Hidden Toy Labels

            

            Santa Claus came. Santa Claus went.  He left quite a selection of toys behind.  The boys were overjoyed.  Jim and I are reeling from the new buzzers and buttons, directions and distractions, frustration and fun.  It seems, the toy manufacturers have forgotten to include a few labels in their quest to market these terrific toys.  It could be considered fine fin print, I guess.  Let me share my top five.

1.       Live action sound!  Guaranteed to hit a decibel level to grate on any adult within 50 feet.

2.      Hours of creative play!  Be sure to buy two of these because there will be battles with siblings.

3.      Some assembly required.  Have screwdrivers, hammers, and wrenches ready.  Present opening will be a bit delayed.

4.      Batteries included.  These batteries will only last a week so make sure you have backup.

5.      Requires xyz batteries.  You should take stock in Duracell or Energizer to get back a portion of what you will invest in this toy.

So, I’m sorry toy manufacturers.  I am on to you and I am spreading the word!  Adults everywhere, make sure you read the fine print, or at least read through the descriptive lines.

            Santa’s bounty has also completely overrun the boys’ already plentiful collection.  Therefore, Jim and I have been catapulted into Christmas cleanse mode.  I think we’ll start with anything that requites batteries! J

My 12 Days of Christmas

            Oh December!  What you mean to me?  Report card rally, kids with coughs and the beginning of the holiday hustle!  Makes it awful hard for a girl like me to get a blog done!   Last week, my students wrote their own version of the 12 Days of Christmas.  I decided to write my own version.  And in light of what happened on Friday, I found even more special to note even the tiniest ways the boys bring a smile upon my face.  

            On the first day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

            A huge smile all across my face

On the second day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Two bear hugs

On the third day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Three sloppy kisses

On the fourth day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Four runny noses

On the fifth day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Five sticky fingers

On the sixth day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Six boo-boos a-kissing

On the seventh day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Seven loads of laundry

On the eighth day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Eight clay balls squishing

On the ninth day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Nine giant giggles

On the tenth day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Ten questions asking

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Eleven dirty dishes

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my two boys gave to me

Twelve baths a-bubbling

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

            Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!

Thanks and Giving

          First, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend time with family and friends.  I had the wonderful opportunity to take a moment and reflect on all I am thankful for throughout this month.  It was a chance to stop the whirlwind of my day and bring a smile to my face and heart.  Too often we go through our days focusing on the negative moments. Did you know it takes more facial muscles to frown than smile?  And I don’t know anyone who enjoys the crinkles caused by frowning!  So, I am going to continue this practice.  More importantly, I am going to share my thankfulness with those who are the direct result of my happiness.

Now that the holiday season is upon us, it is time to think about spreading joy to those we care about.  It also is a time to think about those who are not as blessed as we are.  Therefore, I am using this blog post as my Public Service Announcement.

For the past few years, the students in my class have donated to Project Linus http://www.projectlinus.org/.  This is a non-profit organization started in 1998.  Handmade blankets are made by “blanketeers” and distributed locally to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.  In order to make this a true, service learning project, our class discussed ways we could raise money to help pay for materials.  It was decided they would make a one week chore chart to help out at home.  Each chore has a designated amount.  The goal is to raise 5 dollars in one week.  The students know, they must do chores to earn the money. 

This year, I will be telling the class about two other worthy causes we could donate to.  A Connecticut author friend of mine, Lynda Mullaly Hunt (http://lyndamullalyhunt.com/) has organized an initiative to bring books to children in foster care.  It’s called the Book Train: http://booktrainforkids.wordpress.com/.  Lynda has written a lovely middle grade book about a young girl’s experience in a foster family entitled One for the Murphy’s.

Another organization I read about is the Santa Anonymous Winter Boot Project sponsored by the Thames Valley Council for Community Action’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: http://newlondon.patch.com/announcements/santa-anonymous-winter-boot-program.

My Christmas wish this year is that everyone will take a little time to donate/support a group or organization that is less fortunate.  It will make you feel fantastic!  I promise!

I hope you all have a fabulous holiday season!    

Did I Just Step in Pee?

           

            You know that expression, “look before you leap”?  Well, in my home, I need to look before I step, sit and, if I’m smart, before I walk out of the house.  Let’s start with step.  Hazards in my household fall into two categories: liquids and solids.  It is quite unpleasant to be merrily walking along, when, “Oh” a sudden chilly spot appears underfoot, as the material of you sock begins to absorb the mysterious liquid.  Now, if I am in the kitchen, there’s little to worry; chances are it is a drinkable liquid. I tip my head to the side in order to locate said spot, (if it hasn’t already been completely wiped away by my sock), grab a paper towel and move on.  Occasionally the spot will have a chance to dry, thus leaving a sticky spot.  These can be identified when walking along, and your foot momentarily gets stuck.  These spots require a bit of spray cleaner - a bit more work.  I then have to decide; do I continue to wear the sock or change into another pair. 

But when this occurs in the bathroom, the reaction and clean up take on a tiny HazMat reaction.   The first time this happened, I froze.  At first my brain went into liquid spot mode but then I quickly looked down.  My foot was closer to the base of the toilet than the base of the vanity, therefore making it less chance the liquid was water.  After I cleaned up, there was no question what to do with that sock!

My boys are pretty good about cleaning up their toys.  Even though, there always manages to be one or two leftovers.  Of course they are strategically positioned where my grownup foot will land.  They are usually around a corner or at the edge of the couch.  Perfect places since I am rarely looking down when I walk.  It is also the hard toys with sharp edges or wheels that are in harm’s way. It’s amazing how the tiny wing of airplane can send such shooting pain through my foot.

The couches in our home are multipurpose furniture.  The boys used them to watch TV, have snack and play.  I approach the couch cushions with caution.  I do a quick scan with my eyes, brush off crumbs, and push aside toys before sitting down.  This method has proven to be 99% effective.  There is the occasional moment when I sit and “Oh,” just like the kitchen floor, I feel a certain sensation on my behind or back of the leg.  The “spill-proof” and “leak-proof” cups have found a way to seep out onto the couch.  Luckily, I invested in a mini carpet cleaner for doggie messes years back, and now it is my go-to appliance when the couch needs some TLC.

            The last place I find random spots is my clothing.  I really thought this would end once the baby spit up phase ended.  Who knew there were additional joys such as snot, toothpaste, blueberry juice and peanut butter to add a little flair to my work outfit?  Who needs jewelry?  If I am a fortunate to spy these spots before I head out the door, (in the midst of all the craziness that is the boys and I getting out of the house), I consider it a small victory for the day!  But, chances are, I will discover these spots when I first head to the staff bathroom.  The blaze of the florescent lights and long mirror hide nothing!  I am then torn.  Do I just leave it? Maybe I’ll try to scrape it off a bit to make it less noticeable?  I know that any attempt to wash it off will leave a large wet spot which is surely to be noticed.  (If it is snot, it’s a no-brainer!)

            I quickly learned that having kids is an adventure.  I just never knew the variety of adventures I’d encounter!  So for now, I will take each spot with a smile, a quick clean and move on.  What other options do I have?  J

Halloween Hurricane

A thump, a bump, a screech, a scratch,

Outside my window last night.

I pulled the covers up over my head,

It gave me such a fright!

A whoosh, a howl, a creak, a crack,

On the roof an awful sound.

I slipped out of bed onto tip toes

And decided to look around!

A shadow, a shape, a dash, a flash,

Along my bedroom wall.

I reached for the switch – it went click

Blackness down the hall!

A patter, a smatter, a splish, a splosh,

Against the window pain.

I looked for ghosts and goblins

And saw a Halloween Hurricane!

          Summer is my favorite season, but lately, fall has been making a pretty strong case. 

          In fall, the humidity disappears. (Need I say more?)  You can be outside without the worry you will sweat by merely standing there or be attacked by a swarm of hungry mosquitoes.  When you style your hair and go outside, it stays styled.  It doesn't morph into a cotton candy-like mound on top of your head.

          Exercising outdoors is more pleasant as well.  You welcome to opportunity to warm up against the chill of the air.  Sweat is something you earn, not something that happens while you just stand there.

          Living behind an orchard makes easy access to all things apple.  We can easily spend an hour combing the rows in search of just ripe fruit.  Add the bonus of a hayride to get to the furthest point of the orchard and it’s a winning activity for the boys.     

          And of course there is the scenery.  In the beginning of the season you can tell where the sun first hits a treat by the bright spots of yellow or red against the field of green.  Every fall I choose a tree and follow its progression of color change.  Walking along trails as leaves cascade to the ground is beyond relaxing.

True, summer brings a long vacation and trips to the beach, but I think I am becoming a fall fan.  Goodbye ice cream truck and frozen margaritas.  Hello apple crisp and Octoberfest beers!

No One Said it Would be Easy

         

          …but no one said it would be so hard either.  I am talking about parenting.  I've written before of my attempts to find magic answers in books but the written word and the living, breathing – or should I say whining and crying – child that stands before you can be night and day.

          I've been an elementary teacher for fifteen years.  Surely, that experience should account for something?  Right?!  Unfortunately, my preschool stint was a mere six months and once I’ve never “taught” any younger ages.  I should be all set when the boys hit eight, though!  J

          Many times I have said to Jim, “What little chip in their brain tells them to say _____  or act _____?  It’s not like they see us do it.”  Sure, I could blame it on the kids at daycare but they have been together for three years and are a really nice bunch. 

          The biggest issue in our house is control.  Who wants it and who gets it.  Mix this with a couple quick tempers and easily frustrated individuals, and it makes for some major meltdowns. 

          Andrew doesn't understand why things can’t be his way.  I vacillate between reasoning with him and telling him, “Because I gave you a direction.”   (I thought I was so clever with this twist on ‘because I said so.’)  Yeah, right.  He’s in the midst of a bossy stage; that I really hope is a stage.  He’s like a miniature Archie Bunker.  I would like to know who passed him the memo declaring him the boss!

          Alex thinks he’s three and a half and is on a mission to mimic everything his bog brother does.  Unfortunately, that doesn't always work out so well for him and he reacts with throwing, hitting, screaming and head banging.  Good times!  He laughs when you put him in time out.  So we are trying to give him the words to express his frustration.  For example, “I know you are made the train came off the track, but we don’t throw the train when we are mad.”  Sounds very academic, doesn’t it.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

          I have become a broken record of parenting mantras:  It’s just a phase…This, too shall pass…Things will get better…Enjoy this while it lasts, because they grow up so fast.  Some days it helps, some days it seems just ridiculous.  But, this is the life I have chosen and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, really.  And, when I stop and think about it, over the course of a day, 90% is really fantastic.  Manners are flowing, brotherly love is in the air, and  smiles are on all our faces.  But, when we are in the middle of that 10%, it can feel completely overwhelming and you watch all your parenting skills fly out the window. 

          But, we persevere!  I bought a new book:  Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids by Dr. David Walsh.  I’m always open to new ideas and methods.  I think any wise parent would be.  Parenting is an adventure!  Our days would be so dull and boring without Andrew and Alex.