for his funny remarks about how I'm a stay-at-home-mom and that I should be on top of things. Yea, perhaps that was a warning, not a preparation. Why do I need to "prep" him for the condition?? It's not like I'm only a SAHM. I am an errand girl, chauffeur, bank, waitress, diaper changer, toy picker upper, laundry doer. Wait wait, I am a maid!! What was I thinking, I have a maid already! ME! Uh duh!
Not to mention the extreme cabin fever that is resonating in this house with not just my kids, but ME! Oh wow, what I would do for a bright sunny DRY day outside with my kids. WHY WON'T HE GO TO SLEEP!?!??! I just can't figure out this naptime stuff. Ya know, as an adult I would love to take a nap daily! If only.....
I think that I feel better now. I am a bit stressed. With everything in me, I was/am seeking some patience today. I'm running a little short! So I seek out a Bible verse.
As I sit her staring at the Today Show, a list is forming in my head of all the things I need to accomplish over the next 72 hours. Not including today. But the next 3 days are jam packed with a lot of stuff. I don't really know why I do this to myself. Suppose I like the excitement of unnecessary stress really!?! Who knows? But the point is, I do it. I do it often. And I think that overbooking and overextending myself is one thing I do with 100% perfection.
I find it difficult to have a calm, quiet, and well-planned schedule. Psh! That's for the birds. I mean what Christian mom, wife, business owner, friend, organizer, family member, life lover (I say this one with the hope that it will actually mean something today) wouldn't want a less stress calendar of events. You know, the one thing that would help this is if my son would just take his nap while I type this blog. Oh a maid would help too!
I feel stressed. Do you get that?? If not, I'll elaborate more. My husband called on his way home from work yesterday and I prepared him for the house when he got here. I said, and I quote, "Don't say one thing about the condition of the house when you walk in the door." Okay, so maybe that was more of a warning that I'm not in the mood for his funny remarks about how I'm a stay-at-home-mom and that I should be on top of things. Yea, perhaps that was a warning, not a preparation. Why do I need to "prep" him for the condition?? It's not like I'm only a SAHM. I am an errand girl, chauffeur, bank, waitress, diaper changer, toy picker upper, laundry doer. Wait wait, I am a maid!! What was I thinking, I have a maid already! ME! Uh duh!
Not to mention the extreme cabin fever that is resonating in this house with not just my kids, but ME! Oh wow, what I would do for a bright sunny DRY day outside with my kids. WHY WON'T HE GO TO SLEEP!?!??! I just can't figure out this naptime stuff. Ya know, as an adult I would love to take a nap daily! If only.....
I think that I feel better now. I am a bit stressed. With everything in me, I was/am seeking some patience today. I'm running a little short! So I seek out a Bible verse.
Psalm 55:22 NIV: Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.
Alright, so here's my cares! Sure hope and pray that I'm sustained today. And that MASON GOES TO SLEEP!!!
Peace. =)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mason in Public
I am sure that Mason has the ability to fool nearly every stranger we come in contact with. He just flutters his long eyelashes and gives a slightly crooked smile, and "snap" they are enamored with his cuteness. It's quite an amazing trick he can do.
This exact thing happened today at the customer service counter in the Palmer Fred Meyer. But before I can get to that point, let's back track the morning and see why I am in awe of his abilities.
We dropped Kara off promptly tardy to school this morning at 9:30. Then made our way to Wal-Mart so that I could order some contacts. While there, he modeled his monkey hat to a nice lady who proceeded to tell him how cute he was right AFTER I just picked him up because he was taking things off the shelves and then running around like a possessed rabbit. He was under the desks, on the chairs, rolling chairs away, handing me eye glass cleaning kits, and so on! Following the vision center fun, which btw, was only entertaining for the grandma that thought he was adorable (supposing this is because she's in a completely different phase in life), we wandered over to the Pillow Pets so that he could pick one out, so that the "Easter Bunny" brings a fun thing for him. He completely forgot about the pillow pet and threw some M&Ms up on the register. Yeah .. like this kid needs more energy!
Okay, moving on! So from Wal-Mart we ventured over to Thrifters Rock to see if they still had a game I was looking for. I ran in, without him, I KNOW I KNOW!! Big no no .. but while in there .. I took a breath because I was sure that Fred Meyer was going to be such a great experience. Have you ever stood near a lion's den fence at a zoo with a cheeseburger? Well, shopping with Mason in a grocery store is a lot like torturing that lion with your cheeseburger. It's a task.
Anyway, so we get in and get the chickens (because at .89/lb who doesn't go and buy 5 whole chickens?) And we get some other meats on sale. Because that's how I roll! The other reason I went to the grocery store was for stamps. Why? Well because the Palmer Post Office is slower than molasses, it's about as fast as a stampeding group of worms. So I purchase my stamps at the Fred Meyer. And the customer service lady always giggles. And then Mason flirts and here we are back to the public cuteness of my son.
He is a frustratingly cute and funny little man. He has such a great determined personality! He challenges every ounce of my sanity and pushes me to the brink of a padded room. Then he flutters his long eyelashes and smiles and makes you want to hug and kiss him. RAWR! The lady at the Fred Meyer told me that her boys are 11 and she's dreading puberty. She told me that she wishes they were little like Mason again! I, politely, giggle and say awe he's got me on my toes for sure. And she says "He's just a cutey! Enjoy this time."
REALLY!?!?! REALLY!?!?! REALLY!!!!!! "ENJOY THIS TIME!!" I am aware that all moms have been in this time at some point. Hopefully. Or is it just me?? Am I just the one with the full-fledged terrible two-year-old in the house?? I can't be. Because honestly, I'm about done with "THIS TIME." I'm ready to shop without the constant request of all the food he can see. I'm ready to buckle him into his carseat without a fight. I'm ready to not have to close every door in the house because his curiosity is just too much to deny. I'm SO ready to not have him chuck his plate on the floor, across the table, or at me. LOL
I love my boy! I love watching him grow and learn and try new things. I really love his snuggles and his kisses. I so love his "hucks" (hugs). And I really love how he plays with his toys. There are things I'm not ready to move past. But I really could do without all the challenges, for maybe one day. :)
Peace
This exact thing happened today at the customer service counter in the Palmer Fred Meyer. But before I can get to that point, let's back track the morning and see why I am in awe of his abilities.
We dropped Kara off promptly tardy to school this morning at 9:30. Then made our way to Wal-Mart so that I could order some contacts. While there, he modeled his monkey hat to a nice lady who proceeded to tell him how cute he was right AFTER I just picked him up because he was taking things off the shelves and then running around like a possessed rabbit. He was under the desks, on the chairs, rolling chairs away, handing me eye glass cleaning kits, and so on! Following the vision center fun, which btw, was only entertaining for the grandma that thought he was adorable (supposing this is because she's in a completely different phase in life), we wandered over to the Pillow Pets so that he could pick one out, so that the "Easter Bunny" brings a fun thing for him. He completely forgot about the pillow pet and threw some M&Ms up on the register. Yeah .. like this kid needs more energy!
Okay, moving on! So from Wal-Mart we ventured over to Thrifters Rock to see if they still had a game I was looking for. I ran in, without him, I KNOW I KNOW!! Big no no .. but while in there .. I took a breath because I was sure that Fred Meyer was going to be such a great experience. Have you ever stood near a lion's den fence at a zoo with a cheeseburger? Well, shopping with Mason in a grocery store is a lot like torturing that lion with your cheeseburger. It's a task.
Anyway, so we get in and get the chickens (because at .89/lb who doesn't go and buy 5 whole chickens?) And we get some other meats on sale. Because that's how I roll! The other reason I went to the grocery store was for stamps. Why? Well because the Palmer Post Office is slower than molasses, it's about as fast as a stampeding group of worms. So I purchase my stamps at the Fred Meyer. And the customer service lady always giggles. And then Mason flirts and here we are back to the public cuteness of my son.
He is a frustratingly cute and funny little man. He has such a great determined personality! He challenges every ounce of my sanity and pushes me to the brink of a padded room. Then he flutters his long eyelashes and smiles and makes you want to hug and kiss him. RAWR! The lady at the Fred Meyer told me that her boys are 11 and she's dreading puberty. She told me that she wishes they were little like Mason again! I, politely, giggle and say awe he's got me on my toes for sure. And she says "He's just a cutey! Enjoy this time."
REALLY!?!?! REALLY!?!?! REALLY!!!!!! "ENJOY THIS TIME!!" I am aware that all moms have been in this time at some point. Hopefully. Or is it just me?? Am I just the one with the full-fledged terrible two-year-old in the house?? I can't be. Because honestly, I'm about done with "THIS TIME." I'm ready to shop without the constant request of all the food he can see. I'm ready to buckle him into his carseat without a fight. I'm ready to not have to close every door in the house because his curiosity is just too much to deny. I'm SO ready to not have him chuck his plate on the floor, across the table, or at me. LOL
I love my boy! I love watching him grow and learn and try new things. I really love his snuggles and his kisses. I so love his "hucks" (hugs). And I really love how he plays with his toys. There are things I'm not ready to move past. But I really could do without all the challenges, for maybe one day. :)
Peace
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