As my early readers know, I am careful about what food I let J and E eat. I know there are certain things that cause them problems and was avoiding certain colours and additives. What I didn't know was that there were so many. I was avoiding most heavily processed snacks and junk food and J was still having trouble listening and paying attention at times. So I looked things up. I love Google. Here's some surprising things that I didn't know, that might enlighten other parents.
Common triggers for behavioural problems are not just found in junk food and juice, or even processed snacks like cookies and cereal bars. Most yogourt, bread, soup and crackers contain these things as well. Alternative milk, like soy and rice milk contain these things too. And oatmeal. That's right, oatmeal! I didn't know people put additives in oatmeal but apparently they do. Which leads me to conclude that most children with gluten-allergies aren't necessarily allergic to gluten, but to all the processed additives that go with it. Crazy.
Anyway, this is just a short note on something I found surprising. I will post a link to the site with all the additives and food colourings that I found later.
Addendum: These foods don't have to be eliminated completely, just monitored and reduced if needed.
Monday 29 April 2013
Saturday 27 April 2013
Deadline time!
I will be posting less often for the next couple of weeks because I have an article to finish. My deadline is months away, but I lost all my research and have to start again so I've given myself a personal deadline of next Sunday to have the middle draft done. By middle draft I mean almost final, but it gives me time to go over it every week or so to make it perfect. So my writing time will be mostly focused on that for the next little bit.
Here are some tips to keep everyone happy while I'm taking a semi-break from mom-blogging:
Add puffed rice (the cereal) to all of your baking. It can be substituted for half the oatmeal in a recipe if you run out, or just add it to bars or cookies to increase the yield.
When you buy lasagne noodles, get the oven-ready kind. Believe me, it's a pain to boil it before you assemble it.
I figured out a wonderful way to clean any drink spills from a high chair tray. Instead of soak, squeeze, rinse and repeat with a cloth, use a syringe and a cup. It's much quicker and also amuses the kids. Depending on how clean the tray was before, the kids can even drink it up after it's cleaned. That's up to your discretion.
Find the most interesting window in your house and put a comfy chair beside it. Kids love being nosy (I'm not one to judge, I love our huge window), so you can sit comfortably and point out what's going on when it's a rainy day or too early to go outside.
Try the healthy adult cereal for your kids. Some brands taste exactly like kids' favourites, but are all-natural, high-protein and low sugar. A really great one, the maple flavoured Honey Bunches of Oats.
That's all my advice for now. I will continue to post, but not as regularly for a while.
Here are some tips to keep everyone happy while I'm taking a semi-break from mom-blogging:
Add puffed rice (the cereal) to all of your baking. It can be substituted for half the oatmeal in a recipe if you run out, or just add it to bars or cookies to increase the yield.
When you buy lasagne noodles, get the oven-ready kind. Believe me, it's a pain to boil it before you assemble it.
I figured out a wonderful way to clean any drink spills from a high chair tray. Instead of soak, squeeze, rinse and repeat with a cloth, use a syringe and a cup. It's much quicker and also amuses the kids. Depending on how clean the tray was before, the kids can even drink it up after it's cleaned. That's up to your discretion.
Find the most interesting window in your house and put a comfy chair beside it. Kids love being nosy (I'm not one to judge, I love our huge window), so you can sit comfortably and point out what's going on when it's a rainy day or too early to go outside.
Try the healthy adult cereal for your kids. Some brands taste exactly like kids' favourites, but are all-natural, high-protein and low sugar. A really great one, the maple flavoured Honey Bunches of Oats.
That's all my advice for now. I will continue to post, but not as regularly for a while.
I can't believe some people!
As I've noted before, I don't like gratuitous punctuation and showy sentences, but I had to add that exclamation mark and I will tell you why. I was going to the gym yesterday because I've decided it's finally time to get back into shape. I go at the time there's a free drop-in gym for J so he can get some exercise too, and I put E in daycare for 40 minutes (it's not bad, but I still feel guilty). The bus schedule means that we get there 2o minutes before J's class, so to save time (and daycare minutes) I decided to take the boys in the change room with me and get ready for my workout before I dropped them off.
Now it's posted that the facility prefers children go into the family change room, and I always thought that meant for kids who were changing. I tried to take them in there, but it's a coed change room and all the private rooms were full, so I took them into the women's room with me. They weren't changing anyway and people take kids in there all the time. Besides, they are young and don't really care about naked people.
Well, I went in and immediately a ninety-year old lady started yelling at me. She told me it's a woman's change room and there were NO BOYS ALLOWED FOR GOD"S SAKE! That's a direct quote, as is this: "Some women prance around here totally naked and boys shouldn't see that! They need to leave."
Now there were many things I could have said to her that weren't nice, but I am trying very hard to be nice this year so all I told her was J's six and he isn't in there to look at anything. I also told her the other change room was full and I would be ten seconds (I had to change my pants, that's it that's all). She still had a problem so I finally told J to wait for me right outside the door while I changed on the other side of the door, giving everyone a bit of a show whenever it opened. I was going to stay close to him, so I do apologize to any readers who may have saw me pantsless. It's a small price to pay for not being the cause of a grouchy old lady's heart attack.
The icing on the cake was as soon as I left the change room, another woman went in with her five-year old son and the old lady didn't say a word. That may be due to the fact that every other woman in there went up to her and told her she was being "stupid/ridiculous/mean/unfair/etc." Again, direct quotes because I didnt't use any of those words. It was clear that she was the only one bothered by it.
J was very upset about the whole matter, and the only reason I left him outside was because I was unsure of the gym's rules for kids in the change room. I asked right after the episode what the rules are, and they said to take him with me. He is only six and they'd much rather deal with cranky people than have a child left unattended. It took a lot of explaining to him that sometimes people are just like that and nothing was his fault. At the end of the day though, he knew that just because some people are mean and ornery doesn't mean we change who we are. He told me the next time he sees that lady he's going to tell her to have a nice day, because it's better than what she was having and maybe it would help.
Although it's an important lesson (perhaps not only for children), I still feel horrible about having to leave him outside the door. A very nice lady stayed with him and I was less than a foot away at the other side of the door, but I wonder if I should have done something different. I don't want to back away from anything, especially when it comes to my children, but I was embarrassed that she was making such a scene and just thought it was easier. Besides, I definitely would have run out there without pants in a second if he was in trouble!
I'm not sure what the point of this post is really. Maybe it's to admit that I could have handled the situation better. Maybe I made a split-second decision that wasn't the best. Maybe I am just writing because it made me so angry I want to share it. Maybe there's really no pint of relating this at all, but it does have to do with parenting and now that I know the rules of the facility, it will definitely not happen again. I will stand up to anyone who wants J to stay out, and they can deal with the consequences, not me. I do know that I have to let it go too, like I told J.
End note: E stayed in the change room with me while J was leaning against the door trying to get through by osmosis.
Now it's posted that the facility prefers children go into the family change room, and I always thought that meant for kids who were changing. I tried to take them in there, but it's a coed change room and all the private rooms were full, so I took them into the women's room with me. They weren't changing anyway and people take kids in there all the time. Besides, they are young and don't really care about naked people.
Well, I went in and immediately a ninety-year old lady started yelling at me. She told me it's a woman's change room and there were NO BOYS ALLOWED FOR GOD"S SAKE! That's a direct quote, as is this: "Some women prance around here totally naked and boys shouldn't see that! They need to leave."
Now there were many things I could have said to her that weren't nice, but I am trying very hard to be nice this year so all I told her was J's six and he isn't in there to look at anything. I also told her the other change room was full and I would be ten seconds (I had to change my pants, that's it that's all). She still had a problem so I finally told J to wait for me right outside the door while I changed on the other side of the door, giving everyone a bit of a show whenever it opened. I was going to stay close to him, so I do apologize to any readers who may have saw me pantsless. It's a small price to pay for not being the cause of a grouchy old lady's heart attack.
The icing on the cake was as soon as I left the change room, another woman went in with her five-year old son and the old lady didn't say a word. That may be due to the fact that every other woman in there went up to her and told her she was being "stupid/ridiculous/mean/unfair/etc." Again, direct quotes because I didnt't use any of those words. It was clear that she was the only one bothered by it.
J was very upset about the whole matter, and the only reason I left him outside was because I was unsure of the gym's rules for kids in the change room. I asked right after the episode what the rules are, and they said to take him with me. He is only six and they'd much rather deal with cranky people than have a child left unattended. It took a lot of explaining to him that sometimes people are just like that and nothing was his fault. At the end of the day though, he knew that just because some people are mean and ornery doesn't mean we change who we are. He told me the next time he sees that lady he's going to tell her to have a nice day, because it's better than what she was having and maybe it would help.
Although it's an important lesson (perhaps not only for children), I still feel horrible about having to leave him outside the door. A very nice lady stayed with him and I was less than a foot away at the other side of the door, but I wonder if I should have done something different. I don't want to back away from anything, especially when it comes to my children, but I was embarrassed that she was making such a scene and just thought it was easier. Besides, I definitely would have run out there without pants in a second if he was in trouble!
I'm not sure what the point of this post is really. Maybe it's to admit that I could have handled the situation better. Maybe I made a split-second decision that wasn't the best. Maybe I am just writing because it made me so angry I want to share it. Maybe there's really no pint of relating this at all, but it does have to do with parenting and now that I know the rules of the facility, it will definitely not happen again. I will stand up to anyone who wants J to stay out, and they can deal with the consequences, not me. I do know that I have to let it go too, like I told J.
End note: E stayed in the change room with me while J was leaning against the door trying to get through by osmosis.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Mornings
There are people you see everywhere without kids, but you just know they have to be moms. It's the way they reach to help you when a toddler runs off, or the sympathetic look while your kid is having a public meltdown. Then there are the people who have obviously never had or been around a child in their lives. These are the ones who wonder why you're feeding your child a yogourt tube on the bus or singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider where everyone can hear you. They're also the ones who judge you for always being late and running for the city bus, only to catch it in your driveway because the bus driver is awesome.
To those people I say, you have no idea! Really. Moms (and dads), imagine something normal you used to do that took five seconds or less, like putting on your coat. Now add ten minutes for every child you have, plus another four for yourself, and that's how long it takes now. So for me, putting on my coat takes 24 minutes (and five seconds), because I have two children.
Let's elaborate on the coat thing. Mornings are fun around here, especially on school days. There are 90 minutes from the time J gets up to the time he needs to be at the bus stop. Anyone without children would think that's plenty of time to have breakfast, brush teeth, put a lunch in his bag and get a coat and shoes on. But it's 45 minutes of repeating, "Sit down and finish your food," before he actually does. It's about 20 minutes of find the lunch bag, because of course there are distractions. The lunch bag has been found in places like the snack cupboard, the bathroom, under the table, and outside, to name a few. The coat and the shoes is where the raised voices come in. Not because I'm angry, but because it's the only way to keep his attention at this point. Every school day is the same, with us rushign out teh door just minutes before the bus comes.
I'm not saying that J doesn't listen well in general. He's pretty good for his age, until we're on a deadline. Then I think his ears fall off or something, because nothing gets through. And remember, I have a toddler running around stuffing food in his own ears and putting everyone's shoes on but his own. So I conclude that an hour and a half is not nearly enough time to get one kid ready for school. Maybe E's been stuffing food in J's ears when I'm not looking; that would explain a lot.
Some end notes: Non-parents, please do not judge any parent for being almost-late for everything. Parents, if your kids can be ready for school in under an hour, I applaud you. And city bus drivers, thank you for stopping like you did today because you thought we were late again. We were running for the school bus today, but it's nice to know you care.
To those people I say, you have no idea! Really. Moms (and dads), imagine something normal you used to do that took five seconds or less, like putting on your coat. Now add ten minutes for every child you have, plus another four for yourself, and that's how long it takes now. So for me, putting on my coat takes 24 minutes (and five seconds), because I have two children.
Let's elaborate on the coat thing. Mornings are fun around here, especially on school days. There are 90 minutes from the time J gets up to the time he needs to be at the bus stop. Anyone without children would think that's plenty of time to have breakfast, brush teeth, put a lunch in his bag and get a coat and shoes on. But it's 45 minutes of repeating, "Sit down and finish your food," before he actually does. It's about 20 minutes of find the lunch bag, because of course there are distractions. The lunch bag has been found in places like the snack cupboard, the bathroom, under the table, and outside, to name a few. The coat and the shoes is where the raised voices come in. Not because I'm angry, but because it's the only way to keep his attention at this point. Every school day is the same, with us rushign out teh door just minutes before the bus comes.
I'm not saying that J doesn't listen well in general. He's pretty good for his age, until we're on a deadline. Then I think his ears fall off or something, because nothing gets through. And remember, I have a toddler running around stuffing food in his own ears and putting everyone's shoes on but his own. So I conclude that an hour and a half is not nearly enough time to get one kid ready for school. Maybe E's been stuffing food in J's ears when I'm not looking; that would explain a lot.
Some end notes: Non-parents, please do not judge any parent for being almost-late for everything. Parents, if your kids can be ready for school in under an hour, I applaud you. And city bus drivers, thank you for stopping like you did today because you thought we were late again. We were running for the school bus today, but it's nice to know you care.
Sunday 21 April 2013
Poor Judgment
I'm going to keep this one short because I'm tired and my brain is shutting down. I just wanted to comment on poor parenting judgment. We all have it some days. It's okay to admit it. I forgive you. As long as it's not something that's a total lack of common sense and puts someone in danger or makes them sick, then I forgive you. Let me tell you about my latest lapse in judgment.
We were out to buy a new bike for J, since he's outgrown his old one. While we were at the store, my husband saw a cool little bike for E. It was just his size and had no pedals, so it was great for him to get around on. He hopped on, said, "beep beep," and started for the doors. He was in no way going to leave that thing behind.
Enter mental lapse: Why did I ever let him take that thing out of the store? He learned how to ru last week, and he was already going fast enough. Then I agreed to give him wheels. Maybe it was because he was just so cute riding around the store, or maybe it was because I asked my husband what he thought about it, and both of those are forgivable in normal circumstances. But to give a bike to a toddler whose only goal is to go anywhere fast.....
So now every time E sees a window or door, he sings, "Bide bide bide bide!" And every time we do go outside he's off and running for that thing and then off and rolling down the sidewalk as fast as his short little legs can take him. Come to think of it, his speed and size really do defy physics. And then there's J zipping up and down past and around us both (he got a really cool bike too), while I'm running after the one of them and shouting after the other one. I think I'm going to petition for a fenced sidewalk. Or maybe I'll make little stop signs that say, "STOP, now listen to your mother and turn around."
Maybe I need a course in how to do favours for myself. But I look at how happy E is on that little thing and I can't regret it. Mostly. He'll be too big for it next year and then it's going to my niece, unless my sister refuses (which she will if she's smart). Summer can't be that long, right? And if this doesn't help me burn calories.....But still, poor judgment.
We were out to buy a new bike for J, since he's outgrown his old one. While we were at the store, my husband saw a cool little bike for E. It was just his size and had no pedals, so it was great for him to get around on. He hopped on, said, "beep beep," and started for the doors. He was in no way going to leave that thing behind.
Enter mental lapse: Why did I ever let him take that thing out of the store? He learned how to ru last week, and he was already going fast enough. Then I agreed to give him wheels. Maybe it was because he was just so cute riding around the store, or maybe it was because I asked my husband what he thought about it, and both of those are forgivable in normal circumstances. But to give a bike to a toddler whose only goal is to go anywhere fast.....
So now every time E sees a window or door, he sings, "Bide bide bide bide!" And every time we do go outside he's off and running for that thing and then off and rolling down the sidewalk as fast as his short little legs can take him. Come to think of it, his speed and size really do defy physics. And then there's J zipping up and down past and around us both (he got a really cool bike too), while I'm running after the one of them and shouting after the other one. I think I'm going to petition for a fenced sidewalk. Or maybe I'll make little stop signs that say, "STOP, now listen to your mother and turn around."
Maybe I need a course in how to do favours for myself. But I look at how happy E is on that little thing and I can't regret it. Mostly. He'll be too big for it next year and then it's going to my niece, unless my sister refuses (which she will if she's smart). Summer can't be that long, right? And if this doesn't help me burn calories.....But still, poor judgment.
Mom's tired
It's been a crazy weekend. I won't bore you with details. Sorry, yes I will. It started on Friday, as weekends usually do. I had the crazy before-dinner hour, when the kids are temporarily insane because they're hungry, tired, cranky, demanding and miserable. This is also the hour I need to think about dinner, so it doesn't really work out some days. I don't blame the kids; everyone has an afternoon slump. It could be better timing, but that's why I like make-ahead meals and slow cooker recipes. Friday though, I had to make dinner at "the time."
Once the kids were fed, I bundled them up to go and buy a birthday present for J's friend. That's when my friend called, and asked me to come over for a TV piece about her cloth diapering business. We still had to get the gift and I hadn't washed my hair and she needed me in forty minutes. I said yes though, because she's awesome and I wanted to help. So off we went for the quickest gift selection ever (in and out of the store in four minutes) and then to my friend's house for a television appearance. I did manage to brush my hair before leaving, so that counts for something, right? E was on TV too, as the cutest diaper model ever. I got the kids to bed over an hour late that night, and we woke up Saturday to the calm before the storm.
I had two coffees and played with the kids and then we had to go. I dropped J and daddy off to J's sports class, then took E across town to the mall to change his diaper (we were in the Great Cloth Diaper Change), then drove back to pick up the athletic one. We stopped at home to get the present we'd forgotten, then daddy dropped J off at his party while I gave E lunch and cleaned the kitchen. Then I put E down for a nap and went grocery shopping, leaving daddy on the quiet home front. E woke up as soon as we were done putting the groceries away, and I went to pick up J. Then we played inside (it was snowing in late April) for the rest of the day. After the kids went to bed I cleaned up and watched a movie and passed out.
Today was a bit slower. I woke up and had two coffees (this is what I do every day), and did the breakfast/hygiene/playtime thing. Then E had an early nap because he was exhausted, so I had a chance to bake all the treats I promised for J. I made banana bread, muffins, and a truck load of homemade bear paws. Then E woke up and J's friend came over for a visit. Since it wasn't snowing today, I took them all to the park and chased E around the play structure for two hours while J and his friend played Nerf gun tag. By the time J's friend left at five, I was thoroughly wiped.
Now the kids are in bed and I am updating my blogs for my loyal fans and followers. The point is not that I flatter myself! I was planning to work on my assigned article and edit some stories I've written, but it's past 9 pm and my head hurts. So I'm going to try, but I doubt I'll make much of a dent in my workload. I know it's been said before, but I'm going to emphasize here that children take a lot of work! It's weekends like this one that bring that message home. It's the best work in the world though, and I had a blast. Needless to say, I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe my noisy neighbours who have kept me up all week.
Mostly unrelated but still relevant: Check it out! I'm on TV!
http://www.chextv.com/news/ln/13-04-19/Cloth_diapers_vs_Disposables.aspx
Once the kids were fed, I bundled them up to go and buy a birthday present for J's friend. That's when my friend called, and asked me to come over for a TV piece about her cloth diapering business. We still had to get the gift and I hadn't washed my hair and she needed me in forty minutes. I said yes though, because she's awesome and I wanted to help. So off we went for the quickest gift selection ever (in and out of the store in four minutes) and then to my friend's house for a television appearance. I did manage to brush my hair before leaving, so that counts for something, right? E was on TV too, as the cutest diaper model ever. I got the kids to bed over an hour late that night, and we woke up Saturday to the calm before the storm.
I had two coffees and played with the kids and then we had to go. I dropped J and daddy off to J's sports class, then took E across town to the mall to change his diaper (we were in the Great Cloth Diaper Change), then drove back to pick up the athletic one. We stopped at home to get the present we'd forgotten, then daddy dropped J off at his party while I gave E lunch and cleaned the kitchen. Then I put E down for a nap and went grocery shopping, leaving daddy on the quiet home front. E woke up as soon as we were done putting the groceries away, and I went to pick up J. Then we played inside (it was snowing in late April) for the rest of the day. After the kids went to bed I cleaned up and watched a movie and passed out.
Today was a bit slower. I woke up and had two coffees (this is what I do every day), and did the breakfast/hygiene/playtime thing. Then E had an early nap because he was exhausted, so I had a chance to bake all the treats I promised for J. I made banana bread, muffins, and a truck load of homemade bear paws. Then E woke up and J's friend came over for a visit. Since it wasn't snowing today, I took them all to the park and chased E around the play structure for two hours while J and his friend played Nerf gun tag. By the time J's friend left at five, I was thoroughly wiped.
Now the kids are in bed and I am updating my blogs for my loyal fans and followers. The point is not that I flatter myself! I was planning to work on my assigned article and edit some stories I've written, but it's past 9 pm and my head hurts. So I'm going to try, but I doubt I'll make much of a dent in my workload. I know it's been said before, but I'm going to emphasize here that children take a lot of work! It's weekends like this one that bring that message home. It's the best work in the world though, and I had a blast. Needless to say, I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe my noisy neighbours who have kept me up all week.
Mostly unrelated but still relevant: Check it out! I'm on TV!
http://www.chextv.com/news/ln/13-04-19/Cloth_diapers_vs_Disposables.aspx
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Messy Boys
I know not everyone will agree with me on this, but I believe boys are supposed to be messy. What does a 6-year old boy need with a hair brush anyway? I am guilty of taking my boys out with food on their shirts and faces. Oops. It doesn't bother me though because there are far more important thigns to focus on, like having fun and being nice to people.
That's not to say I go overboard. I do clean my children. There is a hand wipe and face swipe after every meal and snack. They have their bath/shower every other day (it can't be every day due to dry skin) and they always wash their hands before eating or after hygienic rituals. That said, there always seems to be food somewhere on their little persons.
I think it's all about balance. I'm not going to let E go out with a donut stuck to his nose or anything (as if he'd leave it there), but I'm not going to spend a significant part of each day making sure he's immaculate either. He's a boy. He's a magnet for food, dirt and anything sticky. As long as he's mostly clean at the end of the day, I'm not too worried about it. J's pretty good at keeping his face clean, if not his clothes, so this is mostly about the toddler. J will get dirty outside though.....
I know there are parents out there who can't stand messy faces, but I've never had someone tell me E's too messy. He's so cute and happy that most people never notice the ketchup on his chin. If anyone can pull it off, he can. Besides, look at that face! Isn't it just begging for sloppy food?
That's not to say I go overboard. I do clean my children. There is a hand wipe and face swipe after every meal and snack. They have their bath/shower every other day (it can't be every day due to dry skin) and they always wash their hands before eating or after hygienic rituals. That said, there always seems to be food somewhere on their little persons.
I think it's all about balance. I'm not going to let E go out with a donut stuck to his nose or anything (as if he'd leave it there), but I'm not going to spend a significant part of each day making sure he's immaculate either. He's a boy. He's a magnet for food, dirt and anything sticky. As long as he's mostly clean at the end of the day, I'm not too worried about it. J's pretty good at keeping his face clean, if not his clothes, so this is mostly about the toddler. J will get dirty outside though.....
Monday 15 April 2013
What a boy
I have been going on about J`s lack of self-control lately, but there seems to have been a breakthrough. Last week I was baking and I spilled everything: flour, sugar, milk, melted butter, and yes, I dropped the eggs. I was not in a good place. It was at that point J ran in the kitchen wanting a taste of cookie dough. I had to tell him no, because there was no dough but he could take whatever he wanted from the floor. I could see he was about to lose it but he looked at me, then the floor, then at me again and said, ``Mommy I know you`re frustrated so I`m going to clean the living room all by myself.`` And he did!
I almost cried because he was so sweet. Then the next day he brought home a card for me that he`d made in his free time at school, telling me he appreciates all the cooking and baking I do for him, and his favourite are the black bean brownies. He continued the week showing amazing amounts of consideration to not just me, but his brother and dad as well. It didn`t stop there either.
He`s always been more considerate than most kids his age. Even when he was one he was concerned how everyone was feeling and reacting. He gets upset at school because other kids play rough with each other and someone might get hurt, even though he`s playing something else.
The difference last week was his self-control, which allowed him to think about the breakdowns before they happened and change his mind about them.It was amazing to watch, because I saw his face change several times as he thought things through. He was able to be considerate and his own normal, rather than losing control and feeling bad after.
It`s continued this week too. He`s happier and more helpful around the house without being asked. There are other times when something he`s been trying so hard for has just clicked and all at once he`s an expert. I was ready to wait a little longer for this one though, because despite how bad I feel about his emotional roller coasters sometimes, he is only six. Not that I`m complaining though. Now to teach him how to do the dishes........
I almost cried because he was so sweet. Then the next day he brought home a card for me that he`d made in his free time at school, telling me he appreciates all the cooking and baking I do for him, and his favourite are the black bean brownies. He continued the week showing amazing amounts of consideration to not just me, but his brother and dad as well. It didn`t stop there either.
He`s always been more considerate than most kids his age. Even when he was one he was concerned how everyone was feeling and reacting. He gets upset at school because other kids play rough with each other and someone might get hurt, even though he`s playing something else.
The difference last week was his self-control, which allowed him to think about the breakdowns before they happened and change his mind about them.It was amazing to watch, because I saw his face change several times as he thought things through. He was able to be considerate and his own normal, rather than losing control and feeling bad after.
It`s continued this week too. He`s happier and more helpful around the house without being asked. There are other times when something he`s been trying so hard for has just clicked and all at once he`s an expert. I was ready to wait a little longer for this one though, because despite how bad I feel about his emotional roller coasters sometimes, he is only six. Not that I`m complaining though. Now to teach him how to do the dishes........
Sunday 14 April 2013
Neighbours
We are lucky to live in a great neighbourhood with many wonderful neighbours. We have friends on this street who are constantly doing nice things for us, and in return we help them out too. The people we don't know that well keep to themselves (which is probably why we don't know them). I'm grateful to be surrounded by so many nice people, but this post is about a different type of neighbour. The one right beside us (not the good one on the other side).
Let me tell you about our luck with that particular house. When we moved in, it was the owner who lived there. He had parties all the time with very loud music. That was annoying, but bearable. Then he rented it out to a single mother, who let her dogs use our front lawn as a bathroom. For almost a year I couldn't let J and E play out front because if I don't have a dog, I'm not picking up dog poop. She was evicted and as horrible as it is to say, we were a little happy about it.
Until the next ones moved in. They've been there a month and a half and they have three very large, very loud and very neglected dogs. They are left in the backyard for hours at a time, barking and fighting with each other. I was woken up last week at 1 am by the dogs in the backyard, and they left them there until 2 am.When they are tied up out front, they growl and lunge at people. I've heard of two instances when they almost attacked children because they got off the leash. I didn't see either case, so I can't do anything about it.
As a mother, I'm pretty concerned that there are three huge and vicious dogs right beside us. Granted, one of the neighbours has asked if the dogs had bothered us, but that was two days after they moved in, and they hadn't bothered us yet.
As if that's not enough, I'm not even sure how many people are living there. I think it's eight, but so many people come and go all the time we can't keep track. Although I could go on about the living situation over there, that's not the point. I won't judge anyone for the choices they make or situations beyond their control. I don't have the right to do that.
What I do have the right to do is keep my kids safe, and I don't think that's going to be easy if they stay there much longer. The dogs are one thing, but there are other factors. Every person we've seen go in and out the driveway goes really fast, and the one woman we know lives there all the time doesn't look when she's pulling in or out. I've witnessed two almost-car accidents and she nearly hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk. I've already decided the kids and I are playing across the street while she's there, because I can't expect two boys to always be on the watch for one careless driver.
The other issue is not what's going on in the house, but outside of it. Yesterday I witnessed what looked very much like a drug deal in the driveway, at 2 pm. Now my eyes aren't what they used to be, but I did see money traded for a bag of something white, and I don't think it was two tsp. of sugar. Like I said though, if they do that inside their house, I can't say a thing, but five feet from my front porch on a sunny afternoon....that's a different story.
My husband was there but because of the angle, he didn't see it. We have decided to put up with the dogs for now, because a noise complaint is much less serious than what we may have to complain about. If either of us see anything like that again though, we are calling the police. I want to talk to her about her driving because it's ridiculous how unsafe she is, but I think it would only make her angry, not careful.
One thing's for sure though. They won't be there forever (it's a rental, after all) and I hope the next tenants are a little more considerate.
Let me tell you about our luck with that particular house. When we moved in, it was the owner who lived there. He had parties all the time with very loud music. That was annoying, but bearable. Then he rented it out to a single mother, who let her dogs use our front lawn as a bathroom. For almost a year I couldn't let J and E play out front because if I don't have a dog, I'm not picking up dog poop. She was evicted and as horrible as it is to say, we were a little happy about it.
Until the next ones moved in. They've been there a month and a half and they have three very large, very loud and very neglected dogs. They are left in the backyard for hours at a time, barking and fighting with each other. I was woken up last week at 1 am by the dogs in the backyard, and they left them there until 2 am.When they are tied up out front, they growl and lunge at people. I've heard of two instances when they almost attacked children because they got off the leash. I didn't see either case, so I can't do anything about it.
As a mother, I'm pretty concerned that there are three huge and vicious dogs right beside us. Granted, one of the neighbours has asked if the dogs had bothered us, but that was two days after they moved in, and they hadn't bothered us yet.
As if that's not enough, I'm not even sure how many people are living there. I think it's eight, but so many people come and go all the time we can't keep track. Although I could go on about the living situation over there, that's not the point. I won't judge anyone for the choices they make or situations beyond their control. I don't have the right to do that.
What I do have the right to do is keep my kids safe, and I don't think that's going to be easy if they stay there much longer. The dogs are one thing, but there are other factors. Every person we've seen go in and out the driveway goes really fast, and the one woman we know lives there all the time doesn't look when she's pulling in or out. I've witnessed two almost-car accidents and she nearly hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk. I've already decided the kids and I are playing across the street while she's there, because I can't expect two boys to always be on the watch for one careless driver.
The other issue is not what's going on in the house, but outside of it. Yesterday I witnessed what looked very much like a drug deal in the driveway, at 2 pm. Now my eyes aren't what they used to be, but I did see money traded for a bag of something white, and I don't think it was two tsp. of sugar. Like I said though, if they do that inside their house, I can't say a thing, but five feet from my front porch on a sunny afternoon....that's a different story.
My husband was there but because of the angle, he didn't see it. We have decided to put up with the dogs for now, because a noise complaint is much less serious than what we may have to complain about. If either of us see anything like that again though, we are calling the police. I want to talk to her about her driving because it's ridiculous how unsafe she is, but I think it would only make her angry, not careful.
One thing's for sure though. They won't be there forever (it's a rental, after all) and I hope the next tenants are a little more considerate.
Emotions are confusing
Last night I had great plans to put the kids to bed and sit down to write for a good couple hours. Of course it didn't happen that way. It took E forty minutes to get to sleep (I'm not even going to go there again), and when J went to bed he started asking questions about tornadoes. Yes, tornadoes. I'm not sure when the last tornado was in Ontario, but he was very concerned that we didn't have a storm cellar in our backyard.
I told him the little I know about these storms, and tucked him in. He seemed fine, although he was thinking hard about things. Five minutes later I heard him crying in his room and went back up. He asked me if tornadoes kill people, and I said very rarely because in the places where they happen a lot, people know how to be safe. He didn't believe me and started thinking about the worst-case scenario.
To make a long story short, he'd read a book about tornadoes at school (not sure how I feel about that book in a Kindergarten classroom) and thought that we would have a tornado at our house. It took almost two hours to reach him, because he was so upset. I tried explaining how they work, that this is not an area prone to tornadoes and if there ever was one, of course Daddy would wake up to get to a safe spot.
All of this only made him feel marginally better, so at 9 pm I shifted my focus to other things. I told him that instead of worrying about something bad happening to us, why don't we think of other people who have had bad things happen and what we can do to help them. It took him a while to warm up to the idea, but he liked the thought of sending a card with his allowance in it for a child to get a new toy.
Then we graduated to some of the nice things he's done for people before, like donating his own toys to kids who don't have much money or playing with the autistic boy in his class because he doesn't have a lot of friends. I told him those nice things are still going, because he made one person happy whose going to make another happy and so on. I told him that the kindness he started three years ago is still going somewhere, and we will never know where it goes to or when it stops. He went to bed in a great mood, at almost 10 pm.
Now, I'm not sure how common this is for kids of his age but I'm guessing not very. Most kids are able to get over things quickly by thinking about something else. J just dwells. He gets caught on one thought and takes it to the very bitter end. It's a lot of effort to turn his thinking around, but I hope that by explaining these things to him now he can help to change his pattern too. With some direction and effort (okay, a lot), maybe when he's older he will naturally think of the best-case scenario rather than the worst. I know the mind can be trained to think differently, and I'm willing to put in the effort so he's happier all around.
These are the mental tricks that adults use too. When we're having a bad day, most times we can take a couple seconds to breathe and redefine our thinking. It's uncommon for a six-year old to need these techniques, but whatever works for him is what I'll help him to do. Best case scenario: by the time he's a teenager he will be a logical thinker and hormones won't have anything on him. Is that wishful thinking?
I told him the little I know about these storms, and tucked him in. He seemed fine, although he was thinking hard about things. Five minutes later I heard him crying in his room and went back up. He asked me if tornadoes kill people, and I said very rarely because in the places where they happen a lot, people know how to be safe. He didn't believe me and started thinking about the worst-case scenario.
To make a long story short, he'd read a book about tornadoes at school (not sure how I feel about that book in a Kindergarten classroom) and thought that we would have a tornado at our house. It took almost two hours to reach him, because he was so upset. I tried explaining how they work, that this is not an area prone to tornadoes and if there ever was one, of course Daddy would wake up to get to a safe spot.
All of this only made him feel marginally better, so at 9 pm I shifted my focus to other things. I told him that instead of worrying about something bad happening to us, why don't we think of other people who have had bad things happen and what we can do to help them. It took him a while to warm up to the idea, but he liked the thought of sending a card with his allowance in it for a child to get a new toy.
Then we graduated to some of the nice things he's done for people before, like donating his own toys to kids who don't have much money or playing with the autistic boy in his class because he doesn't have a lot of friends. I told him those nice things are still going, because he made one person happy whose going to make another happy and so on. I told him that the kindness he started three years ago is still going somewhere, and we will never know where it goes to or when it stops. He went to bed in a great mood, at almost 10 pm.
Now, I'm not sure how common this is for kids of his age but I'm guessing not very. Most kids are able to get over things quickly by thinking about something else. J just dwells. He gets caught on one thought and takes it to the very bitter end. It's a lot of effort to turn his thinking around, but I hope that by explaining these things to him now he can help to change his pattern too. With some direction and effort (okay, a lot), maybe when he's older he will naturally think of the best-case scenario rather than the worst. I know the mind can be trained to think differently, and I'm willing to put in the effort so he's happier all around.
These are the mental tricks that adults use too. When we're having a bad day, most times we can take a couple seconds to breathe and redefine our thinking. It's uncommon for a six-year old to need these techniques, but whatever works for him is what I'll help him to do. Best case scenario: by the time he's a teenager he will be a logical thinker and hormones won't have anything on him. Is that wishful thinking?
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Potty Training?
iI'm a bit undecided on when to start E with potty training. On one hand, he knows what the potty is and sits on it sometimes (with his clothes on and the lid down), but on the other hand he's not bothered by a wet diaper and he won't go near the potty when the lid's up. I can't use J for comparison, because that boy toilet trained himself at eleven months. Seriously, he refused to poop in his diaper for days so I thought I'd try sitting him on the toilet and he went right away. It took a little longer to train him for peeing in the toilet, but he was toilet trained by 14 months, except for nighttime.
E is not quite as determined. He is happy to use his potty as a "big boy chair" to watch TV, or practice his squats (he exercises with me) but take his pants off and he's not going anywhere near it. With J being so early I feel a little behind with E, but I have to remember he's still pretty young. I've been focusing on potty readiness though, trying to prepare him for it when it does happen. I've been showing him the potty with every diaper change and teaching him words related to bodily functions. I never knew the word "poop" could sound cute, but apparently it can.
I was curious about all those "potty training in thirty seconds" strategies, so I checked one of them out to see what it was all about. I don't think one day is realistic for anyone, but I looked at the potty training in three days. It involves a long weekend, a naked baby, several potties and 100% surveillance of said naked baby. The premise is that the baby stays home the first day and every time he starts to pee or poop someone holds him over the potty. Then there's a potty dance and excitement and a party, and waiting until the next bodily evacuation. The second day baby can play outside after a void, and the third day he can even wear clothes for part of the afternoon. By Day Four, the baby will likely be going on the potty some of the time on his own. Did I forget to mention that it also requires lots of cleaning supplies?
While sound in theory, I think it involves too much mess for me. Three days worth of partial "accidents" on the floor would mean I'd be cleaning too much to watch E all the time. And even if my husband and I took turns watching him, J would feel left out because the entire weekend would be about E and his toileting business. In other words, I think I'll pass. It even says that at the end of three days the child will not be toilet trained but will know what the toilet is supposed to be used for. E already knows that (in theory, not practice) so I'm not going to use that technique.
I also thought about what I did with J. After his first successful poop in the toilet, I would take him to the bathroom every two hours and sit with him until he went. It was effective, but he was my only child at that point so I could afford to spend eight hours a day in the bathroom with him. With a second child, it's not even about being difficult, I refuse to do it.
So I guess I'll just wait for signs that E's ready. He's showing some by being interested in his "big boy potty pot," but the all-out screaming revolts (picket signs included) when I try to get him to go in it suggest that he's not quite there yet. He will be though.
Addendum: I haven't reached the point where we have family potty party time. That's when every member of the family is included in every family members' toilet time, and there is an expo on voiding, wiping and hand washing, followed by, you guessed it, the potty dance! If I do reach that point though, my loyal readers will be the first to know!
E is not quite as determined. He is happy to use his potty as a "big boy chair" to watch TV, or practice his squats (he exercises with me) but take his pants off and he's not going anywhere near it. With J being so early I feel a little behind with E, but I have to remember he's still pretty young. I've been focusing on potty readiness though, trying to prepare him for it when it does happen. I've been showing him the potty with every diaper change and teaching him words related to bodily functions. I never knew the word "poop" could sound cute, but apparently it can.
I was curious about all those "potty training in thirty seconds" strategies, so I checked one of them out to see what it was all about. I don't think one day is realistic for anyone, but I looked at the potty training in three days. It involves a long weekend, a naked baby, several potties and 100% surveillance of said naked baby. The premise is that the baby stays home the first day and every time he starts to pee or poop someone holds him over the potty. Then there's a potty dance and excitement and a party, and waiting until the next bodily evacuation. The second day baby can play outside after a void, and the third day he can even wear clothes for part of the afternoon. By Day Four, the baby will likely be going on the potty some of the time on his own. Did I forget to mention that it also requires lots of cleaning supplies?
While sound in theory, I think it involves too much mess for me. Three days worth of partial "accidents" on the floor would mean I'd be cleaning too much to watch E all the time. And even if my husband and I took turns watching him, J would feel left out because the entire weekend would be about E and his toileting business. In other words, I think I'll pass. It even says that at the end of three days the child will not be toilet trained but will know what the toilet is supposed to be used for. E already knows that (in theory, not practice) so I'm not going to use that technique.
I also thought about what I did with J. After his first successful poop in the toilet, I would take him to the bathroom every two hours and sit with him until he went. It was effective, but he was my only child at that point so I could afford to spend eight hours a day in the bathroom with him. With a second child, it's not even about being difficult, I refuse to do it.
So I guess I'll just wait for signs that E's ready. He's showing some by being interested in his "big boy potty pot," but the all-out screaming revolts (picket signs included) when I try to get him to go in it suggest that he's not quite there yet. He will be though.
Addendum: I haven't reached the point where we have family potty party time. That's when every member of the family is included in every family members' toilet time, and there is an expo on voiding, wiping and hand washing, followed by, you guessed it, the potty dance! If I do reach that point though, my loyal readers will be the first to know!
Friday 5 April 2013
Reading Greek (or nutritional labels)
It's hard not to get caught up in all the new health crazes that are going around lately. I try not to worry too much about the newest fads and promises, but I do like to keep my family healthy. It's important that they have home-cooked meals at least most of the time, and get enough fresh air and exercise. That said, convenience foods are just plain convenient sometimes and cannot be avoided by most busy moms. Here's the main stuff to look for so you can buy the healthiest ones for your kids (and yourself). I am not a nutritionist by any means, but I have researched a lot about this so I'm passing it on to make other parents' lives a bit easier. When in doubt, talk to a professional. I'm only passing my personal guidelines on here, not medical advice.
Calories:
Unless it's over 2000 calories per serving, don't worry about them in kids snacks. Kids need energy and will usually burn it off easily. If your child struggles with obesity or weight issues though, talk to your doctor to figure out a reasonable calorie goal and let that be your guide.
Sugar:
This is what's important. Too much sugar could lead to health problems down the road, so compare the carbs to the sugar. The sugar should be less than 50% or so of the carbs. That's not "low-sugar" but anything more than that is pretty high. You don't have to worry about the carbs for kids (they need much more than we do) but it's a good indication of the sugar ratio.
Sodium:
The recommended sodium intake for people is about the same as the recommended calorie intake, so this one's easy. If the mg of sodium are less than or the same as the calories in a serving, it's good. If it's much higher, skip it. Example: A serving with 200 calories should contain 200 mg of sodium or less.
Ingredients:
This is a tricky one. If you can't pronounce or don't know ingredients, it's up to you whether to buy it. My personal rule is if I can't identify most of the ingredients, I don't buy it. If sugar, salt or corn syrup is one of the first four ingredients, I also don't buy it. The ingredients are listed by amount, so if sugar is the first ingredient it has more sugar than anything else. For frozen meals like chicken nuggets, watch the non-specific ingredients. If it just says "chicken" than it's probably mechanically separated (ie. bleached). Same with fish sticks. Look for "chicken breast" or "white fish meat" instead. You dno't have to stay away from canned vegetables either, but note which ones are packed with salt and sugar and try to avoid those.
There are several more rules for nutrition labels I'm sure, but those are the ones I look for. I figure if I'm monitoring sugar, sodium and chemical intake, they're going to be relatively healthy. If I were to follow all the rules for clean eating, it would take me eight hours to finish grocery shopping every week. And three is enough, it really is.
Calories:
Unless it's over 2000 calories per serving, don't worry about them in kids snacks. Kids need energy and will usually burn it off easily. If your child struggles with obesity or weight issues though, talk to your doctor to figure out a reasonable calorie goal and let that be your guide.
Sugar:
This is what's important. Too much sugar could lead to health problems down the road, so compare the carbs to the sugar. The sugar should be less than 50% or so of the carbs. That's not "low-sugar" but anything more than that is pretty high. You don't have to worry about the carbs for kids (they need much more than we do) but it's a good indication of the sugar ratio.
Sodium:
The recommended sodium intake for people is about the same as the recommended calorie intake, so this one's easy. If the mg of sodium are less than or the same as the calories in a serving, it's good. If it's much higher, skip it. Example: A serving with 200 calories should contain 200 mg of sodium or less.
Ingredients:
This is a tricky one. If you can't pronounce or don't know ingredients, it's up to you whether to buy it. My personal rule is if I can't identify most of the ingredients, I don't buy it. If sugar, salt or corn syrup is one of the first four ingredients, I also don't buy it. The ingredients are listed by amount, so if sugar is the first ingredient it has more sugar than anything else. For frozen meals like chicken nuggets, watch the non-specific ingredients. If it just says "chicken" than it's probably mechanically separated (ie. bleached). Same with fish sticks. Look for "chicken breast" or "white fish meat" instead. You dno't have to stay away from canned vegetables either, but note which ones are packed with salt and sugar and try to avoid those.
There are several more rules for nutrition labels I'm sure, but those are the ones I look for. I figure if I'm monitoring sugar, sodium and chemical intake, they're going to be relatively healthy. If I were to follow all the rules for clean eating, it would take me eight hours to finish grocery shopping every week. And three is enough, it really is.
Breakfast in under a minute
I have just finished writing two articles on how to have more time in the morning. I'm hoping someone will realize my brilliance and publish them, but until then, cross your fingers for me. Although the writing was focused on beauty routines, I am now in the spirit of time saving techniques and thought I'd pass on some great breakfast ideas that are quick and easy too. Your kids will love them and you'll love that they are healthy, easy and give you the opportunity to sit and read the paper (or whatever you do in the morning).
Peanut butter oatmeal:
Mix some plain instant oatmeal with some water. One Tbsp. of oatmeal for one tsp. of water, but measuring takes time so just make it watery. Microwave for 25 seconds. Add a little peanut butter and serve.
Variations:
Peanut butter and honey.
Peanut butter and jam.
Peanut butter and Nutella (J's personal favourite).
Peanut butter and brown sugar.
Peanut butter and ketchup (I have never served this but I know E would eat it).
Disclaimer: this is not a peanut-free blog, but I do offer peanut free options. For all those with household peanut allergies, I recommend substituting Wow butter for these recipes. The Nutella option has hazelnuts and I'm not sure of a substitution for that.
Quick Toast:
This is not ready in under a minute but takes less than a minute of preparation time so I'm including it. Put bread on a tray and spray with cooking spray. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes and spread with whatever: peanut butter, jam, butter, ketchup......
Cheese and Crackers:
This is not a standard breakfast, but in France they have grilled cheese as a breakfast food and this is the quick alternative. Besides, cheese is healthy (not the processed kind, please) and crackers are okay. Add a little fruit and your kids will have a full meal. They'll love it.
Fruit Plate:
This is a light breakfast for all those children who aren't hungry in the morning. Fill a plate with grab-and-eat fruit (apples, bananas, berries, grapes) and serve. Wash it first, but slicing is optional. It will add more seconds but you can probably still make it in under a minute.
Yogourt Parfait:
This is another of J's favourites. Get a bowl and a tablespoon. Layer in the bowl two spoonfuls of yogourt and one spoonful of dry cereal (rice krispies, cheerios, cornflakes, whatever) and repeat once or twice. Slice up a banana on top and serve.You can even use granola if you're feeling fancy.
Quick eggs:
Break an egg into a microwaveable dish. Mix with a fork and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir and serve with ketchup or spices.
Cereal:
This is perhaps the quickest of all. Pour cereal into a bowl and top with milk. This only counts as a healthy breakfast if you use a healthy cereal.
Peanut butter oatmeal:
Mix some plain instant oatmeal with some water. One Tbsp. of oatmeal for one tsp. of water, but measuring takes time so just make it watery. Microwave for 25 seconds. Add a little peanut butter and serve.
Variations:
Peanut butter and honey.
Peanut butter and jam.
Peanut butter and Nutella (J's personal favourite).
Peanut butter and brown sugar.
Peanut butter and ketchup (I have never served this but I know E would eat it).
Disclaimer: this is not a peanut-free blog, but I do offer peanut free options. For all those with household peanut allergies, I recommend substituting Wow butter for these recipes. The Nutella option has hazelnuts and I'm not sure of a substitution for that.
Quick Toast:
This is not ready in under a minute but takes less than a minute of preparation time so I'm including it. Put bread on a tray and spray with cooking spray. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes and spread with whatever: peanut butter, jam, butter, ketchup......
Cheese and Crackers:
This is not a standard breakfast, but in France they have grilled cheese as a breakfast food and this is the quick alternative. Besides, cheese is healthy (not the processed kind, please) and crackers are okay. Add a little fruit and your kids will have a full meal. They'll love it.
Fruit Plate:
This is a light breakfast for all those children who aren't hungry in the morning. Fill a plate with grab-and-eat fruit (apples, bananas, berries, grapes) and serve. Wash it first, but slicing is optional. It will add more seconds but you can probably still make it in under a minute.
Yogourt Parfait:
This is another of J's favourites. Get a bowl and a tablespoon. Layer in the bowl two spoonfuls of yogourt and one spoonful of dry cereal (rice krispies, cheerios, cornflakes, whatever) and repeat once or twice. Slice up a banana on top and serve.You can even use granola if you're feeling fancy.
Quick eggs:
Break an egg into a microwaveable dish. Mix with a fork and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir and serve with ketchup or spices.
Cereal:
This is perhaps the quickest of all. Pour cereal into a bowl and top with milk. This only counts as a healthy breakfast if you use a healthy cereal.
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Sacred Mom rights
The fun part is I say these things out loud, in context and even in public. I only ever think about how strange I must sound when I get the look from complete strangers. Like when we were on the bus and I said "the cup goes in the hole, not the finger." That caused a bit of a fuss (and laughter). Of course it didn't faze me. I'm a mom. It made perfect sense to my toddler and it wasn't dirty or perverse (although there are plenty of people who beg to differ). Therefore, I am not embarrassed when I say things like "Boogers go in the nose, not french fries," and "we should go to the bathroom to be stinky."
Have a sense of humour about what you're compelled to say to your kids. It beats blushing. There are those who will judge you, but those are the ones who've never had kids. When faced with these people, an effective technique is to stare them down calmly. You can either smile brightly or pull out your teenage attitude and say, "What?" It's your choice but either way they'll leave you alone and you can go on speaking like a mother. Own it!
And when you can't own it and you've said so many ridiculous things that even you're rolling your eyes at you, keep perspective. It's worth it in the end. No one but a mom can say with complete authority, "Because I told you so." And on the days when nothing else works, we are the only population privileged enough to say, "I brought you into this world, I can take you out!"
Monday 1 April 2013
Happy Easter!
Then we did more crafts and delivered all the cookies around the neighbourhood. J got a little carried away and started giving out cookies to people we don't know, and soon we didn't have many left. It was okay though because it was about the process. The cookies were good too, but none of us really needed them.
We finally finished our Easter crafts Saturday night, just in time to hang them for the Easter bunny. J and E both decorated construction paper eggs and I put them on a string to make a banner. The centre piece was a dazzling huge egg covered with multi-coloured tin foil bits I peeled off of J's eggs from his earlier egg hunt at a local church. Absolutely stunning, if I do say so myself. It's still hanging there because I can't bring myself to take it down just yet. That's not really it; our Christmas lights are still up too.
The egg hunt here was rather anticlimactic. J thought the Easter bunny wasn't making it tricky enough for him, although he passed eggs several times in his excitement. E didn't quite get the concept of filling his bucket (he knows what's inside those shiny wrappers and it makes more sense for them to be in his tummy). E got frustrated and J got whiny because eh couldn't eat an egg until after breakfast, but then he cheered up when we said he could trade half of his eggs for a very cool and coveted book Chima). I even made my first homemade apple pie, and the kids loved it! Husband says he likes it too, although he procrastinated for two days before trying it. That's a statement of his picky eating, not my baking skill.
It was a great family weekend, although I have to say that the anticipation for J caused his stress level to go through the roof. He was up and down all weekend and rather crazy at times. E was just tired. But despite the kids' having some behavioural challenges, we are doing it all again next year. J has even drawn a "banner map" of our house, just so we know exactly how many to make and where to put them.
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