We move from the ranting portion of the birthday to confession.
Amazon.com has not failed me yet. Today, after lunch, a new book arrived on my doorstep. A birthday present to myself. Yeah! It's another Yada Yada book, the second book of the second series. Yeah.
Now you can probably guess the confession part. Jacob is not nearly as demanding as Jared when he is sick. He has watched TV, played on the computer, wrote his teacher a thank-you note for his shenangins in the boys bathroom and is now reading a book as part of his daily 20-minute reading requirement.
Let's just say that I've more than satisfied my daily reading requirement, and I am shocked to learn that it is 2 p.m.!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Yo-Yo's and Fevers
Last night, as Gene went pink for volleyball, I dragged the boys to Jacob's end of season, flag football ceremony. It began at 7 p.m., so I was fairly confident it would be short. I mean, organizers are well aware that kindergarten and first grades participate.
Things moved right along and we eagerly awaited the special guest. Enter Salina native, Brent Dellinger, yo-yo extraordinaire. His tricks were quite impressive, and I was amazed more than once at what this 21 year old could make a yo-yo do. At some point, I began to tire of the tricks, perhaps after the plug for a $17 yo-yo. Or perhaps as Jared grew increasingly impatient next to me. I clapped happily at the end and was still naive to think I might exit the church with some dignity.
My boys go to bed at 8 p.m., sometimes it is 8:05 p.m. It is never 8:41 p.m. As we prepare to leave, Jared launches into his killer fit routine. My purse is heavy as it contains my camera and various other junk, but still I manage to scoop up the fireball and attempt the long journey to the car.
He does not go quietly into the night. Threats do not work. Pressure on his behind does not work. He kicks, punches, contorts and screams. I consider my options as I encourage Jacob to pay attention to the various cars leaving the parking lot. I practically drop Jared on the sidewalk and remark that he can just stay here if he chooses. Cue the sorrowful crying. OK, now maybe he will allow me to carry him in a somewhat calm matter. Ha! The little con artist resumed his torrential fit the moment I scooped him back up.
Looking back, I realize an important truth. That 8 p.m. bedtime is as much for me as it is for them. Jared is DONE. I am rapidly getting there. He requires a quick spank before he will sit up properly in his car seat. He avenges this by screaming at the top of his lungs for the entire trip home. I am surprised the glass in the car windows survive his pitch.
I am tired. My head is pounding. I am losing any commitment I might have held previously to motherhood. Enter Gene (thank you Lady Blues for winning quick!). As Gene steps into the hot seat, I fold the laundry on our bed at a feverish pace as I try to regain a piece of sanity.
This morning, Jacob comes into our room a bit before 7 a.m; he's had a bad dream. As he slides next to me, I realize immediately, as most mothers do, that my baby has a fever. But, I make Gene get up and confirm it anyway. After all, it is my birthday.
Things moved right along and we eagerly awaited the special guest. Enter Salina native, Brent Dellinger, yo-yo extraordinaire. His tricks were quite impressive, and I was amazed more than once at what this 21 year old could make a yo-yo do. At some point, I began to tire of the tricks, perhaps after the plug for a $17 yo-yo. Or perhaps as Jared grew increasingly impatient next to me. I clapped happily at the end and was still naive to think I might exit the church with some dignity.
My boys go to bed at 8 p.m., sometimes it is 8:05 p.m. It is never 8:41 p.m. As we prepare to leave, Jared launches into his killer fit routine. My purse is heavy as it contains my camera and various other junk, but still I manage to scoop up the fireball and attempt the long journey to the car.
He does not go quietly into the night. Threats do not work. Pressure on his behind does not work. He kicks, punches, contorts and screams. I consider my options as I encourage Jacob to pay attention to the various cars leaving the parking lot. I practically drop Jared on the sidewalk and remark that he can just stay here if he chooses. Cue the sorrowful crying. OK, now maybe he will allow me to carry him in a somewhat calm matter. Ha! The little con artist resumed his torrential fit the moment I scooped him back up.
Looking back, I realize an important truth. That 8 p.m. bedtime is as much for me as it is for them. Jared is DONE. I am rapidly getting there. He requires a quick spank before he will sit up properly in his car seat. He avenges this by screaming at the top of his lungs for the entire trip home. I am surprised the glass in the car windows survive his pitch.
I am tired. My head is pounding. I am losing any commitment I might have held previously to motherhood. Enter Gene (thank you Lady Blues for winning quick!). As Gene steps into the hot seat, I fold the laundry on our bed at a feverish pace as I try to regain a piece of sanity.
This morning, Jacob comes into our room a bit before 7 a.m; he's had a bad dream. As he slides next to me, I realize immediately, as most mothers do, that my baby has a fever. But, I make Gene get up and confirm it anyway. After all, it is my birthday.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Chili anyone?
Jared (yes, the sick, feverish one as of late) is having a fundraiser for his preschool. BTW, he is feeling much better today. No fever. He is just fraught with naughtiness.
Sunday, Nov. 8: Chili fundraiser
Cost $7
It will be at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 2649 SE 45th, 11:30-2 p.m.
If you want to go, call REGINA or e-mail regina.cassell@ washburn.edu. I am supposed to turn in orders Wednesday (Oct. 21), but I am running behind as usual.
Come have chili with the Cassells. We will head over right after church.
Sunday, Nov. 8: Chili fundraiser
Cost $7
It will be at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 2649 SE 45th, 11:30-2 p.m.
If you want to go, call REGINA or e-mail regina.cassell@ washburn.edu. I am supposed to turn in orders Wednesday (Oct. 21), but I am running behind as usual.
Come have chili with the Cassells. We will head over right after church.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Fall (not spring) break
We just concluded the eighth week of a 16-week semester. Thursday and Friday marked our traditional fall break. In November, we have a three-day break for Thanksgiving, but at the moment I am lamenting my Fall Break. I worked both days (at the office). And I did not read a good book or have a garage sale. (don't ask)
I FINALLY did the dishes with some help from Gene, and I did a mountain of laundry and/or drawer switching as we prepare for cooler temps. I helped a friend out and added a couple of kiddos to my own two, took all four boys to Jacob's flag football game and froze while my 6-year-old ran around the field shivering. Then I met another friend and added her two boys to my four at Chuck-E-Cheese for lunch and some easy child entertainment (all such things exact their price, but we did have a nice visit anyway)
I'll leave you with this plea for parental support.
Me: "Jacob, find your coat and put it on. It's cold outside."
Jacob: "I am wearing long-sleeves."
Me: "I know, but you still need a coat."
Jacob (now yelling). "Only DUMB people wear a coat with long-sleeve shirts, AND I AM NOT DUMB."
As I conduct my own evaluation of his behavior, I am thinking it is going to be a long Kansas winter. Then later at church our pastor preached a very powerful message on the importance of prayer and the right kind of prayer. I wonder what kind of prayer long-sleeves fall under.
I FINALLY did the dishes with some help from Gene, and I did a mountain of laundry and/or drawer switching as we prepare for cooler temps. I helped a friend out and added a couple of kiddos to my own two, took all four boys to Jacob's flag football game and froze while my 6-year-old ran around the field shivering. Then I met another friend and added her two boys to my four at Chuck-E-Cheese for lunch and some easy child entertainment (all such things exact their price, but we did have a nice visit anyway)
I'll leave you with this plea for parental support.
Me: "Jacob, find your coat and put it on. It's cold outside."
Jacob: "I am wearing long-sleeves."
Me: "I know, but you still need a coat."
Jacob (now yelling). "Only DUMB people wear a coat with long-sleeve shirts, AND I AM NOT DUMB."
As I conduct my own evaluation of his behavior, I am thinking it is going to be a long Kansas winter. Then later at church our pastor preached a very powerful message on the importance of prayer and the right kind of prayer. I wonder what kind of prayer long-sleeves fall under.
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