I had the opportunity to help in Parker's kindergarten class yesterday. I was nervous about it at first, and was afraid the kids would totally intimidate me. Or that I'd be asked to do something I wasn't comfortable doing. I think I thought of every worse case scenario imaginable (maybe this is why people don't volunteer in the first place).
Parker's class has about 25 kids and 15 moms who want to help so I only have to go in every 3 weeks, and I wasn't quick enough about telling the teacher I was willing and could be available so this is the first time I have helped. The time she needs the help is just for 1 hour. So I had a neighbor watch my kids and headed over.
When I first got there I got to grade some math worksheets. After that I just helped during "center time". For center time the class is divided into different groups and then each group goes to a different table/station to do an activity. The activities ranged from drawing the right animal in a animal book that was in Spanish, to walking around the room and writing valentine words that were hidden around the room, there was even a station for the kids to do some math games on a computer. Every ten minutes they would change stations. I believe there were 6 stations and each group went to 3 stations.My job was to help the kids get logged-on the computes and then just make sure everyone was on task.
An hour isn't a long time but it still seemed like it was over way before it should have been. I can't wait to go back in about 3 weeks to help again.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Boy Oh Boy
Around the end of September I found out I was pregnant with our 4th child. I know there was a possibility of it happening and was one day late getting my period. I normally would have waited another week so as not to waste a pregnancy test on a negative test, but I was scheduled to give blood that morning so I drove to Walgreens bought the test and came back and did the test. It came back positive. I was SO EXCITED which surprised me. My youngest was not even a year yet and by all accounts I could be considered crazy under some circumstances.
Usually when I find out I'm pregnant I start to think back to having to wake up during the night, dirty diapers, and nursing. I guess because it hadn't been that long since I had done some of those things and I was still in the thick of dirty diapers, and nursing those things didn't seem like that big of a deal.
My early pregnancy was easier than any of my other ones, but that doesn't really explain it. I have really easy pregnancies and at the worse I have a lose of appetite, am tired, and have to get up to go potty at night. This pregnancy I only experienced the last symptom during the first little bit. I wasn't sure if it being so easy was because I was having a girl, but was really hoping it was a boy.
You would think after 3 boys I would have been hoping for a girl, but I'm the type of person that orders the dish I know will taste good from a restaurant rather than venture off and order something that might be just as good, and who know might even be better. I've really enjoyed raising my boys. I also have limited knowledge/desire to do a girls hair, figure out dance classes, or play with barbies/dolls.
One great thing about girls is their clothes are SO CUTE making them really fun to dress. I will miss out on that for now, but I can always buy cute things for others. I'm sure the expectant moms won't mind me getting my girly shopping done on their behalf.
At almost 21 weeks I had the ultrasound and although we had considered not finding out what we were going to have we decided on the way to the ultrasound to find out. As they went to the area to look for the gender we knew without them telling us that we were going to be having a boy. I was so ECSTATIC. Don't get me wrong I would have been happy for a girl, but a boy was in my eyes PERFECT!!!
One drawback to having boys is they are known to eat a ton when they become teenagers. When this one is 12 we will also have a 13, 16 and 18 year old. We figure we should start saving now to feed these growing boys. I guess I can use all the money I'm saving by not buying a ton of girl clothes to start a fund to pay to feed these boys in a few years.
We are looking forward to having our 4th boy around the 1st of June. Ideally it would wait until the 5th when Parker will be done with school, but I'm not banking on that since that would be a little over a week over my due date.
Usually when I find out I'm pregnant I start to think back to having to wake up during the night, dirty diapers, and nursing. I guess because it hadn't been that long since I had done some of those things and I was still in the thick of dirty diapers, and nursing those things didn't seem like that big of a deal.
My early pregnancy was easier than any of my other ones, but that doesn't really explain it. I have really easy pregnancies and at the worse I have a lose of appetite, am tired, and have to get up to go potty at night. This pregnancy I only experienced the last symptom during the first little bit. I wasn't sure if it being so easy was because I was having a girl, but was really hoping it was a boy.
You would think after 3 boys I would have been hoping for a girl, but I'm the type of person that orders the dish I know will taste good from a restaurant rather than venture off and order something that might be just as good, and who know might even be better. I've really enjoyed raising my boys. I also have limited knowledge/desire to do a girls hair, figure out dance classes, or play with barbies/dolls.
One great thing about girls is their clothes are SO CUTE making them really fun to dress. I will miss out on that for now, but I can always buy cute things for others. I'm sure the expectant moms won't mind me getting my girly shopping done on their behalf.
At almost 21 weeks I had the ultrasound and although we had considered not finding out what we were going to have we decided on the way to the ultrasound to find out. As they went to the area to look for the gender we knew without them telling us that we were going to be having a boy. I was so ECSTATIC. Don't get me wrong I would have been happy for a girl, but a boy was in my eyes PERFECT!!!
One drawback to having boys is they are known to eat a ton when they become teenagers. When this one is 12 we will also have a 13, 16 and 18 year old. We figure we should start saving now to feed these growing boys. I guess I can use all the money I'm saving by not buying a ton of girl clothes to start a fund to pay to feed these boys in a few years.
We are looking forward to having our 4th boy around the 1st of June. Ideally it would wait until the 5th when Parker will be done with school, but I'm not banking on that since that would be a little over a week over my due date.
Parker's Looses His First Tooth.
For the last several months Parker has had a loose tooth. His adult teeth were even coming in behind the teeth. After several months of it being loose and him refusing to try anything to get it to come out. I finally talked him into having Troy pull it out. He pulled it out and then Parker put the tooth under his pillow for the tooth fairy. In the morning the tooth fairy hadn't come, and Parker demanded answers. The answer came that night when we pulled his next tooth. I told him the tooth fairy must have know he was going to loose the other one so she just waited. This morning Parker woke up and the tooth fairy had transformed his teeth into dollar bills. Pretty cool. I'm kinda wishing I could put teeth under my pillow and have money magically appear.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Specialists make better products
If you want a top of the line product you are going to get it from a company that specializes in that product.
On May 20th we found out we are continuing to specialize in boys. We found out our 3rd child is going to be a boy.
Going into this I was about 70% they were going to tell us we were having a girl. This pregnancy has been a little different than my others so I assumed that was a sign that this one was going to be a girl. Also Parker kept telling me it was a girl. His reasoning was that I was a girl. I did however have a dream that it was a boy. I actually bought a few CUTE outfits for girls. I figured if it ended up being a boy I'd have them for shower gifts so ether way I could make use of them.
During the ultrasound they came to the point where they find out the gender. The technician showed us and with out her telling us what we were seeing, both Troy and I could tell we were going to be having another boy. I'll admit when we saw that it was a boy I was a little disappointed, but that only lasted for about 30 seconds or so when my disappointment turned to extreme excitement. Another boy is perfect for our family
This pregnancy has continued to be different than the other two, but maybe that is because I'm pregnant at different time of year. In a few ways it has been easier, and in other ways it has been harder.
The worst part of having another boy is deciding on a name. I think we can figure out a name for this one, but honestly if we have another boy after this we might have to name him: Boy, Kid, Dude or Male.
Max doesn't seem to care/understand what will be happening in a few months. Parker on the other hand will ask me questions about it. He'll say, "Mom, is your boy baby laughing." He tells me that the baby is going to kick really hard and then he'll come out. I think Parker will do OK once the baby comes. Max on the other hand is going to struggle.
There is still about 16 weeks or about 4 months until the due date.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
A Mom's Spiritual Struggle
I'll admit I've been in a spiritual slump for the last little bit. The spirit hasn't been strong within me.
Recently I've pondered on this and wondered and prayed for WHY???
Reverence is more than just quietly sitting, it's thinking of Father above . . .
During church, how is a family to be reverent when you have a 3 year old and a 1 year old.
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to go to some church history sites. We got to see the Sacred Grove - The site where Joseph Smith wondering which church to join, knelt down and humbly prayed for direction. As we walked into the grove a sign said to be reverent. I read this as we walked in with our two kids. I chuckled at the thought of us actually being reverent. HA HA HA! Luckily there weren't very many people there. There was a peaceful feel while we were there, but I can't say I was overcome by the spirit while there.
A few hours later we were at Hill Cumorah - the site where Joseph Smith was led to to get the Gold Plates. A similar experience. except this time, I was out of breath; it is a really steep climb and having our littlest in the front carrier, and pushing the older one is the stroller only made it worse.
During the day . . . when it seems evening comes before lunch time. How do I find time to ponder and think on Christ.
OK so are kids the problem . . . NO!!!
I love my kids and can't imagine my life without them. I actually think they have been part of the answer to my problem.
How are they the answer when I just showed they are the problem?
Recently I bought some pictures from the distribution center. One of each of the following: Christ, the Jordan River temple, Thomas S. Monson, and Joseph Smith's first Vision. I put the pictures on Parkers wall. As I told him about the pictures he listened well. The next night, we talked about the pictures again. Now he tells me about the pictures. I feel the spirit as we talk about them and I see the light in his eyes as he gets excited about these pictures and the meaning/stories behind them. (BTW - I still need to work with him a little with the picture of the current prophet - Thomas S. Monson. Right now he just calls him Thomas (I think it stuck because of Thomas the Train). I'd hate for him to someday walk up the the prophet and say, "Hi Thomas").
I recently also became more selective in what I'd bring to church. Sacrament meeting can be long for a 3 year old. I've decided he can sit still until after the sacrament (about 20 min). After that I'll have picture books about church related things, friend magazines, things to draw with, maybe an eye spy bag or even a sticker book, but NO TOYS (especially cars)!!!
I've recently had two other experiences that allowed me to feel the spirit strongly. Yesterday I was able to go to my nephew's baptism. I felt the spirit really strongly there as the spirit witnessed to me the truthfulness of the gospel. I was moved to tears. I also felt the spirit really strongly at the General Relief Society Women's Conference. I was reminded of instances in my life when God has taken the time to let me know without a doubt that he loves me as he has literally wrapped me in his love.
I'm not perfect. God knows that better than anyone else. He loves me. I'm sure he doesn't love my imperfections, but that is why he gave me a way to overcome those imperfections. WHAT LOVE!!!
Recently I've pondered on this and wondered and prayed for WHY???
Reverence is more than just quietly sitting, it's thinking of Father above . . .
During church, how is a family to be reverent when you have a 3 year old and a 1 year old.
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to go to some church history sites. We got to see the Sacred Grove - The site where Joseph Smith wondering which church to join, knelt down and humbly prayed for direction. As we walked into the grove a sign said to be reverent. I read this as we walked in with our two kids. I chuckled at the thought of us actually being reverent. HA HA HA! Luckily there weren't very many people there. There was a peaceful feel while we were there, but I can't say I was overcome by the spirit while there.
A few hours later we were at Hill Cumorah - the site where Joseph Smith was led to to get the Gold Plates. A similar experience. except this time, I was out of breath; it is a really steep climb and having our littlest in the front carrier, and pushing the older one is the stroller only made it worse.
During the day . . . when it seems evening comes before lunch time. How do I find time to ponder and think on Christ.
OK so are kids the problem . . . NO!!!
I love my kids and can't imagine my life without them. I actually think they have been part of the answer to my problem.
How are they the answer when I just showed they are the problem?
Recently I bought some pictures from the distribution center. One of each of the following: Christ, the Jordan River temple, Thomas S. Monson, and Joseph Smith's first Vision. I put the pictures on Parkers wall. As I told him about the pictures he listened well. The next night, we talked about the pictures again. Now he tells me about the pictures. I feel the spirit as we talk about them and I see the light in his eyes as he gets excited about these pictures and the meaning/stories behind them. (BTW - I still need to work with him a little with the picture of the current prophet - Thomas S. Monson. Right now he just calls him Thomas (I think it stuck because of Thomas the Train). I'd hate for him to someday walk up the the prophet and say, "Hi Thomas").
I recently also became more selective in what I'd bring to church. Sacrament meeting can be long for a 3 year old. I've decided he can sit still until after the sacrament (about 20 min). After that I'll have picture books about church related things, friend magazines, things to draw with, maybe an eye spy bag or even a sticker book, but NO TOYS (especially cars)!!!
I've recently had two other experiences that allowed me to feel the spirit strongly. Yesterday I was able to go to my nephew's baptism. I felt the spirit really strongly there as the spirit witnessed to me the truthfulness of the gospel. I was moved to tears. I also felt the spirit really strongly at the General Relief Society Women's Conference. I was reminded of instances in my life when God has taken the time to let me know without a doubt that he loves me as he has literally wrapped me in his love.
I'm not perfect. God knows that better than anyone else. He loves me. I'm sure he doesn't love my imperfections, but that is why he gave me a way to overcome those imperfections. WHAT LOVE!!!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
GRRR
I recently unknowing volunteered myself to babysit regularly for FREE.
I find myself in a hard place. I feel selfish for thinking I should be compinsated some how for the 3.5 hours per week I watch a 4 1/2 and an almost two year old. But at the same time the time is a time when my kids would normally be taking naps so it is a lot more work than I'm used to.
When I was going to school I always felt so grateful to people when they would watch my kids for me and felt like they deserved to be paid. Honestly they deserved to be paid more than I gave them, but still I did pay them.
When I started watching my friends kids she messaged me via Facebook and asked if I knew anyone that could watch her kids one day a week for a few hours between they time her husband goes to work, and she gets home from work. She said she could pay. I volunteered, thinking sweet now I'll be able to put the money towards an awesome swing set I've had my eye on, but have never received payment. I guess could pay doesn't mean she would pay. I'll have to make that more clear in the future.
I feel like I'm in a hard place because I'm her visiting teacher (however her husband is our home teacher) and feel like I should be willing to serve her, but at the same time I don't want to become the free sitter in the neighborhood. I don't mind watching someones kids for a few hours every now and then, but when it is weekly I think that deserves some sort of compensation,
I tried to call her to take my kids (I only gave her about 2 hours notice) for a few hours while Troy and I go do something, but she said she already had plans so no luck there. I'll have to try again when I'm able to give her more notice.
Recently another person in the neighborhood approached me about watching her 2 1/2 year old for 1-2 days per week. I told her I could do it and hopefully made it clear that I plan on getting paid for it. When I start watching her little boy I'm going to approach the other person and say that I recently starting watching another little boy and to keep things fair and to prevent being the dumping grounds for kids if she wants me to continue watching her kids she need to start paying either by taking my kids one night a week so we can go out or with cold hard $$$.
Why do people think they should pay when other people watch their kids on a regular basis? What are your feeling about this (and telling me I'm out of line for wanting payment is perfectly ok)?
I find myself in a hard place. I feel selfish for thinking I should be compinsated some how for the 3.5 hours per week I watch a 4 1/2 and an almost two year old. But at the same time the time is a time when my kids would normally be taking naps so it is a lot more work than I'm used to.
When I was going to school I always felt so grateful to people when they would watch my kids for me and felt like they deserved to be paid. Honestly they deserved to be paid more than I gave them, but still I did pay them.
When I started watching my friends kids she messaged me via Facebook and asked if I knew anyone that could watch her kids one day a week for a few hours between they time her husband goes to work, and she gets home from work. She said she could pay. I volunteered, thinking sweet now I'll be able to put the money towards an awesome swing set I've had my eye on, but have never received payment. I guess could pay doesn't mean she would pay. I'll have to make that more clear in the future.
I feel like I'm in a hard place because I'm her visiting teacher (however her husband is our home teacher) and feel like I should be willing to serve her, but at the same time I don't want to become the free sitter in the neighborhood. I don't mind watching someones kids for a few hours every now and then, but when it is weekly I think that deserves some sort of compensation,
I tried to call her to take my kids (I only gave her about 2 hours notice) for a few hours while Troy and I go do something, but she said she already had plans so no luck there. I'll have to try again when I'm able to give her more notice.
Recently another person in the neighborhood approached me about watching her 2 1/2 year old for 1-2 days per week. I told her I could do it and hopefully made it clear that I plan on getting paid for it. When I start watching her little boy I'm going to approach the other person and say that I recently starting watching another little boy and to keep things fair and to prevent being the dumping grounds for kids if she wants me to continue watching her kids she need to start paying either by taking my kids one night a week so we can go out or with cold hard $$$.
Why do people think they should pay when other people watch their kids on a regular basis? What are your feeling about this (and telling me I'm out of line for wanting payment is perfectly ok)?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Night Training Parker
I wanted to catalog this for future reference. Sometimes I think I remember the easy parts and forget the hard parts of life. This is so maybe I'll have the same patience with my future kids.
I decided just over a week ago that I was going to stop putting diapers on Parker during the night. Prier to this Parker finally started WANTING to go potty by himself, and most of the time would stay dry during his naps. However he would ALWAYS wake up with a wet and poopy diaper. I was expecting the worse, and although it wasn't an instant success I think it has turned out pretty well.
MONDAY- I put a Pull-Up on Parker and told him if he kept it dry I would give him a sticker and a piece of candy. It DIDN'T work, he soaked it, and his PJ's.
TUESDAY- Woke up wet, and Parked didn't like it. He wanted a bath and clean clothes/bedding when he got up.
WEDNESDAY- Woke up wet, but it didn't seem to bother him. He didn't even want me to take the wet clothes off. I thought for sure this was a bad sign.
THURSDAY- Wet his underwear while brushing his teeth that night. Woke up crying at 5am. I could tell he must of wet his pants, but they were only damp so I figure it must have been pretty early in the night. I changed his clothes and bedding while he went potty. He went back to bed, and woke up dry.
FRIDAY- Parker woke up at 2am crying. When I walked into his room he was standing next to his bed. There was wet spot on the floor, his pants were wet, but his bed was dry. I brought him to the bathroom and stood him next to the toilet while I cleaned up the mess and got him a new change of clothes. When I came back into the bathroom he had pooped, but since I hadn't sat him on the toilet I had another mess to clean up. When I brought him back to bed he said his stomach hurt (which he never says unless he is about to throw up). I decided to lay with him in his bed for a little while. That only lasted a few minutes, because he started throwing up. Needless to say the rest of the night we were down stairs watching movies. Through all of this his bedding did manage to stay clean though.
SATURDAY- I woke Parker up at 11pm had him go potty, and then he went back to bed. He woke as well around 1 or 2 and starting crying so I went in his room and showed him to the bathroom. He went potty and then went back to bed. Woke up dry.
SUNDAY- I tried to wake him at 11pm to go, but he was so out it didn't work out. I decided for us this wasn't something I'd try again. He woke up at 2 am crying. When I went into his room he ran out and wanted me to read him a story, but was still dry. I told him to go use the potty which he refused to do. I was finally able to bribe him with a story. After he went potty I read him a story and then sent him back to bed. He was dry when he got up for good.
MONDAY- (I put a diaper on him because he had had A LOT of liquids that night) woke up at 5am with a soaked diaper and PJ's. After I changed him into underwear and clean clothes he was up for the day :(
TUESDAY - Woke at 1am ran through the house screaming. By the time I got up to help him he was standing by the toilet so I let him finish and helped him wash his hands and brought him back to bed. He was dry when he finally woke up for good.
WEDNESDAY- Wanted a diaper when he went to bed, but I told him he was a big boy and he wore underwear to bed like mommy and daddy. Woke up dry (and as far as I know didn't wake up during the night).
I think the worst is behind us, but I'm sure we still have awhile before I won't have him wear a diaper when we don't sleep at home.
I decided just over a week ago that I was going to stop putting diapers on Parker during the night. Prier to this Parker finally started WANTING to go potty by himself, and most of the time would stay dry during his naps. However he would ALWAYS wake up with a wet and poopy diaper. I was expecting the worse, and although it wasn't an instant success I think it has turned out pretty well.
MONDAY- I put a Pull-Up on Parker and told him if he kept it dry I would give him a sticker and a piece of candy. It DIDN'T work, he soaked it, and his PJ's.
TUESDAY- Woke up wet, and Parked didn't like it. He wanted a bath and clean clothes/bedding when he got up.
WEDNESDAY- Woke up wet, but it didn't seem to bother him. He didn't even want me to take the wet clothes off. I thought for sure this was a bad sign.
THURSDAY- Wet his underwear while brushing his teeth that night. Woke up crying at 5am. I could tell he must of wet his pants, but they were only damp so I figure it must have been pretty early in the night. I changed his clothes and bedding while he went potty. He went back to bed, and woke up dry.
FRIDAY- Parker woke up at 2am crying. When I walked into his room he was standing next to his bed. There was wet spot on the floor, his pants were wet, but his bed was dry. I brought him to the bathroom and stood him next to the toilet while I cleaned up the mess and got him a new change of clothes. When I came back into the bathroom he had pooped, but since I hadn't sat him on the toilet I had another mess to clean up. When I brought him back to bed he said his stomach hurt (which he never says unless he is about to throw up). I decided to lay with him in his bed for a little while. That only lasted a few minutes, because he started throwing up. Needless to say the rest of the night we were down stairs watching movies. Through all of this his bedding did manage to stay clean though.
SATURDAY- I woke Parker up at 11pm had him go potty, and then he went back to bed. He woke as well around 1 or 2 and starting crying so I went in his room and showed him to the bathroom. He went potty and then went back to bed. Woke up dry.
SUNDAY- I tried to wake him at 11pm to go, but he was so out it didn't work out. I decided for us this wasn't something I'd try again. He woke up at 2 am crying. When I went into his room he ran out and wanted me to read him a story, but was still dry. I told him to go use the potty which he refused to do. I was finally able to bribe him with a story. After he went potty I read him a story and then sent him back to bed. He was dry when he got up for good.
MONDAY- (I put a diaper on him because he had had A LOT of liquids that night) woke up at 5am with a soaked diaper and PJ's. After I changed him into underwear and clean clothes he was up for the day :(
TUESDAY - Woke at 1am ran through the house screaming. By the time I got up to help him he was standing by the toilet so I let him finish and helped him wash his hands and brought him back to bed. He was dry when he finally woke up for good.
WEDNESDAY- Wanted a diaper when he went to bed, but I told him he was a big boy and he wore underwear to bed like mommy and daddy. Woke up dry (and as far as I know didn't wake up during the night).
I think the worst is behind us, but I'm sure we still have awhile before I won't have him wear a diaper when we don't sleep at home.
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