Here's Hoping Your Weekend...

Starts every morning with a smile.

Has LOTS of good meals in the sunshine with friends.

Meals so good, you leave some on your face for later!

(Or for kisses that taste like Sweet Potatoes.)

And that your house doesn't end up like this in the end.

Just some pictures from our day so far, hoping all of you have a great weekend!

Girl2 and another Coat of Paint…

What do Girl2 and another coat of paint have in common? Well, if you know me then you know how easy it is for me to go from rational to irrational (I mean emotional) in just a few seconds and at the most inappropriate (actually just the right moment). Sometimes it’s hard to figure out exactly what it was that triggered my heart and sent me straight over the edge. Let’s see if you can follow…


Gazing up at my beautiful ‘Mountain Air’ blue, freshly painted with the final-final coat, family room ceiling this morning and reminiscing of my Little Girl2 and all the challenges she has faced and her many-many accomplishments in her first 18.5 years upon this earth, I have reached a couple of comparisons between the two. Now I know this is just me being emotional, but you have to admit that it is also quite ironic given the fact she is heading off to art school (Minneapolis College of Art & Design) this August. Oh yeah, I am looking at ‘another coat of paint’ as in finishing off vs. covering up too.


So this final-final coat of paint was applied under the watchful eye of some dutiful friends last night. They helped eye-ball the situation, staying objective, pointing out the weak thinner areas of coverage from the first 3 coats of paint - and provided some good tips on application of paint to a very challenging surface – a dimly light, textured, and vaulted ceiling. Reflect on those few sentences in a metaphoric way. Is it getting deep in here or what? Of course, they will say they were here to keep me and the Hubby from a Monday Night Brawl – since he is unable to appreciate the truly fabulous color choice, or just how much better it looks over the ordinary, albeit practical, white it formerly was. He would tell you that I am just “over-honey-doing” him to help get myself through a rough (I prefer the word transitional) time in my life.


And so, standing back and reflecting on my beautiful 18.5 year old daughter this morning, I’m trying to look at her today like my friends looked at my ceiling last night. I’m trying to remove any thoughts about the job I’ve done (the first 3 coats) and reflect about what I can do (or shouldn’t do) with the next final-final coat I have over her last few months at home. She is the artist, after all, of her own life. I’m just rolling on a few coats that she can build from. I’m sure I will be reminded at some near point in the future to come back to his blog post just for this paragraph.

So today, everything I have done right or wrong I set aside. I know that she is the awesome wonderful young woman she is more because of the choices she has made and not the choices I made (or did not make). I also trust a Higher Power - even higher than a Mother's Love - to keep her safe in the Big World.


Her list of accomplishments is unending but includes: Being a Wonderful Person, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Indian Princess 2008-2009 (school mascot), Wresting Manager (three years), Accomplished Artist, and Good Friend. And my favorite one? She has been able to make choices for herself about her goals, friends, and direction of life that took her from being a “Worrisome Teen” to an “Accomplished Teen” in her parent’s eyes in a fairly short period of time (can you hear my huge sigh of relief or see the tears I'm crying).


By age 18 she has accomplished things in life that I have not been able to do by age 46. She has been faced with challenges I never faced, and overcome every single one – triumphantly I may add. Her real challenges rolled in just after she turned two – and kept on coming. She was a victim (little “v”) and became a Survivor (capital “S”). She can love above the circumstances of that abuse – even loving her abuser. Not being in the same spot with her on this makes her such a better woman than myself and leaves me awe of her strength. At five she was diagnosed as “profoundly Dyslexic” and with a “Genius IQ”. Where at first I saw this as only and hopeless and frustrating situation for her to deal with, she put her own twist on the problem – turned it into a challenge vs. a disability – and rose above it through hard work and determination. And now she is a “momma-proud” Member of the National Honor Society (both Academic and Art) – without any IEPs or other academic accommodations for her disability.


I’ve got so much to teach (really to learn) from my daughter.

We are quite similar in many ways, some good some bad. Since I want to keep the focus on her in the blog and keep it on the positive side, we will just “move on” from those comparisons! If High School is truly just practice for Real Life, I’m pretty confident that she is going to be just fine out of the nest. Here are just a few of her very positive qualities:


She dreams big, and follows those dreams boldly.
She is both impulsive and a deep-thinker - knowing which approach to take given a situation.
She will do the right thing – the majority of the time.
She is extremely intelligent, but acts really normal.
She can be selfish and selfless – which I believe is an essential survival skill in the Big World.
She has a great laugh and a heart that matches her beautiful smile.
She has a great sense of humor.
She knows the appropriate time and amount of sarcasm to apply.
She allows herself to “wallow in misery” - but only for a set amount of time.
She is fiercely loyal and pretty honest too.
She knows and practices the art of forgiveness.
She knows how to talk to, and deal with, a wide variety of people.
She loves all types of diversity and learning new things.


Come on World - my daughter is READY FOR YOU. But know, that if you do anything to hurt her – you will have to answer to ME. Yeah, I’d take on the World for one of my kids.

And yes, those are numerous honor cords she is wearing. She may be disappointed that she is not one of the Top 10 academically in her class - but I ask you, what’s that compared to being on your Mother’s Top 4? And as a Mother who has not been very critical (my biggest maternal character flaw) in this post, I hope she doesn't behave this goofy for the real pictures we take tonight. ;0)


And actually, at least for today, because I try hard not be play favorites – today she is My #1.

Not Me! Mondays....

Okay, this is my first try at this "Not Me! Mondays Thing" I hope I get better at it....

So for the past few weeks Girl4 has had a very hard time transitioning to Preschool at drop off, with even a few sad outbursts throughout her day. I don't know if she is jealous of the attention I'm giving my Day Care Kids and she thinks she is missing out, if she is just fussing for attention, if she is just developing a larger sense of self and realizing that other things are occurring out of her space, or if she is getting beat up on the playground everyday (which I highly doubt - she is "super popular" at Preschool). I never have to guess at what is going on in a child's mind - Not Me!

She came home in her spare clothes (you know what that means) once during each of the first and second weeks of this new Drop-off Drama Stage. I ignored it, moved on. Then last week she came home in the spare clothes on Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday when I asked what happened to her outfit, she smiled up at me and laughingly replied "They got wet". And being the Day Care Professional that I am, Good Mother and all - I would never try to shame her for having an accident, even if it was on purpose and she was proud of it - Not Me! I'm just so exasperated about what to do, what to say (Yes Me?), guilt (Not Me!), irritation (Not Me!), I would never resort to bribery - Not Me!

So "Something Special for our Friday" was going to happen if she could be a Big Girl (suck it up) and go to school without any tears, clinging, whining, and especially no accidents on Wednesday and Thursday. I don't think it's bribery if you don't tell them what the "carrot" is do you? Not Me! She rose to the challenge - no whining, no tears, no changes of clothes (thank goodness). I mean, The Day Care Lady's own 3-almost-4-year-old would NEVER wet themselves on purpose - Not Mine! and a No Way!

So Friday rolled around and the "Something Specials" started to roll. First she had her first Play Date. If you know me, and because this kid's Mom has no idea I have a blog, you know I would never think ill of a child - Not Me! Even if the little girl shoved me over flat across the the floor trying to bust in front of me while we picked out some dance music. I would never say a child is ill mannered or rude - Not Me! And if you know me, you know I love kids and would never tell a child who proclaims "I'm coming to your house every Friday" - "Oh, I'm sorry honey but Girl4 and I are usually really busy doing errands and such on Fridays." Not me!

Yikes, I need to be more thankful for the screaming meanies that I have bore - because they could be so much worse. And if you know me, this is just not something I would feel/say/repeat - Not Me! And I would also never admit that my husband "called this nightmare" long before it happened - Not Me! He knew that this Play Date was a bad idea - the moment he heard the offer leave my mouth!

And, as a Home Room Mom to Girl3's Kindergarten Class, I would never think to warn Mrs. Idkhsdi (I Don't Know How She Does It), who I absolutely love and who happens to be retiring after next year that this is One Child she does not want on her roll - Not Me!

And there would not be another side of me that would think I should not forewarn her because that's what she gets for retiring before Girl4 gets to Kindergarten - Not Me! Of course, she is going to be calling me after she reads this post.

And then, like this Play Date from the Twilight Zone wasn't enough of a "Special Something" I would never take my almost 4-year-old for a pedicure at the Spa. Not Me! Heck, just ask Girl1 or Girl2 who will claim to have been totally deprived growing up with me as a Mom, "Not My Mom!" they would tell you. And this is Monday and I'm not still having Girl4 run around in her socks so that Girl2 doesn't see what I did with her on Friday - Not Me!

So this week, even with the tearing up and repairing of the floors/walls/ceiling scheduled to begin this Friday I would never dream of bribing my child with a lunch at Red Lobster. Especially not being sure how we could sneak out of the house and away from her Staying-At-Home-To-Do-This-Stinking-Task-Daddy - never, Not Me! Of course, this plan will need to be scrubbed as Daddy will read this post too - that's how he keeps up with so much of what I am doing (reading my blog).

Maybe this "Not Me! Monday's" isn't for me, but probably I just haven't gotten the knack of it yet.I hope I get better at this "Not Me! Mondays Thing" check back next week and we will see.

And P.S.

Girl4 did not cry, whine, cling, or return home in her "spare change" of clothes today! ;0)

Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Book

From today's Daily Report:

"...Little and The Prince hung out on the edge of Baby Cake's pallet and looked at books. Pretty soon, apparently bored with her toys and tempted by both her friends and their quality literature Baby Cakes CRAWLED OFF THE PALLET and traded her toys for the books! That’s my girl! Never underestimate the power of a good book. It was Good Night Gorilla that first tempted her, then Eating through the Alphabet."

So much for my powers of estimation. In my April 15th post I guessed her "Crawl Date" would be May 15th. She didn't "crawl pretty" today, but she was up on her knees, belly off the floor - and within about 4 "crawling mini-sessions" she was off the pallet, book in hand.

Maybe May 15th will be her Release into General Population at Marty's.

You know Spring has sprung when...

...we get to have lunch alfresco at Marty's!

So lunch was exactly "picnic perfect" it was more of a winter dish. That's only because my husband was whining that while I make it this dish for my Day Care Kids, he certainly has never been served my Sausage Green Bean Skillet (an 8 on the FLGS). So I thought we should have it one more time until we file away this recipe for our Spring/Summer session.

Today was not only our first alfresco lunch of 2009 but it was a very important milestone in culinary development for Baby Cakes. Today was her first time to enjoy Big Kid Green Beans! If her flailing little feet were any indicator, she really, really loved them!

Does this face say "Yummy" or what?

Too Stinking Cute - she is.

The Princess Has Arrived...

The Princess arrived March 23, 2009 at 9:33am. She weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. She has lots of dark hair and although you can not see this in the above picture hiding within those sweet full cheeks of her's are the most adorable dimples she shares when she smiles.

I've visited twice so far. My first visit was a short one; I took The Prince home one afternoon and held the new baby while everyone had dinner - of course, I was so excited to see her that I totally forgot to take my camera.

Girl4 and I went over yesterday under the guise of letting Mom & Dad go out for a little "alone time" to lunch. Well, anyone who knows me knows that the REAL REASON for me offering to come over was so that I could spend more time snuggling this little darling. I also thought it may be good for The Prince to have me on his turf taking care of his sister - ease into that Sharing Marty Thing.

Girl4 helped me too - she played with The Prince and helped keep him occupied while I held The Princess. We all four hung out in his room for awhile - The Princess and I in the rocking chair, as he and Girl3 played with his toys. It was nap time and he was tired, so we tucked him in and headed to the living room.

The Princess and I snuggled, there were more than a few diaper changes, and we shared her first bottle feeding experience together too. She is quite good at snuggling, pooping, and eating. Girl4 "read" a few stories to The Princess. Pretty soon, Mom & Dad returned to the Castle and we left to spend some Mom & Daughter Time of our own before Girl3 returned home from school.

Thanks to the "D Family" for letting me come over and get in a little Prince & Princess Time, but most especially for letting me be a part of your babies lives - I love you all.

Trouble!

This picture says "trouble" to me! These two buds are ready for action, any time, any day - bring it on! But really, they are both soft-hearted, full of hugs and kisses boys. Really quick because my house is swirling around me right now.

"The Princess" arrived on 3/23/09. She is absolutely beautiful. I'll have to get a picture to post. She has tons of dark hair and is still very sleepy. I'm hoping I will be called upon for a Mommy & Daddy lunch date some Friday (or maybe a short Date Night).

"The Prince" is adjusting quite well to his new role as Big Brother. He beams when we talk of her. His words are coming in too - although he is the best non-verbal communicator I've ever known. He has turned into quite a climber too. My little Fruitarian (his Mommy's word).

"Smiley" is still smiling, and he is talking more and more every week. He is starting to stick up for himself more (he used to be such a push over). He still has the softest baby lips, and loves to give you a kiss right out of the blue. I just melt when he reaches for my hand so that we can walk together down the hall for a diaper change - he is too sweet. My little Meat & Bread Man.

"Little" is can carry on a small conversation now. She has been doing great with Potty Training. She is coming along nicely with scissors & puzzles too (just 2-years-old, so ahead of the curve). I asked her yesterday (?) if she wanted to go to the potty, she replied: "No, I'm just fine." Today I was complimenting her beautiful pink tennis shoes - a huge improvement over her flip flops (that flopped outside) of yesterday. I said "I just love your shoes - these will be great for playing outside!" She beamed up at me and said "Just like my Daddy's shoes!". Somehow, I just don't see her Codes Enforcement Officer Daddy running around JOCO in pink shoes - I could be wrong - but I don't think so. ; )

"Sweetie Pie" is OUT OF HER SHELL. My goodness, she is singing, talking, playing, smiling, just all kinds of things in the past month. Amazing! She is cruising around, occasionally poking somebody. She loves Baby Cakes. She is very concerned and supervises all bottles and diapering activities. She also loves my little dog - my "Who-Who" in her words. She surprises me everyday with something she says, sings, or does. I love to see children grow - but if she doesn't slow down, she may be in 1st Grade before the end of Summer.

"Baby Cakes" is just too stinking cute. I am officially estimating her Crawling Feature will be fully installed and operating by May 15th. Let's see how close on that I am. This baby personifies "Bouncy Baby Girl". She bounces more than any baby I have ever seen - it is hilarious! I am going to try and buy one of those stationary bouncy seats in the next couple of weeks (it's the next big item to add to my day care stuff). I will post a blog video of her bouncing so you can see what I mean.

"Sunshine" sadly is no longer with us! We miss her terribly. She is staying home with Mom, and visiting her Omi a couple days a week with her Big Sister when Mom needs to be in the office. We really miss her sassy sweetness, hopefully she will be by to visit us soon. : (

"New Baby with No Blog Name Yet". I need to meet her in person first, get to know her, before I can come up with a Blog Name. She will be starting with us mid-August and hopefully coming every so often for a visit before then. I have a feeling she is going to be another great baby. Her Mommy teaches at Girl3's school.

NAFCC Accreditation. I'm still working on my on-line course. I have a few more weeks on that - I think it is supposed to be over mid-May. I'm running a week ahead on that schedule - I usually get in a few hours a week just during naps (that is why my blog has been so neglected).

General Stuff: Added tons of new books, dramatic play area items, Circle Room activities, seeded our Okra for the garden, and just today introduced a new inside Play Tunnel! And found out this past month that my kids love Salmon Patties (go figure)!

Bye-bye for now! Thanks for checking in with us. I will try to do better. Now back to the swirling home around me!!!