We're playing potato heads the other day.
Me: What are we doing? Are we going to the store?
Isaac: Yeah!
Me: What are we buying at the store?
Isaac: We buy potatoes.
Sick cannibal.
Tonight we had 36 lb of blueberries sitting on the counter. We gave Isaac a few blueberries while we got dinner ready. He comes outside before dinner is served with a full bowl of blueberries.
"I eat them?" He asks, as he shoves blueberries into his mouth.
Resourceful little monkey.
"I sit by Promise," Isaac states at almost every meal, pulling his chair closer to his sister. He loves her to the point of squishing her. Repeatedly. He's like that little girl from Loony Tunes growing up who loved her cat too much. "I"ll love her and squeeze her and hold her forever." Something like that. It's that kind of love.
I love that boy, but he is pushing the limits again and again and again. And again. And then some more. By 8 a.m. I'm exhausted. Not sure what we're going to do about that. I screamed at him so loud this afternoon, I thought my vocal cords might pop. He just scampered down the stairs, Promise sitting on the floor looking at me like nothing's new. It's just white noise to her.
He's back to sleeping on his bed the last few nights. This makes me happy, and makes me feel like maybe in the end we'll make him into a "normal" kid yet. Maybe.
Anyway, just a few things I don't want to forget. Jot them down in my online memory keeper and hit the sheets: this momma is exhausted.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Bear Creek June 2013
I was going to wait to publish this post until I had all our pictures to go through. But let's be honest, gathering photos from Justin's camera, the GoPro and Justin's cellphone, putting them all in one spot, going through them and publishing the best ones are never going to happen. Instead, you get a poor pictorial representation of our trip from my phone camera which I hardly used. Confounded photo storage, it's my curse in life.
For our second camping trip this year, we packed up and headed out to Bear Creek again, a short hop from our house to a lakeside campsite. We had a blast with our kids in the great outdoors and they did too.
We did a bit of a trial run back in May, going for one night to the same campsite. It was a lot different then, there was only one other group of people and they were pretty quiet. We had our stretch of beach to ourselves and a quiet evening with only the river rushing nearby for a perfect white noise backdrop.
This time, it was not so quiet.
We arrived in the morning and went to set up in one of the front spots - a primo location. The camp host came up and we realized there was some miscommunication. We had no idea there were camper only sites as we've only been to Bear Creek in the low season. The only spots available to us were in the walk-in area. Considering we had so much stuff in our car I debated taking a second pair of shoes, we were hesitant about a walk-in campsite. But we were already there, Isaac was so excited about camping and we knew Hicks Lake would be busy and tends to be covered in mosquitos.
Our original thought was to camp in the first walk-in site just down a little hill from the camper area. But when we walked to the end of the trail and saw a spot right beside the beach, we knew that would be perfect. It was literally a stone's throw from the beach, so close we could put Promise down for a nap and hear her from the lakeside, and I could call to the guys when lunch was ready from the picnic table. It was awesome!
Justin brought the air mattresses back to the car, pumped them up with our plug-in pump and carried them back. Superstar Daddy!
Of course, camping there meant lugging everything in. My rockstar of a husband unloaded the entire contents of our car into four wheelbarrow loads. We dumped them next to our site as there was a kind family just leaving the site we were about to take. (They told us we should take their spot as it was such a good location).
"Praying" at lunch on Friday.
By early afternoon, Justin had the campsite all set up, we'd eaten lunch and Promise was down for a nap. She slept great during the day there. Isaac played with rocks on the beach while we relaxed and enjoyed our beautiful B.C. backyard. The waters got rough in the afternoon and made for a steady sound that took us back to our ocean holiday memories. It carried to our tent through the night for a soothing sounds to fall asleep to.
Relaxing on the beach
Hot dogs on the fire (which Isaac was overjoyed to get to help build) for dinner and it was off to bed for our kids. Oh us of little camping experience with small children. Foolish, foolish us.
Our bedtime routine of reading is still one of my favourite parts of the day with my boy
Let's just say the next two hours of our lives are gone forever. Forever. And I won't talk about the night. It don't matter a thing in the end.
Fast forward to Saturday day. It was lovely to wake up to the sound of birds chattering in the trees above. Camping coffee tasted so good, bacon and eggs for breakfast and we were on our way to a very, very good day. Saturday brought lots of beach time, a swim in the freezing glacial waters for the hubby and me while our son played happily on the beach, two good naps for my very good daughter, and some actual Strider riding by Isaac who has been refusing to ride it lately. It was all happiness and sunshine for us and our little family time together. We took a walk up to the waterfall, Isaac played well and the chipmunks scampering in the bushes provided I-spy entertainment at mealtimes.
We found the best incentive for Isaac having a temper tantrum on the way back to our end of the campsite when we were nearing dinner was the promise of helping Daddy build another fire. He hopped on his bike ASAP and headed back. It's such a change for him, we were thrilled he wanted to ride his little two-wheeler no-pedal bike. And his paths of choice were over roots, between trees and into the rocks. It was so fun to watch him pushing his little bike around, figuring out what he could do with it. I love that kid.
"Sherwood Forest"
After dinner we gave Isaac what we thought was his first s'more, though we can't remember if he got one at the cabin last year. He didn't smile and was very serious but ate the whole thing. Funny kid for sure.
Bedtime was another not-so-fun adventure, though Promise was amazing. She fell asleep in spite of her brother alternatively playing, crying and unzipping the tent for two hours. Yup, we didn't learn the first time around. Actually, because he'd had such a full day and so little sleep the night before, we were sure he would crash once he got in the tent. No such luck.
The weird thing is that when we went in May, he fell asleep in about 20 minutes without any problems and actually slept in the next morning. But this time, the sun hit our tent in the evening and was quite bright so we suspect that didn't help his internal clock to slow down.
Anyway, Justin wisely said we should just separate our nights and days. Our days of camping were awesome. We'd love to go again but I think we've got something on every weekend now until late August. Plus it was A LOT of work to pack everything up, fit it in the car and unpack on the other end. I dream of a day when we have all our camp stuff in a camper, tent trailer or something. But it was a blessing to tent this time as we were on the quiet end of the campground instead of the parking lot up top.
Happy camper Sunday morning
We got out of the campground around 11 a.m. but were soon stopped by a flat tire on the way to Harrison. I've never had a tire go flat that fast. We heard a loud "pshh pshhh pshh" and that was it! Justin got it fixed quickly and we were on our way.
We had lunch in Harrison followed by some Harrison Festival entertainment then headed home. An awesome weekend all around!
Kids had a power nap after the flat.
I am so thankful to live in B.C., I'm so thankful for a husband who schleps our stuff all the way to the other end of the campground so we can have the perfect spot, I'm so thankful we had the time to get away and I'm so thankful I have kids to share these experiences with. I am a rich woman indeed.
Little Miss P eating lunch
For our second camping trip this year, we packed up and headed out to Bear Creek again, a short hop from our house to a lakeside campsite. We had a blast with our kids in the great outdoors and they did too.
We did a bit of a trial run back in May, going for one night to the same campsite. It was a lot different then, there was only one other group of people and they were pretty quiet. We had our stretch of beach to ourselves and a quiet evening with only the river rushing nearby for a perfect white noise backdrop.
This time, it was not so quiet.
We arrived in the morning and went to set up in one of the front spots - a primo location. The camp host came up and we realized there was some miscommunication. We had no idea there were camper only sites as we've only been to Bear Creek in the low season. The only spots available to us were in the walk-in area. Considering we had so much stuff in our car I debated taking a second pair of shoes, we were hesitant about a walk-in campsite. But we were already there, Isaac was so excited about camping and we knew Hicks Lake would be busy and tends to be covered in mosquitos.
Our original thought was to camp in the first walk-in site just down a little hill from the camper area. But when we walked to the end of the trail and saw a spot right beside the beach, we knew that would be perfect. It was literally a stone's throw from the beach, so close we could put Promise down for a nap and hear her from the lakeside, and I could call to the guys when lunch was ready from the picnic table. It was awesome!
Of course, camping there meant lugging everything in. My rockstar of a husband unloaded the entire contents of our car into four wheelbarrow loads. We dumped them next to our site as there was a kind family just leaving the site we were about to take. (They told us we should take their spot as it was such a good location).
By early afternoon, Justin had the campsite all set up, we'd eaten lunch and Promise was down for a nap. She slept great during the day there. Isaac played with rocks on the beach while we relaxed and enjoyed our beautiful B.C. backyard. The waters got rough in the afternoon and made for a steady sound that took us back to our ocean holiday memories. It carried to our tent through the night for a soothing sounds to fall asleep to.
Hot dogs on the fire (which Isaac was overjoyed to get to help build) for dinner and it was off to bed for our kids. Oh us of little camping experience with small children. Foolish, foolish us.
Let's just say the next two hours of our lives are gone forever. Forever. And I won't talk about the night. It don't matter a thing in the end.
Fast forward to Saturday day. It was lovely to wake up to the sound of birds chattering in the trees above. Camping coffee tasted so good, bacon and eggs for breakfast and we were on our way to a very, very good day. Saturday brought lots of beach time, a swim in the freezing glacial waters for the hubby and me while our son played happily on the beach, two good naps for my very good daughter, and some actual Strider riding by Isaac who has been refusing to ride it lately. It was all happiness and sunshine for us and our little family time together. We took a walk up to the waterfall, Isaac played well and the chipmunks scampering in the bushes provided I-spy entertainment at mealtimes.
We found the best incentive for Isaac having a temper tantrum on the way back to our end of the campsite when we were nearing dinner was the promise of helping Daddy build another fire. He hopped on his bike ASAP and headed back. It's such a change for him, we were thrilled he wanted to ride his little two-wheeler no-pedal bike. And his paths of choice were over roots, between trees and into the rocks. It was so fun to watch him pushing his little bike around, figuring out what he could do with it. I love that kid.
After dinner we gave Isaac what we thought was his first s'more, though we can't remember if he got one at the cabin last year. He didn't smile and was very serious but ate the whole thing. Funny kid for sure.
Bedtime was another not-so-fun adventure, though Promise was amazing. She fell asleep in spite of her brother alternatively playing, crying and unzipping the tent for two hours. Yup, we didn't learn the first time around. Actually, because he'd had such a full day and so little sleep the night before, we were sure he would crash once he got in the tent. No such luck.
The weird thing is that when we went in May, he fell asleep in about 20 minutes without any problems and actually slept in the next morning. But this time, the sun hit our tent in the evening and was quite bright so we suspect that didn't help his internal clock to slow down.
Anyway, Justin wisely said we should just separate our nights and days. Our days of camping were awesome. We'd love to go again but I think we've got something on every weekend now until late August. Plus it was A LOT of work to pack everything up, fit it in the car and unpack on the other end. I dream of a day when we have all our camp stuff in a camper, tent trailer or something. But it was a blessing to tent this time as we were on the quiet end of the campground instead of the parking lot up top.
We got out of the campground around 11 a.m. but were soon stopped by a flat tire on the way to Harrison. I've never had a tire go flat that fast. We heard a loud "pshh pshhh pshh" and that was it! Justin got it fixed quickly and we were on our way.
We had lunch in Harrison followed by some Harrison Festival entertainment then headed home. An awesome weekend all around!
I am so thankful to live in B.C., I'm so thankful for a husband who schleps our stuff all the way to the other end of the campground so we can have the perfect spot, I'm so thankful we had the time to get away and I'm so thankful I have kids to share these experiences with. I am a rich woman indeed.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Seven Months
Oops, I missed Promise's seventh month post. So, before I post an eight month update, I'll just post some of my fave pictures taken between April 23 and May 23 - my girl's seventh month of life!
A few of the highlights of this month as a family were we went camping for the first time this season, I took the two kids to Harrison beach one morning, we had lots of playdates and park outings, and Mother's Day. We also went to the May Day parade in Fort Langley with our friends and had a fun time. You were tired but cuddled into me in the Beco during the parade then sat patiently in the stroller when we walked around the grounds.
Seven months was a big month for you, my girl. On May 15 you rolled from your front to your back! You only did it a few times after that and hasn't since, but let's celebrate what you did do. On May 16 you started sitting up on your own for short spurts if you had something to reach for. Since then, you've gotten to love sitting up and doesn't need any support to hold you anymore. Buh-bye bumbo!
You love your daddy so much. The highlight of my day is seeing you smile when he comes home from work. Best. Job. Ever.
Dear daughter, we love you so much. We're so glad you are in our lives and we get to be in yours. While I'm not good at documenting everything, know that every moment is treasured. You are a movie we only get to watch once, and we try to remember it all in its play to play glory.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Simple play
It's a favourite standby for both of us, a classic for good reason. He starts by running to the pantry and pulling out the bag of cutters he wants. Today it's shapes. Some days it's letters or things that go.
We fall into a comfortable routine, a steady rhythm of rolling, cutting, squishing and rolling
again.
Little by little, I can mark the passage of time and his growth by this activity. He used to not say much at all. Then it was "Ee Ee do." Then it was "Isaac do." Now it's "Isaac make heart. Isaac make circle." As I cut, he tells me what shape it is, or he asks if he doesn't know by pointing. "This?" "That?" And he will ask it again and again until he understands. He used to not be able to cut shapes at all. Now he methodically pushes the cutter into the dough and, more and more often these days, remembers to push all the way to the table, wiggle it and then take out the newly made shape. He's growing up.
I like these moments. Where we are at peace, playing gently and quietly (well, as much as a two and a half year old boy can). Where parenting is simply a matter of making sure there's more rolled out playdough ready to cut, and giving encouraging words about the shape he's created.
It really wasn't that long ago that Isaac was just a baby. Now I see him growing fast, in many ways growing faster than I'm ready for. I think a lot of parenting is trying to stay one step ahead of our kids and instead feeling like we're one step behind. And so much of what I do is for Isaac, like prepping meals, cleaning up, doing laundry, wiping bums. But all he really wants from me is time with him. So for now, I'll just roll some more playdough and play with my boy. He loves it and so do I; in times like these, I can step with him instead of ahead or behind.
We fall into a comfortable routine, a steady rhythm of rolling, cutting, squishing and rolling
again.
Little by little, I can mark the passage of time and his growth by this activity. He used to not say much at all. Then it was "Ee Ee do." Then it was "Isaac do." Now it's "Isaac make heart. Isaac make circle." As I cut, he tells me what shape it is, or he asks if he doesn't know by pointing. "This?" "That?" And he will ask it again and again until he understands. He used to not be able to cut shapes at all. Now he methodically pushes the cutter into the dough and, more and more often these days, remembers to push all the way to the table, wiggle it and then take out the newly made shape. He's growing up.
I like these moments. Where we are at peace, playing gently and quietly (well, as much as a two and a half year old boy can). Where parenting is simply a matter of making sure there's more rolled out playdough ready to cut, and giving encouraging words about the shape he's created.
It really wasn't that long ago that Isaac was just a baby. Now I see him growing fast, in many ways growing faster than I'm ready for. I think a lot of parenting is trying to stay one step ahead of our kids and instead feeling like we're one step behind. And so much of what I do is for Isaac, like prepping meals, cleaning up, doing laundry, wiping bums. But all he really wants from me is time with him. So for now, I'll just roll some more playdough and play with my boy. He loves it and so do I; in times like these, I can step with him instead of ahead or behind.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Six Months
Dear Promise,
You are six months old now. What a big girl you're becoming! It's hard to believe that six months ago, you were a tiny, helpless baby just trying to figure out what happened in your world to turn it upside down.
Now you're a happy, healthy half a year old little girl. You know the faces and voices of those who love you best. You know how to tell us what you need and we know what you want and like. You are learning more every day and we thank God for the child that you are and that we get to be your parents. Your daddy absolutely adores you and it makes his day when you smile at him or occasionally cuddle into his shoulder. What a gift you are, precious one.
Sibling love:
Your favourite thing to do is still watch Isaac. You crane your body towards where he is and smile at him. Even though he is big and dangerous to you because he's unaware of his body, you just think he's the bestest. And he is the bestest. Isaac loves you lots and one of my biggest Mommy melting heart moments is when the two of you smile at each other. He will run and get toys for you (and thrust them into your face but that's unintentional). He'll take your dirty diaper to the garbage. He's started to say "peep-a-boo Pomise." It's so darn cute. He tries to "help" you in your jumparoo with bouncing up and down, and he likes to put the tray down on your swing for you. When you wake up from naps and I tell Isaac I'm going to go get you up, he'll run upstairs with me to come into your room. He loudly exclaims "Hi Missy," and you wiggle with joy right back.
Food:
You've started down the road to solids, though you were a slower starter at it than Isaac. He was eager and ready from the first spoonful. For you, we tried rice cereal and you woke up crying throughout the night, apparently a common reaction for kids who just aren't quite ready to handle solids. So we waited a couple weeks and tried again, this time with avocado. Your body handled it well though you seemed indifferent to it. But finally the week you turned six months you got really excited when I started spoonfeeding you the mashed up avocado mixed with water. Since then you've also had banana. Now you lunge towards the spoon and smile eagerly for more.
Now that you're eating, you look at everything we put in our mouths too. Last week you were sitting on my lap while we were eating pudding. You intently watched as I put the spoon into the bowl, then past your head and into my mouth. It was cute to watch.
You also love Mum Mum crackers. I think you even recognize the package! You were a pro with it from the first cracker, deftly getting it to your mouth and taking huge chomps of it.
Sleep:
For the most part, you are a wonderful sleeper! On our best days, you go to bed by 7 p.m., fall asleep with no help from us. Daddy gives you a bottle around 10:30 and you take 6-8 ounces. You wake up around 6 or even 6:30 a.m. Sometimes you wake up earlier and, as long as Isaac isn't up already, you nurse then go back to bed either for a couple hours or until Isaac is noisy. Ideally, you have a good one and a half hour nap in the morning and an hour or two in the afternoon, and often a catnap of 40 minutes around dinner.
Of course, most days that plan doesn't work. And unfortunately the last four days you've really struggled with sleep. But I'm sure we'll get it figured out again. You are such an easy baby that even when you're tired, you tend to just roll with things for which I am very thankful.
Personality:
I'd like to say you are an angel baby; easy to take care of, to read and to soothe. However, you've been in the arms of other mommas lately and done nothing but cry. Perhaps I've just learned to read you better and, naturally, you love your momma more than anyone in the whole wide world right now so it's nice that you're happy when you're with me!
Milestones:
Nothing yet. You still hate tummy time and have yet to roll over, crawl or sit up on your own. I'm not worried about you; you're just taking your time. Can we count eating your own feet as a milestone? If so, you're a pro at that! You are quite the mouther actually. You suck your fingers to calm yourself down and go to sleep. You suck various fingers or sometimes your thumb just because. And you put anything you can grab towards your mouth now.
We love you so much Promise, and I am so blessed to be your mommy. I'm grateful I get to spend my days with you and know this time is very limited and very, very precious. You are loved beyond measure my girl.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Day is done.
Do you ever get that dreaded feeling that you don't want to go to bed, because if you do it just means the next time you open your eyes it will be to a new day where you already don't have the energy to face it? I realize the illogicality of that idea. Stay up later because you know you'll be tired. I just dread going to sleep, knowing all that waits me is another day like today.
And here's the kicker. Today was fine. Kids both slept through the night last night, minus both of them around 1:30 waking up and needing about two to five minutes of comfort each. Promise had a nap before heading out for playgroup. The sun was shining. She had another two hour nap this afternoon.
Nothing about the day should've made it so bad. But it was. I fought and I fought and I fought some more with a two and a half year old who has the nerve to tell me "no." Who doesn't clean up toys at all anymore, which is especially tough since he used to be so good at it. Who throws things and tantrums and my patience out the window. Who won't listen to me and then when I punish him with a spanking makes me feel like the worst mom on the planet with the tears in his eyes and just wanting a hug from his mommy who just gave him a spanking. It hurts my heart.
And my own psychological issues to deal with on top of the mommy problems. With weight and eating and vowing to have a healthy day and turn around later to eat more cookies than I dare write down. Ugh. I'd say "tomorrow is a new day" but that's bull-you-know-what because every day is a new day and I continue to make these same mistakes. Disgusting is what it is. I'm disgusted at myself.
And meanwhile I know I should just pull it together. There are families dealing with actual problems, not just normal toddler behaviours and a mommy with a dysfunctional relationship with food. Families whose hearts are breaking because they've lost their child. Families who are out of money and work and stuck in a hard spot. People without families, who go to sleep at night alone and crying, wishing for what I have. Why do I feel so frustrated and challenged when my problems are because of blessings in my life?
It's way past my bedtime. I'm exhausted and even though I have no answers to my questions, I know for certain tomorrow will not be any easier on less sleep.
And here's the kicker. Today was fine. Kids both slept through the night last night, minus both of them around 1:30 waking up and needing about two to five minutes of comfort each. Promise had a nap before heading out for playgroup. The sun was shining. She had another two hour nap this afternoon.
Nothing about the day should've made it so bad. But it was. I fought and I fought and I fought some more with a two and a half year old who has the nerve to tell me "no." Who doesn't clean up toys at all anymore, which is especially tough since he used to be so good at it. Who throws things and tantrums and my patience out the window. Who won't listen to me and then when I punish him with a spanking makes me feel like the worst mom on the planet with the tears in his eyes and just wanting a hug from his mommy who just gave him a spanking. It hurts my heart.
And my own psychological issues to deal with on top of the mommy problems. With weight and eating and vowing to have a healthy day and turn around later to eat more cookies than I dare write down. Ugh. I'd say "tomorrow is a new day" but that's bull-you-know-what because every day is a new day and I continue to make these same mistakes. Disgusting is what it is. I'm disgusted at myself.
And meanwhile I know I should just pull it together. There are families dealing with actual problems, not just normal toddler behaviours and a mommy with a dysfunctional relationship with food. Families whose hearts are breaking because they've lost their child. Families who are out of money and work and stuck in a hard spot. People without families, who go to sleep at night alone and crying, wishing for what I have. Why do I feel so frustrated and challenged when my problems are because of blessings in my life?
It's way past my bedtime. I'm exhausted and even though I have no answers to my questions, I know for certain tomorrow will not be any easier on less sleep.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Random Thoughts
I think it's OK to celebrate the "super mom" moments we have. Not to boast or belittle others, but because there are so many "not-super mom" moments that we beat ourselves up about. It's nice to know that sometimes, we get something right. We spend so much time telling ourselves we're not good enough. But it's not true. God has given me the responsibility over these two little ones and He's not about to not give me the strength, endurance and skills needed to raise them right.
So my super mom moment today was making biscuits for our picnic lunch. Never mind that the reason I had to make biscuits was because I was totally out of "picnic" food around the house. Like fruit or rice cakes or bread. I did go shopping Sunday night and it's only Wednesday now. Like I say, never mind all that. I made biscuits. Hurrah!
I must say, the sign of a good week is that we're on day three and have yet to eat a lunch at home : ) That means we're out picnicing with friends and enjoying this glorious sunshine.
Promise turned six months yesterday! More on that in a later post.
Feeling very grateful for my kids of late. Our friend Ginnie is going through heartbreak right now and our hearts are breaking with her. It makes me hug my kids tighter, praise the Lord when they cry because it means they're healthy, alive and can tell us they need something, and love on them more. Not that it should take tragedy to cause me to think that way, but it helps.
And I'm feeling very blessed by friendship lately. I think grown-up friendships are different than the ones we make as kids. They sometimes feel more fragile, like it wouldn't take much to upset the other person and send them packing. But even when I reveal my ugly side, I have friends that don't shove it in my face and walk the other way. I'm grateful for that too.
Isaac comes downstairs yesterday while I'm nursing Promise in the living room. He's playing with something in his hand that I assume is garbage, but when he puts it on the coffee table, I can't figure out what it is. I ask him to give it to me. In my hand drops a snail shell. My immediate reaction is to yell and drop the sucker on the couch. Like it bites or something. I then collect myself, laugh and tell Isaac it's a snail shell. That is, until I see the gunky stuff underneath that proves there's an actual animal inside this shell.
As it sits on the couch, Isaac proceeds to tell me in his broken English that he found the snail upstairs and he "jump jump" jumped with it. Poor snail, good thing he had that shell when he encountered a two and a half year old. We watch a couple Youtube videos about snails (one which was hilarious, done like an educational video but definitely more humourous for grownups). I tell him that snails belong outside and that we'll put it out on our way to the car for Women's Break. He puts it by the front door and that's that.
A little while later, I'm doing something or other and Isaac comes running up to me saying "snail, snail." Yes, I tell him, you found a snail this morning. He goes away. Comes back again, "snail, snail."
Finally I clue in. Go into the kitchen and there is a snail gooing his way across my kitchen floor. I scream (Even as I write this, I don't know why I screamed. IT'S A SNAIL LORENE.) I quickly grab Isaac's bucket and shovel located conveniently by the front door, slide the snail into the bucket, toss open the door and huck that snail as far as I can toss. I am soooo mature.
I am scared to be a mom of a boy if an unexpected snail appearance causes this much panic before 8:30 a.m.
The upside of all that is this afternoon on our BBQ cover, what do I spot but another snail. This time, being the educationally minded, mature mommy that I am, proceed to calmly point it out to Isaac, pick it up and put it on the deck so he can watch it and let Isaac be fascinated by nature.
Isaac watching the snail.
That is all for now.
So my super mom moment today was making biscuits for our picnic lunch. Never mind that the reason I had to make biscuits was because I was totally out of "picnic" food around the house. Like fruit or rice cakes or bread. I did go shopping Sunday night and it's only Wednesday now. Like I say, never mind all that. I made biscuits. Hurrah!
I must say, the sign of a good week is that we're on day three and have yet to eat a lunch at home : ) That means we're out picnicing with friends and enjoying this glorious sunshine.
Promise turned six months yesterday! More on that in a later post.
Feeling very grateful for my kids of late. Our friend Ginnie is going through heartbreak right now and our hearts are breaking with her. It makes me hug my kids tighter, praise the Lord when they cry because it means they're healthy, alive and can tell us they need something, and love on them more. Not that it should take tragedy to cause me to think that way, but it helps.
And I'm feeling very blessed by friendship lately. I think grown-up friendships are different than the ones we make as kids. They sometimes feel more fragile, like it wouldn't take much to upset the other person and send them packing. But even when I reveal my ugly side, I have friends that don't shove it in my face and walk the other way. I'm grateful for that too.
Isaac comes downstairs yesterday while I'm nursing Promise in the living room. He's playing with something in his hand that I assume is garbage, but when he puts it on the coffee table, I can't figure out what it is. I ask him to give it to me. In my hand drops a snail shell. My immediate reaction is to yell and drop the sucker on the couch. Like it bites or something. I then collect myself, laugh and tell Isaac it's a snail shell. That is, until I see the gunky stuff underneath that proves there's an actual animal inside this shell.
As it sits on the couch, Isaac proceeds to tell me in his broken English that he found the snail upstairs and he "jump jump" jumped with it. Poor snail, good thing he had that shell when he encountered a two and a half year old. We watch a couple Youtube videos about snails (one which was hilarious, done like an educational video but definitely more humourous for grownups). I tell him that snails belong outside and that we'll put it out on our way to the car for Women's Break. He puts it by the front door and that's that.
A little while later, I'm doing something or other and Isaac comes running up to me saying "snail, snail." Yes, I tell him, you found a snail this morning. He goes away. Comes back again, "snail, snail."
Finally I clue in. Go into the kitchen and there is a snail gooing his way across my kitchen floor. I scream (Even as I write this, I don't know why I screamed. IT'S A SNAIL LORENE.) I quickly grab Isaac's bucket and shovel located conveniently by the front door, slide the snail into the bucket, toss open the door and huck that snail as far as I can toss. I am soooo mature.
I am scared to be a mom of a boy if an unexpected snail appearance causes this much panic before 8:30 a.m.
The upside of all that is this afternoon on our BBQ cover, what do I spot but another snail. This time, being the educationally minded, mature mommy that I am, proceed to calmly point it out to Isaac, pick it up and put it on the deck so he can watch it and let Isaac be fascinated by nature.
Isaac watching the snail.
That is all for now.
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