A little bit of mommy guilt

This morning as we’re trying to get out the door I realized Shealyn had more homework than just her spelling words last night.  I was helping her get her lunch in her backpack b/c she was dawdling and not moving too quickly when I realized her reading book was in there.  So, I asked her if she had reading homework last night.  She had that deer in the headlight look and said yes.  So from here this is how the conversation went:

S– it’s okay I’ll read it to you on the way to school

(side note — we live less than a mile from the school)

M–Shealyn, but you have paper work to go along with the story

S–oh, yeah

S– that’s okay, I’ll tell Mrs. Krause that I forgot b/c I was too busy last night.

M–ummm, no — you tell Mrs. Krause you forgot, but not because you were too busy.

S–okay ( a little of a deflated look on her face)

So, my mommy guilt is realizing I didn’t specifically ask her if she had homework last night (spelling words are something we know we do on a nightly basis).   But, on the other hand she is almost 8 and should remember this stuff, right?  Sometimes I’m caught in the middle.  By that I mean in so many ways she is still LITTLE, but yet I want her to grow into a responisble, accountable young lady and maybe this is where it needs to start.

I remember an incident last year where Shealyn had forgotten her reading book and when I noticed it I took it into her.  Her teacher at the time said, “Shealyn, you need to thank mom, b/c it’s not mom’s job to remember YOUR reading book.”  And, I thought to myself then, wow she expects a lot from her, but I also thought I ought to take this ball and run with it.  So, now I try and have the kids take care of their school stuff and getting their own backpacks ready instead of me doing it all the time which is what I had done for the 1st year and a half of Shealyn’s school career.  If their teachers expect it why shouldn’t I?  Or should I go on the mommy guilt roller coaster and mentally put the blame on myself for her not doing her homework?

He says the sweetest things

I know you’ve all heard me talk about what a sweet boy my Mr. Carter is, but truly he is.  Last night it was he and I left at the dinner table so I seized the opportunity to talk to him about his day.  He was telling me all about his day at school and I was just smiling at the fact of how animated he is when he tells a story.  So, I asked him a simple question. 

M– how did you get so cute bud?

C– because of you, mom!

Now, come on how can any mom not love that comment!?!

Lots of visiting and eating

I know it’s already a week past Thanksgiving and I wrote nothing about our celebrations.  We had 4 days full of family, friends and fun.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving the kids and I traveled over by Canadian Lakes to visit with my friend Carrie and her 2 girls.  They were in Michigan for the holiday and staying with her sister.  So, we got to spend the afternoon together.  It’s never enough, but I am SO GRATEFUL for the time we do get, Care.  It was great to see you as always and so nice to give Miss Emma and Addie squeezes!

On Thursday we spent Thanksgiving at the McNulty’s.  We were all there except for Clark’s brother EJ and his wife Holly, but they stopped by later which was nice.  It was wonderful to be together b/c for the first time my in-laws are wintering in Texas, so they won’t be here for Christmas.  My father-in-law is already in Texas and my mother-in-law will be there in a week after a side trip to Disney with a friend.

Friday was low key and on Saturday we were able to visit with our friends, the Tharps!  We live in the same town, but with kids on different schedules we rarely get time to talk let alone to sit down and have a meal together and visit.  Not to mention Miss Kelly’s nachos are the best!  Thanks guys!

On Sunday, my mom had all of us down to Alma to celebrate Clark’s birthday.  And it’s been a long time since all of my siblings have been together.  I love it when we’re all in a pile!  Food, naps, games and time together made for a fun afternoon.  Oh, yes and how can I forget all of the grandkids (except for Laney) helped decorate her tree.  It makes me smile to think about how wonderfully, heavily lopsided her tree is b/c of the close proximity of so many of the bulbs as only kids can do.

Then it was back to the school routine on Monday.  I must admit, by Sunday I was ready for it.  So now we’re slowly decorating the house for Christmas and will probably be putting the tree up on Sunday after I get home from shopping with my mom and sister on Saturday. 

So, I think it’s fair to say that we are well on our way to being in the holiday mode.  How about you?

in or on and let’s throw a little cabbage in there, too

You’re probably wondering what in the world could this post be about after reading the title.  Let’s just say it was our Tuesday morning.  While getting ready for school yesterday Shealyn and Carter are arguing over “in or on”.  Carter’s teacher has a behavior beehive in her classroom.  Each child is given 1 verbal warning and if the teacher has to talk to them again during the day they get their names on the beehive.  Anyway, Carter was telling me who had their name “on” the beehive the previous day and Shealyn kept insisting that their names go “in” the beehive.  And in my mind I know it was said for no other reason than to cause an argument!  I’m sure I did the same thing (okay I know), but don’t start so early in the morning.

And now you’re wondering how cabbage fits into all of this.  As they’re arguing Payton’s running around with a bag of cabbage asking to have some.  Yes, my 3 year old LOVES raw cabbage!  Even though it wouldn’t be my food of choice for breakfast I am not going to deny my daughter’s request for vegetables at any point through the day!  What’s your vegetable of choice for breakfast?

Best Shot Monday and Happy Birthday!

Yes, today my husband is 38!  I met you when you were 23 and in my eyes you haven’t aged anymore than I have!  I remember the first birthday I spent with you.  I was as practical then as I am now.  I got you sweatshirts, jeans and a clothes basket– remember?  Too bad you were already in love with me or you may have changed your mind—lol!  Your birthday holds an especially special memory for me.  We became engaged on your 25th birthday!  There’s a story behind it, but I’ll save it for another post.  Here’s to another birthday with you and prayers for many more! 

So, you are also my best shot Monday!  Ironically enough, I didn’t even take this picture, but I do love it b/c it shows your silliness and kid at heart attitude!  Photo credits go to my cousin Cori, who took this at our family reunion this summer.  You let her take it so I figure it’s fair game for me to post it.  Love, Me

My thankful #1

After my previous post I decided this one deserved a post of it’s own!  Today is Thanksgiving and this post couldn’t be any more fitting.

I’m thankful for many, many things, but today especially I am thankful for my Grandma Zella (my dad’s mom).  Today is her birthday and she is 94 years young today!  My grandma is an amazing woman!  She is so strong, vibrant and has such a zest for life.  She has endured the Depression, raised 7 children, buried her husband and 1 child.  She’s the oldest of 8 kids and has buried 3 brothers.  She’s a grandma to 24, a great grandma to 35 and a great great grandma to 2!  I don’t get to see you often, grandma, but I look so forward to the times I get to see you (Clark and I enjoyed our visit with you a few weeks ago).  I love you grandma!  Below is a picture of her at our family reunion in 2006.  She was concentrating on beating my Aunt Karolyn at some kind of game.

3, 2, 1 … blast off!

Oops, I’ve managed to not blog my last 3 thankfuls!   So, once again I will lump them together.

thankful #3

Today, I am thankful for my husband and kids. 

Clark,

I’ve known you almost 15 years and married to you for 11 and 1/2 years.  You are my friend, the father to my children and my husband.  You can drive me to levels of frustration that I can’t put into words, but yet you make me smile and laugh, too.  Each day, I look forward to your hugs, kisses and I love you’s!  I truly am lucky to have you that loves me so unconditionally!

And of course I’m thankful for my kids.

Shealyn,

You are my firstborn girl and fit so many of the firstborn stereotypes.  You are strong, bossy, a leader and a motherhen.  You revel in being the “aggravator”,  but I have witnessed moments of such sweetness when it comes to your little brother and sister.  You are beautiful, smart and determined.  You bring so many unique qualities to this family.  Your daddy and I like to joke that we prayed for patience and got you!  You try my patience daily, but that is your job.  I love you, Gert!

Carter,

You are my only boy!  You are such a sweet and kind little boy!  You are inquisitve, analytical and an incessant talker!  You are my snuggler!  You tell me that you will save your kisses for your mommy and daddy!  Although, I don’t mind if you want to share them with family.  When you are mad you’d rather have time to yourself to work through it.   Most recently you have taken to aggravating Payton, which drives me nuts, but then again my mind knows this is what siblings do.  You are my little boy, and I love you Mr. Carter.

Payton,

Oh, my Miss P. you have made our family complete!  You are my “frooty, froot loop, lovey dove.”  You are a very determined little girl.  You are so observant and don’t miss much the world throws your way.  You are bright and love being social!  You are a silly goose and love to do silly things just to get our attention!  You test your boundaries and try to ignore me daily.  You love with your whole being.  You are my baby girl (much to your chagrin some days).  The “howdareIcallyoubaby” look I get lets me know.  Love you, Miss P.

thankful #2

I am thankful for my friends.   I don’t consider myself a person that can truly say she has a lot of friends, but the ones I do have are great!  I was just having this discussion with Carrie yesterday about how much pickier I am in my 30’s when choosing friends.  I am much more reluctant to share too much until I’m confident this will be someone that’s going to respect me for who I am.  No, I’ve never been burned in the friend department; I am just more choosy!  So, today I want to thank all of my friends that have helped mold me to who I am today and stood by me through good and bad.  Thank you Robyn, Carrie, Michelle and Kelly.  I did that in order of how long I’ve known each of you.  30, 17, 14, and 7 years respectively!  Any to my new friends Cortnie and Allison.  Thank you girl friends!

Best Shot Monday

I’ll call this one the three little monkeys.  Payton, Haylee (my brother’s oldest) and Bayleigh (my sister’s little girl) all hanging out and reading books.  But, look closely do you see that hint of devil gleaming in those girls’ eyes?  I’m sure at some point while they were in there that there were 3 little monkeys jumping on the bed!   Click on the picture to make sure you can see the “gleam” in their eyes.

Haylee, Payton and Bayleigh (L to R)

Thankful #5, #4, and #3

Well, since the kids and I were gone all weekend I’ll lump the next 3 thankfuls together.

#5

I’m thankful for my family.  The kids and I went and spent the weekend at my mom’s (since daddy was at deer camp).  I call my place home, but there’s something about going home to where you were raised and grew up.  I love it when we’re all in a pile and just hanging out.  My sister and her little girl, who live next door to my mom, were there and then my brother, his wife and 2 little girls (one being the newborn) were in and out during the weekend.  So at times it was mass confusion, but so fun.  The kids all have a good time playing together.  We just have to remind Payton and Haylee, 3 & 2 respectively, to share every now and then.  So, I am thankful that we can all pile in and truly enjoy one another.  I’m not so thankful for the guaranteed 2-5 pounds I might as well plan on gaining while at mom’s with all of the home baked goodies and the perpetual m & m bowl!

#4

Okay, whoever invented the DVD player for vehicles must have been a mom!  I soooo love this invention!  We only use it for longer trips and to and from grandma’s house qualifies as one of those longer trips.

#3

Today, I am thankful for days at home.  I don’t have to go anywhere (Clark took the kids to school today) until much later this afternoon to take the girls to dance.  P. and I plan on hanging out in our jammies and cleaning today.  Yesterday, when I mentioned cleaning she was excited so we’ll see if the same excitement holds true today.

Thankful #6

Today I am thankful for those God given maternal instincts, quick reactions and “missed” accidents.  If you remember in my previous post I had mentioned I was taking the kids swimming.  Have you ever been in a situation with your kids where you just feel completely outnumbered and uneasy?  We are a water family (well okay, it’s not daddy’s preference) and enjoy water activities, but I decided after last night I am much more comfortable taking my kids to the beach when it’s just me watching them.  I know you probably think I’m crazy, but in this pool (a very small version of a water park) there were too many places my kids with different water comforts could be.  So, I felt as if my head were on a swivel all night. 

Anyway, there is a waterslide and P. and her friend E. wanted to go down it; so E.’s mom and I had been taking turns catching the girls at the bottom of the slide before they hit the water.  I had made Payton take a break and told her she couldn’t do it without me and we were now going to wait until we had eaten our pizza.   She was very GOOD about not even attempting it without me at the bottom of the slide.  Anyway, supper was over and she had patiently waited for me to catch her once again.  So she went up the stairs and I waited for her to come down.  And come down she did, she was flying!  She was under my reach and I couldn’t catch her before she hit the water.  Do you know how water slides have that perpetual water jet to keep everyone moving?  She was caught under that “current” in the pool and was not coming up.  Needless to say, I jumped in fully clothed to pull her to safety.  I totally did not panic in the moment, but after I was an hour removed and home it really hit me!  I didn’t want to scare her, b/c I have heard in many experiences that when something like this happens that person is scared for life of water.  And Clark and I agreed early on that we do not want our kids to have a fear of water.  Even though we got ready to go after that (primarily b/c mom was soaked head to toe, including my tennis shoes, with no change of clothes) I’m confident that she is not afraid to get back in the water.

She did say the sweetest thing though as we were heading out.  We were walking with some friends and she looked up and said, “when I’m in trouble mommy and daddy will save me!”  Yes we will baby girl!  Although I know there will be many things we will not be able to save her from I want her to be comforted by the fact that we will be there when we can.