Kyle's response:
"I'll give you a hint, Dad. It starts with a Y and you eat it with a spoon."
I do love their little brains!
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Thursday, March 25, 2010
I'll give you a hint...
A few nights ago, Pat asked Kyle if he needed anything else to eat before going to bed.
Kyle's response:
Kyle's response:
Lane's brain
The last Tuesday of every month, Lane has singing time at his school. They learn little songs all month long and then on this particular day, all of the parents are invited to come to the last 15 minutes of class and hear them perform.
Lane usually likes all of the songs and sings them at home but when it comes to this singing time - he refuses to sing. He just sits there.
In order to go, I have to get the little girls ready and drag them into the classroom (which by the way, this preschool has like a drive through service of sorts. I drive right up to Kyle's classroom door and the teacher comes out to get them and take them in. Same for picking up - awesome for a mom that has 2 others that I would have to cart in and out!)
Anyway, its an ordeal to come, especially if its raining. And we live in the Pacific North West. It rains here. I have told Lane that I am not going to come unless he sings the songs, like he does at home. I don't want to go and watch him sit there and stare or shake his head and act embarrassed.
Last month he sang the first two songs then quit and wouldn't go on. So I left the room and waited in the hall. After they were done he came running out to find me and gave me a big hug and told me that next time he would sing.
I decided to give him one more chance.
This last Tuesday, two days ago, was singing time.
He sang one song...sort of.
I left the room again. And when they were done he came running to me and said:
"But I was singing them in my brain! Didn't you know that I was singing them in my brain?!"
Nice try, champ! Silly kid.
**He's such a sensitive little boy and I don't want to make him feel like has to sing or I'll be disappointed in him. Cause that would hurt his little soul. But I also don't want to go through the ordeal of getting there to watch him act embarrassed and uninterested. What to do?**
Lane usually likes all of the songs and sings them at home but when it comes to this singing time - he refuses to sing. He just sits there.
In order to go, I have to get the little girls ready and drag them into the classroom (which by the way, this preschool has like a drive through service of sorts. I drive right up to Kyle's classroom door and the teacher comes out to get them and take them in. Same for picking up - awesome for a mom that has 2 others that I would have to cart in and out!)
Anyway, its an ordeal to come, especially if its raining. And we live in the Pacific North West. It rains here. I have told Lane that I am not going to come unless he sings the songs, like he does at home. I don't want to go and watch him sit there and stare or shake his head and act embarrassed.
Last month he sang the first two songs then quit and wouldn't go on. So I left the room and waited in the hall. After they were done he came running out to find me and gave me a big hug and told me that next time he would sing.
I decided to give him one more chance.
This last Tuesday, two days ago, was singing time.
He sang one song...sort of.
I left the room again. And when they were done he came running to me and said:
"But I was singing them in my brain! Didn't you know that I was singing them in my brain?!"
Nice try, champ! Silly kid.
**He's such a sensitive little boy and I don't want to make him feel like has to sing or I'll be disappointed in him. Cause that would hurt his little soul. But I also don't want to go through the ordeal of getting there to watch him act embarrassed and uninterested. What to do?**
Protein police
Nora talking on her cell phone (and old one of mine - as if a two year old would have her own phone! ...yet...) to an imaginary "friend":
N: Hi, who is this
"F": I'm Protein girl
N: Oh, I don't like protein girl
"F": Oh, okay then. Goodbye
N: Good bye, protein girl
Ya think she's heard about how she shouldn't eat protein? You think we should tell her about it some more?
N: Hi, who is this
"F": I'm Protein girl
N: Oh, I don't like protein girl
"F": Oh, okay then. Goodbye
N: Good bye, protein girl
Ya think she's heard about how she shouldn't eat protein? You think we should tell her about it some more?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Dementia, 4 toddlers, food allergies,
Husband in China, complete disorganization, etc
I'm too stressed to blog. Pitiful, isn't it?
These are the things I am supposed to be recording so that when I have lived through it and moved on to other stresses I can look back on those recordings and say,
"What was I thinking? That was soooo much easier than what I have to deal with now!" ; )
Or...
hopefully, I will be wiser, kind, more forgiving, and most of all patient, with myself and everyone that I love. Better armed to welcome whatever comes my way.
*Hey, remember that one time when I was like, "I'm going to go private so that I can make this blog what I really want it to be!"
But then I never blogged again? ...Awesome
My goal for February. If you want in and haven't already sent me your email info...
zonazag@gmail.com
I'm too stressed to blog. Pitiful, isn't it?
These are the things I am supposed to be recording so that when I have lived through it and moved on to other stresses I can look back on those recordings and say,
"What was I thinking? That was soooo much easier than what I have to deal with now!" ; )
Or...
hopefully, I will be wiser, kind, more forgiving, and most of all patient, with myself and everyone that I love. Better armed to welcome whatever comes my way.
*Hey, remember that one time when I was like, "I'm going to go private so that I can make this blog what I really want it to be!"
But then I never blogged again? ...Awesome
My goal for February. If you want in and haven't already sent me your email info...
zonazag@gmail.com
Monday, January 18, 2010
Recalculating
Yesterday in R.S. meeting, a sister made a comment about her Tom Tom (GPS Navigation System) Her point was that she appreciated that when she missed her turn or exit, instead of yelling at her, "Why didn't you turn? Are you stupid. You might as well go back home if you can't figure it out!" (or something like that.) Instead, it thinks for a minute and then recalculates and moves on. And she compared that to parenting. How she wishes that many times throughout raising her kids, she wished that she could have paused to think, made adjustments, let things go and just move on. Unconditionally forgiving, like our Father in Heaven. Not badger her kids, bring them down, or get too upset too quickly. But instead, strive to be encouraging and bolstering to pick up the pieces, etc and just move on. So to speak.
I've thought about that A LOT since then. What a wonderful insight. My new agenda...to be thoughtful, kind, slow to rebuke and forgiving...just like Geof, my GPS. ***inside joke. when we were expecting June and not knowing whether she was pink or blue, we needed two names. So my brother Dale suggested for a boy, Geof Patrick so his initials would be GPS. Well, that didn't work out so I named the GPS Geof instead***
Of course this only works if you turn off the u-turn feature.
Otherwise it will be the kind of parent I'm trying to avoid. "Make a U-Turn. As soon as possible, make a U-Turn! Why can't you figure this out!!" Etc.
Not Pretty
Another GPS story for your reading pleasure but mostly so that I'll remember it:
Late last week I decided to venture to downtown Portland. Not something I usually do on my own (without my other GPS, the Husband) But when I do go solo, I am extremely grateful for that fine navigation system. I get so nervous downtown. With all the one-ways, and light rails, pedestrians and crazy traffic. Even though my GPS tries his hardest to tell me where and when to turn, somehow I still mess it up...BAD! As I did this trip. With all the excuses in the world, I COULD NOT figure out how to get back on the freeway after I somehow got off of it - with out trying to. *don't judge, its pretty hard to concentrate when I've got back, back seat drivers and screaming, singing, laughing, crying from 4 silly toddlers all at once*** After awhile, I told the boys that they were just going to have to say a prayer to Heavenly Father that I would be able to figure out how to get us back on the freeway so we could get home. They both asked what they should say. So I made some suggestions and I turned around to see both of them with their arms folded, eyes scrunched and praying that mom could get them home. Instantly, I was able to make the turn I needed and get on the freeway. So of course I yelled, "It worked! You boys prayed to Heavenly Father for me and it worked! He heard your prayers and answered them soooo fast. He must really love you crazy kids!" They were ecstatic over it. And couldn't wait to get home and tell dad all about it. So inspiring. These little rotten are so incredibly close the the Spirit. How I long for that, too. They get so excited about the simplist gosple principles and are eager to put them in action.
While we're at it...another story:
Lane is such a good helper to me. He plays the role of oldest quite well, a little too well at times but that's not for now.
Back to the positive attributes of being the oldest.
He always takes Nora's hand when we are walking to and from the car without even being asked. I've always made my kids hold hands so that's nothing new, I just appreciate that he does it without be asked.
Anyway, yesterday as we were walking out of church, Lane held Nora's hand to the car. When we got inside he said, "When we touch Nora, she feels our love! Just like when Jesus touches us, we feel his love!' And Kyle pipes in with, "And when we touch Jesus, he feels our love!"
I LOVE, love, love sweet little toddler spirits. Don't you?
I've thought about that A LOT since then. What a wonderful insight. My new agenda...to be thoughtful, kind, slow to rebuke and forgiving...just like Geof, my GPS. ***inside joke. when we were expecting June and not knowing whether she was pink or blue, we needed two names. So my brother Dale suggested for a boy, Geof Patrick so his initials would be GPS. Well, that didn't work out so I named the GPS Geof instead***
Of course this only works if you turn off the u-turn feature.
Otherwise it will be the kind of parent I'm trying to avoid. "Make a U-Turn. As soon as possible, make a U-Turn! Why can't you figure this out!!" Etc.
Not Pretty
Another GPS story for your reading pleasure but mostly so that I'll remember it:
Late last week I decided to venture to downtown Portland. Not something I usually do on my own (without my other GPS, the Husband) But when I do go solo, I am extremely grateful for that fine navigation system. I get so nervous downtown. With all the one-ways, and light rails, pedestrians and crazy traffic. Even though my GPS tries his hardest to tell me where and when to turn, somehow I still mess it up...BAD! As I did this trip. With all the excuses in the world, I COULD NOT figure out how to get back on the freeway after I somehow got off of it - with out trying to. *don't judge, its pretty hard to concentrate when I've got back, back seat drivers and screaming, singing, laughing, crying from 4 silly toddlers all at once*** After awhile, I told the boys that they were just going to have to say a prayer to Heavenly Father that I would be able to figure out how to get us back on the freeway so we could get home. They both asked what they should say. So I made some suggestions and I turned around to see both of them with their arms folded, eyes scrunched and praying that mom could get them home. Instantly, I was able to make the turn I needed and get on the freeway. So of course I yelled, "It worked! You boys prayed to Heavenly Father for me and it worked! He heard your prayers and answered them soooo fast. He must really love you crazy kids!" They were ecstatic over it. And couldn't wait to get home and tell dad all about it. So inspiring. These little rotten are so incredibly close the the Spirit. How I long for that, too. They get so excited about the simplist gosple principles and are eager to put them in action.
While we're at it...another story:
Lane is such a good helper to me. He plays the role of oldest quite well, a little too well at times but that's not for now.
Back to the positive attributes of being the oldest.
He always takes Nora's hand when we are walking to and from the car without even being asked. I've always made my kids hold hands so that's nothing new, I just appreciate that he does it without be asked.
Anyway, yesterday as we were walking out of church, Lane held Nora's hand to the car. When we got inside he said, "When we touch Nora, she feels our love! Just like when Jesus touches us, we feel his love!' And Kyle pipes in with, "And when we touch Jesus, he feels our love!"
I LOVE, love, love sweet little toddler spirits. Don't you?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
10 years vanished
This morning I re-read through the last post I wrote.
Did I go into a 10 year coma? Was I asleep? How did I not realize I forgot 10 years of my life?
I announced that my one and only sewing class was in 7th grade - 11 years ago. I even spelled it out for emphasis! Really, 11 years ago? So, suddenly I'm 23?!
One might find it impressive that I have been married just one month shy of 6 years and have 4 kids (the oldest being 5) and only be 23. No, it isn't so. 23 was 10 years and 15lbs ago...
23. What was I doing when I was 23? I was living with my older brother. Toilet papering houses and saran wrapping cars, going to a lot of great concerts at dive venues with my friends. Trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had braces. Well, I got them off at 23. I was having a fantastic time. Though it wasn't all games and shenanigans. That year I went through the Temple for my own Endowments. I had fun, crazy, supportive friends who embraced my strange quirks and I was really where I wanted and needed to be.
I suppose that the last 10 years were so full and action packed that they came and went before I could realize that I was older. Traveling, more concerts, getting married, immediately having 4 kids, moving across the country multiple times. Being busy with 4 kids, going to too many doctors appointments. Stitches, food allergies, ezcema, etc. In my mid 30's. (driving a Honda Odyssey) And still exactly where I want and need to be. Here's why:
While I'm not fond of the addition of the wrinkles and aches and 15 lbs. (and cleaning up the messy mud) I am quite keen on all of the other additions. I don't want to loose those 10 years. How lucky that I was too busy being blessed with such an amazing, crazy,challenging, stressful, happy life to loose track. I couldn't even image not having all of this...
The End.
Did I go into a 10 year coma? Was I asleep? How did I not realize I forgot 10 years of my life?
I announced that my one and only sewing class was in 7th grade - 11 years ago. I even spelled it out for emphasis! Really, 11 years ago? So, suddenly I'm 23?!
One might find it impressive that I have been married just one month shy of 6 years and have 4 kids (the oldest being 5) and only be 23. No, it isn't so. 23 was 10 years and 15lbs ago...
23. What was I doing when I was 23? I was living with my older brother. Toilet papering houses and saran wrapping cars, going to a lot of great concerts at dive venues with my friends. Trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had braces. Well, I got them off at 23. I was having a fantastic time. Though it wasn't all games and shenanigans. That year I went through the Temple for my own Endowments. I had fun, crazy, supportive friends who embraced my strange quirks and I was really where I wanted and needed to be.
I suppose that the last 10 years were so full and action packed that they came and went before I could realize that I was older. Traveling, more concerts, getting married, immediately having 4 kids, moving across the country multiple times. Being busy with 4 kids, going to too many doctors appointments. Stitches, food allergies, ezcema, etc. In my mid 30's. (driving a Honda Odyssey) And still exactly where I want and need to be. Here's why:
While I'm not fond of the addition of the wrinkles and aches and 15 lbs. (and cleaning up the messy mud) I am quite keen on all of the other additions. I don't want to loose those 10 years. How lucky that I was too busy being blessed with such an amazing, crazy,challenging, stressful, happy life to loose track. I couldn't even image not having all of this...
The End.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
bandwagon
So I've decided to jump on and go for it. Its time for me to make this blog private. I haven't posted in awhile (for a few reasons) and one is because I was trying to decide if I wanted to conform with the masses. Yes, I do.
I have no idea how many people aside from my own family even look at this silly nonsense. But if you do and you want to continue, email me at zonazag@gmail.com and I'll include you in the invite. (Even if you are a blog lurker and we've never met and you feel silly to confess...I've been there and done that and confessed and was glad that I did.)
There's so much to catch up on! So many pictures and crazy cake adventures. I'll start with that tomorrow. The blog won't go private for another few weeks...no worries. And then I'll feel so much better about posting more often and being more open about what really goes on around here!
What to expect in the next few days??
We're gearing up for Halloween around here. I've never been too keen on the holiday but now with the little monsters we have hanging around...its been kind of fun to decorate and just have fun with it. Good grief, I'm realizing more and more how much of a party pooper I have been for so long.
And, I've been spending many nights pretending that I know how to sew. With the one semester of sewing I took in 7th grade eleven (11 - that's right) years ago, I've made bedspreads, crib bumper, curtains and valance, crayon roll holder things, superhero capes. None of it is very pretty and probably looks like a 7th grader did it but having no patterns to go buy and just making it up, I must admit that I am kinda proud of myself for doing it. ...pictures coming...
Little Nora! We found out that she can't eat any proteins. So its not so much specific food allergies but that her body can't break down and digest proteins. YIKES! I really need to get help on that one. So all the beans and grains and sunflower seed butter and coconut milk, etc that I was feeding her...all bad news. I felt so awful for that. Sorry sister : (
and on. and on. and on...
I have no idea how many people aside from my own family even look at this silly nonsense. But if you do and you want to continue, email me at zonazag@gmail.com and I'll include you in the invite. (Even if you are a blog lurker and we've never met and you feel silly to confess...I've been there and done that and confessed and was glad that I did.)
There's so much to catch up on! So many pictures and crazy cake adventures. I'll start with that tomorrow. The blog won't go private for another few weeks...no worries. And then I'll feel so much better about posting more often and being more open about what really goes on around here!
What to expect in the next few days??
We're gearing up for Halloween around here. I've never been too keen on the holiday but now with the little monsters we have hanging around...its been kind of fun to decorate and just have fun with it. Good grief, I'm realizing more and more how much of a party pooper I have been for so long.
And, I've been spending many nights pretending that I know how to sew. With the one semester of sewing I took in 7th grade eleven (11 - that's right) years ago, I've made bedspreads, crib bumper, curtains and valance, crayon roll holder things, superhero capes. None of it is very pretty and probably looks like a 7th grader did it but having no patterns to go buy and just making it up, I must admit that I am kinda proud of myself for doing it. ...pictures coming...
Little Nora! We found out that she can't eat any proteins. So its not so much specific food allergies but that her body can't break down and digest proteins. YIKES! I really need to get help on that one. So all the beans and grains and sunflower seed butter and coconut milk, etc that I was feeding her...all bad news. I felt so awful for that. Sorry sister : (
and on. and on. and on...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Who is that little boy?
Could it really be Kyle? Our rebel-rouser mop head?
WHAT HAPPENED?!
He's been asking and asking to get his hair cut short so he can have "spikes like dad"
We've been dreading it. Why?
What's the big deal, right? He's a 3 year old boy!
But his hair...its Kyle!
He loves it.
I'm working on getting used to it.
Lets think positive for a minute: And at least now its easier to clean him up after playing in the dirt and mud! He hated getting his hair washed and combed. So we won't have to worry about that for awhile.
Problems: now we have to get it cut more than 3 times a year!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
It has come to my attention
that I almost killed my family. And the missionaries. If you'll remember the (peach pit )
according to wikipedia: As with many other members of the rose family, peach seeds contain cyanogenetic glycosides, including amygdalin (note the subgenus designation: Amygdalus). These substances are capable of decomposing into a sugar molecule and hydrogen cyanide gas. While peach seeds are not the most toxic within the rose family, that dubious honor going to the bitter almond, large doses of these chemicals from any source are hazardous to human health.
according to wikipedia: As with many other members of the rose family, peach seeds contain cyanogenetic glycosides, including amygdalin (note the subgenus designation: Amygdalus). These substances are capable of decomposing into a sugar molecule and hydrogen cyanide gas. While peach seeds are not the most toxic within the rose family, that dubious honor going to the bitter almond, large doses of these chemicals from any source are hazardous to human health.
oops!
*we're all fine and healthy...it was just ONE pit*
*we're all fine and healthy...it was just ONE pit*
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
T-Ball
I'm glad that he was blessed with his dad's athletic ability. But sadly he was cursed with my timidness. Not always a good combo. Week after week he got comfortable and improved. Our little Lane face loves all sports and is always very excited to go be with his "team friends"
He had a great time. He got a hat, a shirt with his name on it AND a trophy! What more does a little boy need.
Soccer
Coming in a few weeks
(this time Kyle can join in. Good, cause the jealousy is tough!)
Spring, Summer, Winter
Rain boots, sandals and snow boots.
79* today
Which one was right?
All 3. They were happy. I'm happy.
79* today
Which one was right?
All 3. They were happy. I'm happy.
The End.
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Pitts
Had the missionaries over the other night.
Had oh-so-delicious-never disappoint Lasagna Rolls (thanks Giada!)
Had to impress with our new Vita-Mix (thanks Costco!)
Had peach smoothies (thanks Vita-Mix recipe book!)
Collective thoughts..."These are really good." "But why are there seeds?" "These are like raspberry seeds!" "If you just swallow and don't chew...they're delightful and refreshing!"
I went to do some investigating.
I put 3 peaches in and I only had 2 pits on the cutting board!
Embarrassed.
Laughing it off.
Thinking to myself..."Dude! That Vita-Mix is awesome!"
Had oh-so-delicious-never disappoint Lasagna Rolls (thanks Giada!)
Had to impress with our new Vita-Mix (thanks Costco!)
Had peach smoothies (thanks Vita-Mix recipe book!)
Collective thoughts..."These are really good." "But why are there seeds?" "These are like raspberry seeds!" "If you just swallow and don't chew...they're delightful and refreshing!"
I went to do some investigating.
I put 3 peaches in and I only had 2 pits on the cutting board!
Embarrassed.
Laughing it off.
Thinking to myself..."Dude! That Vita-Mix is awesome!"
Friday, July 31, 2009
Doing their part...for nature
Yesterday we decided to head west to the coast. We had to find some relief from the terrible heat wave! (you'd have thought we were back in PHX!)
One of these boys said, "Look! I'm watering the flowers! Have fun growing, flowers!"
Another said, "I can pee the furthest!"
While in nature...boys will be boys!
One of these boys said, "Look! I'm watering the flowers! Have fun growing, flowers!"
Another said, "I can pee the furthest!"
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sisters
June is such a sweet little girl. She's happy most of the time. Just quiet about it. She'll give us little laughs every now and then but Nora is the only one who can make her really, truly laugh! And Nora doesn't even have to be doing much at all! June just really loves her sister. I hope it stays that way : ) Although I have to closely supervise the love...as Nora is always trying to feed, dress and drag June around. Still, June is happy to just be with her.
Wall-E for Dad
I had the kids color while I was getting dinner ready. Lane says, "Look at my Wall-E!" I thought Melissa had helped him. But when I asked he said, "Nope! I did it all on my own only by myself!"
We pinned it up by your map but he wanted you to see it now! He's your son when it comes to drawing. I don't know if its possible to draw a stick figured Wall-E!
We pinned it up by your map but he wanted you to see it now! He's your son when it comes to drawing. I don't know if its possible to draw a stick figured Wall-E!
We love you and miss you soooooo much!
* Hurry up Friday!*
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Bravery
We're 2 weeks down and one more week to go!
We've talked A LOT about teamwork. I've explained to the kids that while dad is gone its really important for us to be brave and work as a team. To pull together and get along as best we can. In fact, after our morning meetings (or when we've started having melt downs) I pull the kids together and have then all put their hands together and on the count of 3, yell..."teamwork!" Its pretty funny. And it works most of the time.
Yesterday, I realized that we hadn't done anything special to reward ourselves for our bravery of being on our own. So I sucked it up and decided to have some bravery of a different sort.
I take my kids shopping with me all the time. No big deal cause I can confine them to a cart. But little stores and especially 7-11's and the like - I stay far away! Well, yesterday something came over me and I decided that it was time to test it out. One the way there we talked about how there were going to be lots of things that we'll want to touch. And that there will be lots places to run around. But that it was super important to stay right by mom and not touch anything so that we could have a special cold drink! And if we couldn't handle it we would have to leave without anything!
Cheers! Clapping! Promises of good behavior! *Me with my fingers crossed*
Oh, how I really wished I had documentation of the event! How cute it must have looked to see the three older ones holding hands across the parking lot. Lane holding the door for all of us. When we got inside there were "oohs and aahs" and delighted faces. Then they all stood along the wall and waited. Of course they were loud and excitedly talking about all the things they saw. And what color of straw they wanted. Could they hold their own cup, etc. But so well behaved! Amazing! (they aren't always perfect! I have had to leave the grocery store before I even got them all in the cart because they were being ridiculous!) But the stars were aligned in our favor that morning. And the reward?
Slurpees! Awesome!
Of course I got "looks" and my favorite..."are they ALL yours?" My new response to that has been, "Yes. Aren't I so lucky?" I was so proud of them (and myself) for pulling it off. We'll have to do it again. Especially in this 90* weather. (I know what you PHX folks are saying, "boo hoo, Jessica." But 90*+ weather and no A/C is really gross!)
Anyway, it was a good time for them and it helped us get through the hot day a little easier! Now if they could always be that well behaved! But then that would be too boring, right?
Here's to one more week!
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