It Really is the Little Things

Friday evening I came home to a surprize that reminded me it really is the little things that can turn a whole day around. I walked in the door and Leah greeted me with such enthusism, nearly jumping out of her skin wanting to show me the surprise she had for me.  There in the stark empty sunroom was a vase of perfect white daffodils. She's been stalking my daffodils for quite some time now, just waiting for them to bloom.

Which reminds me.  The sunroom is now to the point where I can finally buy my $200 in new carpet. Thank you Pop!!! Next on tap -  Steps for the deck and Planters....and fix everything that got messed up in the process.

Bubbles

This dog drives me nuts! He barks, he whines. He chews everything, digs everywhere. Nips at my kids, scratches my floors, chews on my great great grandmothers antique chairs. Runs around the yard with large branches and knocks my kids to the ground (giving Leah a black eye). He jumps on my guests, annoys my husband. Jumps the fence, runs the neighborhood, freightens my neighbors... and then I catch a moment like this. A fleeting glimps of the dog he will be. He's smart. He's sweet. He's funny. He's protective and best of all the kids love him.

SUPER CUTS

I'm cheap. I admit it. I'm proud of it. For the past 4 years I have been cutting everyone's hair rather than pay some one else to do it. Leah...not such a big deal. Curly hair is foregiving. Scott, short fade...easy aside for the need to freshen up every 3 weeks it seems. Tyler, thick mane and a less than willing participant have proven to be the most difficult. I get it...I hate the hair that always seems to find it's way into my bra. I couldn't imagine having all that hair flying in my face and down my neck. I've tried all sorts of tricks to convince him it's fun including naming the electric razor the "tickler". Today we tried something different and decided to embrace the hillbillies in us by cutting hair out on the driveway. Tyler wanted nothing to do it until I promised he could sit on his big wheel while I cut his hair. He got to hold the tickler until mommy needed it and wear the cape. He did great! Following the cut, the cape was flipped backwards and he became Super Tyler.

Playing Hookie

Yesterday I had a physical therapy appointment scheduled early in the afternoon. Spring has sprung and I noticed for the first time that the grass is starting to turn green...so I did what any self respecting, responsible adult would do. I played hookie. When I picked Leah up from aftercare I got the biggest hug and a smile that could melt any heart. We collected Tyler from daycare and headed for the park. Dinner for 3 on our new deck and after dinner bike rides on the drive (while mommy cleaned up) made for a nice break from the normal grind. Tyler may have had a little too much fun because he proceeded to have a major meltdown when it came time for a bath. Leah on the other hand was an angel and told me she wished I'd pick her up early every day. So do I. Maybe one day.

Putting a Fever on Ice

Saturday morning while at Leah's swim lesson I noticed a bump on Tyler's neck under the skin. It didn't look like a lymph node but I figured I'd better keep an eye on him. By that afternoon it was clear the "crude" was on it's way. He started coughing and by Sunday afternoon his eyes were watering and he felt warm to the touch. The thermometer showed he didn't have a fever but each time we took his temp it got a bit higher. By the time it was time to leave for skating his temp was hanging out at about 99.7. Do I do the socially responsible thing and keep him home and break both their little hearts or take them skating?

Think of me what you want but we headed to the rink, and am I glad we did. Tyler had a blast. I've never seen a kid so happy to fall on his butt over and over again. Each time he fell and I'd go over to prop him back up fully expecting him to decide enough was enough and each time his giggles alone were enough to knock him over. The giggles and legs flailing were too precious.

Leah had a blast too and I think she learned more in an hour then she did in 12 weeks of lessons. She just needed to get out there and figure it out. I on the other hand am here to state...ice skating is nothing like riding a bike. After 20 years it did not come naturally to get back on the ice. I've got a nice case of sciatica to prove the point.

We had fun all the same.

Private School Education for a Public School Mama

I suppose one should anticipate issues when an agnostic sends their child to catholic school. While I'm not second guessing my decision to send Leah to private school the last few weeks have been a bit of a wake up and have provided a bit of humor.

Being curious about what an Ash Wednesday homily consists of I asked Leah what Father McNulty discussed during the all school mass. She mumbled something about being good enough. "Good enough for what" I ask. She replies "Am I good enough for Gods love?" "Well are you good enough?" To my dismay she responded that she's trying really hard. While I appreciate the modesty I quickly set her straight that she's DEFINATELY good enough for God's love. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt that she's just confused or misstating the intent of the service but what in heaven would a 5 year old do to make them unworthy of God's love? I was raised to believe God loves everyone and I certainly don't want my child thinking anything different.

As part of her religious studies they are talking about showings God's love by helping and being kind to others. The other day when Scott went in her room to wake her up Leah yells at him that he's not showing God's love. Now I'll give her his chipper morning antics can be rather annoying to us non-morning people, but I don't think that was the intent of the lesson plan. Scott jokingly asked if it was time to send her to public school.

Children experience different kinds of service projects throughout the school year and do activities with their "faith families" (small prayer groups consisting of students from kindergarten through grade 8.) Leah is convince it's called a "Fake Family" and won't budge in her stance regarding this fact in the least.

Dr. Tyler

I've been really bad about keeping this blog updated. So bad in fact the following pic is one Tyler's teacher took last summer. I have a copy hanging in my cubicle at work and it always makes me smile. I'm not sure if he's a vet or a surgeon...either way he's awfully cute.