B was telling me about a bird he saw at the zoo with Grandpa. He said the bird had a long beak but he couldn't remember the name.
I asked B, "Was it called a Toucan?"
B replied adamantly, "No. It was a Fivecan!"
Even when he has no idea what he's talking about, B states his opinions with conviction.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Crow Canyon Gardens
The boys and I went on a field trip to CC Gardens today with M's class and Teacher Sarah. It's behind where Mudd's restaurant used to be and I never even knew it was there. It's this awesome garden where people can rent plots to do their gardening...I was surprised as we live in such a non-urban area, but I guess there are still people who don't have land to plant their own gardens. Anyway, we learned about tons of different plants and the boys even got to eat some herbs and flowers. We saw how artichokes and asparagus grow...you learn something new every day...and some old favorites like daisies and strawberries. There's also a beautiful creek you can walk down to.
M's teacher set up different stations for the kids to travel through. At one of the stations, Teacher Leslie let each child pick a stuffed animal out of a bag and hide it behind a blanket. They could give hints until the other children guessed what the "native" to the area animals were. M was up first and his hint was, "This animal eats acorns." Everyone immediately guessed a squirrel. B was not next, but after each child had a turn he kept insisting it was his turn...thank goodness it was his teacher in charge so she was able to laugh it off. When it was B's turn, his hint was, "When this animal grows up he has antlers." Again, the kids immediately guessed a deer.
M and B are freaking geniuses!
Another station was snack and reading time. B loudly told Teacher Patty, while she was moving the book around so that everyone could see the pictures, " Teacher Patty! I can't see!" That kids is a riot. Definitely not shy about making sure his demands are met.
The final station was the guitar/music/singing station. One of the kids dads sang with his guitar as accompaniment and the kids "sang" along while beating on their school-made instruments. M made a tamborine type of thing with beans and bells inside. He is very proud of this creation.
The kids had a great time and it was a fun field trip for all.
M's teacher set up different stations for the kids to travel through. At one of the stations, Teacher Leslie let each child pick a stuffed animal out of a bag and hide it behind a blanket. They could give hints until the other children guessed what the "native" to the area animals were. M was up first and his hint was, "This animal eats acorns." Everyone immediately guessed a squirrel. B was not next, but after each child had a turn he kept insisting it was his turn...thank goodness it was his teacher in charge so she was able to laugh it off. When it was B's turn, his hint was, "When this animal grows up he has antlers." Again, the kids immediately guessed a deer.
M and B are freaking geniuses!
Another station was snack and reading time. B loudly told Teacher Patty, while she was moving the book around so that everyone could see the pictures, " Teacher Patty! I can't see!" That kids is a riot. Definitely not shy about making sure his demands are met.
The final station was the guitar/music/singing station. One of the kids dads sang with his guitar as accompaniment and the kids "sang" along while beating on their school-made instruments. M made a tamborine type of thing with beans and bells inside. He is very proud of this creation.
The kids had a great time and it was a fun field trip for all.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Candy For The Needy
Every year the Livery, a cute little shopping center, in Danville has a Halloween Jubilee for the kids on the Saturday before the night of tricks-or-treats. Each year they have an art project (usually bracelet and necklace making), a face painter, a bouncy house, music and, of course, the requisite candy at each store.
Today was our third year of attending and the boys had a great time. Dressed as Darth Vader, M, and Spiderman (B), we went from store to store taking a candy from each basket. M and B took their time considering their options on the difficult decision of which cavity-delivery-system to choose. I'm not kidding, they pored over those baskets to find the perfect candy. In B's case he asked, pretty much every time, if the candy he chose was one that he was allowed to eat. Due to his peanut allergy, he wants to make sure that he'll actually be allowed to consume the spoils of his work.
We probably only went to about ten stores because the boys were thrilled with their loot after about only three stores, so we figured that enough was enough. I should mention that when we go to birthday parties and there are pinatas, much the same happens. As long as they get at least one or two candies, they're so excited. Others are shoving around trying to get as much candy as possible, but M and B don't seem to be interested in this. As Papa Bear points out, maybe they figure that we'll never let them eat more than a few anyway, so why bother?
Later in the evening, I was trying to figure out how to get the candy away from them as Halloween is next week and they should save some of their teeth for then. I remembered reading an article where a mom told her kids that there were some kids in the world whose parents couldn't afford to give them candy. She asked her kids to give up their candy to these other children. I told M and B about these "needy" children and asked if they'd like to donate their candy.
M blurted out, "Are these the kids with black skin?" I momentarily sat there stunned, not sure what to say or where that had come from. P.B. burst out laughing; thanks for the help, P.B. I remembered that about a month ago I had talked with the kids about P.B. going to work to make money so that we could eat food and live in a house. I also told them that some kids in the world couldn't afford food because their parents couldn't find work. For some asinine reason I used Africa as an example, which then led to an explanation of skin color and the slippery slope that I now found myself in. I quickly explained this to P.B. so that he'd stop laughing, and then turned back to my son with the elephant-like memory.
I asked, "M, are you talking about the kids in Africa that we talked about?"
M replied, "Yes."
I said, "Well, I'm sure there are many children in Africa that don't have candy, but there are also many in America who also don't have candy. I'd like to give our candy to those kids."
M responded, "Mommy, I want to give my candy to the kids who don't have any." This was a very proud moment for me.
Of course, I have another child who had been sitting there quietly soaking up the conversion.
B piped up with, "Mommy, I DO NOT WANT to give my candy away! I want it all for myself!"
Fifty percent is a failing grade, last time I checked.
Today was our third year of attending and the boys had a great time. Dressed as Darth Vader, M, and Spiderman (B), we went from store to store taking a candy from each basket. M and B took their time considering their options on the difficult decision of which cavity-delivery-system to choose. I'm not kidding, they pored over those baskets to find the perfect candy. In B's case he asked, pretty much every time, if the candy he chose was one that he was allowed to eat. Due to his peanut allergy, he wants to make sure that he'll actually be allowed to consume the spoils of his work.
We probably only went to about ten stores because the boys were thrilled with their loot after about only three stores, so we figured that enough was enough. I should mention that when we go to birthday parties and there are pinatas, much the same happens. As long as they get at least one or two candies, they're so excited. Others are shoving around trying to get as much candy as possible, but M and B don't seem to be interested in this. As Papa Bear points out, maybe they figure that we'll never let them eat more than a few anyway, so why bother?
Later in the evening, I was trying to figure out how to get the candy away from them as Halloween is next week and they should save some of their teeth for then. I remembered reading an article where a mom told her kids that there were some kids in the world whose parents couldn't afford to give them candy. She asked her kids to give up their candy to these other children. I told M and B about these "needy" children and asked if they'd like to donate their candy.
M blurted out, "Are these the kids with black skin?" I momentarily sat there stunned, not sure what to say or where that had come from. P.B. burst out laughing; thanks for the help, P.B. I remembered that about a month ago I had talked with the kids about P.B. going to work to make money so that we could eat food and live in a house. I also told them that some kids in the world couldn't afford food because their parents couldn't find work. For some asinine reason I used Africa as an example, which then led to an explanation of skin color and the slippery slope that I now found myself in. I quickly explained this to P.B. so that he'd stop laughing, and then turned back to my son with the elephant-like memory.
I asked, "M, are you talking about the kids in Africa that we talked about?"
M replied, "Yes."
I said, "Well, I'm sure there are many children in Africa that don't have candy, but there are also many in America who also don't have candy. I'd like to give our candy to those kids."
M responded, "Mommy, I want to give my candy to the kids who don't have any." This was a very proud moment for me.
Of course, I have another child who had been sitting there quietly soaking up the conversion.
B piped up with, "Mommy, I DO NOT WANT to give my candy away! I want it all for myself!"
Fifty percent is a failing grade, last time I checked.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Toys Don't Have Feelings
On Wednesday, M had a play date with Derek from school. We met at our pool and fed the boys lunch and then let them loose on the pool. Initially, M wouldn't play with Derek and B took over the social activities. As time went on, M began to play with Derek and before they could really start to have fun they started battling over toys.
I have to say that I was pleased to see M sticking up for himself and standing his ground. The boys were fighting over a toy fishing pole and each had a firm grip on one end. Both boys were screaming, "It's mine!", so I removed the toy from them and told them that the fishing pole needed a break. I told them that it the fishing pole didn't like being pulled, that it hurt its feelings.
M started crying and earnestly telling me, "Toys don't have feelings, Mommy! I want the fishing pole! It can't take a break because it's just a toy!" I started laughing so hard that I couldn't even answer M. Unfortunately, this made the situation worse, and we had to leave before he had a complete meltdown.
Overall, I guess it was a successful first play date.
I have to say that I was pleased to see M sticking up for himself and standing his ground. The boys were fighting over a toy fishing pole and each had a firm grip on one end. Both boys were screaming, "It's mine!", so I removed the toy from them and told them that the fishing pole needed a break. I told them that it the fishing pole didn't like being pulled, that it hurt its feelings.
M started crying and earnestly telling me, "Toys don't have feelings, Mommy! I want the fishing pole! It can't take a break because it's just a toy!" I started laughing so hard that I couldn't even answer M. Unfortunately, this made the situation worse, and we had to leave before he had a complete meltdown.
Overall, I guess it was a successful first play date.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
B - Potty Training Part 2
I have temporarily given up on trying to potty train B because he has entered an extremely defiant phase and our relationship may not survive the turmoil. As it is summer, the boys play in the backyard with water pretty frequently, and it's often times easier to let them romp around in the nude than bother with swim suits. They don't mind, so why should I?
Well, several weeks ago, we were outside on just such an afternoon and the boys were enjoying water play in their birthday suits. I focused on Scooby for just a moment, when B caught the corner of my eye. I looked up just in time to see him taking a crap on my patio. I am not kidding. The brat copped a squat and pooped on the ground like a dog. I flipped out. In hindsight, I suppose that it's not really that big of a surprise. He is, after all, that kind of a kid; if there's a way to surprise you, he'll find it. We had a big discussion about how we don't poop or pee on the patio and that if one has to go to the bathroom, one needs to tell Mommy immediately. One should never take matters into ones own hands.
Cut away to the next day. We were in the backyard again, and again the boys were partaking of the some fun in the sun. B came over to chat with me while I was sitting in a lounge chair, enjoying some time of relaxation. In the midst of our discussion, B just starts peeing. The kid was standing there talking to me and peeing everywhere. It was like he didn't notice that there was urine spraying everywhere. I flipped out, yet again. I could not believe that this was happening again. I supposed pee is better than poop, but still, both are disgusting to clean up off the patio.
B and I had another chat about the importance of not releasing one's bodily functions on the patio, and so far so good. Today, B took the time to tell me of his needs and after a brief discussion on where it was appropriate to pee, I finally let him pee in the bushes. I decided to pick my battles and at least I was able to convince him that the middle of the lawn was not acceptable. Is anyone else starting to think that I have absolutely no power?!
Well, several weeks ago, we were outside on just such an afternoon and the boys were enjoying water play in their birthday suits. I focused on Scooby for just a moment, when B caught the corner of my eye. I looked up just in time to see him taking a crap on my patio. I am not kidding. The brat copped a squat and pooped on the ground like a dog. I flipped out. In hindsight, I suppose that it's not really that big of a surprise. He is, after all, that kind of a kid; if there's a way to surprise you, he'll find it. We had a big discussion about how we don't poop or pee on the patio and that if one has to go to the bathroom, one needs to tell Mommy immediately. One should never take matters into ones own hands.
Cut away to the next day. We were in the backyard again, and again the boys were partaking of the some fun in the sun. B came over to chat with me while I was sitting in a lounge chair, enjoying some time of relaxation. In the midst of our discussion, B just starts peeing. The kid was standing there talking to me and peeing everywhere. It was like he didn't notice that there was urine spraying everywhere. I flipped out, yet again. I could not believe that this was happening again. I supposed pee is better than poop, but still, both are disgusting to clean up off the patio.
B and I had another chat about the importance of not releasing one's bodily functions on the patio, and so far so good. Today, B took the time to tell me of his needs and after a brief discussion on where it was appropriate to pee, I finally let him pee in the bushes. I decided to pick my battles and at least I was able to convince him that the middle of the lawn was not acceptable. Is anyone else starting to think that I have absolutely no power?!
Preschool
The boys both started their new school last week, and B went to preschool for the first time ever. They started on different days, and I worked at the school on each of the days to try to help ease them into this new situation.
B's first day was on Sep. 11th and he stuck to me like glue, and since I was in charge of the snack, he ate A LOT of food. The other moms were really nice and covered for me in the kitchen so that I could periodically take him to other areas of the school. About fifteen minutes before the end of the school day, he had a major tantrum and refused to cooperate. He was so irate that he temporarily refused to cooperate and when B is angry, one is smart to back off and walk carefully. He has quite the temper; can't imagine where he inherited that from. Anyway, teacher Patty was able to calm him down outside, and I was free to clean up the kitchen. Papa Bear then came on his bicycle with M in tow (he had the week off of work), picked B up and they biked home.
On M's first day, Sep. 13th, he was nervous and hesitant, but he is a seasoned pro at going to school and camps, so he warriored on through. He came to me occasionally for moral support, but for the most part played and enjoyed himself. The highlight of his day was when he got to see the school snake, a corn snake named Checkers, consume a pinky mouse. (A pinky is a baby mouse.) It was super gross, but he had a front row seat and stayed longer than any other child to watch the entire gastronomical experience.
Yesterday, both boys had school together and I was told from others there that they played together the entire time. I guess there's nothing like a new situation to help maintain the sibling bond. B did cry hysterically when I tried to leave, but I was told that as soon I walked out, the waterworks immediately ceased. Teacher Leslie also told me that about 20 minutes before the end of the school day, B went to his cubby, removed his school bag and declared that he was ready to go home. The kid sure knows what he wants.
Tomorrow, both of the boys go to school together again and I'm hoping that they enjoy themselves. There are so many stimulating activities for them, that eventually they will have to love it. I wish I were a kid again and could play there...seriously.
B's first day was on Sep. 11th and he stuck to me like glue, and since I was in charge of the snack, he ate A LOT of food. The other moms were really nice and covered for me in the kitchen so that I could periodically take him to other areas of the school. About fifteen minutes before the end of the school day, he had a major tantrum and refused to cooperate. He was so irate that he temporarily refused to cooperate and when B is angry, one is smart to back off and walk carefully. He has quite the temper; can't imagine where he inherited that from. Anyway, teacher Patty was able to calm him down outside, and I was free to clean up the kitchen. Papa Bear then came on his bicycle with M in tow (he had the week off of work), picked B up and they biked home.
On M's first day, Sep. 13th, he was nervous and hesitant, but he is a seasoned pro at going to school and camps, so he warriored on through. He came to me occasionally for moral support, but for the most part played and enjoyed himself. The highlight of his day was when he got to see the school snake, a corn snake named Checkers, consume a pinky mouse. (A pinky is a baby mouse.) It was super gross, but he had a front row seat and stayed longer than any other child to watch the entire gastronomical experience.
Yesterday, both boys had school together and I was told from others there that they played together the entire time. I guess there's nothing like a new situation to help maintain the sibling bond. B did cry hysterically when I tried to leave, but I was told that as soon I walked out, the waterworks immediately ceased. Teacher Leslie also told me that about 20 minutes before the end of the school day, B went to his cubby, removed his school bag and declared that he was ready to go home. The kid sure knows what he wants.
Tomorrow, both of the boys go to school together again and I'm hoping that they enjoy themselves. There are so many stimulating activities for them, that eventually they will have to love it. I wish I were a kid again and could play there...seriously.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
M Gets Married
Auntie P and Uncle K were married on August 22nd and, as one of the ring bearers, M has been very fascinated with all things wedding. As I mentioned in a previous post, M had asked his little friend Lauren to marry him. She said maybe. Well, at playgroup on Monday, he and Lauren constructed a wedding cake of sand and placed a ton of sticks in it for candles. (Because wedding cakes often have candles inserted in them.) Apparently, M spent much of the time delegating (telling everyone what to do) responsibilities for the cake's construction. I guess my personality is finally shining through.
After they were done making the cake, M, Lauren and Lilly ran over to one of the play structures. M yelled for everyone to come watch because he and Lauren were getting married. I started to walk over because I thought he wanted me to come and also this sounded cute. However, as I walked over, M said, "Not you, Mommy. Only the kids can watch the wedding." Bummer, that would have been super cool to see. Maybe I'll get invited to the next wedding.
After they were done making the cake, M, Lauren and Lilly ran over to one of the play structures. M yelled for everyone to come watch because he and Lauren were getting married. I started to walk over because I thought he wanted me to come and also this sounded cute. However, as I walked over, M said, "Not you, Mommy. Only the kids can watch the wedding." Bummer, that would have been super cool to see. Maybe I'll get invited to the next wedding.
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