Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
And there you have it...
So we're working on homework with Big Belle. It's math. So far, I'm still okay. I think I'll be able to handle working with her on this for a couple of more years before I'm maxed out. And, seeing as I used to teach the curriculum she's doing this year, I have a lot of strategies I can help her with. Usually, she needs very little help, but money has not come too easy so far. So...we're talking about it at the dinner table, which all came about as she asked why the Tooth Fairy gives her friend $5 per tooth, and she only got $1. Hm. We were stumped. Chris brilliantly suggested it was because her friend had 2 brothers and was the only girl so that's why the Tooth Fairy gave her $5. An excuse like that only works because she's 6. We'll have to work on something better, but I was impressed with his quick thinking.
But back to math. We're discussing how many quarters in a dollar, check she knew that. How many dimes in a dollar, she quickly counted by tens and figured that out. How many nickels -- yup, this girl was on a roll! And pennies next -- piece of cake! I was impressed. But time to squash that pride she was feeling...because there's nothing like a mom knocking your tooth out one day and making you think extra hard the next. So I said, okay, how many pennies in (drumroll please) $2.00?????????
Oh she thought. She stumbled. She tried. But each time she kept sticking with 100. So I stepped in. Time for me to impress the family with my smarts. Time to show this daughter who has the brains at the table.
"Well, if you have 100 pennies in ONE dollar..." I perhaps said a might too smuggly...
"THEN YOU HAVE 100 PENNIES IN THE OTHER DOLLAR too!" Big Belle responded.
And darn it, if she wasn't right.
And if you look carefully, you will find my pride still laying under the table with the crumbs, waiting to be swept away. Fortunately for me, it will probably lay there for a few days. Maybe I can try to gather it up again for round two.
But back to math. We're discussing how many quarters in a dollar, check she knew that. How many dimes in a dollar, she quickly counted by tens and figured that out. How many nickels -- yup, this girl was on a roll! And pennies next -- piece of cake! I was impressed. But time to squash that pride she was feeling...because there's nothing like a mom knocking your tooth out one day and making you think extra hard the next. So I said, okay, how many pennies in (drumroll please) $2.00?????????
Oh she thought. She stumbled. She tried. But each time she kept sticking with 100. So I stepped in. Time for me to impress the family with my smarts. Time to show this daughter who has the brains at the table.
"Well, if you have 100 pennies in ONE dollar..." I perhaps said a might too smuggly...
"THEN YOU HAVE 100 PENNIES IN THE OTHER DOLLAR too!" Big Belle responded.
And darn it, if she wasn't right.
And if you look carefully, you will find my pride still laying under the table with the crumbs, waiting to be swept away. Fortunately for me, it will probably lay there for a few days. Maybe I can try to gather it up again for round two.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
That's One Way to Do It.
Big Belle's loss of teeth has not disappointed in the eventful category. Though when is losing a body part not that eventful.... The last two have had their share of drama as she let out a blood curdling scream in class when her tooth turned around backwards before pulling it out in the office...and then there was the one that fell out on Christmas Eve. Surely Santa AND the Tooth Fairy saw each other?
So this tooth was not to be outdone. The twin to the school scream and upstairs neighbor to Christmas Eve...this tooth has actually been fairly peaceful in the wiggling department. Meaning, a slight breeze wasn't sending it flipping madly about her mouth, and I wasn't being asked to wiggle it every 5 seconds. Although she declared it was impossible to eat dinner last night, and I was instructed to only give her yogurt and turkey lunchmeat for lunch today (although I snuck some Cheetos in and she didn't seem to have a problem with them).
Fast forward to today after school. Chris was home from work, it was in the mid-60s at least, sun shining. I cleaned out my car (that's another post in and of itself) and we played some Cul-de-Sac soccer. Big Belle cheats. Chris and I like to play as much as the girls, so we usually try and kick the ball a little without them (nice, huh) or hit one of the big plastic balls that we have around. So we had this big like 26" ball, very soft and light, and we were hitting and kicking it. Chris kicked it to me, and I took it and threw it at Big Belle. Being the nice mom that I am. Of course, I couldn't resist playfully bopping her in the face with it (I mentioned she cheated at soccer, right?). Don't report me anywhere. She laughed. I laughed. And then I said "And even THAT didn't make your tooth fall out?!" And then -- "Mommy, it DID make my tooth fall out!" Low and behold the bloody cavern and empty gap where the tooth once was. Speaking of the tooth...
So this tooth was not to be outdone. The twin to the school scream and upstairs neighbor to Christmas Eve...this tooth has actually been fairly peaceful in the wiggling department. Meaning, a slight breeze wasn't sending it flipping madly about her mouth, and I wasn't being asked to wiggle it every 5 seconds. Although she declared it was impossible to eat dinner last night, and I was instructed to only give her yogurt and turkey lunchmeat for lunch today (although I snuck some Cheetos in and she didn't seem to have a problem with them).
Fast forward to today after school. Chris was home from work, it was in the mid-60s at least, sun shining. I cleaned out my car (that's another post in and of itself) and we played some Cul-de-Sac soccer. Big Belle cheats. Chris and I like to play as much as the girls, so we usually try and kick the ball a little without them (nice, huh) or hit one of the big plastic balls that we have around. So we had this big like 26" ball, very soft and light, and we were hitting and kicking it. Chris kicked it to me, and I took it and threw it at Big Belle. Being the nice mom that I am. Of course, I couldn't resist playfully bopping her in the face with it (I mentioned she cheated at soccer, right?). Don't report me anywhere. She laughed. I laughed. And then I said "And even THAT didn't make your tooth fall out?!" And then -- "Mommy, it DID make my tooth fall out!" Low and behold the bloody cavern and empty gap where the tooth once was. Speaking of the tooth...
it's gone.
Much like the mysterious mouse that disappeared in June and has not been seen since, the tooth could not be found. Big Belle swears she didn't swallow it, but we searched the street everywhere. So after her bath, Belle has a whole note planned for the Tooth Fairy. Hope that Tooth Fairy is ready!
And I need to go update my resume to "tooth loosener" who knew I had such skills.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Small Celebrations
We celebrate first teeth -- coming and going. We party for goals achieved, lessons learned, and great behavior. We honor good grades and hug and kiss and snuggle and eat ice cream for a number of many other accomplishments for all of the Belles.
Clara Belle has perhaps the strongest personality of all of the Belles right now. She is dominant, yet sensitive. Observant, yet wary. Outspoken, yet shy. She is my enigma, my oxymoron, my wonder.
She thinks she is pretty amazing, and she's right! She is also realizing, she is small. We're not talking "Little People" small, but small nonetheless. It's hard to remember that she's not a little baby any more, because she is still perfectly sized, and often it is quicker to carry her somewhere than wait for her tiny legs to bring her there. She also hears it at school...as she tries to reach things, like light switches. She was very proud of herself when she could finally reach them at home, though she has to dance on the very top of her toes to do so. But all of that is okay with her...until the other kids at school start telling her "you're not growing" and "you're so little". Now she has started to have a complex about her size, and everything is in comparison to how 'big' she's getting. Poor thing.
And yet, through it all, she's blossoming. And her personality keeps blooming, not always in good ways now, but ways I know will serve her well in the future.... Ways that will probably drive us crazy for the next 14 years, but after that, we should be good. At least that's what I tell myself now.
So while I'm tempted to set money aside for her future law career, instead I will plan her 4th birthday which is just around the corner. And today, while it may only be in my mind, I will celebrate my "little" girl...my "middle" girl...because she's finally 3 feet tall. Congratulations Clara. We love you.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Well, bless my little soul...
I do believe I may be turning southern.
Not in an eating grits kind of way. I'm too old to feel the need to try grits. Before anyone starts singing "try it, you'll like it" (thank you very much Yo Gabba Gabba) I feel the need to say: "no". Maybe I would like it. You're right. Maybe this very day I'm missing out on so much greatness in life. Who knows how fulfilled I could feel by trying grits and perhaps liking them!
And then again, maybe not.
It's no secret to me that I really don't give a rat's toenail about food. I could easily eat the same 5 things in revolution for a very long time. I have a very simple palatte, and it prefers to stay that way. I am old enough now to eat dessert instead of dinner; not clean my plate if I don't want to; have Pop whenever I want (yup, said Pop. Not so southern huh....) and I don't have to try food I don't want to try. So there.
But, back to the main point here. 9 years ago this coming week we made our way down here to check the place out. And, then moved just a few weeks later. 37+ months of pregnancies, nearly 36 months of breastfeeding, and never ending diapers later...and I'm finally getting used to the weather. And part of that means not missing the snow and cold so much.
It was about 36 and rainy here today, but the real feel was 31. We were briefly out running an errand. brrr, it was very cold. It's supposed to be 65 on Thursday, and many days there are 60 degree temperatures forecasted. I know in another month I will probably be stashing the few sweaters I've gotten out this year and putting the warm coats away. And I'm sure in another few months I will be complaining about the heat. Because, even though I may be getting used to the southern weather, I'm still a good Yankee and I'm going to complain Honestly.
The thought of living somewhere where it would take an extra 15 minutes just to get my kids dressed to go outside just sounds...tirelessly burdensome. I do love snow. I miss skiiing. The girls (think) they are dying to play in it, build snowmen, etc. The little bit we saw on our return trip home at Christmas made me question how much I "didn't" miss it.
I don't think it's so much that I'm turning southern, I think I'm accepting my place. I still feel homesick in the Fall, when the crispness of the northern air hits hard around my birthday, and the beauty and color of the leaves is unmatchable. The cider mill scent no candle can match, the pre-holiday feeling like nature's dressing room trying on the perfect ensemble.
I've found an outfit of my own and it finally fits, after 9 years of trying. My family is complete, and as we all grow and say goodbye to the few baby items that we manage to rid ourselves of each week, we look forward to new memories. Thanksgiving in shorts, summers where it's too hot to play outside, winters where it's too beautiful not to play ball in the street.
And sometime, ya'll, I think if I left, I would wonder which home I would be sick for then.
Not in an eating grits kind of way. I'm too old to feel the need to try grits. Before anyone starts singing "try it, you'll like it" (thank you very much Yo Gabba Gabba) I feel the need to say: "no". Maybe I would like it. You're right. Maybe this very day I'm missing out on so much greatness in life. Who knows how fulfilled I could feel by trying grits and perhaps liking them!
And then again, maybe not.
It's no secret to me that I really don't give a rat's toenail about food. I could easily eat the same 5 things in revolution for a very long time. I have a very simple palatte, and it prefers to stay that way. I am old enough now to eat dessert instead of dinner; not clean my plate if I don't want to; have Pop whenever I want (yup, said Pop. Not so southern huh....) and I don't have to try food I don't want to try. So there.
But, back to the main point here. 9 years ago this coming week we made our way down here to check the place out. And, then moved just a few weeks later. 37+ months of pregnancies, nearly 36 months of breastfeeding, and never ending diapers later...and I'm finally getting used to the weather. And part of that means not missing the snow and cold so much.
It was about 36 and rainy here today, but the real feel was 31. We were briefly out running an errand. brrr, it was very cold. It's supposed to be 65 on Thursday, and many days there are 60 degree temperatures forecasted. I know in another month I will probably be stashing the few sweaters I've gotten out this year and putting the warm coats away. And I'm sure in another few months I will be complaining about the heat. Because, even though I may be getting used to the southern weather, I'm still a good Yankee and I'm going to complain Honestly.
The thought of living somewhere where it would take an extra 15 minutes just to get my kids dressed to go outside just sounds...tirelessly burdensome. I do love snow. I miss skiiing. The girls (think) they are dying to play in it, build snowmen, etc. The little bit we saw on our return trip home at Christmas made me question how much I "didn't" miss it.
I don't think it's so much that I'm turning southern, I think I'm accepting my place. I still feel homesick in the Fall, when the crispness of the northern air hits hard around my birthday, and the beauty and color of the leaves is unmatchable. The cider mill scent no candle can match, the pre-holiday feeling like nature's dressing room trying on the perfect ensemble.
I've found an outfit of my own and it finally fits, after 9 years of trying. My family is complete, and as we all grow and say goodbye to the few baby items that we manage to rid ourselves of each week, we look forward to new memories. Thanksgiving in shorts, summers where it's too hot to play outside, winters where it's too beautiful not to play ball in the street.
And sometime, ya'll, I think if I left, I would wonder which home I would be sick for then.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Nods
Forgive me if no one thinks this is cute but me. Our neighbors moved to small horse farm nearby so we visited....
Monday, February 6, 2012
HEllloooooooooooo loooo loooooloooo (that's an echo)
I KNOW! Where have I been?
Here. There. And Here. With a million posts running through my head and no motivation to do anything with them. I am tired of computers. I am unfilled with technology. I sit down, and find either too much to look at that I am overwhelmed and overloaded, or just nothing interests me.
Currently, I am obsessed with this eagle cam. It's a regular soap opera. THis is the same eagle cam I followed last year. The male eagle is the same, but the female eagle from last year was killed by a plane. He is currently courting 3 FEMALES, has been mating, and they have been working on their nest. Hopefully he will choose one to bond with and they will lay eggs one of these days. When I say I am obsessed, I truly am. The site stays up in my classroom most of the day, and on my laptop at my desk as well. Enjoy! and you're welcome.
I did find a new recipe site I am slighly intrigued with. I have even printed out some recipes of interest. However, seeing as I have not increased my interest in cooking or eating, the likelihood of these developing into a new meal is currently more on the minimal scale. But, you never know.
No one is emailing me. Probably because I am not emailing anyone. So email is boring. This morning my email inbox contained the following emails: AARP, Be Belly Fat Free, Medicare Open Enrollment, and FTD florals. Interesting. Now I get to worry about getting old, getting sick, getting rid of my belly fat, and I guess being sick enough that I need flowers! Help me.
As so many people have around the country, we have also been enjoying this delightful "winter". Most of the days are in the 60's, or higher. The days that aren't feel so much colder than they should so it takes a little more to inspire us to be outside, but we're having a lot of fun playing ball with everyone. Baby Belle LOVES being outside, and throws a tantrum whenever we head in.
I will update more later. I'm pretty sure I have some photos/videos on my phone to dump on you. I hope I will feel inspired and will be blogging more frequently!
'Till next time!
Here. There. And Here. With a million posts running through my head and no motivation to do anything with them. I am tired of computers. I am unfilled with technology. I sit down, and find either too much to look at that I am overwhelmed and overloaded, or just nothing interests me.
Currently, I am obsessed with this eagle cam. It's a regular soap opera. THis is the same eagle cam I followed last year. The male eagle is the same, but the female eagle from last year was killed by a plane. He is currently courting 3 FEMALES, has been mating, and they have been working on their nest. Hopefully he will choose one to bond with and they will lay eggs one of these days. When I say I am obsessed, I truly am. The site stays up in my classroom most of the day, and on my laptop at my desk as well. Enjoy! and you're welcome.
I did find a new recipe site I am slighly intrigued with. I have even printed out some recipes of interest. However, seeing as I have not increased my interest in cooking or eating, the likelihood of these developing into a new meal is currently more on the minimal scale. But, you never know.
No one is emailing me. Probably because I am not emailing anyone. So email is boring. This morning my email inbox contained the following emails: AARP, Be Belly Fat Free, Medicare Open Enrollment, and FTD florals. Interesting. Now I get to worry about getting old, getting sick, getting rid of my belly fat, and I guess being sick enough that I need flowers! Help me.
As so many people have around the country, we have also been enjoying this delightful "winter". Most of the days are in the 60's, or higher. The days that aren't feel so much colder than they should so it takes a little more to inspire us to be outside, but we're having a lot of fun playing ball with everyone. Baby Belle LOVES being outside, and throws a tantrum whenever we head in.
I will update more later. I'm pretty sure I have some photos/videos on my phone to dump on you. I hope I will feel inspired and will be blogging more frequently!
'Till next time!
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