A lot of parenting experts recommend a mental happy place for those difficult moments in which your kids are testing you beyond your limit to be tested. A mental "time out" - if you will.
This mental imagery does not work for me. The beach is nice and all, but I find it difficult to imagine myself soaking up rays of sunshine when my insides are ready to explode.
I've created my own happy place.
Where is my happy place?
The laundry room with a juice box.
Seriously.
There is something so refreshing and almost divine about drinking juice from a box or pouch that can not be achieved from a glass or pitcher. It is magnificent. It creates an abundance of happiness. It reminds me that I will survive the difficult moments of parenting with compassion and patience.
Grape. Apple. Fruit Punch. White Grape.
I really do not care what flavor it is, just as long as it is in a box.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Good Luck With That...
When people discover that I have three boys, I get mixed reactions.
The comments range from "how fun" to "good luck with that."
At first, I did not understand why "I had my hands full." Not to brag or anything, but I have amazing kids who are very obedient... wild, but very obedient. I started to believe that I was the exception to the apparent "all boy rule."
Then it happened. The energy. The creativity. The passion for life. The determination.
Every morning the two oldest boys are quarantined to the bathtub. While they bask in the joy found in bath tub paint, toys, and water - I quickly apply mascara and hairspray. From the time I put their naked rear ends in the tub, I have less than twenty minutes before all of the bath water starts flying and circulating around the room.
Those twenty minutes are golden.
Today I had less than five before the fluids started flowing.
This morning my little boys decided to practice their aim together... on one another. After a little demonstration by Caleb, Conner stood up to take his retribution. His revenge was sweet and three time more powerful than the official offense covering Caleb's arms, chest, and legs.
In simple terms, my boys peed on each other,
and they loved it.
Meanwhile, I am trying to remain calm while I drain the water and sanitize the world again. Bath tub was scrubbed. Bodies scrubbed.
And the boys can not stop laughing.
And I know from the kind of laugh they are planning to do it again -
next time
if I ever let them in the water again...
Hopefully I now understand why everyone keeps wishing me good luck.
The comments range from "how fun" to "good luck with that."
At first, I did not understand why "I had my hands full." Not to brag or anything, but I have amazing kids who are very obedient... wild, but very obedient. I started to believe that I was the exception to the apparent "all boy rule."
Then it happened. The energy. The creativity. The passion for life. The determination.
Every morning the two oldest boys are quarantined to the bathtub. While they bask in the joy found in bath tub paint, toys, and water - I quickly apply mascara and hairspray. From the time I put their naked rear ends in the tub, I have less than twenty minutes before all of the bath water starts flying and circulating around the room.
Those twenty minutes are golden.
Today I had less than five before the fluids started flowing.
This morning my little boys decided to practice their aim together... on one another. After a little demonstration by Caleb, Conner stood up to take his retribution. His revenge was sweet and three time more powerful than the official offense covering Caleb's arms, chest, and legs.
In simple terms, my boys peed on each other,
and they loved it.
Meanwhile, I am trying to remain calm while I drain the water and sanitize the world again. Bath tub was scrubbed. Bodies scrubbed.
And the boys can not stop laughing.
And I know from the kind of laugh they are planning to do it again -
next time
if I ever let them in the water again...
Hopefully I now understand why everyone keeps wishing me good luck.
Friday, October 29, 2010
What Does Dad Do?
Today we received five large boxes from the FedEx man. When I told the boys they could not touch the boxes because they were for Daddy's work, Conner asked me what it is that Dad does.
I didn't quite know what to say.
Let's see...
Dad is a practicing chiropractor/applied kinesiologist,
a business owner managing three other doctors,
entrepreneur of a new exciting business selling chiropractic supplies,
manager/packager/distributor of an online store that sells nutritional products,
an online/distant wellness coach,
website manager,
an adjunct professor at the community college in addition to two online universities,
and author.
Yep. I think I got it all.
Nope.
Hold on.
I missed one.
Nate is in the process of starting his own online school. Thus the five large boxes that are in my entry way. Professional lighting equipment and backgrounds.
As a joke, I told Nate that he needed to start his own photography business. The huge smile on his face told me that he is planning on it. His new ultimate dream is to hang out with this his camera and this gentleman all day... every day.
So... What does dad do?
He fixes backs, manages payroll, coaches people on what kind of bagels to eat, teaches people how to pronounce the word "popliteal", plays with dead cats, sells nutritional products, manages websites, and takes lot and lots of pictures and videos.
Is that a simple answer to such a big question?
I didn't quite know what to say.
Dad is a practicing chiropractor/applied kinesiologist,
a business owner managing three other doctors,
entrepreneur of a new exciting business selling chiropractic supplies,
manager/packager/distributor of an online store that sells nutritional products,
an online/distant wellness coach,
website manager,
an adjunct professor at the community college in addition to two online universities,
and author.
Yep. I think I got it all.
Nope.
Hold on.
I missed one.
Nate is in the process of starting his own online school. Thus the five large boxes that are in my entry way. Professional lighting equipment and backgrounds.
As a joke, I told Nate that he needed to start his own photography business. The huge smile on his face told me that he is planning on it. His new ultimate dream is to hang out with this his camera and this gentleman all day... every day.
So... What does dad do?
He fixes backs, manages payroll, coaches people on what kind of bagels to eat, teaches people how to pronounce the word "popliteal", plays with dead cats, sells nutritional products, manages websites, and takes lot and lots of pictures and videos.
Is that a simple answer to such a big question?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Five on Friday (late)
1. Conner and Caleb both love to make their alphabet sounds. Even though Caleb has not started to talk yet, he knows how to make most sounds in the alphabet.
2. Colton broke his second tooth.
3. Conner had his first primary program. His line was "I can seek the Lord early by reading my scriptures." He did a fantastic job sitting on the stand and singing his little heart out. I can not believe how quickly he is growing up!
4. Colton loves to play superheroes. He is always saving animals from trees and stopping the bad guys.
5. Caleb said his first word! Sure we had to brib him with m&ms... but what is a little bit of chocolate in the grand scheme of things? Yeah for the word "banana!"
2. Colton broke his second tooth.
3. Conner had his first primary program. His line was "I can seek the Lord early by reading my scriptures." He did a fantastic job sitting on the stand and singing his little heart out. I can not believe how quickly he is growing up!
4. Colton loves to play superheroes. He is always saving animals from trees and stopping the bad guys.
5. Caleb said his first word! Sure we had to brib him with m&ms... but what is a little bit of chocolate in the grand scheme of things? Yeah for the word "banana!"
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Civilian Saves Crazy Mom and Three Kids
Today I decided to venture outside of the house with the three boys by myself - Nate was at work..
Chaos showed up.
She always does.
People started watching me. I promise I am not paranoid. They really were watching me.
I even overheard one woman whisper to her husband "Oh my gosh... I can't believe she is going to pull that screaming baby out of the car seat."
Yes, I did pull the screaming baby out of the cart. Meanwhile Conner and Caleb mopped the floor with their bottoms, dropped Cheddar Bunnies on our real life gold fish, and ran into every old lady they saw as they flew around each corner. The grocery store is a rather exciting place when you have been stuck home sick all week.
I admit that I started talking to myself. Very loudly. I so wish I was exaggerating.
"Okay Angie.. we just need to find those crushed tomatoes and then the garbanzo beans."
"Only three items left to go."
"When we get home, it is sooo nap time. We can do this Angie."
When I felt as if everything was going to fall apart, I caught myself praying for a rescue. I started surveying the grocery store for a familiar face. Anyone with extra hands would do.
Just as I finished purchasing my groceries, an elderly gentlemen, a civilian, stopped me and asked if he could help me out to my car. Eagerly, I said, "Yes!!"
His random act of kindness made my day. This man saved me from trying to cross the parking lot with a four year old, two year old, a baby on my hip, and a cart full of groceries being pulled behind me with my one free hand. I am grateful for the individuals who always answer my prayers in my time of need.
Thank you to each and everyone of you for every time you reach out and lend a helping hand to my family and to those who surround you. Thank you for the difference you are making in the world.
Chaos showed up.
She always does.
People started watching me. I promise I am not paranoid. They really were watching me.
I even overheard one woman whisper to her husband "Oh my gosh... I can't believe she is going to pull that screaming baby out of the car seat."
Yes, I did pull the screaming baby out of the cart. Meanwhile Conner and Caleb mopped the floor with their bottoms, dropped Cheddar Bunnies on our real life gold fish, and ran into every old lady they saw as they flew around each corner. The grocery store is a rather exciting place when you have been stuck home sick all week.
I admit that I started talking to myself. Very loudly. I so wish I was exaggerating.
"Okay Angie.. we just need to find those crushed tomatoes and then the garbanzo beans."
"Only three items left to go."
"When we get home, it is sooo nap time. We can do this Angie."
When I felt as if everything was going to fall apart, I caught myself praying for a rescue. I started surveying the grocery store for a familiar face. Anyone with extra hands would do.
Just as I finished purchasing my groceries, an elderly gentlemen, a civilian, stopped me and asked if he could help me out to my car. Eagerly, I said, "Yes!!"
His random act of kindness made my day. This man saved me from trying to cross the parking lot with a four year old, two year old, a baby on my hip, and a cart full of groceries being pulled behind me with my one free hand. I am grateful for the individuals who always answer my prayers in my time of need.
Thank you to each and everyone of you for every time you reach out and lend a helping hand to my family and to those who surround you. Thank you for the difference you are making in the world.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Monkeys on the Bed
Two monkeys jumping on the bed...
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One fell down and bumped his head
Mama should've called the doctor...
but decided to say:
but decided to say:
"Let the monkeys jump on the bed!"
Thursday, October 14, 2010
five on friday
1. Colton got his first tooth last week.
2. Conner loves to spell his name.
3. Caleb said his name but refuses to repeat it.
4. Conner let me know that if Colton keeps eating so much he will grow so big that he won't fit through a door.
5. I love my kids.
2. Conner loves to spell his name.
3. Caleb said his name but refuses to repeat it.
4. Conner let me know that if Colton keeps eating so much he will grow so big that he won't fit through a door.
5. I love my kids.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Mom in the Mirror
I am a people watcher. I love to watch moms and their interactions with their children. All too often, I find a mother who completely inspires me to be better. I take note of how she talks to her children, her discipline techniques, and how obedient her children are.
I come home with a new resolve to be just like that mother. I desperately try to follow her example, keep a clean house, and keep my fly lady binder up to date.
I keep it up for a couple days and then everything falls apart. I inevitably fail. Laundry piles, dishes, and one too many episodes of Mickey Mouse start to overwhelm my life. At times I crash and alienate myself from family and friends - ashamed of my inability to be more than who I am.
I fail because I approach motherhood and life in a style that is not my own. I fail because I put more trust in books, friends, and media and less in my own intuition. I fail because I put too much pressure and stress upon my plate.
I will always fail when I try to be someone I am not.
Learning to live a confident and authentic life is the only recipe for success and happiness.
I am going to spend a little more time in front of the mirror admiring the mother I am - and a lot less time feeling guilty for the things I am not.
I think you should too...
I come home with a new resolve to be just like that mother. I desperately try to follow her example, keep a clean house, and keep my fly lady binder up to date.
I keep it up for a couple days and then everything falls apart. I inevitably fail. Laundry piles, dishes, and one too many episodes of Mickey Mouse start to overwhelm my life. At times I crash and alienate myself from family and friends - ashamed of my inability to be more than who I am.
I fail because I approach motherhood and life in a style that is not my own. I fail because I put more trust in books, friends, and media and less in my own intuition. I fail because I put too much pressure and stress upon my plate.
I will always fail when I try to be someone I am not.
Learning to live a confident and authentic life is the only recipe for success and happiness.
I am going to spend a little more time in front of the mirror admiring the mother I am - and a lot less time feeling guilty for the things I am not.
I think you should too...
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