Drama, Drama, Drama

I don't know how my boy will be, but my girls are already so dramatic. I'm trying to plan a birthday party for Big Sissy, who will be 4 in a couple of weeks. I'm totally intimidated by decorating cakes, so I asked her today if she would be sad if we just had cupcakes instead. We would have ice cream with sprinkles, of course--just no cake. I guess sad was the wrong word to use because she totally jumped on it.


"Yes, Mommy, I would be really sad about that. We HAVE to have a cake AND cupcakes AND ice cream."

Then Little Sissy joined in. "I sad too, Mommy."

"What are you sad about?"

(Really starting to cry) "Cake, Mommy. I sad. Hold me, Mommy. Hold me."


The next thing I know both girls are crying and wanting to be held, which makes Little Buddy start to cry. He doesn't even know what cake is yet. And another skit in my head is born.

I Still Love You

There are many good people who disagree about appropriate discipline methods. Whichever you choose, though, I believe it should always be followed up with with lots of hugs and words of affirmation. Sometimes I'm pretty sure I forget to do that. I get in my "matter of fact" mode, the toy is taken away (or whatever has just happened), and that is that. In my less-than-great parenting days, it is followed up with something lame like, "Maybe next time you'll remember not to smash the play dough into the carpet." On a better day, it is followed up with something like, "I know you're sad that I just threw away the play dough. Do you know why I did that? What can you do differently next time? Do you know I still love you? We can try again tomorrow." I use this example because it happened today. And it was not my greatest parenting day. I threw away the play dough (which was brown from having 4 colors mixed together--the shade that is now all over the floor and the kitchen chair cushions) without saying anything but "We are all done." Big Sissy cried for a few minutes, then she said, "I'm sad that you threw my play dough away, Mommy, but I still love you." It made me smile in the middle of a messy parenting moment and was a great reminder of how important those words of affirmation are.

You Want Me to Put My Knees Where?

Apparently this is my year for getting out of my comfort zone. I have already mentioned that I need a lot of stimulation, plus I really need exercise, plus I'm a sucker for free stuff. So I heard about a free Piloga class (mix of Pilates and Yoga) at the church where I go to M.O.P.S., which is different from the church where Big Sissy goes to choir and I go to a Bible Study, which is different still from the church where I actually attend. I went expecting to feel like the awkard girl on a SNL skit. Some people view the world in photographs; others in paintings. I see the world as a series of satirical SNL skits. It's weird because I have never even been in a play, but I think I write them in my head. This one I was in. I was the girl who tripped over my mat before the class even got started and started a domino ripple of ladies in front of me when I tried to stand on one foot.

Luckily, none of this happened. I was late (of course), because I put Little Buddy to bed before I went and had to give multiple kisses and hugs to the girls before I could leave. Apparently I missed the part where she explained what in the world was going on. Because here's what I heard next (imagine an auctioneer's pace of instructions). Stretch up to the ceiling. Touch your abs to your back. The string is pulling your head up to the ceiling. Make a smiley face with your back while you exhale. Get your hips higher but don't you dare bend your knees. Crack the walnut with your butt. Keep breathing. Down dog. (This is a real thing) Jump to the back of your mat. Reach for the cheesecake. Your toes should be shaking. If you fall down, you went too far.

It felt like the day of my senior portrait, where the photographer had something specific in mind but I had to contort my body in very unnatural ways to get the look he was going for. But don't forget to smile and breathe and look natural. I felt like a total idiot, but I'm sore, so apparently I did something. The only bad thing is that my tailbone feels like perhaps I really did crack a few walnuts. Did I mention it's free? If anyone wants to join me next week, I'd love the company. You just won't be allowed to stand behind me and watch me pretend there's a thumbtack in my bellybutton and I am one with the floor.

Candy Harvesting

The first part of this video makes me laugh because I grew up in an environment where celebrating Halloween was very controversial. In our family we don't dwell on the scary aspects and certainly don't celebrate evil, but we DEFINITELY like getting dressed up in costumes and "candy harvesting." I felt like I was crossing a line this weekend when I bought Little Sissy a t-shirt with a black cat on it, but it was only $1 at Old Navy. And how evil can a 2-year-old in a black cat shirt be? I mean, she really likes kitties. Little Buddy's onesie says "Snack-o-lantern." Very cute.

I could add to the list of acceptable harvest costumes that I've worn. For example, it certainly has to be OK to dress up as any of the Ingalls girls (from Little House on the Prairie), especially if you collect candy in a tin lunch bucket. Now if you choose to dress up as Nellie, you might be crossing the line. She was kind of evil. Stay tuned for some pictures of our adorable little candy harvesters in their non-scary, non-evil "fall costumes."

Fall Concert

Last night was Big Sissy's fall "concert" for her 3-year-old choir. I was so emotional as she walked up the aisle with her class. She seemed so big! Here is one of their songs. Big Sissy is the blonde curly girl in the middle, next to Mr. Charisma and behind the girl in the pink who needed to go potty at the end. She didn't sing much. I think she was a bit distracted by the 2 screamers. Some of my IL readers might recognize the lady on the left behind the children. You'll see a couple of glimpses of her. Her name is Laura something, and she graduated from Roxana with Trish and Lisa. I knew her name immediately when I saw her, but I still don't know where we actually met. Small world.

Crawling Boot Camp

Since Little Buddy is our last child (biological child, at least), I'm not really in a hurry for him to grow up. He's very happy and content, and definitely not in a hurry to do anything. I love that he is so pleasant, but I have to admit that sometimes I give him "crawling lessons." I guess Little Sissy is eager for him to do it, too. Here's her crawling boot camp. I had to stop the video to save him from his drill sergeant. Translation for those who can't understand her (most of you): "I want to help him. Crawl with your hands, then you crawl with your feet, then you crawl, crawl, crawl."

Easy Costume Ideas--No Sewing Required

A few years ago a group of teenagers came to my house "trick or treating." They were all wearing their street clothes. Come on. If you want candy, at least come up with a costume. In this same neighborhood (probably the same kids), a group came to my house at Christmastime "caroling" to raise money for the school. About 5 minutes later I saw them buying candy and soda at the convenience store down the street. Rude...

Anyway, the costume doesn't have to be fancy. We came up with a few just this morning. Here are some ideas.

Humpty Dumpty
Equipment Needed: One very healthy baby, a onesie that's too small, and baby "mom jeans"
Still Needed: A beanie and a very large belt buckle

A Knight
Equipment Needed: Balloons from the very talented balloon artist at Pizza Street. (Seriously, he's really good. You should see his little mermaid.)

A Popsicle
Equipment Needed: Upside down tote bag, pajama pants, a really good imagination, and probably a seeing eye dog to lead you around

Sad Purple Dog
Equipment Needed: Pajama shirt and a pouty 2-year-old

Virgin Mary
Equipment Needed: Pajama shirt
Equipment Still Needed: Something virginal to cover her nakedness