Laura: What was your good thing and your bad thing today at school?
Nate: My good thing was that I was really good all day.
Laura: Wow Nate, you were really good three days in a row. I'm really proud of you.
Nate: Yeah I want to be good every day all day.
Laura: Why do you want to be good?
Nate: So I don't have to go to time out.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Another item on the fall fun list
It's a delicate balance to work full-time, enjoy fall with the boys, get our house ready to sell, and pack to move. Monday night we packed the entire night, so last night we decided to focus on fun. The boys had specifically requested "Visit Wipeout Park" on the fall fun list (KidsTowne) so we grabbed a picnic dinner and headed over there last night.
There was a girls' fast pitch softball game going on at the park. I checked it out with Alex and he was utterly and completely fascinated. Nate came over as well and was also fascinated. They wanted to know exactly why everything was happening. They did not want to leave and could have stayed there all night.
I thought it would be simple to explain but DANG softball/baseball has a lot of rules and terminology!
Of course, it was complicated because it was pee wee softball. In the 3 innings we watched, we saw 3 hit batters, a double play, many stolen bases (including home), MANY walks, and MANY wild pitches. I'm also sure that is why the boys found it so fascinating - lots and lots of action and lots of screaming and cheering parents.
Perhaps they have the Verhoff baseball genes!
There was a girls' fast pitch softball game going on at the park. I checked it out with Alex and he was utterly and completely fascinated. Nate came over as well and was also fascinated. They wanted to know exactly why everything was happening. They did not want to leave and could have stayed there all night.
I thought it would be simple to explain but DANG softball/baseball has a lot of rules and terminology!
Of course, it was complicated because it was pee wee softball. In the 3 innings we watched, we saw 3 hit batters, a double play, many stolen bases (including home), MANY walks, and MANY wild pitches. I'm also sure that is why the boys found it so fascinating - lots and lots of action and lots of screaming and cheering parents.
Perhaps they have the Verhoff baseball genes!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
This is completely unrelated to parenting... or is it?
Let's face it, sometimes I sound exactly like the left wing yuppy that I am. I rave about This American Life and arrive early to sit second row in front of Ira Glass (who was on the season premiere of The Simpsons, I might add). I donate to NPR and PBS. I love red wine and wish my house looked like a Pottery Barn. I worry about first world problems like getting my house picked up in time for the cleaners, and my kids not being clean enough for photo shoots with my photography hobby. I love watching documentaries while on the treadmill and joined a church so my children would be in a community where everyone is valued.
Yes, I can poke fun at my yuppy self, but I also embrace it because this is who I am.
But there is a secret I need to tell you all. I love Bob and the Showgram. It is a local radio program with a self-proclaimed good old boy (redneck) and his sidekicks. When NPR is boring (yes I said it!!) or when they switch over to BBC (snoozy mcsnooze!), I love listening to the antics on the Showgram. I wish I could be in the audience on Fridays. Mostly though, I love Bob. He tells it like it is.
They often interview celebrities on-air and this morning they interviewed Michael Lohan, Lindsay Lohan's dad. And Bob called Michael out, told Michael he thought Michael was just doing all of this for himself. You know everyone in America thinks it but only Bob has the cajones to say it directly to him!
It was one of the best radio moments I've ever heard. It was awesome. The world needs more Bobs.
Yes, I can poke fun at my yuppy self, but I also embrace it because this is who I am.
But there is a secret I need to tell you all. I love Bob and the Showgram. It is a local radio program with a self-proclaimed good old boy (redneck) and his sidekicks. When NPR is boring (yes I said it!!) or when they switch over to BBC (snoozy mcsnooze!), I love listening to the antics on the Showgram. I wish I could be in the audience on Fridays. Mostly though, I love Bob. He tells it like it is.
They often interview celebrities on-air and this morning they interviewed Michael Lohan, Lindsay Lohan's dad. And Bob called Michael out, told Michael he thought Michael was just doing all of this for himself. You know everyone in America thinks it but only Bob has the cajones to say it directly to him!
It was one of the best radio moments I've ever heard. It was awesome. The world needs more Bobs.
Monday, September 27, 2010
I'm not sure I have the stomach necessary to parent twin boys
Sunday we were in full cleaning mode to get the house back in order and ready to show. We had planned to skip "quiet time" with the boys and just let them play. However they were being banshees so we put them in quiet time so we could get a break from the insanity.
As I stood on the kitchen counter cleaning the top of the cabinets (note: painting your ceiling causes a LOT of dust EVERYWHERE), I heard the boys doing something so loud I thought they would bust through the ceiling. I went up to find them jumping on their beds and throwing things into the circulating ceiling fan.
This was the bazillionth transgression so I went a little crazy. I took EVERYTHING out of their rooms - bed frames, mattresses, loveys, favorite books. I told them when they acted like big boys they could get everything back. I told them no more jumping or acting crazy, just sit and read books in QUIET TIME.
I went back downstairs and continued working on the cabinets. Then I heard even bigger thumps and I heard Alex yell "OW!" I sent Jon up because I was feeling particularly crabby and you will never believe what he found. This is awesome!
They were climbing onto their dresser and jumping off it.
PS. I know I'm going to get comments saying we should have just separated them. When separated at quiet time, they both fall asleep and then they are up until 10PM. I don't have the patience to deal with kiddos until 10PM right now.
As I stood on the kitchen counter cleaning the top of the cabinets (note: painting your ceiling causes a LOT of dust EVERYWHERE), I heard the boys doing something so loud I thought they would bust through the ceiling. I went up to find them jumping on their beds and throwing things into the circulating ceiling fan.
This was the bazillionth transgression so I went a little crazy. I took EVERYTHING out of their rooms - bed frames, mattresses, loveys, favorite books. I told them when they acted like big boys they could get everything back. I told them no more jumping or acting crazy, just sit and read books in QUIET TIME.
I went back downstairs and continued working on the cabinets. Then I heard even bigger thumps and I heard Alex yell "OW!" I sent Jon up because I was feeling particularly crabby and you will never believe what he found. This is awesome!
They were climbing onto their dresser and jumping off it.
PS. I know I'm going to get comments saying we should have just separated them. When separated at quiet time, they both fall asleep and then they are up until 10PM. I don't have the patience to deal with kiddos until 10PM right now.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The super duper new house picture overload post
I took pictures of the new house while we were there on Friday to meet with the builder about the third floor.
But let's back this post up a bit. Jon and I both telecommute for work full-time. Right now we have a three bedroom plus bonus house. I work in our bonus room, which also has a treadmill, train table, and play kitchen. Jon works in our guest room, which also has a bed. We've needed more space for awhile, and it became even more apparent when we had many house guests in the spring.
We looked at houses for one day before we found Our House. Welcome! And yes, we will be getting outside furniture for front stoop sitting! I have no idea why the maple tree has turned colors when it's still 95 here.
The house is filled with details we love. I love all the earth tones on the outside and within. It also gets tons of natural light, a must-have for me.
The first floor starts with the dining room. We are having this repainted a neutral color before we move in so that we don't need to purchase new artwork and table linens.
Going past the dining room, the hallway opens up into the great room.
While the kitchen is galley-style, the open floor plan should help traffic flow quite a bit.
All of these pictures are taken while standing the eat-in kitchen, you can see the light in the top of this picture. The french doors lead to the screened-in porch and the door to the left leads to the mud room and half bath.
Oh the mud room. I've already shown you the built-in cabinets, here is the rest of it. I have dreamed of a mud room since the boys could walk!
Now let's walk up to the second floor! There is paper on the stairs as they are doing construction on the third floor.
There is no easy way to say this without making it clear this house is BIG. The second floor is four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a bonus room and a laundry room. The master bathroom is going to be our oasis where NO CHILDREN will be allowed. The walk-in closet wraps all the way behind the shower, with two doors to get in and out of there.
Did I say NO CHILDREN in my bathroom? OASIS.
Nate and Alex will be in separate bedrooms when we move, however those bedrooms are connected with a jack and jill bathroom. This is the larger of the bedrooms and you can see how the back of our house overlooks the neighborhood playground and pool. We are fencing the yard in but will have a gate to the back for easy access.
The second floor bonus is large as it is over the two car garage. This will be the playroom/my office/my studio. The windows face west-southwest so lots of natural light all day.
For a better sense of depth, I stood in the bathroom connected to the bonus. Behind me in this picture is the bonus.
And the third floor. It was unfinished walk-up attic space but we are having them finish it off before we move in. On the third floor will be another bedroom, another bathroom (aka guest suite) and another bonus room. AND still unfinished storage space.
One thing we absolutely love about our current house is that we are walking distance to our pool. With the new house, we will be EVEN CLOSER to this neighborhood pool:
As things get crazy over the next few weeks, I will probably refer to these pictures to remind me why we are going through all of this! We hope you will be planning to visit us soon. Casa Case will be open for reservations starting in November!
Questions? Leave them in the comments.
But let's back this post up a bit. Jon and I both telecommute for work full-time. Right now we have a three bedroom plus bonus house. I work in our bonus room, which also has a treadmill, train table, and play kitchen. Jon works in our guest room, which also has a bed. We've needed more space for awhile, and it became even more apparent when we had many house guests in the spring.
We looked at houses for one day before we found Our House. Welcome! And yes, we will be getting outside furniture for front stoop sitting! I have no idea why the maple tree has turned colors when it's still 95 here.
The house is filled with details we love. I love all the earth tones on the outside and within. It also gets tons of natural light, a must-have for me.
The first floor starts with the dining room. We are having this repainted a neutral color before we move in so that we don't need to purchase new artwork and table linens.
Going past the dining room, the hallway opens up into the great room.
While the kitchen is galley-style, the open floor plan should help traffic flow quite a bit.
All of these pictures are taken while standing the eat-in kitchen, you can see the light in the top of this picture. The french doors lead to the screened-in porch and the door to the left leads to the mud room and half bath.
Oh the mud room. I've already shown you the built-in cabinets, here is the rest of it. I have dreamed of a mud room since the boys could walk!
Now let's walk up to the second floor! There is paper on the stairs as they are doing construction on the third floor.
There is no easy way to say this without making it clear this house is BIG. The second floor is four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a bonus room and a laundry room. The master bathroom is going to be our oasis where NO CHILDREN will be allowed. The walk-in closet wraps all the way behind the shower, with two doors to get in and out of there.
Did I say NO CHILDREN in my bathroom? OASIS.
Nate and Alex will be in separate bedrooms when we move, however those bedrooms are connected with a jack and jill bathroom. This is the larger of the bedrooms and you can see how the back of our house overlooks the neighborhood playground and pool. We are fencing the yard in but will have a gate to the back for easy access.
The second floor bonus is large as it is over the two car garage. This will be the playroom/my office/my studio. The windows face west-southwest so lots of natural light all day.
For a better sense of depth, I stood in the bathroom connected to the bonus. Behind me in this picture is the bonus.
And the third floor. It was unfinished walk-up attic space but we are having them finish it off before we move in. On the third floor will be another bedroom, another bathroom (aka guest suite) and another bonus room. AND still unfinished storage space.
One thing we absolutely love about our current house is that we are walking distance to our pool. With the new house, we will be EVEN CLOSER to this neighborhood pool:
As things get crazy over the next few weeks, I will probably refer to these pictures to remind me why we are going through all of this! We hope you will be planning to visit us soon. Casa Case will be open for reservations starting in November!
Questions? Leave them in the comments.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Things I will miss about our home
Wednesday night I went over to the new house with a friend to do some measuring. It was surreal to see the third floor framed and I realized... this is really going to be our home.
Even though we are still staying in Cary, there are so many things I will miss about our current home and neighborhood. I will miss seeing the island where two babies crawled around chasing each other. I will miss the monstrous walk-up attic. I will miss the 2 mile commute to day care.
By far the things I will miss the most are the greenways and trails by Lake Crabtree. I never get tired of running out to this lake and through the wooded trails. One of the major reasons we moved here was to be closer to nature and to me, it doesn't get better than this. Every time I'm there, I find something new. Last week we were there at peak wildflower time.
With this photo, I am kicking off a photography experiment I've been dying to take on. Each week, I will be in front of the camera. In the 1000 pictures I took in the month of August, I was in FOUR. That is wrong, so wrong.
Will you join me? Post here every Friday to show me YOU in the camera. Show me you with your kids. Show me you with your partner. Show me you alone. Show me you. Maybe weekly is too much, so try for one photo once a month.
The only rule is that I am not allowing commentary on how bad the photo is or how it's not perfect. There are a few technical things I would change about that photo but a photo at my favorite lake with my favorite little boys is priceless!
Have ideas on what this should be called?
Even though we are still staying in Cary, there are so many things I will miss about our current home and neighborhood. I will miss seeing the island where two babies crawled around chasing each other. I will miss the monstrous walk-up attic. I will miss the 2 mile commute to day care.
By far the things I will miss the most are the greenways and trails by Lake Crabtree. I never get tired of running out to this lake and through the wooded trails. One of the major reasons we moved here was to be closer to nature and to me, it doesn't get better than this. Every time I'm there, I find something new. Last week we were there at peak wildflower time.
With this photo, I am kicking off a photography experiment I've been dying to take on. Each week, I will be in front of the camera. In the 1000 pictures I took in the month of August, I was in FOUR. That is wrong, so wrong.
Will you join me? Post here every Friday to show me YOU in the camera. Show me you with your kids. Show me you with your partner. Show me you alone. Show me you. Maybe weekly is too much, so try for one photo once a month.
The only rule is that I am not allowing commentary on how bad the photo is or how it's not perfect. There are a few technical things I would change about that photo but a photo at my favorite lake with my favorite little boys is priceless!
Have ideas on what this should be called?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A long time ago in a car far, far away
Nate and Alex were born at 36w3d (and 12+ lbs combined) yet spent a week in NICU - Nate for breathing and Alex for feeding. The day we brought them home from the hospital was crazy. We had to pack up a week of stuff from our family room at the hospital, we had to hide a "borrowed" hospital pump, and we had to sign a million forms to check out of the NICU. As we jumped through hoop after hoop, all we wanted to do was get in the car and get the eff out of dodge with our babies!
Five minutes into our fifteen minute drive home from the hospital, Nate fell asleep in his car seat. Rather than rest his head on the very lovingly purchased car seat head rest, he tipped his head forward in such a way it looked like he was going to suffocate and die.
Jon was driving and SCREAMING at me, "Help Nate! He's going to suffocate! Fix his head! Can he breathe?! He's going to die!!!!!!!!!" I wish I could download the panicked audio from my head for you.
I was in pain from my c-section and leaking all kinds of fluids from everywhere and couldn't really turn that well so I SCREAMED at Jon, "Keep driving the car! They passed the car seat test so we are good for an hour! Keep going! DO NOT STOP!"
We were sweating and screaming and crying. I couldn't help but wonder where the hell were the freaking parenting books on this one. Beautiful freaking memories of our first moments taking care of our kids on our very own.
This past Sunday, Nate fell asleep sitting up while watching tv. He still tips his head forward in the least comfortable-looking position ever. Almost 4.5 years later, I still wonder how he can sleep like that. But at least I know he's not going to die and I'm no longer leaking fluids from all kinds of places so things are definitely looking up on the parenting front!
Five minutes into our fifteen minute drive home from the hospital, Nate fell asleep in his car seat. Rather than rest his head on the very lovingly purchased car seat head rest, he tipped his head forward in such a way it looked like he was going to suffocate and die.
Jon was driving and SCREAMING at me, "Help Nate! He's going to suffocate! Fix his head! Can he breathe?! He's going to die!!!!!!!!!" I wish I could download the panicked audio from my head for you.
I was in pain from my c-section and leaking all kinds of fluids from everywhere and couldn't really turn that well so I SCREAMED at Jon, "Keep driving the car! They passed the car seat test so we are good for an hour! Keep going! DO NOT STOP!"
We were sweating and screaming and crying. I couldn't help but wonder where the hell were the freaking parenting books on this one. Beautiful freaking memories of our first moments taking care of our kids on our very own.
This past Sunday, Nate fell asleep sitting up while watching tv. He still tips his head forward in the least comfortable-looking position ever. Almost 4.5 years later, I still wonder how he can sleep like that. But at least I know he's not going to die and I'm no longer leaking fluids from all kinds of places so things are definitely looking up on the parenting front!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
An equation
Two four year old boys + house full of wet paint <> my best parenting night.
Sorry guys. At least you'll have your whole lives to complain to each other about me and my craziness.
But seriously how hard is it to KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF?!
Sorry guys. At least you'll have your whole lives to complain to each other about me and my craziness.
But seriously how hard is it to KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF?!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I can haz stress?
Imagine. Monday night. Jon is in Austin. We have two four year old boys.
I think I've established by now that I am a "rip off the band-aid" kind of parent. If you're going to go through transition and change, do it all at once so you can get it over.
However even I might be a *little* overwhelmed right now with the insanity in our house.
Here are the usable rooms in our house at the moment: guest room/Jon's office, bonus room/my office, bathrooms. That's it. Everything else is mid-paint and under wraps.
I was feeling pretty smug about my night time plan. Nate, Alex, and I piled into the guest room. I set up sleeping bags on the floor for Nate and Alex for a slumber party while I slept in the full-size bed by myself... NO WAY could all three of us fit.
But then after getting them to bed, I realized the fridge is taped up (no milk), the tables are taped (no place to eat), and the coffeemaker is taped up. As are the tvs, the couches, the chairs.
Breathe in, breathe out. By Friday it will all be repainted and it will be ready to go on the market.
I think I've established by now that I am a "rip off the band-aid" kind of parent. If you're going to go through transition and change, do it all at once so you can get it over.
However even I might be a *little* overwhelmed right now with the insanity in our house.
Here are the usable rooms in our house at the moment: guest room/Jon's office, bonus room/my office, bathrooms. That's it. Everything else is mid-paint and under wraps.
I was feeling pretty smug about my night time plan. Nate, Alex, and I piled into the guest room. I set up sleeping bags on the floor for Nate and Alex for a slumber party while I slept in the full-size bed by myself... NO WAY could all three of us fit.
But then after getting them to bed, I realized the fridge is taped up (no milk), the tables are taped (no place to eat), and the coffeemaker is taped up. As are the tvs, the couches, the chairs.
Breathe in, breathe out. By Friday it will all be repainted and it will be ready to go on the market.
Monday, September 20, 2010
I will make fall happen
Just as there was no spring this year, I am convinced fall is never coming to Raleigh. We've had temperatures in the 90s since April. We are so ready for fall that Saturday morning we went with some friends to a local farm that does hay rides, a corn maze, and other fun kiddie stuff. The corn shows you how hot and dry it's been in September.
There was a wide variety of activities for the kids. I barely got out my camera as the boys ran from activity to activity.
I've always wanted to try that bell-ringing game at the state fair but never wanted to waste the money. This farm had both a kid and adult version for free. Guess what? I SUCK at it. I had no idea the vibration would go up my arms. Two shots and I was done. Also guess what? Alex rang the bell. I got pwned by my 4 year old.
By far the boys' favorite - the various construction vehicles. I hope those things are indestructible because all the kids there did some serious "playing" in the cabs.
I think the boys could have stayed all day but I was feeling grouchy and tired of the heat. Not just the heat of today, but 5 months of hot and humid weather. It was fine while the pool was open but now that the pool is closed, it needs to cool down. Please come fall!!!
The painters come to repaint most of the inside of the house this morning. I don't think I'm ready for the chaos of the next few weeks but it's good it will happen so quickly.
There was a wide variety of activities for the kids. I barely got out my camera as the boys ran from activity to activity.
I've always wanted to try that bell-ringing game at the state fair but never wanted to waste the money. This farm had both a kid and adult version for free. Guess what? I SUCK at it. I had no idea the vibration would go up my arms. Two shots and I was done. Also guess what? Alex rang the bell. I got pwned by my 4 year old.
By far the boys' favorite - the various construction vehicles. I hope those things are indestructible because all the kids there did some serious "playing" in the cabs.
I think the boys could have stayed all day but I was feeling grouchy and tired of the heat. Not just the heat of today, but 5 months of hot and humid weather. It was fine while the pool was open but now that the pool is closed, it needs to cool down. Please come fall!!!
The painters come to repaint most of the inside of the house this morning. I don't think I'm ready for the chaos of the next few weeks but it's good it will happen so quickly.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Weekend bonus photography post
I let Nate and Alex take pictures with my big camera on Thursday when Jon was out of town.
Because I am INSANE. And I am desperate for anything that will help them get excited about being photographed.
This is Nate's first shot. It is the most honest and realistic picture I've ever seen of Alex (camera settings, cropping, and editing done by me).
I guess I need to just let Nate take all the pictures around here.
Because I am INSANE. And I am desperate for anything that will help them get excited about being photographed.
This is Nate's first shot. It is the most honest and realistic picture I've ever seen of Alex (camera settings, cropping, and editing done by me).
I guess I need to just let Nate take all the pictures around here.
Friday, September 17, 2010
August wrap up
Things have been so busy in September that I never did an August wrap up post.
August was FREAKING SWEET.
Always my favorite subject.
August was FREAKING SWEET.
- Carolina Tiger Rescue
- Two photography classes
- Saxapahaw music festival
- Pool pool pool (me & my waterpoof camera on Rookie Moms!)
- Family Chicago trip
- Amazing family beach trip, literally one we will remember forever
Always my favorite subject.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Anatomy of a photo shoot with two boys
I got a lot of very nice compliments about my picture of the boys under the pier on the beach. That was a tough picture to get so I knew I wanted to share the series here. There is so much more that happens behind the scenes of every photo I post and the pier is a great example.
First I told the boys to line up, stand still, and hold hands. Nate threw in the extra command of "punch your brother." There were tears after this shutter snap.
After a little off-camera talking to Nate, I told them to hold hands again. And Nate do not hit your brother. So Alex decided to sneak in a low punch. Again with the tears.
Finally I yelled at them, drew a line on the stand, and told them to stand there with NO HITTING or there would be no ice cream. I was totally that mom - "We will have fun on our family vacation!!!"
But I got the shot I wanted. And it's hard for me to be objective about the shot because all I remember is the crying and yelling.
Then I asked them to turn around so I could get my vacation snapshot.
I think photographs should be a balance, part wonderful photos and part memories. While I'll always love the one of them pretending to look off into the distance, the ones of them sneaking punches of each other (like I couldn't see!!) hold a special place in my heart too.
Last night after dinner we went out to work on my photography homework and let me just say I am DONE taking pictures of my kids for my homework assignments. It is ruining photography for me. So if anyone lives local and wants to help me by letting me photograph your kids (or adults!), let me know.
First I told the boys to line up, stand still, and hold hands. Nate threw in the extra command of "punch your brother." There were tears after this shutter snap.
After a little off-camera talking to Nate, I told them to hold hands again. And Nate do not hit your brother. So Alex decided to sneak in a low punch. Again with the tears.
Finally I yelled at them, drew a line on the stand, and told them to stand there with NO HITTING or there would be no ice cream. I was totally that mom - "We will have fun on our family vacation!!!"
But I got the shot I wanted. And it's hard for me to be objective about the shot because all I remember is the crying and yelling.
Then I asked them to turn around so I could get my vacation snapshot.
I think photographs should be a balance, part wonderful photos and part memories. While I'll always love the one of them pretending to look off into the distance, the ones of them sneaking punches of each other (like I couldn't see!!) hold a special place in my heart too.
Last night after dinner we went out to work on my photography homework and let me just say I am DONE taking pictures of my kids for my homework assignments. It is ruining photography for me. So if anyone lives local and wants to help me by letting me photograph your kids (or adults!), let me know.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Packing and moving with two preschoolers, part one
Rachel from Motherhood Squared did an amazing series on putting your house up for sale while living in it with children. I am not going to try, in any way, to replicate the thoroughness and awesomeness of that series. During our process of getting our house ready to sell, I thought I'd share some things that work for us.
My biggest fear in moving during fall is that we will be so busy, we will miss our only fall with two four year olds in the house. Unfortunately it's not realistic to get everything accomplished after the boys go to bed, so we're working on balance. And preschoolers, particularly four year olds, are known for their interest in being involved in the action and talking through the entire process. If we involve them in the packing, it will take a million times longer.
Last night we finished getting the first floor ready for painting and staging. Before getting started, I pulled out two jars of popping corn, bowls, spoons, and funnels. The boys were absolutely enthralled in this activity and explained their "science experiments" to us.
(Crappy old iphone + CFLs = bad picture)
This kept the boys close enough to us to chat with us, and entertained enough to leave us alone. Clean up was pretty easy since they're old enough to listen to the rule "if you leave the table with the corn, you are done."
If anyone has tips to share, I'd love to hear them!
My biggest fear in moving during fall is that we will be so busy, we will miss our only fall with two four year olds in the house. Unfortunately it's not realistic to get everything accomplished after the boys go to bed, so we're working on balance. And preschoolers, particularly four year olds, are known for their interest in being involved in the action and talking through the entire process. If we involve them in the packing, it will take a million times longer.
Last night we finished getting the first floor ready for painting and staging. Before getting started, I pulled out two jars of popping corn, bowls, spoons, and funnels. The boys were absolutely enthralled in this activity and explained their "science experiments" to us.
(Crappy old iphone + CFLs = bad picture)
This kept the boys close enough to us to chat with us, and entertained enough to leave us alone. Clean up was pretty easy since they're old enough to listen to the rule "if you leave the table with the corn, you are done."
If anyone has tips to share, I'd love to hear them!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Giggling is certainly not the best way to deal with this issue
I've often mentioned our problem at Casa Case that we are in a year-long nap transition hell. The boys do not need to nap yet they nap at school, which leads them to stay up entirely too late at night. Saturday Nate unexpectedly napped at home while Alex did not. Expecting issues, I separated the boys into different rooms at bedtime. Alex went immediately to sleep while Nate stayed in his room reading.
Jon and I settled in to watch Date Night in our silent house. Not to give away any spoilers, but at one point Tina and Steve are at a strip club doing this crazy pole dance together. That's when Jon and I heard a noise from the playroom.
Nate had set up a chair in the playroom and had been silently watching the movie with us for an undetermined time.
I lost it in a fit of giggles while Jon took Nate back upstairs to bed. I was still giggling when Jon came back downstairs. I giggle now even thinking about it.
I'm torn. Which is a worse show to have caught Nate watching? Law & Order: SVU (he turned it on to that one night) or a strip club pole dancing scene?
Jon and I settled in to watch Date Night in our silent house. Not to give away any spoilers, but at one point Tina and Steve are at a strip club doing this crazy pole dance together. That's when Jon and I heard a noise from the playroom.
Nate had set up a chair in the playroom and had been silently watching the movie with us for an undetermined time.
I lost it in a fit of giggles while Jon took Nate back upstairs to bed. I was still giggling when Jon came back downstairs. I giggle now even thinking about it.
I'm torn. Which is a worse show to have caught Nate watching? Law & Order: SVU (he turned it on to that one night) or a strip club pole dancing scene?
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ah, weekend
Friday night we said good-bye to the pool for the year. This was definitely our best summer at the pool so far. I don't feel too sad about the end of outdoor pool season because I asked the boys what classes they want to take in fall/winter and they said swimming.
I only got one shot of my little fish before they finished out the season with some dives and cannonballs off the big board. This represents the age well - never standing still.
Saturday was heroes and villains day at Durham Life Science Museum. I swore to never return on a theme day because of the craziness but they were advertising some Star Wars characters and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It turned out to be much more than I had hoped.
The boys got to "talk" to R2D2 and his girlfriend a few times. They had light saber duels with Anakin, got scared to death by Boba Fett and Darth Vader, and yelled with joy when they saw Leia, Luke, storm troopers, and imperial guards. They were in boy heaven.
I can't believe I thought I wanted girls. I am fully on board with this recent obsession because I never, ever get tired of Star Wars.
On Sunday, inspired by Mel from The Larson Lingo, we made a Fall Fun List. I'm coming to full embrace all four seasons in North Carolina. While summer is all about the pool and beach, fall is chock full of great activities. The boys jumped up and down with excitement while discussing our fall plans.
I've come to realize 2010 Best Year Ever is a state of mind. After this weekend, I'm very excited for fall.
I only got one shot of my little fish before they finished out the season with some dives and cannonballs off the big board. This represents the age well - never standing still.
Saturday was heroes and villains day at Durham Life Science Museum. I swore to never return on a theme day because of the craziness but they were advertising some Star Wars characters and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It turned out to be much more than I had hoped.
The boys got to "talk" to R2D2 and his girlfriend a few times. They had light saber duels with Anakin, got scared to death by Boba Fett and Darth Vader, and yelled with joy when they saw Leia, Luke, storm troopers, and imperial guards. They were in boy heaven.
I can't believe I thought I wanted girls. I am fully on board with this recent obsession because I never, ever get tired of Star Wars.
On Sunday, inspired by Mel from The Larson Lingo, we made a Fall Fun List. I'm coming to full embrace all four seasons in North Carolina. While summer is all about the pool and beach, fall is chock full of great activities. The boys jumped up and down with excitement while discussing our fall plans.
I've come to realize 2010 Best Year Ever is a state of mind. After this weekend, I'm very excited for fall.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Well this was kind of a crazy week after vacation
You know how usually the week after vacation, you unpack your bags and take a long time getting back into the routine of things? Well instead of doing that, we bought a new house:
Yes the boys have been there, many times. They are excited about it. Very excited.
Why are they excited? Our backyard backs up to the neighborhood playground and pool. They will each have their own room with a jack and jill bathroom in between.
Why are we excited? We'll have a mud room in time for fall. OMG the built ins!
We'll each have our own office. We're finishing off the third floor so we'll have a guest suite for visitors. We have a crazily huge walk-in closet. Screened in porch. Front porch. 10 foot ceilings. Tons of natural light. One bonus room faces southwest so plenty of natural light for photos. Awesome neighborhood. Great schools. Amazing neighbors.
But how did we know this was OUR HOUSE?
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
We close (hopefully if the third floor is done on time) at the end of next month. To say my life is insanely busy would be an understatement.
Is DREAM HOME considered Mondo?!?!?!
Can I get a HELL YEAH for 2010 being the Best Year Ever???
Yes the boys have been there, many times. They are excited about it. Very excited.
Why are they excited? Our backyard backs up to the neighborhood playground and pool. They will each have their own room with a jack and jill bathroom in between.
Why are we excited? We'll have a mud room in time for fall. OMG the built ins!
We'll each have our own office. We're finishing off the third floor so we'll have a guest suite for visitors. We have a crazily huge walk-in closet. Screened in porch. Front porch. 10 foot ceilings. Tons of natural light. One bonus room faces southwest so plenty of natural light for photos. Awesome neighborhood. Great schools. Amazing neighbors.
But how did we know this was OUR HOUSE?
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
We close (hopefully if the third floor is done on time) at the end of next month. To say my life is insanely busy would be an understatement.
Is DREAM HOME considered Mondo?!?!?!
Can I get a HELL YEAH for 2010 being the Best Year Ever???
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Back to reality
The offer on the new house is in. If either of us has one more restless anxiety-filled night of sleep, we might lose it. Change is always stressful. BIG change happening VERY fast is SUPER stressful.
Why can't I be one of those people who loses 20 lbs from stress instead of one of those people who stress eats?
Anyway I got the "opportunity" to come back down to earth when I took the boys shoe shopping after dinner last night. Everything was going awesome until I told the boys to take off their shoes. Nate started screaming and yelling at me. it was really really bad. It was one of those moments where you KNOW the people around you are internally thinking, "My children will NEVER EVER do that."
I refused to leave. I told him he had to do it and we were not leaving without shoes. I canceled the water balloon fight we had scheduled for that evening (we had one over the weekend and the boys loved it). At home after his very prolonged time out, he had cleaned his entire room so that I would not be angry at him anymore.
It's hard to explain parenting Nate. Parenting Alex is mostly easy (well, as easy as parenting can be) and always has been. Parenting Nate... I am at a loss for words. In one day, he can make me feel like the most amazing parent and the worst parent. Some days I feel like I can't win. When we are very strict, he rebels and acts even worse. When we are not as strict, he pushes past the boundaries. I kept thinking it would get easier as he got older but I've been thinking this since he was a newborn.
As the boys approach school, I'm slowly starting to change my blogging. It is intentional. I have always been very open with my feelings on parenting here, and I don't think I can do that as they age. I needed to write this post today but I don't know how much longer I will be writing about this kind of stuff in this space. It makes me sad because I have benefited from having you all listen and provide advice, but I know it is the right thing to do.
So for today, know I feel like a shitty parent. Make me feel better by telling me a time when you felt like a crap parent or your kid completely embarrassed you in public!
Why can't I be one of those people who loses 20 lbs from stress instead of one of those people who stress eats?
Anyway I got the "opportunity" to come back down to earth when I took the boys shoe shopping after dinner last night. Everything was going awesome until I told the boys to take off their shoes. Nate started screaming and yelling at me. it was really really bad. It was one of those moments where you KNOW the people around you are internally thinking, "My children will NEVER EVER do that."
I refused to leave. I told him he had to do it and we were not leaving without shoes. I canceled the water balloon fight we had scheduled for that evening (we had one over the weekend and the boys loved it). At home after his very prolonged time out, he had cleaned his entire room so that I would not be angry at him anymore.
It's hard to explain parenting Nate. Parenting Alex is mostly easy (well, as easy as parenting can be) and always has been. Parenting Nate... I am at a loss for words. In one day, he can make me feel like the most amazing parent and the worst parent. Some days I feel like I can't win. When we are very strict, he rebels and acts even worse. When we are not as strict, he pushes past the boundaries. I kept thinking it would get easier as he got older but I've been thinking this since he was a newborn.
As the boys approach school, I'm slowly starting to change my blogging. It is intentional. I have always been very open with my feelings on parenting here, and I don't think I can do that as they age. I needed to write this post today but I don't know how much longer I will be writing about this kind of stuff in this space. It makes me sad because I have benefited from having you all listen and provide advice, but I know it is the right thing to do.
So for today, know I feel like a shitty parent. Make me feel better by telling me a time when you felt like a crap parent or your kid completely embarrassed you in public!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Proof that we are hella awesome parents
Sometimes I think this parenting generation is too hard on ourselves. We strive to be "perfect" parents to raise "perfect" kids. We often feel like we are not doing enough or setting ourselves first too much or making "wrong" decisions. Sometimes you need to take a step back and go WHOA, I am hella awesome as a parent.
So I present....
Photographic Proof Jon and I Rule.
We built enormous sand pools and castles for the boys every single day. We might need to make a workout video entitled "How to stay in shape by digging holes while two four year old boys supervise by yelling at you to make it bigger".
We encourage them to nearly drown themselves boogey boarding all day. And body surfing. And kicking the waves. And fighting them with fake light sabers.
We buy hella awesome toys for them.
We collected roughly 13 bazillion shells and rocks and pretended to be interested in every.single.one.
We buried them in sand.
We let them bury US in sand.
We make trains of floaties to play in the pool with them.
We let them act crazy. And oh boy do they ever act crazy.
Even when the craziness goes a little too far and they start mooning each other, we laugh because WTH how did my boys learn to moon?!
Do I feel like too much of my life is spent on the kids? Sure, they could learn to spend less time with me but then I would miss SO MUCH. They're here in my life once and they're little once and spending this time with them is exactly how I want to spend my time.
And I'm hella awesome at it.
I'm trying to bring hella back and got some good advice today from The Great Askini. Need some advice? Ask away and she will help!
So I present....
Photographic Proof Jon and I Rule.
We built enormous sand pools and castles for the boys every single day. We might need to make a workout video entitled "How to stay in shape by digging holes while two four year old boys supervise by yelling at you to make it bigger".
We encourage them to nearly drown themselves boogey boarding all day. And body surfing. And kicking the waves. And fighting them with fake light sabers.
We buy hella awesome toys for them.
We collected roughly 13 bazillion shells and rocks and pretended to be interested in every.single.one.
We buried them in sand.
We let them bury US in sand.
We make trains of floaties to play in the pool with them.
We let them act crazy. And oh boy do they ever act crazy.
Even when the craziness goes a little too far and they start mooning each other, we laugh because WTH how did my boys learn to moon?!
Do I feel like too much of my life is spent on the kids? Sure, they could learn to spend less time with me but then I would miss SO MUCH. They're here in my life once and they're little once and spending this time with them is exactly how I want to spend my time.
And I'm hella awesome at it.
I'm trying to bring hella back and got some good advice today from The Great Askini. Need some advice? Ask away and she will help!
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