I'm feeling so frazzled with my boys I just don't know what to do. It seems as though the last week or two has just been constant whining and crying and tantrum throwing. Honestly, I feel as though I'm at my wit's end. I don't know what to do. Each day, each hour, and sometimes each minute is a huge struggle for me to handle the incidences with love and patience - I try, I do, but I think it's a battle within myself that I'm losing ground on. It makes me sad. I don't want to be like this, but I don't know what to do. I try to think about how I should handle the situations of blatant disobedience, repeated intentional hitting/pushing/shoving, complete defiance for parental authority, incessant screaming, etc, etc, etc but nothing is working. We've tried time-outs, reasoning and talking to, spanking, rewards, bribery... still nothing. I know I can't give up but sometimes I really want to in the heat of the moment. Removing myself is sometimes the safest thing to do. I had been thinking we might be ready to have another kid, but right now I'm not sure we'll ever have any more. I can't handle it like this... I think I need some intervention... I feel myself sinking...
Help.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hello Nursery
I've looked forward to this day for a long time, this 18 month mark. Finally two hours of church without kids to distract me from much needed spiritual uplifting. Brexton did a great job for his first official day. It probably helped that I stayed in the room for the first hour because the nursery was extremely short-staffed.
Anyway, here's the latest with Brexton. He continues to be my little snuggle bug. He loves to hug me and run his fingers though my hair or pull it out of the ponytail. He is drawn to all stuffed animals or babies to hug and hold. I often find him sitting against a wall looking at a book. Even though he's half Garrett's size he loves to tackle Garrett and pick fights as long as he stays on top. Brexton has got quite the set of lungs. When he's upset he lets you know it! He is getting very independent - he feeds himself and wants to walk everywhere (when I'd rather hold on to him to keep tabs). He talks a lot for his little age. He loves to sing songs - popcorn popping, head-shoulders-knees-and-toes, and pat-a-cake are some favorites. He really dislikes Sacrament Meeting (to the point that I'm sure the ward is glad when we're gone). He does NOT like to be contained against his will. He makes the funniest faces. He's really good at the "fishy" face. Another one of my favorites happens when he scrunches his nose, scrunches his lips up around his top teeth like a gopher and breathes quickly in and out through his nose. He is getting to be a really fast runner.
Weight: 28 lbs
Height: 33 inches
Words: mama, dada, ball, car, duck, quack, dog, neigh, cow, moo, sheep, baa, up, please, down, more, no, okay, sorry, shoes, toesies, pants, stinky, poo poos, snack, wa wa, ride, book, etc(of course these aren't all pronounced correctly, but I know exactly what he's saying)
Anyway, here's the latest with Brexton. He continues to be my little snuggle bug. He loves to hug me and run his fingers though my hair or pull it out of the ponytail. He is drawn to all stuffed animals or babies to hug and hold. I often find him sitting against a wall looking at a book. Even though he's half Garrett's size he loves to tackle Garrett and pick fights as long as he stays on top. Brexton has got quite the set of lungs. When he's upset he lets you know it! He is getting very independent - he feeds himself and wants to walk everywhere (when I'd rather hold on to him to keep tabs). He talks a lot for his little age. He loves to sing songs - popcorn popping, head-shoulders-knees-and-toes, and pat-a-cake are some favorites. He really dislikes Sacrament Meeting (to the point that I'm sure the ward is glad when we're gone). He does NOT like to be contained against his will. He makes the funniest faces. He's really good at the "fishy" face. Another one of my favorites happens when he scrunches his nose, scrunches his lips up around his top teeth like a gopher and breathes quickly in and out through his nose. He is getting to be a really fast runner.
Weight: 28 lbs
Height: 33 inches
Words: mama, dada, ball, car, duck, quack, dog, neigh, cow, moo, sheep, baa, up, please, down, more, no, okay, sorry, shoes, toesies, pants, stinky, poo poos, snack, wa wa, ride, book, etc(of course these aren't all pronounced correctly, but I know exactly what he's saying)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Spoiled
The past few weekends I have been pampered and spoiled (hopefully not spoiled rotten). It all began April 29th when my sister and I flew to Utah for a girls weekend getaway - complete with my mom, sisters, aunts, cousins, newest niece, and grandma. Many of us attended Women's Conference - so uplifting, encouraging, and really an emotional high. We also enjoyed shopping, eating out, giggling until our bellies couldn't take it anymore, a small but no-less-fun Bridal Shower for Becca, an adventure in taking bridal pictures of Becca amidst the threatening rain clouds, etc.
The following weekend (Mother's Day Weekend) was another blissful retreat for me. It was the Fathers & Sons Outing - which can I just say that I think they should ALWAYS schedule it for Mother's day weekend because really what better gift could there be? As the boys headed out Friday morning at 8:00 so did I, but I went to Glendale to hang out with Corri. I was there for 9 hours and it was a BLAST! Here's what we did: (1) sewed one of two custom curtain panels for her master bedroom, (2) glazed one of two nightstands to give a more shabby-chic look, (3) spray painted lamps heirloom white to add to the shabby-chic look, (4) conquered the bookcase in her office that was literally "barfing" books out - now it's quite organized and pleasing to look at, (5) transferred many of those books to the shelves in her front room to make them functional, balanced, and beautiful, (6) went to Home Depot and picked out hardware and made plans for a makeover of her closet doors, (7) stained a globe - thriftstore treasure. WOW! Then I came home and started Becca's wedding guest sign-in book.
Saturday was equally full... I woke up at 5:45 (Jared was SHOCKED to hear this) to go to a local flea market. I'd always wanted to check it out, but never wanted the haul the boys with me or coax Jared into watching them for me on his day off for such an activity. Anyway, so I drove all the way out there and can I just say HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! Lame through and through. They say they open at 7:00 but by 8:00 still half of the booths were closed. But even so, it was lame... airbrushed t-shirts, dashboard mats, luggage, ugly clothes, southwestern metal decor, ugly clothes, indian relics, shamwows, and ugly clothes. Ugh! So I came back home and cleaned and decorated my little heart out (pictures to come). Then I mowed the front and back yards and took a shower. By now it was 1:00 and I figured I had a few more hours until the boys returned from their outing so I went shopping - on a hunt for a cute modest summery dress that would work for Becca's wedding. I looked at JCPenney, Macys, Dillards, Sears, Downeast, Target, Kohls, Ross, TJMaxx, Dress Barn, Styles, and Old Navy. You think I had any luck? NOPE! Sheesh, I didn't think it would be this difficult. I did find a few treasures at the Goodwill by my house since it was 50% Off Saturday - pictures of that to come too.
It's been pretty nice to have some "me" time. It still amazes me how much I accomplished in just 2 days while I had my hands free. Although I'm pretty sure I still accomplish things when I have my hands full, they're just different things and they take 10 times as long to do :)
The following weekend (Mother's Day Weekend) was another blissful retreat for me. It was the Fathers & Sons Outing - which can I just say that I think they should ALWAYS schedule it for Mother's day weekend because really what better gift could there be? As the boys headed out Friday morning at 8:00 so did I, but I went to Glendale to hang out with Corri. I was there for 9 hours and it was a BLAST! Here's what we did: (1) sewed one of two custom curtain panels for her master bedroom, (2) glazed one of two nightstands to give a more shabby-chic look, (3) spray painted lamps heirloom white to add to the shabby-chic look, (4) conquered the bookcase in her office that was literally "barfing" books out - now it's quite organized and pleasing to look at, (5) transferred many of those books to the shelves in her front room to make them functional, balanced, and beautiful, (6) went to Home Depot and picked out hardware and made plans for a makeover of her closet doors, (7) stained a globe - thriftstore treasure. WOW! Then I came home and started Becca's wedding guest sign-in book.
Saturday was equally full... I woke up at 5:45 (Jared was SHOCKED to hear this) to go to a local flea market. I'd always wanted to check it out, but never wanted the haul the boys with me or coax Jared into watching them for me on his day off for such an activity. Anyway, so I drove all the way out there and can I just say HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! Lame through and through. They say they open at 7:00 but by 8:00 still half of the booths were closed. But even so, it was lame... airbrushed t-shirts, dashboard mats, luggage, ugly clothes, southwestern metal decor, ugly clothes, indian relics, shamwows, and ugly clothes. Ugh! So I came back home and cleaned and decorated my little heart out (pictures to come). Then I mowed the front and back yards and took a shower. By now it was 1:00 and I figured I had a few more hours until the boys returned from their outing so I went shopping - on a hunt for a cute modest summery dress that would work for Becca's wedding. I looked at JCPenney, Macys, Dillards, Sears, Downeast, Target, Kohls, Ross, TJMaxx, Dress Barn, Styles, and Old Navy. You think I had any luck? NOPE! Sheesh, I didn't think it would be this difficult. I did find a few treasures at the Goodwill by my house since it was 50% Off Saturday - pictures of that to come too.
It's been pretty nice to have some "me" time. It still amazes me how much I accomplished in just 2 days while I had my hands free. Although I'm pretty sure I still accomplish things when I have my hands full, they're just different things and they take 10 times as long to do :)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Before and After...
I've been on the lookout for a hutch on Craigslist - looking for just the right one - one with the lines I wanted but that needed a makeover (since it would be more affordable that way and I like renovating furniture and other items). After probably a year of looking I found the perfect one.
I love it! Jared was very encouraging with this project - the sooner the better because then it would be out of his garage :). The process took 2 weeks and I'm rather impressed with my patience because normally I have the patience of my father - none at all. But I've learned from other projects that it's much more efficient if I take the time and do it right the first time. Anyway, so after 2 weeks of cleaning, sanding, prepping, priming, spray painting, drying/curing, distressing, and staining we've gone from the "before" to the "during"...
to the "current"...
and you'll just have to wait a little longer for the "after" when it's all decorated and cute. Sorry it's a little fuzzy... Much better than the bland blank wall that existed in this space before. For the back I got some beadboard from Home Depot and did a brown glaze over and heirloom white coat of paint. We bought brushed nickel hardware but after attaching the beadboard I decided to just spray paint the original hardware and dark bronze and simply sand and stain the knobs a dark brown. LOVE IT!
I love it! Jared was very encouraging with this project - the sooner the better because then it would be out of his garage :). The process took 2 weeks and I'm rather impressed with my patience because normally I have the patience of my father - none at all. But I've learned from other projects that it's much more efficient if I take the time and do it right the first time. Anyway, so after 2 weeks of cleaning, sanding, prepping, priming, spray painting, drying/curing, distressing, and staining we've gone from the "before" to the "during"...
to the "current"...
and you'll just have to wait a little longer for the "after" when it's all decorated and cute. Sorry it's a little fuzzy... Much better than the bland blank wall that existed in this space before. For the back I got some beadboard from Home Depot and did a brown glaze over and heirloom white coat of paint. We bought brushed nickel hardware but after attaching the beadboard I decided to just spray paint the original hardware and dark bronze and simply sand and stain the knobs a dark brown. LOVE IT!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Train them while they're young...
You always hear people say that... "train them while they're young," but I think there really is some truth to that. While our children are still quite young their minds are so impressionable - they don't know yet what "cool" and what's "not" in the eyes of the world.
I've always saved cleaning the bathrooms for when the boys are napping. All the fumes worry me... and the thought of them dunking their hands or head in the toilet full of water that seems enticing to them. Well, cleaning the bathrooms had been on my "to-do" list for almost a week straight without ever getting done. When we were expecting company in just a few short hours (at the end of this week) I had to attack the bathroom with the boys' "help." What do you know? THEY LOVED IT! Garrett was a scrubbing machine. I could hardly get the scrubbie away from him. He was really going to town. So although it did double the amount of time that I could clean it myself I think I'll continue cleaning bathrooms with my helpers. Might as well train them while they're young.
I've always saved cleaning the bathrooms for when the boys are napping. All the fumes worry me... and the thought of them dunking their hands or head in the toilet full of water that seems enticing to them. Well, cleaning the bathrooms had been on my "to-do" list for almost a week straight without ever getting done. When we were expecting company in just a few short hours (at the end of this week) I had to attack the bathroom with the boys' "help." What do you know? THEY LOVED IT! Garrett was a scrubbing machine. I could hardly get the scrubbie away from him. He was really going to town. So although it did double the amount of time that I could clean it myself I think I'll continue cleaning bathrooms with my helpers. Might as well train them while they're young.
Harvesting...
Our little garden is growing and I am actually enjoying the process. I don't have fond memories of gardening growing up, although I can't blame my parents at all - they got us invovled for sure. It may have been because I didn't get out to do my part of gardening before triple digits attacked our summer days. It may have been the daunting task of weeding and watering that large section of land... endless rows and rows. But something about my quaint garden seems more manageable. It certainly is not perfect, but I love it. (I've had to rip out a diseased tomato plant, my bell peppers are turning all brown and yucky looking at the ends, and I'm afraid my sugar snap peas are fried from the heat... but I'm learning). We've enjoyed several cherry tomatoes - YUM! If you haven't had a home-grown tomato, YOU MUST! There really is nothing quite like it. Delicous!
Here are some before and current shots. It's amazing what a little water, weeding, and 2 months can produce. Oh, and doesn't the peach tree look so full? So fun!
BEFORE:
CURRENT:
Here are some before and current shots. It's amazing what a little water, weeding, and 2 months can produce. Oh, and doesn't the peach tree look so full? So fun!
BEFORE:
CURRENT:
Monday, May 4, 2009
Children's Museum of Phoenix
Our local libraries are "giving" away cultural passes to local museums. The word is out and there is a mad-rush of people Wednesday morning at 10:00 am to lay their claim on the limited number of passes. I've only gone once to brave the crowds but got lucky enough to get passes to a place I actually wanted to go to. (They only have 5 passes per location per week and each pass is good for 4 admissions - so you can imagine the stompede that ensues)
Anyway, we invited Corri and her little guy Tanner to check out the museum with us. Can I just say it is AMAZING! Three stories high, this museum offers every sort of imaginative and fun-learning activities you can think of.
First Floor: Huge padded play area, balls, wooden ride-on cars, clear tubes/piping with air blowing through to blow scarf things (I'm sure you have NO idea what I'm talking about:).
Second Floor: Expansive area with dense swimming noodles hanging from a grid on the ceiling (lost Garrett here for at least 5 minutes), more ride-on bikes and cars with a pretend car-wash, arts/crafts center with daily craft, puppet show play area, book nook, snack area.
Do you like Garrett's caterpillars with a million antennas. Too funny!
The "Car Wash"
Third Floor: Grocery store (the first thing Garrett put in his basket was ice cream - ha!), restaurant kitchen complete with dining booths, firebrick pizza oven, etc, a room dedicated to all things balls that roll through various paths, and a toddlers/babies only room (a nice retreat from the throngs of school fieldtrip groups).
Anyway, we invited Corri and her little guy Tanner to check out the museum with us. Can I just say it is AMAZING! Three stories high, this museum offers every sort of imaginative and fun-learning activities you can think of.
First Floor: Huge padded play area, balls, wooden ride-on cars, clear tubes/piping with air blowing through to blow scarf things (I'm sure you have NO idea what I'm talking about:).
Second Floor: Expansive area with dense swimming noodles hanging from a grid on the ceiling (lost Garrett here for at least 5 minutes), more ride-on bikes and cars with a pretend car-wash, arts/crafts center with daily craft, puppet show play area, book nook, snack area.
Do you like Garrett's caterpillars with a million antennas. Too funny!
The "Car Wash"
Third Floor: Grocery store (the first thing Garrett put in his basket was ice cream - ha!), restaurant kitchen complete with dining booths, firebrick pizza oven, etc, a room dedicated to all things balls that roll through various paths, and a toddlers/babies only room (a nice retreat from the throngs of school fieldtrip groups).
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