Sometimes it's fun to just sit and listen

At dinner time we typically talk about our day. Here is a recap of tonight's dinner:

Jared: Did you send lots of emails today, dad?
Mark: No I had a lot of phone calls because my settlement is falling apart.
Jared: What is a settlement?
Mark: When people agree to something.
Jared: Are there going to be worker guys at this settlement that will fix it?
Mark: Not that type of worker guy.
Jared: What about Steve and Michael (his toy worker guys)? Will they be there to fix it?
Mark: No, just daddy is going to fix it.
Jared: I better go with you to help you fix this settlement. You need my help with this project.


He's a pretty literal guy. Hopefully Mark doesn't have a jury trial with a hung jury.

Indiana kids

I no longer live in Indiana, but Indiana still lives in me. Today I realized I am raising my kids boys to be Indiana boys.
With the return of 60 degree weather, of course I didn't wear socks today. When I got home and took off my shoes, I was barefoot. Jared quickly noticed and asked to take off his socks. We are both loving our foot freedom.
I know my kids will be raised that hockey and baseball don't really matter, but to love a good basketball game. The question is not if we should get a basketball hoop someday, but where we will put it.
Jared already prefers corn on the cob. Why bother any other way?
We our very cautious during tornado watches and warnings.
Lakes are for swimming in. It is not gross, it is nature. Speaking of which, when nature calls they can take care of their business in the lake.
We love our Hoosiers, and will sport an occasional Huskers or Hawk Eye shirt during football season. Purdue is a bad word.
If it isn't raining, cold, or a blizzard, we go outside to play. In the summer, we spend more time outside than inside. Shoes optional.

Chalkboard menu

My DIY project of the month was to make a place to post our weekly menu.


This is before:




After:







Now I just need to work on my handwriting, story of my life.


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What the parenting books don't tell you

I've read a few parenting books. We've adopted some ideas, and modified others to fit our needs. Overall, we are lucky to have fairly good kids. So, on most days the rules of be respectful, be responsible, tell the truth, be kind to your brother work. That is not to say we don't have days we have to make impromptu rules: the crackers aren't dancers, no toys in your ears, no toys in the bathroom, only "this much" toilet paper, don't sit on your brother. In the long run, these impromptu rules have caused little harm for their last minute imposing. Today, all that changed.
Jared went upstairs to get his snow pants. I suppose we should have noticed how quiet he was, or how long it was taking. We did not. When he came downstairs he didn't want the snow pants to cover his pockets. Why? What is in his pockets? A marker. What did yo do with the marker? That's right, he drew on the walls, the door, the toilet, and the furniture in Colton's room. We were in shock. So, what do you do?
First reaction is to go crazy, but that proves to be a waste of energy. So, we did phase 1 punishment. Go play, mommy and daddy are going to talk about your punishment. For 20 minutes Mark scrubbed, and Jared fretted. He asked 4 times, "what is my mushment?" The thing is, parenting books can't possibly prepare you for every scenario. There was marker on the toilet! The anticipation, continued to agonize Jared and allowed us the time to think of an appropriate consequence instead of some knee jerk reaction that wouldn't have made a difference.
In the end, since he didn't use the paper he had, he lost his Santa paper (many tears), all writing tools are gone for a week, and we didn't go to the park (not that we were going to, but he didn't know that).
You read what you can from the "experts," but before long you become the expert on your child. You learn what works and what doesn't and you realize the marker on the crib will be a childhood memory. Make it a learning opportunity, so it doesn't happen again, but understand thoughtful punishment is better than instant punishment.

Trapped

At dinner tonight jarred posed a question, and set his trap. "Do you want to see how a tongue can help us eat our food?" Mark and I exchange looks. Who is going to handle this? We both are aware of the well crafted trap that has been sprung by the three year old. I could say no, but then I am denying him an opportunity to teach me a seemingly valuable health lesson that he thinks I need to know. I don't hardly say yes. The last thing I need to start is a game of looky looky. Jared's eyes are gleaming. He knows he has his prey. I respond, "How about you show us how to eat normal." Too late. He saw his opportunity, and seized it. He proudly licked his plate. To be honest, I breathed a sigh of relief. He still doesn't know looky, looky. Whew.

The explanations we give

Last night before bed Jared enjoyed a library book, Franklin in the Dark. Little did we know that in the story Franklin would become scared of the dark. 4 words: thanks a lot Franklin! Sure enough, 45 minutes after lights out Jared is awake and scared because it is too dark. Fortunately Jared's monitor has a small night light feature. Problem solved.

It should have come as no surprise that at bedtime tonight Jared said he needed a light. I could tell real quick where this habit was headed, and I didn't like it. So, I explained he was only scared of the dark because Franklin was, so he would only need a light the nights we read the Franklin book. Yes, I realize this is illogical. Luckily, Jared thought this made complete sense, and was fine with no light.

Lesson #1 learned: preview library books for unnecessary scare factors.

Lesson #2 learned: if you can outsmart a children's book character, you are doing pretty good.

Quiet book ideas

My mother made this for me when I was a kid. She has since made one for Jared and my niece.

Imagination

The imagination of a three year old never ceases to amaze me. Recently, Jared has taken on the persona of various people/characters. Tonight at dinner I called Jared to the table, and was quickly reminded he was NOT Jared, he was the librarian. Throughout dinner, we were rebuffed if we slipped and called him Jared. Tonight it was the librarian, other days have been an ambulance driver, minister, and Puff. The perseverance he has to maintain in character is remarkable. I, obviously, struggle with remembering who he is.
At lunch time, Jared had a conversation with a flower. Apparently the flower just didn't want Jared to have any more chips. I'm fairly certain if I got in an argument with a flower my days in the free world would be numbered.
Last week Jared boasted he was going to eat his vegetables to be strong like Superman. Great. Little did I know after dinner I would be using binder clips to fasten a towel around him to become his cape.
When does a pool noodle as a mustache, a coaster as a mouth guard, and a tool box as a firetruck become "child's play?" I'm going to drink some coffee, and pretend it is a magic potion that will give me special mommy powers to tackle any challenge, just the way Jared would like it.

Our daily bread

After our prayer this morning...

Jared: We aren't having bread for breakfast.
Me: Yes, we say bread to indicate all the food that God gave us.
Jared: God got us our food?
Me: Yes. God provides for us so we have food.
Jared: but I got this food with dad at the grocery store


Touché Jared, Touché.

10 things my kids should know about me

1. I am sarcastic. I grew up that way, you will too.
2. Education is very important to me.
3. I like things clean. Clutter drives me crazy. If you don't want a crazy mom, clean the clutter.
4. There are times I have no idea what I am doing. Forgive me, I will make mistakes too.
5. I am terrified of snakes. Even looking at pictures freaks me out. Don't show them to me. I am sorry there will be no reptiles in this house.
6. I am terrible at sports. I will try to play catch or play some basketball, but the eye hand coordination doesn't always work.
7. I'm a picky eater. I understand better than anyone that there are some foods you don't like. That I fine. I will never make fun of you for your refined pallets.
8. I am not a morning person. Just because there is a 7 in the front does not mean I want to be awake. I am happy to get up, but sleeping in wouldn't be so bad.
9. I will sing along to the music. I can't help myself. If this embarrasses you when you get older, don't turn on the music.
10. I believe dreams can come true. I know. I met your father, fell in love, and have two amazing boys.

80's Christmas

I came across a poem I wrote in college today.  I assume it was for some class. It's not the greatest poem ever writen but, it brought back some memories.

I would like a G.I. Joe

And a brand new Nintendo

Or maybe a Care Bear

Perhaps a Barbie with long hair.

I want a collector Hot Wheel

And a bright shiny Power Wheel

A soft, fuzzy Wuzzle

and a Cabage Patch puzzle.

I want transformers that change

and a Popple that's strange

And a Smurf that is blue

and much more too.

Forts

I remember loving to build forts at my aunt's house. My brother, cousin, and I would easily waste away a Saturday in a sheet fortress. The forts engulfed the entire basement, and it was awesome!
Perhaps it is because of those fond memories, or another dreary winter day that inspired me to create a fort. Furniture was moved, and sheets were dug out. After about 20 minutes of work, we had a fort.
As an adult, I have a different view on forts:
1. They are HOT. If we ever lose electricity on a cold winter day, I know how to get warm quickly. With that said, the carbon dioxide might get to me. Not a lot of air flow. Luckily, no one passed out.
2. It is a lot of army crawling, and sitting hunched over. In other words, my neck is sore.
3. The darn thing keeps falling down. This knocks that, which pulls on the sheet. Colton thinks its a fun game, and pulls on the sheet. The easel is moved, and pulls on the sheet. It is a constant construction project, and I am no engineer.
4. What in the world do you do? My misguided hope was Jared would figure out what to do. We get in the fort, and with much anticipation, he looks to me. "Now what, mom." Huh? I don't know. Play something. It's a fort. You do fort things in it, whatever that is.
5. Still a memory maker.

Baby proofing your house with a three year old

It is challenging enough to baby proof your house. Add a three year old to the mix, and it seems like an impossible battle. Fortunately, I have plastic drawers with a latch that the matchbox cars can go in, and the toy box can hold other toys with small parts. The toys seem easy, it's everything else. In the past 48 hours I have removed quite the pile of things from Colton's mouth. He had managed to get a large nut thing in his mouth from Jared's tools. It was too big to choke on, so no worries there. However, when he spit up, it took me a minute to figure out what was not right. Then there was the special crown Jared made from Where the Wild Things Are. It was complete with glitter and glue. Jared loves it. He doesn't know that Colton got a hold of it, ripped it, and decided to try and eat some. We are unrealistically hoping Jared forgets about the crown. Jared loves his paper and pencils. Unfortunately, so does Colton. Jared's juice, is apparently also for Colton. This morning, I had the shocking discovery of Colton's ability to pull himself up to his knees at the toilet. I can only imagine the excitement that will follow the next time Jared has to use the potty. Once he can get stuff off of Jared's table, I will fear for my walls.

Walk with me

Does where we look when we walk reveal our personality? I wonder.

If you ever get to hold Colton, as you are walking he is looking ahead. Even as you approach a corner, he is turning his head to see around it. Does this reflect he is eager and enthusiastic to see what is coming?
I tend to look ahead, but often look down to make sure I am not walking into some obstacle. I am cautious.
Mark looks around, and is quick to warn others when they are about the step on something. He is protective.
Jared, on the other hand, looks everywhere, including a lot of time he looks behind him. Is he reflecting on where he has been, or does this just explain why he is such a klutz. Hmmm.

To one, you are the world

I know I am fortunate to have a happy baby. Even with ear infections for two months, Colton remained happy. But now we are entering a new phase. Separation anxiety has a startling effect on an otherwise happy boy. He senses my departure, and throws out his lower lip. His face turns alarmingly red, and big crocodile tears start flowing. I assume his sadness is short lived and he returns to his happy self. I know that all too quickly this phase will pass. It will no longer be devastating when I leave the room. Then he won't mind if I am there are not. I just hope there is never a day that he is happy to see me go.

The first sounds

Today was a return to reality. I returned to work, and thus the boys returned to daycare. Experience has taught me the 1st week back can be rough. They're tired, I'm tired, our routine is readjusted. So, upon returning home, I was prepared to deal with some tears, pouting, and whining from Jared. I expected Colton to be clingy. I was ready. Dinner was ready to go, I was ready for my mission: keep the sanity in the house. When we got home, Jared ran to Colton's side. Before long they were in a game of throw and chase the wooden pear. Laughter and squeals of delight were heard from both as they enjoyed being reunited and playing together. The game might still be going on, if I didn't have to put a stop to it. I know, mean mom says no throwing wooden pear at nice furniture. That wooden pear will be the death of me yet! After our first day back to our reality, I am appreciative that our reality includes brothers learning to enjoy and love each other.

Top 12 picture books to read to a toddler boy

So I upped the number to 12, because it was too hard to pick just 10. When your child is old enough to talk, they should be asking questions about stories. This indicates they are comprehending. At this age avoid stories with lots of words on each page. Try to keep their attention for the entire book. (Good luck with that)

1. Pigeon books my Mo Williams. I haven't encountered a kid who doesn't love these books. Worth owning all 5. You will actually find yourself hiding these, because the kids want to read them all the time.
2. Firehouse by Mark Teague. It's about firetrucks and a parade, need I go on?
3. Bark, George by Jules Feiffer. This is my personal favorite.
4. It's a Book by Lane Smith. The last word of the story is an unfortunate word choice for the younger audience. Obviously, just don't read the word.
5. Seven Little Postmen by Margaret Wise Brown. It's a classic tale about the postal system.
6. How do Dinosaurs-----? Series by Jane Yolen. Dinosaurs make life lessons cool.
7. Another monster at the end of the book by Jon stone. This book has Elmo and Grover. Enough said.
8. Roadwork by Sally Sutton. Lots of construction vehicles. This is a book I not only hid, but wanted to burn we read it so much.
9. Hot rod hamster by Cynthia Lord. I don't quite get the enjoyment, but apparently a hot rod and a hamster is the greatest thing.
10. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
11. Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
12. The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood. The pictures are hilarious.

Top 10 picture books/series to read to 3 year old boy

Did I mention I am a reading specialist? So in my professional opinion I can not emphasis enough how important reading EVERY single day to your child. How long? How often? Ideally sometime in morning and again in afternoon/evening. Don't have time? Too bad. This is too important to your child's development to not do this EVERY day. Yes, even on vacation. There are kids who walk into kindergarten not knowing how to hold a book, how to turn pages, or what a book is used for.
Good news- there are some really entertaining books out there for adults to enjoy reading too.

1. Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Williams. These books have good dialog, funny, and after several readings kids jump right in "reading" along too. (This is important developmentally too)
2. Llama Llama mad at mama, Llama Llama misses mama, and LLama red pajama written by Anna Dewdney.
3. The Great Fuzz Frenzy written by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel
4. A is for Musk Ox and by Erin Cabatingen and Mastthew Myers Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham. Alphabet books that are interesting and do teach letter sounds. Both are funny.
5. Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin. Actually most of her books are a good choice.
6. Duck on Bike by David Shannon.
7. Big Bear Little Bear by David Bedford and Jane Chapman.
8. Take me Out to The Ball game with audio CD by Jack Northworth. The CD makes this good.
9.Good Night, Good Night Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinkerand Tom Lichtenheld
10. Disney Bedtime favorites. This is actually a collection and ideal to pack on trips.

Kitchen table

I distinctly remember the kitchen tables in my life. My first kitchen table had plastic tubing around the side which competed against the orange vinyl chairs. Then there was the table at the lake that was blinding in the afternoon sun, but excellent for dealing a card game. When I got older my parents upgraded to an Amish oak table, which was a far cry from the previous table. Both of my grandparents had large dinning room tables. Everyone always heard the tale of a flying object scratching the dining room table. There is lots of furniture that can come and go from our life, but the table is the piece of furniture that can hold so many memories.
As I look at my kids I wonder if they will remember the giant smily face Oma put out on the floor to protect her carpet under the table. Will they remember climbing up to my high top table? Will there be tales to be told of someone getting bonked on the head at the table, or hiding under it? I hope so. I hope my kids have great memories of the countless hours spent together as a family at the table. Time spent retelling our day, laughing, playing games, and being together.

The wooden pear

This morning Colton made a bee line for the playhouse. Much noise and clutter ensued. Colton emerged, appearing somewhat sad and defeated. It occurred to me he was searching for his wooden pear. A quick assessment determined the pear was not in the playhouse. I searched the playroom and found the lost item. I gave to Colton, and his face lit up as if I just told him he won publisher clearinghouse. It wasn't long before Jared inquired about this pear. "Why does he like it?" "Is that my pear?" "Did I like it when I was a baby?"
At breakfast I have the unfortunate responsibility of prying the pear from Colton's hands. Colton was devastated. Jarred was insistent I give it back. Despite Colton's longing looks, I remained firm; no toys at the table. Jared eagerly awaited the opportunity to be the one to return the wooden pear.
So now the pear appears to be an extension of Colton's right arm. You can hear him coming on wooden floor: click.....click....click

Creative way to display kids art

With art work coming home seemingly daily from preschool, I needed a way to display.

Directions to make:
1. Buy a canvas for the space you plan to hang.
2. Buy 4 magnets. Craft stores sell heavy duty magnets, which are ideal for thicker art projects.
3. Paint canvas and magnets the same color as the wall you plan to hang display on. Painting it the same color makes the art work stand out. You don't want the canvas to be the art work.
4. Use two magnets in front of the canvas, and two behind canvas. Can position art work anywhere on canvas.