You ever have one of those days where you want to move to Australia because nothing is going right? Well, that pretty much sums up my day yesterday. I was running late from the get go, despite waking up super early. Then when I dropped P off at school it broke my heart to have him cling to me, begging me not to leave. (That'll be a blog for a different day depending on how the next couple days go) From there I had a dr appt that ran late, leaving me no time for a Starbucks run (a tragic event indeed since I wanted to celebrate that I had got the "all clear" to resume normal activity from my dr). Luckily, although I was running late, I got to my photo shoot before my friend (read below about that). But Easton screamed most of the time and her oldest son was having a difficult time following directions while her middle son didn't want to smile for the camera. I also was beating myself up afterwards for messing up my camera settings but in the long run it worked to my benefit. I had to nurse Easton after the photo shoot, leaving me late to get P. When I picked him up from school he was on a roll. He told me, in a rather proud voice mind you, that he had hurt his teachers' feelings by telling them he doesn't like them. Now if you know P you know that he is not like that. He's been having a difficult time transitioning to being a big brother on top of being 3 1/2. When we got home he started mouthing off to me and refusing to follow directions regardless of the consequences. By naptime I had had it between his mouthiness and Easton's fussiness. I just lost it and started crying. At first P started laughing but when I didn't stop he realized it was serious. I told him some days I didn't want to be a mommy because it was hard. That led to a long conversation and I think it was good that he saw me break down. Not because of a change in his behavior, but the day got better after that. I had a chance to work up a sweat on the treadmill and I was able to return a computer cable for another one, despite the fact that I was the one that spliced it.
Today I woke up guardedly optimistic for a better day. I laid the day out for P as soon as he woke up. He was excited to spend some Valentine money that he had received in the mail so I told him if he could behave while running errands he could buy what he wanted. He did a fabulous job and was rewarded with a trip to the toy dept. Naptime is when we have the most battles lately but not today. He willingly went in his room for an hour of quiet play while I did things around the house. Although I felt like I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off, it was nice to have that quiet time to make phone calls and get things done without interruption. After naptime we were able to wrestle and play "Daddy Bull", something he's been begging me to do for months. I can't tell you how great it felt to finally be able to pick him up in my arms. The belly laughs I got in response made me realize how much he, too, had missed it. Rob had to work late so I thought that'd effect P's behavior but it didn't in the least. Except for a little mouthiness this evening he did an awesome job today! It's the best day we've had in awhile. Now if we could only have every day be this good......... I can dream, can't I??? :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Baby K
Yesterday I had the privilege to photography my former teaching partner's boys. Her youngest just turned 6 months (Yes, she's aware that he's huge!) so she asked me to do his 6 month pics as well as some of her other boys and her. I have to say that during the shoot I didn't think I was getting the best pics because Easton was screaming in his carseat, distracting me. But when I started looking through them I was pretty happy. Here are a few of my favorites.....
***Keep scrolling down for yet another blog***
Lent
In years past friends have given things up for Lent. I thought it was more of a fad than anything. But this morning I researched it. After doing that I decided to give something up for Lent- to sacrifice, to "fast". I thought about what I should give up. Chocolate? No! I couldn't do that to Rob for 40 days. Going without chocolate should be illegal! Give up my camera? No because that would mean not capturing precious moments on film, preserving and sharing them. So I decided on the next biggest thing....Facebook. Life has been busy but I've still taken time that I don't have to get on FB. So I decided to use that extra time for the next 40 days to spend with my boys and in prayer. This afternoon, after I took the FB app off my phone, every time I thought about FB I prayed.
40 days is a long time to go without something you enjoy but it'll be worth it. That may mean more blogs since I'll have nowhere to post pics so be prepared. If you're on FB you can also be prepared to be bombarded with FB posts and pics after Easter. But until then...bye bye Facebook!
40 days is a long time to go without something you enjoy but it'll be worth it. That may mean more blogs since I'll have nowhere to post pics so be prepared. If you're on FB you can also be prepared to be bombarded with FB posts and pics after Easter. But until then...bye bye Facebook!
Monday, February 11, 2013
The Ins and Outs
It's been awhile and I finally have some time to myself so you better sit back cause this could be a long one. Being a SAHM is great. I love the special time I get with my boys, seeing their firsts and seeing life through their eyes. That being said, it's also hard. Hard because of a newborn's schedule, hard because of a 3 year old that has been pushing my buttons for a couple months. I work from about 6:30am-9:30pm and am on call every night with 2-3 "call outs". So my "Me" time is precious. Easton barely napped today (a rarity) and was fussy so by the time I got both boys to bed all I could think about was soaking in a hot bubble bath. I even missed part of "The Bachelor" for a bath (You know that's gotta be serious!). I selfishly take naps with the boys most days because a) it's such a special time to cuddle with them and watch them sleep so peacefully and b) it's my time to get some much needed rest (It's my work break so to speak).
I don't see how women work full time away from home and raise young children. I know that it's a necessity for most but I'm thankful that's not the case for me. I don't think I could juggle it all. Between play dates, trips to the library, playing at the Discovery Museum, having friends over, preschool, running errands and housework our days are full. And although life is so busy I'm not as tired as I was when P was a newborn. I'm more worn out, if that makes sense, but not as tired. With P I felt like a zombie for the first several months of his life for many reasons. The 2nd time around it's been easier with a newborn (even though he definitely has his fussy times).
Add to the every day routine with a busy and FUN social calendar lately and some days I don't know which way is up. A friend that I hadn't seen since our wedding FB'd me and asked if she could stay with us this past weekend while she was in town for a wedding. She was rarely around but it was still nice to spend a little time with her. Then Saturday night we went to our friend's birthday party, causing the boys to get off schedule. Today two of my friends came from Sacto to meet Easton and to visit for a few hours. Tomorrow I'm doing a photo shoot for my friend's sons. After tomorrow we have a few days in between company and then Friday my parents come to town to help watch the boys. Saturday another good friend from Sacto is coming to town to attend our annual DU banquet with me and Rob.
I think after our weekend company leaves we'll have some down time. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the company we've had since Easton's birth. We have so many thoughtful, wonderful friends who care for us and for that I'm thankful!
I don't see how women work full time away from home and raise young children. I know that it's a necessity for most but I'm thankful that's not the case for me. I don't think I could juggle it all. Between play dates, trips to the library, playing at the Discovery Museum, having friends over, preschool, running errands and housework our days are full. And although life is so busy I'm not as tired as I was when P was a newborn. I'm more worn out, if that makes sense, but not as tired. With P I felt like a zombie for the first several months of his life for many reasons. The 2nd time around it's been easier with a newborn (even though he definitely has his fussy times).
Add to the every day routine with a busy and FUN social calendar lately and some days I don't know which way is up. A friend that I hadn't seen since our wedding FB'd me and asked if she could stay with us this past weekend while she was in town for a wedding. She was rarely around but it was still nice to spend a little time with her. Then Saturday night we went to our friend's birthday party, causing the boys to get off schedule. Today two of my friends came from Sacto to meet Easton and to visit for a few hours. Tomorrow I'm doing a photo shoot for my friend's sons. After tomorrow we have a few days in between company and then Friday my parents come to town to help watch the boys. Saturday another good friend from Sacto is coming to town to attend our annual DU banquet with me and Rob.
I think after our weekend company leaves we'll have some down time. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the company we've had since Easton's birth. We have so many thoughtful, wonderful friends who care for us and for that I'm thankful!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
No Tears Thursday
One of P's new favorite cartoons is "Bubble Guppies". On there is a fish named Mr. Grumpfish. So when one of us is grumpy the person earns the title of Mr. Grumpfish.
P started a new preschool a week after Easton was born and he thinks he's there because of Easton's birth. I guess his little mind thinks he's a cast off, which breaks my heart! The first week he did great when I took him but since then he's cried every time. He goes to great lengths, such as trying to bolt from the building, clinging to my leg, etc. to show he doesn't want to be there. But I know it's all an act because he did that at his old daycare until he realized I wasn't going to keep him at home. I'm learning to choose my battles as a parent and this is one I will win because I don't want him to think he can dictate if/where he goes to school. I also don't want him to get the idea at an early age that if he doesn't like school he can quit. But it's been breaking my heart every time I take him to school. I've tried bribing him. I've tried tough love. I've tried praying with him and singing special songs with him. All to no avail. Today I tried a new tactic....which miraculously worked! He's on a kick where, if I taunt him about not being able to do something, it's his goal to prove me wrong. On the way to school this morning I started saying, "You can't go to school without crying because you're Mr. Grumpfish." That got him laughing so I kept repeating it. By the time we got to his school he was laughing a lot. He quickly gave me a hug, proudly yelled "I'm not going to cry because I'm not Mr. Grumpfish" and went off to play with one of the little girls in his class. When I picked him up a couple hours later he was quick to tell me all the fun things he did at school and his teacher was quick to tell me that it was his best day by far. That made me so incredibly happy to hear! In fact it made me so happy that I celebrated by taking him to McDonalds and me to Starbucks!
I would've loved if the rest of the day had been that smooth but we now have 2 boys to contend with. It seems when one isn't being Mr. Grumpfish the other is. Easton graciously took the title-and held it-the rest of the day. The only time he was happy is when he was nursing or sleeping. I don't know if it's a growth spurt or he's colicky but I hope this phase passes quickly. Rob and I were tag teaming him so the other could get stuff done or just have a break. In fact, it took me almost 20 minutes to walk .75 miles on the treadmill because I had to keep stopping it to soothe him. I know this too shall pass and knowing that P had such a great day at school cancels out Easton being Mr. Grumpfish. The joys of parenthood!
P started a new preschool a week after Easton was born and he thinks he's there because of Easton's birth. I guess his little mind thinks he's a cast off, which breaks my heart! The first week he did great when I took him but since then he's cried every time. He goes to great lengths, such as trying to bolt from the building, clinging to my leg, etc. to show he doesn't want to be there. But I know it's all an act because he did that at his old daycare until he realized I wasn't going to keep him at home. I'm learning to choose my battles as a parent and this is one I will win because I don't want him to think he can dictate if/where he goes to school. I also don't want him to get the idea at an early age that if he doesn't like school he can quit. But it's been breaking my heart every time I take him to school. I've tried bribing him. I've tried tough love. I've tried praying with him and singing special songs with him. All to no avail. Today I tried a new tactic....which miraculously worked! He's on a kick where, if I taunt him about not being able to do something, it's his goal to prove me wrong. On the way to school this morning I started saying, "You can't go to school without crying because you're Mr. Grumpfish." That got him laughing so I kept repeating it. By the time we got to his school he was laughing a lot. He quickly gave me a hug, proudly yelled "I'm not going to cry because I'm not Mr. Grumpfish" and went off to play with one of the little girls in his class. When I picked him up a couple hours later he was quick to tell me all the fun things he did at school and his teacher was quick to tell me that it was his best day by far. That made me so incredibly happy to hear! In fact it made me so happy that I celebrated by taking him to McDonalds and me to Starbucks!
I would've loved if the rest of the day had been that smooth but we now have 2 boys to contend with. It seems when one isn't being Mr. Grumpfish the other is. Easton graciously took the title-and held it-the rest of the day. The only time he was happy is when he was nursing or sleeping. I don't know if it's a growth spurt or he's colicky but I hope this phase passes quickly. Rob and I were tag teaming him so the other could get stuff done or just have a break. In fact, it took me almost 20 minutes to walk .75 miles on the treadmill because I had to keep stopping it to soothe him. I know this too shall pass and knowing that P had such a great day at school cancels out Easton being Mr. Grumpfish. The joys of parenthood!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Finally Served!
Karma. Justice served. Paybacks. Whatever you want to call it, I am happy to say that it happened yesterday. 4 years ago I took a teaching job in NV. At the time the principal was my best friend. We talked every day and went through some rough times-and great times-together. She was the one who threw my baby shower, whose son was born 2 days after P. But she was also the one who told me confidential employee info that I had no business knowing....reviews teachers had been given, how she was going to take pleasure in destroying one person's admin career, who she liked and who she couldn't stand. There were no secrets. Then our friendship changed a couple years later when I decided to transfer to another school after taking a year's leave of absence. She took the move personally and did everything in her power to sabotage my transfer. She threatened 2 of her employees to terminate their friendships with me or pay the price. So, needless to say, I lost 2 friends who, at the time, were close ones. I tried to warn the friends about what kind of person she was but they were in too tight with her to see it...at the time. Fast forward to about a year ago when I got a random FB message from one of the girls. She apologized for not being open minded about the situation, for not seeing things my way. She had since realized that the principal was exactly the vindictive person I had described. We have mended our friendship although it'll never be the same.
That same girl took a bold step in reporting the bullying that the principal was doing at the school with the teachers. There was a district investigation that didn't result in any action being taken....until yesterday. The other mutual friend of ours that was involved in this drama had sent the friend a text that reopened the investigation. (Ironically last week she sent me a text as well, apologizing for what has happened and asking if we could mend our friendship) The district detective came to retrieve the texts off my friend's phone, which in return reopened the investigation due to some compelling confessions. Since then more teachers have stepped forward to tell about how the principal had threatened and bullied them into doing things they didn't want to.
Yesterday the district announced that this principal would be on administrative leave until further notice. For most people that wouldn't be a huge deal as long as the paychecks were still coming in. But for her this will be a fate worse than death because she's a control freak. Not being there to manipulate and have her nose in everyone's business will be hard on her. But, then again you know what they say about paybacks! I hope that in the end justice will FINALLY be served and her true colors will be revealed!
That same girl took a bold step in reporting the bullying that the principal was doing at the school with the teachers. There was a district investigation that didn't result in any action being taken....until yesterday. The other mutual friend of ours that was involved in this drama had sent the friend a text that reopened the investigation. (Ironically last week she sent me a text as well, apologizing for what has happened and asking if we could mend our friendship) The district detective came to retrieve the texts off my friend's phone, which in return reopened the investigation due to some compelling confessions. Since then more teachers have stepped forward to tell about how the principal had threatened and bullied them into doing things they didn't want to.
Yesterday the district announced that this principal would be on administrative leave until further notice. For most people that wouldn't be a huge deal as long as the paychecks were still coming in. But for her this will be a fate worse than death because she's a control freak. Not being there to manipulate and have her nose in everyone's business will be hard on her. But, then again you know what they say about paybacks! I hope that in the end justice will FINALLY be served and her true colors will be revealed!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Trapped
Other than reading and photography, my favorite hobby is traveling. In fact if I had the right personality I would've been a flight attendant just so I could travel the world. That being said, I didn't get to travel much in 2012 due to my pregnancy and work schedule. I'm hoping that changes in 2013. We have talked about some trips but, with finances and Rob's work schedule, we may or may not take them. I do know that I want to make some small weekend trips because I've been feeling trapped. My life is the same 7 days a week, with the exception of play dates during the week and the TV on more during the weekends. That's one of the few drawbacks of being a SAHM....the menonanity (sp?)!
I don't want to go anywhere extravagant like Australia....this year. I'd just like to go to San Francisco because that's such a fun place to take P. I'd also like to go to Santa Cruz and Yosemite because I haven't been there in 10-20 years. One of these days I'd love to go visit where my grandparents used to live and go up to Seattle. Maybe a road trip. The trip I'm really hoping we make is to N. Carolina where we'll go to a NASCAR race and tour the race headquarters.
Next month I'm taking the boys to visit my brother and sister in law. I'm nervous about flying solo with 2 kiddos under the age of 4 but I'm so excited about the trip that I'll get over that part. Just going anywhere would be wonderful! So I'm hoping that when you get our Christmas card at the end of the year we'll include fun details about several trips we've taken throughout the year. Time will tell.
I don't want to go anywhere extravagant like Australia....this year. I'd just like to go to San Francisco because that's such a fun place to take P. I'd also like to go to Santa Cruz and Yosemite because I haven't been there in 10-20 years. One of these days I'd love to go visit where my grandparents used to live and go up to Seattle. Maybe a road trip. The trip I'm really hoping we make is to N. Carolina where we'll go to a NASCAR race and tour the race headquarters.
Next month I'm taking the boys to visit my brother and sister in law. I'm nervous about flying solo with 2 kiddos under the age of 4 but I'm so excited about the trip that I'll get over that part. Just going anywhere would be wonderful! So I'm hoping that when you get our Christmas card at the end of the year we'll include fun details about several trips we've taken throughout the year. Time will tell.
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