If you look at my other post from today, you will see why I haven't posted much lately. My summer project is going o be getting my family albums all updated and DONE. The only way I am going to accomplish this is through the magic of Shutterfly. I highly recommend their photo books. The previous post will allow you to look at my family album from 2010.
Next up: 2009!!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Date Night!
Last night, Caleb and I finally used the groupon that we've had for 4 months. We had a fantastic dinner at Mama's on the Hill. At first, I wasn't so crazy about the idea, since we were going to an Italian place and I couldn't have meat. But, then we ordered the appetizers. And they brought us bread. By the time my Seafood pasta dish arrived, I was pretty much full. Especially when it was placed in front of me with this guy staring at me:
Other than that, dinner was great! (Don't worry, I bravely made my husband remove my new friend from my DINNER, and I ate around his bed of noodles...)
After dinner, we headed to the movie theater. That's right, I said it--the movie theater!! Caleb and I haven't seen a movie together in at least a year. The reason I know this is because a few weeks ago, I received a phone call from the people at Neilson (the ratings people), and I decided I'd participate in their little survey. (Hey, the people making the phone calls are just trying to do their jobs. It's not their fault that their jobs are obnoxious and annoying to other people.) The only thing is, they really couldn't use my services, because this particular survey was about movies--specifically, movies seen in the theater. And apparently, a Redbox rental in my living room is not the same thing...
Anyhow, I digress.
Over Christmas break 2010, I read a little trilogy called The Hunger Games. If you have not read these books, you really should. Contrary to what any idiot might have told you, they are in no way like the Twilight series. They are far superior, in plot, writing, character development and now in film.
But again, I digress.
I loved this set of books, so much so that I read them in about 4 days straight. I paid no attention to anyone living in my home. My poor children were left to their own devices while I read. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found out that they were making book one into a movie! I was excited enough to make sure that I was there on opening night, despite the fact that the theater would be filled with loud, obnoxious teenagers and tweens.
Let me tell you, it was worth it.
You know how everyone always gets all up in arms about the movie never being as good as the book? Well, this one stands up!! If you plan on seeing it, I do recommend that you read the book first, though. I feel that there are some things that the movie glossed over for time's sake (the movie is 2 hours, 22 minutes long), and I wonder if a person who is unfamiliar with the story would truly get what's happening due to this. But overall, they did a FANTASTIC job with this film. I can't wait for the sequel. And you can bet I'll be there on opening night again.
Let the 74th Hunger Games begin!!! Go see it. NOW. (Or read the book first, then go.)
After dinner, we headed to the movie theater. That's right, I said it--the movie theater!! Caleb and I haven't seen a movie together in at least a year. The reason I know this is because a few weeks ago, I received a phone call from the people at Neilson (the ratings people), and I decided I'd participate in their little survey. (Hey, the people making the phone calls are just trying to do their jobs. It's not their fault that their jobs are obnoxious and annoying to other people.) The only thing is, they really couldn't use my services, because this particular survey was about movies--specifically, movies seen in the theater. And apparently, a Redbox rental in my living room is not the same thing...
Anyhow, I digress.
Over Christmas break 2010, I read a little trilogy called The Hunger Games. If you have not read these books, you really should. Contrary to what any idiot might have told you, they are in no way like the Twilight series. They are far superior, in plot, writing, character development and now in film.
But again, I digress.
I loved this set of books, so much so that I read them in about 4 days straight. I paid no attention to anyone living in my home. My poor children were left to their own devices while I read. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found out that they were making book one into a movie! I was excited enough to make sure that I was there on opening night, despite the fact that the theater would be filled with loud, obnoxious teenagers and tweens.
Let me tell you, it was worth it.
You know how everyone always gets all up in arms about the movie never being as good as the book? Well, this one stands up!! If you plan on seeing it, I do recommend that you read the book first, though. I feel that there are some things that the movie glossed over for time's sake (the movie is 2 hours, 22 minutes long), and I wonder if a person who is unfamiliar with the story would truly get what's happening due to this. But overall, they did a FANTASTIC job with this film. I can't wait for the sequel. And you can bet I'll be there on opening night again.
Let the 74th Hunger Games begin!!! Go see it. NOW. (Or read the book first, then go.)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Parenting: The Toughest job You'll Ever Love
A few days ago, one of my facebook friends posted this picture:
As one who works with the "entitled" high school generation, I fully agree. And so I re-posted.
But then I got to thinking...Will my friends and family see that and think, "Yeah right, Kim! You never say no to your kids!"?
See, when Connor first came along, we tried to be pretty heavy disciplinarians. We enacted time-outs at the young age of 12 months. We occasionally resorted to a swat or a spank. (Some might say we don't/didn't do that often enough, others say even once is too much. That's neither here nor there--I'm not here to debate the merits of spanking versus not spanking.) We tried to be strict parents...
But then, we'd encounter great aunts and grand-parents at family gatherings who would give us "the eye" or say things like "He's just a baby..." And then I would start to question what I was doing and why I was doing it. And by the time baby #2 arrived, I didn't have enough energy to stick to my guns anymore. And I certainly couldn't catch every little stunt that both of them pulled. (Especially Riley--man, she can be sneaky!) Some days we win the battle of discipline, and some days the kids wear us down. Those are the bad days. The days when we've given in.
So, here I am, almost 8 years into the abyss of parenthood. I still try to be strict, because I don't want my kids to become those kids. But with every passing day, I realize I have less and less control over the choices they make and who they become. I still try, believe me, but it's really hard.
(Notice how this post went from "we" to "I"...How did that happen?)
I guess the purpose of this post is to remind myself that my kids are still young enough to make an impression on. And they don't need everything, no matter how badly I want to give it to them (or how badly I don't want to listen to them whine).
On this one front, I need to win every battle if I'm going to win the war, which is raising responsible, grateful, reasonable children.
May the force be with me. And you.
As one who works with the "entitled" high school generation, I fully agree. And so I re-posted.
But then I got to thinking...Will my friends and family see that and think, "Yeah right, Kim! You never say no to your kids!"?
See, when Connor first came along, we tried to be pretty heavy disciplinarians. We enacted time-outs at the young age of 12 months. We occasionally resorted to a swat or a spank. (Some might say we don't/didn't do that often enough, others say even once is too much. That's neither here nor there--I'm not here to debate the merits of spanking versus not spanking.) We tried to be strict parents...
But then, we'd encounter great aunts and grand-parents at family gatherings who would give us "the eye" or say things like "He's just a baby..." And then I would start to question what I was doing and why I was doing it. And by the time baby #2 arrived, I didn't have enough energy to stick to my guns anymore. And I certainly couldn't catch every little stunt that both of them pulled. (Especially Riley--man, she can be sneaky!) Some days we win the battle of discipline, and some days the kids wear us down. Those are the bad days. The days when we've given in.
So, here I am, almost 8 years into the abyss of parenthood. I still try to be strict, because I don't want my kids to become those kids. But with every passing day, I realize I have less and less control over the choices they make and who they become. I still try, believe me, but it's really hard.
(Notice how this post went from "we" to "I"...How did that happen?)
I guess the purpose of this post is to remind myself that my kids are still young enough to make an impression on. And they don't need everything, no matter how badly I want to give it to them (or how badly I don't want to listen to them whine).
On this one front, I need to win every battle if I'm going to win the war, which is raising responsible, grateful, reasonable children.
May the force be with me. And you.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Playing Favorites
In the past week or so that I've been trying (ahem, Amy and Kim) to keep this blog updated, I realize that I have not been sharing the photo/story time equally between my 2 children.
In order to prove that I love them equally, this post is dedicated to my son, the Cub Scout. But before I post any photos, I would like to take this opportunity to say that Boy Scouting sucks up ALL of the parents' time. 3 meetings a month plus other activities? Are you kidding me? The kid's in first grade and his schedule is almost more full than mine!!! He's got his den meetings his pack meeting, the other activities (tours, hikes, etc.), PSR and soon, he'll have soccer practice and games again. Oh, and he will also be appearing in the Seckman High School production of Our Town in May (not his mother's idea--my student teacher is directing this one, and he requested Connor to play the part of a young boy).
Anyhow, back to the post at hand...in January, Connor had his very first Pinewood Derby!!! Caleb just loved helping Connor build his car (if you didn't catch my sarcasm, go back and re-read this last statement and be sure to lay it on real thick!). Then I got the pleasure of trying to corral both of my children as wooden cars were released down a ramp for 47 hours on a Saturday morning. (Again, go back in infuse the sarcasm in case you missed it before.)
Connor was really pleased to place 2nd in his age group, which wasn't difficult since only 4 boys even bothered to compete in his age group. I suspect that those boys have older brothers and their dads learned what a PITA the Pinewood Derby is with the older children and decided they were not going to subject themselves to the same kind of torture again, hence their absences.
Here are a few photos of the proud Pinewood Derby 2nd place winner:
Here are a few more pictures from the event. (I just love a man in uniform!!! Even more when it's my little boy!)
In order to prove that I love them equally, this post is dedicated to my son, the Cub Scout. But before I post any photos, I would like to take this opportunity to say that Boy Scouting sucks up ALL of the parents' time. 3 meetings a month plus other activities? Are you kidding me? The kid's in first grade and his schedule is almost more full than mine!!! He's got his den meetings his pack meeting, the other activities (tours, hikes, etc.), PSR and soon, he'll have soccer practice and games again. Oh, and he will also be appearing in the Seckman High School production of Our Town in May (not his mother's idea--my student teacher is directing this one, and he requested Connor to play the part of a young boy).
Anyhow, back to the post at hand...in January, Connor had his very first Pinewood Derby!!! Caleb just loved helping Connor build his car (if you didn't catch my sarcasm, go back and re-read this last statement and be sure to lay it on real thick!). Then I got the pleasure of trying to corral both of my children as wooden cars were released down a ramp for 47 hours on a Saturday morning. (Again, go back in infuse the sarcasm in case you missed it before.)
Connor was really pleased to place 2nd in his age group, which wasn't difficult since only 4 boys even bothered to compete in his age group. I suspect that those boys have older brothers and their dads learned what a PITA the Pinewood Derby is with the older children and decided they were not going to subject themselves to the same kind of torture again, hence their absences.
Here are a few photos of the proud Pinewood Derby 2nd place winner:
Connor and one of the grandpas who graciously helped him get his car up to Pinewood standards at the last minute
Connor and Ben accepting their trophies
Connor's medal
A few weeks after the derby, Connor had his Blue and Gold banquet, which is when they receive their belt loops and pins and badges and things they've earned throughout the year. I had no clue how many of the belt loops Caleb had done with Connor. When they named the other Bobcats and listed their achievements, all I could think was "Please let Connor have at least 3 so he's not embarrassed." Well, he was definitely not embarrassed! Connor had 11 belt loops!!!
Here are a few more pictures from the event. (I just love a man in uniform!!! Even more when it's my little boy!)
Caleb pinning Connor's next level pin and badge on Connor's uniform.
Proud Daddy and new Tiger Cub
He's a Tiger Cub now!
Putting the belt loops on the belt
There's barely enough room for all the loops!! (Connor, it would be helpful if you could put on a couple pounds around your waist...)
My two men!
Okay, hopefully this has balanced out the love for my 2 kiddos. I don't want anyone accusing me of favoritism...
Friday, March 9, 2012
Father Daughter Dance
A couple weeks ago I let my little girl go out on her first date. With her daddy.
She and I went out shopping. She tried on TONS of dresses. She pranced in each of them. She tested the twirl factor. I got a little taste of what it will be like in 12-13 years, when we go shopping for her prom dress. Or in 20-25 years (it had better be that long), when we're shopping for her wedding gown.
We got her a pretty little dress and we found Daddy a coordinating shirt and tie.
Here they are before they headed out for their big night out (and Mommy and Connor's big night in):
One of these days, Connor and Mommy will be having a special night out, and I'll get a picture or two of us to upload then.
She and I went out shopping. She tried on TONS of dresses. She pranced in each of them. She tested the twirl factor. I got a little taste of what it will be like in 12-13 years, when we go shopping for her prom dress. Or in 20-25 years (it had better be that long), when we're shopping for her wedding gown.
We got her a pretty little dress and we found Daddy a coordinating shirt and tie.
Here they are before they headed out for their big night out (and Mommy and Connor's big night in):
One of these days, Connor and Mommy will be having a special night out, and I'll get a picture or two of us to upload then.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Paddington: The World's Fiercest Watchdog
Today when Riley and I arrived home, I gave her instructions to let the dog out. It must be noted that Riley is not capable of following simple instructions. So, she did not simply open the door and allow Paddington to go outside and do his thing. Oh no, she accompanied him. Upon venturing outside, she found that the recent winds had done this to the "grown-up swing" in our back yard:
You will notice that the canopy is not supposed to droop forward as in the photo. So my 5 year old daughter took it upon herself to try to rectify the situation (while the dog was relieving himself, of course). Once she determined that it was a hopeless cause, she returned inside.
It was at this point that she reported to me. You know, mom. The adult. The one who was attempting to be productive. And so the moment we arrived home, I didn't even head upstairs. Rather, I went straight into the laundry room to get things moving along in there while my daughter was allegedly just letting the dog out.
She finds me in the basement moving wet clothes into the dryer and she urgently reports the status of the swing canopy, and I tell her I'll take a look when I'm finished with the clothes. A couple minutes later, when I finally make my way up the stairs this is what I find:
Oh yeah, and did I forget to mention that my child was outside without adult supervision? But it was okay. Paddington was with her. (!!!)
I made her come back inside, I freaked out, then we had a little heart to heart about not going outside without an adult. When I asked her how she thought Paddington would have protected her had she found herself in a situation where a kidnapper was in our (unfenced) yard, she simply said, "He would have bitten him."
This is Paddington. The dog who has been in our family for almost 8 years, but still goes into hiding every time we have company:
Yeah, he's gonna keep someone from kidnapping a child...
(Qualifying statement: We don't allow our children to go outside without adult supervision. Riley took this opportunity upon herself and she was issued both a lecture and a consequence for today's little adventure sans Mommy. So, if you were feeling the need to alert the authorities, don't bother. 2nd Qualifying statement: None of these photos were taken during the unfolding of the aforementioned incident. I took them later, when I was able to see the humor in it.)
You will notice that the canopy is not supposed to droop forward as in the photo. So my 5 year old daughter took it upon herself to try to rectify the situation (while the dog was relieving himself, of course). Once she determined that it was a hopeless cause, she returned inside.
It was at this point that she reported to me. You know, mom. The adult. The one who was attempting to be productive. And so the moment we arrived home, I didn't even head upstairs. Rather, I went straight into the laundry room to get things moving along in there while my daughter was allegedly just letting the dog out.
She finds me in the basement moving wet clothes into the dryer and she urgently reports the status of the swing canopy, and I tell her I'll take a look when I'm finished with the clothes. A couple minutes later, when I finally make my way up the stairs this is what I find:
Oh yeah, and did I forget to mention that my child was outside without adult supervision? But it was okay. Paddington was with her. (!!!)
I made her come back inside, I freaked out, then we had a little heart to heart about not going outside without an adult. When I asked her how she thought Paddington would have protected her had she found herself in a situation where a kidnapper was in our (unfenced) yard, she simply said, "He would have bitten him."
This is Paddington. The dog who has been in our family for almost 8 years, but still goes into hiding every time we have company:
Yeah, he's gonna keep someone from kidnapping a child...
(Qualifying statement: We don't allow our children to go outside without adult supervision. Riley took this opportunity upon herself and she was issued both a lecture and a consequence for today's little adventure sans Mommy. So, if you were feeling the need to alert the authorities, don't bother. 2nd Qualifying statement: None of these photos were taken during the unfolding of the aforementioned incident. I took them later, when I was able to see the humor in it.)
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