Conversations with the Toddler

Josh: We going to the farm?

Me: Nope, we are going to Tristas today

Josh: yea

Josh: Trista is at the farm?

Me: No, honey Trista isn't at the farm.

Josh: Trista at her house?

Me: Yep, Trista is at her house.

Josh: Trista is a big farmer?

Me: No, I don't think Trista is a big farmer?

Josh: Mommy is a big farmer

Me: laughing...daddy is a big farmer

Josh: yeah

Me: and Josh is a big farmer

Josh: yeah

Josh: I ride on fourwheeler

Me: Yes, Josh rides on the fourwheeler

Josh: I ride in tractor

Me: Yes, Josh rides in the tractor

Josh: I feed cows

Me: Yep, Josh feeds cows, so Josh is a big farmer

Josh: Mommy

Me: Yea

Josh: I love you mommy mommy mommy

Me: I love you too honey

Josh: I not honey, I Josh


After a majority of a month  left me 2 against 1 with the boys...and with too much time on my hands, and really only the Toddler to talk to...I have decided someday the he will be a very deep, philosophical minded individual; filling books with his quotes, wisdom and knowledge.  Until then I'm going to record the silly stuff. We have a lot of interesting conversations commuting to and from daycare in the next town over...when of course we are taking a break from singing.

"I'm hungee for Mommy's house." ~ Mostly we gather that means he wants to go home.

"I want a sick, I want a sick!" ~ After daddy mentioned that he was getting sick, the Toddler thought he should be too (which he already was anyway...but there was no convincing the Toddler that he wasn't in fact missing out on something incredibly awesome.)

"I'm jumping on Mommy's crib" ~ We had a day where all beds (and the couch) were referred to as cribs.

"The cows want to eat my shoes!"

"That frog talking about me"


"Baby talking about me"


"The cows talking about me" ~ Hmm...either conceited or paranoid?  He seemed to smile and be pleased though, so I guess its all good.

You already of course you all remember his most famous line, "I burp and fart in my mouth"


Do you record or remember fun quotes that come from children?

Hi my name is Worry

Something has been eating away at me.  One of the remarks made repeatedly by the keynote speaker at the yellow ribbon ceremony is that after the deployment don't be surprised if you outgrow some of your friends, because they may simply no longer be able to relate to you. They can't understand what you have been through. I am not oblivious to the increased rate of divorce after deployment, and its bugging me because...I hope our relationship can't be outgrown.

I am a worrier by nature, anyone that knows me can tell you that.  But I already had been worrying about if the man I am about "stand beside" for a year without seeing him, will be the same man that comes home.  I have seen first hand some pretty impressive changes in personalities, and its hard because its something I can't prepare for. It is also something I don't know what the end result will be.  I know that I love my husband and that when we said our "I Do's", we meant forever. What if he comes home and I can't be there for him the way he wants/needs me to be?  I won't be able to understand or relate to what he has been through...I have no idea what he is in store for.  What if he "outgrows" me? All I have is a plan to send a care package every week he is gone from home...which seems weak at the moment.

Okay, I got that off my chest...from here on out positive thinking and happy countdowns until we are reunited. (Reunited...he isn't even gone yet...yeesh)

For the boys and some care package plans, I am going to order a Flat Daddy (like a fat head, but of the Hubby).  For holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations "the Hubby" can be in the pictures.  Also as it sounds like Skype will be limited, it will help the boys see daddy everyday.  We are also going to record him reading favorite books and stories, and do a few recordable books and a recordable photo album (which I am most excited about)  Daddy's voice will tell them about each picture

So far I am thinking of including:

Mommy & Daddy's wedding day
First time Daddy holding the Toddler
First time Daddy holding the Big D
5 Generation Pictures
Driving tractor with Daddy
Hanging out with Grandpa
Any of the Hubby's favorite pictures/memories he wants to share with the boys

Anywho - that's the plan to keep daddy's image and voice in their everyday lives while he is gone.

Fun with Family

 This past weekend the boys and I traveled to the "Big City" and had supper with my sister's fam, my mom, and some family friends.

On the way in the Toddler said "I love Grandma" and he proved it as soon as he saw her.

Little brother also was anxious to show Grandma some love.

 

The boys had fun playing with their cousins.

The Big D struck some  poses

Cars were raced

Fun was had

Children in Church Suck the Jesus out of Me

1) My son's behavior, especially during church, brings out some pretty unChristian feelings.  Yes it is my responsibility as a parent to model behavior and use discipline when necessary to mold him into something other than a hellacious brat.  And I'll be honest, I suck at it.  Hubby is much better at it than I am.  I am a cuddler, I can kiss the owies away, I can show the mushy gushy love...but really I am probably the enabler.  I want my boys to enjoy being children, to have positive memories associated with places (like church) so that they won't fight going later on.

Unrealistic?  People around/under 3 feet holding still-ish and quiet-ish for an hour. 
When I take the boys by myself...I have arguments with the toddler that Jesus on the crucifix up above the altar is in fact not a dragon.  Or the joys of hearing - at the top of his lungs, the Toddler repeatedly telling the Big D (aka Baby Brodder) "BE QUIET BABY!" because he coo'd. "SHHHH NO TALKING, QUIET BABY!"...long after brother stopped making a peep.

If Toddler goes alone with Hubby I hear he was an angel. Maybe there is something to the Hubby's theory of "They won't ever behave any better than you expect them to".

Do you ever find yourself wishing it was socially acceptable and a proven method of great parenting to duct tape toddlers' mouths shut?  Yeah....me either.

2) My other son's behavior.  At 10 months he really is too little to know better.  But its a constant battle to keep his little paws from tapping and tugging on the people who sit in front of us...and keeping those same precious little fingers from latching a death like grip onto to some poor woman's unsuspecting pony tail.  Or trying to eat the missalette.  Is it my imagination or is my pew getting a larger berth of vacant space around it?

3) I honestly can barely remember anything said in mass and seldom ever even hear the sermon...but I keep telling myself this is important.  I am setting an example.  The boys are learning. I have to be getting something at least from osmosis...right? Can it at least count as penance?

***In the end though I know some things are sinking in.  The Toddler is starting to recite the Our Father with me, he is avid on saying grace (or at least Father, Son, Holy Spirit) before eating, and during a little road trip I heard him say "Thank you Father for blessing me"***

Time to Panic?

The hubby's deployment is set for this Spring, and well with the 70+ degree weather outside its sinking in that Spring is coming. Well technically as of this week its here. WOW! the time is creeping up on us faster than I would like.  He keeps telling me, the faster it gets here the faster its over.  With the training he has left, I have realized time at home with my whole family is getting limited.

Next moment of panic, I started remembering all kinds of projects we need to get done around the house. But mostly I am in planning mode! Hubby agreed to let me throw him a pre-deployment party.
 
Send-Off Party (what I have planned so far):

• I would like to get a bunch of his friends and family together a before he goes to they can tell him how proud they are of him and give him the support he deserves.  Problem, I only know his more immediate family and don't know who else to invite because we live in the small town he grew up in...he knows everybody...and I don't.  Word of mouth, open invite in the paper? Tacky, yes or no?
• I ordered invites from Mixbook.com to send out also.  Love them!
• I'm thinking a patriotic theme.  Orientaltrading.com has some americana bunting ($6 each); bundle of american flags ($4.25 for 144); support out troops flags ($5.99 for 72) ;Tin centerpieces ($13/dozen).  I think the prices are pretty good. I already have garland, my MIL has 4th of July plates and napkins.  I also ordered some Americana table runners ($4.99 each, but I had coupons) from Hobby Lobby. So for decorations I will spend under $70.00. (Bonus: down the road the extras can be used for 4th of July decorations...and of course the Welcome Home Party!!)
• Red, White, and Blue Balloons.. I'll probably tie them to the tin centerpieces. Easy decoration and kid entertainment.
• Apothecary jars filled with red, white, & blue candy...or sand?
• I have most everything on hand for the food. I'm thinking simple, just sloppy joes w/salads. 
• My awesome and talented cake making Aunt is making the cake.  I am super excited to see what she comes up with.  I will definitely post pictures (with her approval of course).
• My boss said I could use the safety room at work (very large room already set up with table and chairs, also setup for a buffet with outlets accessible)
• I want to get letters and notes from all the people in his life to incorporate into care packages.  So he can have words of encouragement that will keep on coming throughout his deployment. 
• On the invites I asked guests to come prepared to share their favorite memories of/with the Hubby.  I will have them write those memories down, or possibly record them, and will be putting together a special little scrapbook to send to him.  Whenever he feels homesick, he can see that we are missing him too!
• I am also planning on having an address book/notebook for people to write down their name and email addresses if they would like me to share updates.

***I deal with stress by getting wrapped up in something and planning.  I am aware the little details don't ultimately matter, but it's one of my ways of showing I care. With so much out of my control, I like planning for what I can.***

Anyone have any ideas or tips they would be willing to share?

I will be using the blog with my ideas for weekly care packages.  I am actually going to start putting some together before he leaves, and once he is over there and has requests I will add in the necessary items to the sentimental/novelty ones.

Swan Lake

I have got to be the most uncoordinated person on this planet.  I have always been klutzy, my dear sweet grandma used to tell me "When you grow up you will be as graceful as a swan, clumsy is just a stage" referencing some ugly duckling premise I'm sure.  Well I am here to tell you...grandma got it wrong.

In Jr High I was told by a boy (the one I happened to have a crush on) that he loved being around me...because it made him look less clumsy. There is a confidence boost.

I have very seldom met a set of stairs/steps I haven't fallen up or down.

I am quite possibly the only person to have ever bitten their bottom lip while sneezing (seriously just happened...I have no idea how)

Speaking of no idea how.  Last weekend I was wearing my favorite pair of mules and managed to step in gum with the heel of my  foot...thus sticking my sock to the inside of my shoe. Made for an awkward predicament. Honestly how in the heck does one step on gum INSIDE of their shoe?

In the morning after waking up, I have trouble walking through doorways...okay, okay really it can be at anytime.  I also constantly have a bruise on my thigh from catching the corners of desks I happen to be walking by at work.

I also once gave myself a fat lip with the bottom of my snowboard.  1st and last attempt at snowboarding. Some friends from  high school made it sound fun when we were in college.  I ended up hiking down the last part of the mountain and sitting in front of the fireplace at the lodge until everyone else finished having 'fun'.  After making it down the bunny slope without falling a false sense of security lead me to believe my good friend (who is now has a PhD - though I question her smarts) when she said I was a natural, took me up the ski lift and ditched my sorry butt. No one showed me how to slow down, and the only advice I could remember was given to me by my uncle before the trip.  If you want to stop just fall down (that I was good at)

My poor kids are lucky they haven't been trampled.  Okay throw me a bone here, is anyone else still waiting to grow into the graceful swan stage?  Please share so I don't feel so alone....and that there is hope for my poor son who seems to be following in his mother's footsteps.  I guess he is 50% hubby, so he has that going for him...right?

***PS - I just totally knocked over my drink all over my desk.***

Kids really AREN'T the same thing as dogs

I get funny looks when I tell people this...which a normal person might take a sign to stop saying it.  Myself, not being normal, I blog it.  Are you like me, you like kids, but kinda in the way you like dogs? You love your own, but aren't always sure what to think of other people's? 

Actually I love love love the idea of dogs...but well I don't like getting slobbered on, my crotch sniffed, or drool and hair on my clean clothes...but the pictures with kids and dogs together. Awhh, heartwarming. Plus I have fond memories of playing with puppies at Grandpa & Grandma's house, and our own sweet childhood pet, who I shared turns licking ice cream cones, who we had the fun game of don't let the dog bite your feet, who liked my sister better than me....though that is a whole 'nother story. I digress. RIP Bandit.

This post is supposed to be about how your kiddos can give you both highs and lows.  Whether you are a full fledged kid lover and always have been, can't imagine loving any other kid(s) than your own, didn't know you liked/wanted kids until you had your own, or anywhere in between.  The little buggers make you reflect on yourself.

10 Ways Kiddos are Good for Your Self-Esteem

1. That million dollar smile they flash when you walk into their line of sight. It is only compariable to the excitement a dog has when welcoming home its owner. (though I'm not a dog person per say...moving on, I keep comparing kids to dogs...I really have got to stop doing that)

2. Waking up to a little boy who wants to crawl into bed with you first thing in the morning to jabber, steal your pillow, watch a video on your phone, get your lazy butt out of bed cuddle.

3. "Mommy, need my hug and kiss" followed by a "oh, thank you mommy"

4. The cheering for accomplishing even the smallest feats! "Great job mommy" (closing a plastic Easter egg)

5. When getting ready in the morning and doing your hair you hear "oooh, mommy looks pretty"

6. Does it count that I consider having a baby a good excuse for the extra weight?

7. When they use 'please'; 'thank you'; 'no thank you'; 'you're welcome'; remind you to pray before eating...etc.  Makes you feel like you must be doing something right and setting a good example.

8. Baby cuddles, the way you can make the scary, sad, or hurt disappear by gently rocking them in your arms.  Rock on Super Mom!

9. Intuitively knowing when Mom is having a rough day, saying "Mommy sad" and trying to make it all better.  Or crawling over, grabbing a fist full of hair bringing you face to face with a droolly little smile, that really does make it all better.

10. Getting to hear all the comments about how "cute" your kids are, especially when followed by "they look so much like you".  Does that make me a bit shallow...of course, but back me up mom's(and dad's) you like it too.

10 Ways Kiddos are Bad for Your Self-Esteem

1. They remind you to be humble with the most innocent comments.  Example:

Me: We are going to go home and eat some yummy yummy food!
Toddler: Yummy yummy food.....Yay we going to Grandma's house!

2. When they poke your belly and giggle....Awesomeness, jiggly mom belly is funny, if that isn't inspiration  to get more active. Note to self, remember the 28 goals...get on that running one.

3. They parrot everything you say.  That may bite you in the butt, depending on where they choose to repeat it.  I deem embarrassment as bad for one's self-esteem.

4. They snub you after an absence...or show favoritism to the other parent at any point in time.  You KNOW it shouldn't matter, because its perfectly normal...but really what hurts worse than your own flesh and blood ditching you?

5. More humble reminders with innocent comments. Example:

Toddler: playing quietly then saying "Mommy need to clean house"

 6. Asking a question and answering it "Mommy too busy" before you even have a chance to respond. That one hurts, and reminds me to evaluate my priorities (which by that way after trying to make up for that leads to #5 - You can't have it both ways kid!)

7. Hearing a thud from the other room and immediately hearing your baby cry..and subsequently horrifying yourself with the following thought "If he can cry it probably wasn't that serious of a fall".  Not the greatest justification for wanting to use the bathroom in peace.

8. Realizing that with the baby being out of the womb longer than he was in...you no longer have the "its takes as long to take off as it did to put on excuse"

9. Even more humbling innocent comments:  Child seeing an old picture of you and remarking "Mommy was pretty" did'ya catch that? 'WAS'

10. The look.  You know the one I am talking about.  It follows a request to do something that you can't...and you get that look that says "But Daddy/Grandma/Grandpa/the Neighbor's 2nd Cousin's Boyfriend's Dog could do it!"

All you can do is cherish it all, and call your mom to reminisce and verify "It's all normal."  Children are wonderful, no matter which way their grimy little chubby paws are pulling at your heartstrings at any given moment. I know I wouldn't trade mine for the world.